Chris’ Mission–Cheboygan with Elder Sullivan

Wow, what a day. We spent the night at the Weiss’ house. They are an awesome family. I can’t believe how much they do for the missionaries. They fed us breakfast and lunch. Sister Weiss took the dinner calendar for February and called until it was full and Br. Weiss took us to appointments and call backs and to members homes. I met nearly all of the members that live in St. Ignace, there aren’t very many. But they are all awesome. I know I am going to enjoy it here. They were all so awesome to us, I can’t wait to get to know them better. We ate at Eve One’s house and Sister Savard drove us home to my new apartment. I have just been unpacking for the last 2 hours and I am pretty much settled in now. It is a nice roomy apartment - I should be very comfortable here. I am really happy to be here so far. There is a really good feeling and I am psyched to serve with Elder Sullivan. Like Sister Weiss said, we will be a good companionship. We taught a first discussion today to Lou Engel. She was pretty cool. We are going to work hard now and get this area rocking. There are some very important things that are going to happen here. And so we are going to do them. Friday February 5

Today was a pretty cool day. We did some very good shopping but we bought so much that we had to use a shopping cart to take it home. I hope people didn’t recognize the 2 Elders stealing that shopping cart and taking it home. We did a lot of work in the apartment today. we organized and redid the area books. We also set some weekly and monthly goals and worked on a poster for our goals and daily activities. On the poster, we also added statistics for mail, personal PCs and push ups. It is awesome. We also cleaned up our apartment and made it a little more comfortable for us. It was a very good day. Saturday February 6

Well I went to church today and met all of the branch. They are all pretty awesome. I can’t wait to get to know all of them. They are some cool families. I bore my testimony today, passed the sacrament, said the closing prayer for sacrament, and played the piano for primary. It was a pretty hectic day for my first day of church here. But it was very enjoyable. Elder Sullivan and I went through the area book and set up a bunch of appointments over the telephone. We have 12 discussions set up for the week so this will be a very good week. There is a lot of work that needs to be done but if we get thrusting hard, this area will really soar. I am psyched to get it going. We finished out poster today - our stat sheet which we titled “All Things are numbered unto me” (Moses 1:35). It is totally awesome. Sunday February 7

Today was probably the lamest P-day ever. The Petoskey Elders, Smith and Lyle, didn’t come last night so we didn’t have district meeting. So this morning, they didn’t show up until after 12:00. Elder Sullivan and I just spent the morning at the Rec Center across the street. We played some basketball and lifted some weights, but it was pretty boring. After those guys finally showed up, Olga took us all bowling. I bowled 113, 134, and 134. Olga then took us to Pizza and then we came back. Monday February 8

Today was really our first day of real work in this area. The zone leaders were here and work we did. It was a very successful day - we really got a lot accomplished. Our stats for the day were 5 discussions, 5 BOM, 8 PCs, 1 NM lace, 1 team up and 1 joint teach. It was nice to get out and get acquainted with the area and some of the investigators. Olga took me and Cloward out tonight over to Levering and we met some really cool people and got some good contacts. I am really excited to get this area going. Tuesday February 9

We had another pretty cool day. I worked with Elder Adams all day. He is pretty cool. I liked working with him. We did some door knocking and went with Olga to Indian River and taught a couple of discussions. We did a pretty good job. We went and met and talked to a couple named Bob and Ginny Lacrosse. They were found about a year ago and taught by Stewart and Mogle. They seem really cool and so we are going to go and teach them next Tuesday. We will show them “On the Way Home” and totally bring the spirit in and baptize them. Wednesday February 10

We have been in St. Ignace today. We taught 1 discussion and checked on some call backs and visited some members. It was a really fun day. We spent a lot of it with Br. Weiss. And we visited Beth Boudin and Eve Oneill on our own. The members here in St. Ignace are so cool. Tonight, Elder Sullivan and I made some homemade Valentines cards. I made one for the family and one for Grandma and Grandpa. Thursday February 11

We had a pretty cool day today. We were in St. Ignace for most of it. While there, we taught 2 discussions. One was with Lou Engel and it was a sweet discussion. We met two of her daughters, Judy and Suzy and we will have them sit in on our discussions from now on. We had a pretty good discussion with them - they are really into Indian and American History. So as soon as they get a testimony of the Book of Mormon as the work of God, then they can’t deny that the Church is true. They are really strong members of the Catholic Church, but the spirit can change that. We just have to stay away from any form of contention so that the spirit can work on them. Today I totally scored on the mail. I scored letters from Grandpa, Dad, Mom, Darren, and Elder Christofferson. They were all really cool letters - very uplifting. Tomorrow I am going to go and make some business cards. They should be pretty sweet. We also gave a blessing to Eve Oneill. She has been having a really hard time lately, so hopefully that will help. It was a sweet day. Friday February 12

It was a pretty cool P-day. Not nearly as good as Muskegon style P-days. But we did have a sweet time. We played some pretty good hoop. I didn’t lose a game. I won twice with Sullivan and twice with Cloward. I also won the 7-on-the-line tournament at the free throw line and at the 3-point line. Adams is pretty good. He is big and good at posting up. But I thrashed on him offensively. He couldn’t even come close to stopping me. So it was pretty fun playing hoop today. We also played cards for a while again and that was fun. I also bought a bunch of stuff at a sports store because everything was half off. I bought a basketball, a Cubbies hat, and a good ankle brace. I spent $36, but that was half price so it was cool. Tonight, we ate at the Johnsons. They are an awesome family, cool as heck. Monday February 15

Tonight we taught Bob and Ginny Lacrosse. We showed them “On the Way Home” and just talked to them. Today was the sweetest mail day possible. I got 2 packages - 1 from home and 1 from Grandma and Grandpa. They were awesome. Grandma just had candy and stuff. Mom sent some candy and sports pages and a spiritual music tape and a tape that they made on Christmas Eve. It was awesome other their voices and Hubs and G&G Polson, etc. It was so cool. I also got 8 letters today - 1 from Heidi Hasledalen and 7 from home. Tuesday February 16

We had a good companion study today and caught up in the missionary guide. Today was a pretty good proselyting day also. We spent the day in Indian River and taught Pearl Marks. she is cool, but really old and set in her ways. We need to find some new people to teach in order to get this area really going. tonight, we finally worked on our newsletter - it is going to be sweet. But we both sound really cocky on it, which I guess we are. So that is alright. Well, I better get to bed and get some good sleep. Wednesday February 18

Olga drove us out to St. Ignace today and we got some pretty good work done. We tried to teach Frank Sperry, but he is so dang long winded that we could barely ever get out a word in. We struggled through 1.5 principles of the 3rd discussion and it took nearly 2 hours. We went door knocking in this area and it took us almost 2 hours to knock on 6 or 7 houses, because we got in and taught a first discussion to this lady. It was pretty cool and so was the rest of the street. We got a few other PCs and we didn’t really even get shot down by anyone. So we will hit the whole street again. Thursday February 18

We got some good discussions taught today. We taught Lou Engel and Winifred Weiss the second discussion and it went very well with them. The best thing we could do right now is baptize those two because if they joined the church, so many other people would open up to it. We need to start making contact more than twice a week however if they are going to progress the way they should. They are both really neat ladies. We also did some doorknob king today and we got a few good names. We ate at Eve’s house tonight and played a little UNO and Cribbage after. Friday February 19

Today was so much fun. Just as we were starting to walk into Sacrament Meeting, Br. Weiss called me into his office and told me he needed me to be the concluding speaker for sacrament. So I hurried and got a few thoughts together on the topic, “Charity”. I used two stories and a couple of scriptures and just said what I felt like up there. It went really well, the spirit was there and I’m really glad I got to give it. It was a sweet opportunity. After church, we went to Olgas and had dinner. Boy was it good. Sunday February 21

Zone Conference. What a cool day. It is just cool to be with all the missionaries and with President Taylor. He is such a great and wise man. I always learn a lot from just talking with him. We did have a pretty good meeting. In our groups, I was with Elder Adams and Elder Larsen. I had all my scriptures memorized perfectly and my talk on “The Fall of Adam and Eve” went very well also. I always feel the spirit at those meetings and I always learn something new that is useful in my missionary work. Tuesday February 23

Today was pretty fun. We woke up early so we could go over to the Rec Center and that was a blast over there. We did jump rope and played 7 on the line and some shooting drills and foul shooting. It we do that 3 times a week, we will be some good shooters. We are going to try to get into that habit to get in shape and improve our hoop skills. I also want to get into that weight room a little bit. We taught a discussion to Helen Atkins. She is a weird lady - very confused. Tonight we went to the meeting at the Congregational Church because the Relay’s had invited us. It was a presentation by a lady from the Crisis Pregnancy Center. It was very informative and interesting. The Relay’s are so cool. Wednesday February 24

We spent most of the day in St. Ignace today, and we almost struck out. Our first two appointments dogged us, but we had a good discussion this afternoon with Adelaide Lee - the lady who we found door knocking last week. She had read some of the Book of Mormon and so we answered her questions and talked about it. And then we showed her Together Forever. She really liked it and it helped her understand some of our beliefs about the afterlife and stuff. Tonight we ate at Eve Oneal’s again. Thursday February 25

We had a really good day today. We checked some people from last weeks door knocking and got some new PCs and gave away a couple more books. We had a pretty cool discussion with Lou Engel and her daughter Suzy McAllister about the apostasy. We didn’t have time to get into the restoration with them though so that will be next week. We had a sweet 3rd discussion with Winifred Weiss. It was totally awesome. She is progressing along very well. Then we went to Beth Bouduins and dinner and had a good time there. Her husband Mike is getting used to us and so it was a good experience. Friday February 26

This church is so true. I love the scriptures, they are so full and so important to me. I love to read them. Saturday February 27

Winifred Weiss came to church today, so we finally had a real investigator there. And church was really cool. I think that she enjoyed it quite well. After church, we went to Olgas for dinner of course. Sunday February 28

I love P-days. It was only Sullivan and I but we still had a blast. We went to the gym first and started our month competition. We shoot jump shots from the corners of the key (65/100), play 7 on the line (2-0), play 1 on 1 (4-1), and shoot free throws (31/50). It is lots of fun. This afternoon, Olga took us sledding. It was a pretty good hill and we had fun. Monday March 1

St. Ignace day, but not a very good one. We got dogged on our two appointments and kind of dropped on our third. It was with Adelaide Lee and she is really cool, but she has been getting totally anti from her family and friends. Her husband took her Book of Mormon and hid it somewhere so she couldn’t read it and everyone who she meets just knocks on our church. As we talked with her today, she was really worried about her husband waking up and so we had a pretty short visit with her. We gave her another Book of Mormon and directions to the church on Sunday and she is going to try and make it. It will be very hard for her to keep progressing. I hope she does, though. We also met some pretty cool people door knocking today and we had a good time doing some service at the DeWitt house. We shoveled all the snow off of their roof because it is leaking pretty bad. It was cool to do some physical labor, especially on the roof. Wednesday March 3

I just got a phone call that Gretchen Holtz just got baptized last Sunday. SWEET! That is so cool. I am just ecstatic right now because of this news. YES! I guess it just happened on Sunday February 28. She will make the coolest member of the church - and she is my first door knocking baptism. I am so glad that me and Christofferson found her that one night that we had 15minutes to spare. That was on Tuesday December 8. And everything went extremely well since then. I hope Tom comes around and gets baptized soon also - hopefully he had a good spiritual experience at Gretchen’s baptism. There is just nothing better than seeing someone like her who is so cool and who I worked so hard with join the church. I wish I could have been there but as long as it happened, that is the important thing.. I need to write them letter soon to say congrats. Awesome. Wednesday March 3

Pretty sweet day here in St. Ignace. We finally got to meet with Gary Robinette and that was nice. We taught him the 5th discussion and it went very well. I challenged him to fast and pray about he church so if he does, he will grow closer to the church. We also taught Lou Engel today and her daughter Judy was there. We tried to get through the apostasy again and it just didn’t work. It became a little bit contentious but we eventually turned it around a little but and had a pretty good discussion. I am so thankful for Br. Gary Weiss. He really turned it around and brought the spirit back in. It was so important that he was there today because without him, we might have bashed and I would have lost. But luckily he helped out a lot. I wish her daughter Suzy was there. Friday March 5

5 Months. That’s right, today is my five month mark. We have been out for 151 days, and 21% of our mission is over. (As if we are counting). I had to lead the music in sacrament meeting and Sunday school today and I don’t really know how to do it. But neither does anyone else so oh well. We went to Olga’s and had a roast with potatoes and corn and awesome strawberry pie. We went to Petoskey and had a district meeting. Sunday March 7

Another lame P-day. We didn’t even play any hoops at all. Sad! We did laundry, went shopping, played some cards, and that was about it in Petoskey. On the way home, Sullivan and I stopped at the “Cross in the Woods”, which is the biggest apostate cross in the world. I should have some interesting pictures from it. Monday March 8

The Lord continues to bless us. Sister Debbie Weiss took us out to her brothers house - Wade and Misty’s. we have been trying to teach them for a while, but the wait has been worth it because they are awesome. We started out by watching “On the Way Home” because Misty already saw it and she loved it so much that she wanted Wade to see it. They both really enjoyed it, and then we taught the First Discussion. It went very well. The spirit was there throughout the discussion and they both really liked it. Sister Weiss was a lot of help in teaching and shared good feelings. They have both gone to church twice already up in the Sault with another sister so they already saw some of the church. Misty is very ready, but Wade was hesitant and closed up at first. But we could just see him opening up as the discussion progressed. Sister Weiss is very excited about them and so am I. Sweet! Tuesday March 9

We finally got over to Rogers City today. We taught Terry Lewis the 4th discussion and it went pretty good, he is a nice guy. Then we showed a referral “Family First” and just talked with her. Her name is Hernia Guerrero, but she likes to be called Amina. That is her Muslim name. So we have to teach her that Jesus Christ is the son of God while we teach her about the restored gospel because she believes that he was just a great prophet. So this should be interesting. Thursday March11

We were up with the Yoopers again today. We taught Winifred Weiss the 4th discussion and it went pretty good. It came out in the fourth that she believes in the trinity. That is such a messed up belief. We need to convert Winifred for sure so that she can open up others peoples hearts. She is progressing along good though and as long as she continues to study and pray, she will find the answers. For dinner we went to the Weiss and had an awesome roast. Then we listened to a tape called “The Seventeen Points to the True Church.” It was good and we had a good discussion about it with them. The Weiss’ are so awesome. They remind me a lot of Mom and Dad. I love talking with them. I get along good with Sister Jane Weiss because we kind of have the same humor. And with Br. Gary Weiss, we both love knowledge and intricate details about the church so we get along also. They are just cool. Friday March 12

Church was awesome today. The mission presidency was here - President Hoover and President Tim Arnold. They both spoke during sacrament and they were awesome talks. Especially President Hoover, he is such a good speaker. We also had a really good investigators class. Misty Wiartalla was there with her two young daughters and Br. Weiss shared a great lesson on faith and repentance and it went very well. I also had a couple of good talks with both men that were visiting. President Hoover is just a fantastic man. Sunday March 13

A pretty good day today. We went to the gym and worked out this morning and had some good studies. I was with Elder Adams for the morning for trade-offs and we did a little bit of door knocking. But in the afternoon we traded companion and so I was with Elder Cloward for the rest of the day. Olga took us to St. Ignace. We ate at Debbie Weiss house and then we went and taught Wade and Misty. They are so awesome. We watched Together Forever and they really loved it. The spirit was so strong. Then we read 3rd Nephi 11 with them. We all read about 5 verses and then Wade went and finished the rest of the chapter. It was really cool. They then told us about how they were having a terrible day and how they wanted to cancel. But after the discussion, they were extremely happy that we had come so it turned out just great. Tuesday March 16

Today was such a busy and rushed day. We slept over at Debbie Weiss’ house. They are really cool. She fed us a good breakfast and then we called the other Weiss’. Br. Weiss was gone so Sis. Weiss just had us drive their car around. So Cloward and I drove out to Winifred Weiss’ and showed her “How Rare A Possession” while she fed us lunch. Then we drove to Lou Engles house and showed them “Ancient America Speaks”. They really liked that. Then our 3:00 appointment dogged us. Then we had dinner at Eve’s house. After Eve drove us home, we dropped in on the Relay’s church thing. It was kind of boring. Then we drove to Petoskey. Wednesday March 17

Zone Conference is always such a great meeting. President Taylor is such a wonderful and wise man, I always learn so much from him and the highlight of the day is always my interview with him. The Assistants, Elder Iverson and Elder Affleck are also some great missionaries. It was great to meet Elder Iverson, my mission Grandpa, and to get to know him a little bit. He is a great guy. The APs drove us home after so we got to spend quite a bit of time with them. Zone Conference was a really good one. I had a very spiritual experience as I bore my testimony of the church and the savior and expressed my joy at finding Elder Turner able to come out in the mission field to serve our Heavenly Father. I had half of the room crying and I had certainly lost it. But it was a good spirit there. In my group was Elder Adams and Elder Conrad. We had a pretty good time and I gave a pretty good talk on the atonement of Christ. It was probably one of my better zone conferences. Also, Elder Cloward stood up there and expressed his love for me as a friend and a missionary and that was really special and touching to hear him express those words. Friday March 19

Today was a sweet day. We were hoping for some investigators to come to church and we didn’t get let down. We had six different investigators there. Wade and Misty came and so did Stephanie Weiss. And Heather Remaly finally came to church - and she brought a friend. Rebekah Fisher came with her and she is really cool. They both really enjoyed sacrament meeting and afterwards Rebekah asked Br. Weiss how she could convert. So that was just awesome. I think Wade and Misty enjoyed it as well. Sunday March 21

Today was awesome. We made phone calls and stuff this morning. We went to lunch at McDonalds because Sullivan and I made a bet on our one-on-one competition. The first one to reach 50 wins would win it. Well, my record is 51-7, so I kicked his butt. We got Upper Deck basketball cards with our purchase and I got 2 John Stocktons so I traded one to Sullivan for a Patrick Ewing. This afernoon, we went to Rogers City to teach Amina. We showed her “Together Forever” and the spirit really was there, especially as the movie testified of Jesus Christ. But she still believes he was only a prophet. I know she felt the spirit, though. We went to the Soderholms for dinner, gave a blessing to Debbie Fisher, and then headed to St. Ignace. Sister Debbie Weiss and Br. Gary Weiss both accompanied us to Wade and Misty’s. We taught them the second discussion and it went very well. They really enjoyed it. They didn’t accept the challenge to be baptized yet, but they are still progressing very rapidly. The Weiss’ already have them dunked, so that is cool. They invited us to dinner on Thursday so that will be great. They are so awesome and they need the church so bad. This is the greatest. Tuesday March 23

We headed to St. Ignace to Wade and Misty’s house again. They are so awesome. We ate dinner with them and the Weiss’ family because they also invited them for dinner. It was a very relaxed and fun evening. We watched 3 different Book of Mormon animated stories and that was fun. I love those cartoons. The spirit was there and we also had a good time and just got to know them. Cool. Thursday March 25

At church, we had 8 investigators - WOW! Wad and Misty and their kids really enjoyed it, but had to leave after sacrament meeting. Heather and Bekkah were there and Heather even got up and bore her testimony. Everyone was impressed. After church, we had a ward potluck dinner and that was fun. Then we went to Olgas with the Petoskey Elders who came up. We built a big beach fire and had a good time. Sunday March 28

Tuesday was a very hectic day. Olga took us out to Rogers City and we taught Terry Lewis and Amina while there. With Amina, the muslim, I just shared scriptures about the atonement, we watched our Heavenly Fathers Plan, and I shared stories about Jesus Christ and just testified to her about him. The spirit is so strong whenever we testify of him or the movies do and she still doesn’t accept him for what he is. It is sad, but all we can do is present the message and then it is up to her to use her free agency as she wishes. After that, we headed home and packed, ran over to eat at Sis. Soderholms, ran back an Sister Weiss took us up to St. Ignace where Br. Weiss took us out to Wade and Misty’s house. We taught them the 3rd discussion and it went pretty good. Misty has a concern about there only being one true church. But that will be easy to resolve as she continues to learn. Wade just keeps opening up more and more every time. It is really going good with them. Tuesday March 30

Last night I began to worry about being transferred - and because of it, I had the weirdest dream. I dreamt that they messed up or something and I got sent home. I knew all along they were wrong but when I got home, they said my mission was fulfilled and that I was released. Now it was a very vivid dream. I even went through and count out how many months I had been out and everything. But it didn’t matter. I was home and my mission was over. My family was very happy, but I wasn’t. I couldn’t believe it was over and I knew I hadn’t fulfilled all that I was supposed to in Michigan. How pleased I was when I woke up this morning and realized that I was still a missionary. This is a great lesson for my mission and also my mission in life. We never know when it will end and so we must always be prepared to be pleased with our efforts and our stewardship, whatever it may be. What a great lesson I have been taught. Always Remember. This morning was pretty funny because Elder Waltman called us to play a joke on us about transfers, and then a little while later our zone leaders did the same to play a joke on us. Neither one of them worked. We are not being transferred. SWEET! I am way glad. I want to stay in this area for a really long time, it is too cool up here. Sullivan and I are the only companionship that didn’t get touched in our zone. So we were lucky. Wednesday March 31

Today was a lot of fun. We had a good comp study. We were motivated to go out and work even though there was 1 foot of snow on the ground with more coming down. So we got all our warm clothes on and went trucking out in the snow.. We just walked around checking referrals and didn’t have much success but we made it fun. At 4:00, we got back and the Weiss’ picked us up. We ate dinner at the truck stop that they own, and then visited Winifred Weiss. She was in a bit of a depression so we went to just visit with her. She was glad we came. Then we went to visit Wade. He was really looking forward to us coming so that was cool. He had been really worried about us getting transferred so he was happy to see us. We had a good discussion, talked about a lot of different things. We also stopped and saw Misty at her work for just a minute on the way home. It was a very good day. Friday April 2

I have been really looking forward to this day for General Conference. I couldn’t wait to hear what they had to say to us. Well, they didn’t let me down. I learned something good from every speaker. They were all so good. Heather and Bekkah were able to attend some of the first session. By favorite speakers today would probably be Pres. Hinckley, Pres. Monson, and Richard G. Scott. I really felt good after all the sessions and very thankful for all of my blessings. That I was so blessed to be born into this church and organization. Into a family that had a worthy priesthood holder at its head and parents that taught me what was right from day one. I am so blessed. I also have three beautiful little sisters whom I love very much and consider some of my best friends. I’m especially thankful for the opportunity I have to serve a mission to share the beautiful message that Jesus is our savior and that he loves each one of us. I know it is true - all of it. Saturday April 3

Today was another sweet day of General Conference We got some of the best talks I have every heard from Pres. Monson, Elder Neil A. Maxwell, and of course Pres. Hinckley. The spirit was so strong and I learned so much from all of the speakers. The church is so true. It truly is led by ordained prophets, seers, and revelatory. And they are the biggest inspirational studs ever. I truly do love them all dearly. The impact they make in the world is extraordinary. Sunday April 4

Today ended up being a pretty sweet P-day. We went and did serve for a few hours helping the Robis’ move. It was good for us to help them, When we got back, we went to our gym and played hoops for a while. Then the firemen and policemen showed up and so we played with them. It was tons of fun to finally play some good basketball. They had some good players and I played pretty good. Tonight we watched the Michigan-North Carolina NCAA championship game. It was approved so we all gathered at Olgas and watched it. It was an action packed game - fun to watch. I love basketball. Monday April 5

Today was a pretty normal Tuesday. We did a lot of driving and teaching. We taught Amina over in Rogers City. It was OK but we did get a little bit contentious with her. Then I bought Elder Sullivan his Value Meal for dinner and then we headed to St. Ignace. We taught Wade and Misty the fourth discussion and it did go very well. The plan of salvation went through very nice, and then we talked a lot about the word of wisdom to try and get Wade to commit. I think he will but we need to continue to stress it. Tuesday April 6

Happy Bump Day! I cannot believe that six months is already over. It has gone by so fast. We drove out to the park by the beach and burned our ties. The mission tradition. Wednesday April 7

St Ignace Day. Our only appointment was with Winifred Weiss. She is awesome. We just kind of did a 4th discussion study with her to help her understand it and it went pretty good. We did a little bit of door knocking and talked to a couple very nice ladies to it was productive. We visited Beth for a little while, then spent the evening at Eve’s house. She fed us dinner and then we taught her and Linda her friend how to play presidents. And they are hooked. Friday April 9

Happy Easter!! Today is Easter but it felt like a normal day. No family or Easter Bunny or visit to Grandmas house. It just isn’t the same. Today we went to Olga’s and had a great dinner as usual. Then we drove to Petoskey and had a sweet district meeting with those guys. The spirit was strong and we were all prepared for our parts. It was like they are supposed to be. Sunday April 11

Sweet P-day! We got up and did laundry but while our clothes were washing we ran over to an outdoor hoop and played ball. First Sullivan and I killed Smith, Adams, and Elliss. Then Smith and I barely beat the other 3. It was a blast. Then after laundry, we went to a park and payed football. That was so fun. We played 3 games to 28 with 3 different teams and my team won every game. I had by far the best stats. 4 touchdown passes, 6 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. We had a good time. Then we played hoops at the church. We had quite the rigorous physical day. It was cool. Monday April 12

Wow, what a busy day. It was so hectic. We taught Amina. Then we had to hustle back for Becky Fisher’s appointment. We taught her the 2nd discussion and it went very well. She wants to be baptized, but it is another father against thing so we will see what happens. Then we walked home, the Weiss’ picked us up and we headed to St. Ignace. They dropped us off at Debbie Weiss’ and she took us to Wade and Misty’s. We watched “How Rare A Possession” and just talked with them about the Book of Mormon. It was cool. Then we had another late night session with Br. Weiss talking. A busy, but very productive day. Tuesday April 13

Today was pretty slow. We taught Winifred Weiss this morning - watched “What is Real” and the spirit was so strong. One of the strongest I have ever felt it. It was so good, but Winifred wouldn’t admit or recognize it so that wasn’t good. This afternoon we went door knocking for a couple hours but it wasn’t very productive at all. We ate with the Weiss’ and I finally had the Upper Peninsula tradition - Pasties. They were extremely good. I would love to learn how to make them because they would be perfect for camp outs and stuff like that. Br. Weiss drove us home and then Br. Trues dale took us immediately down to Wolverine to talk to the Bollinger family. They are very nice and friendly. We just got acquainted with them for a while. We are going down to teach the first on Monday night so that should be good. We finally got over to our personal gym to lift weights tonight. I had to drag Sullivan over and then he quit after the bench press so he won’t push me very hard on the weights. But it felt good to life a bit. Wednesday April 14

What in the heck is this Michigan weather. It was snowing today - the middle of April. We walked in the snow to Helen Atkins. We talked to her for a while. Misty picked us up at about 3:30 and took us up to their place. We ate dinner and just hung out with them for the evening. It was awesome. Rick and Debbie and Stephanie came later and we played some games. Wade and Misty are the greatest ever. Thursday April 15

Well, there is 2 feet of snow up here in St. Ignace, but the rain took most of it away today. We visited Patsy Wyers, Eve, and Winifred. We ate at the Weiss’ again. It is amazing how much they are like my parents, almost identical. Br. Weiss is deep and slow to express what he is trying to say, sleeps a lot, is quiet, and takes forever to answer questions. Sis. Weiss is worried always, says dumb jokes, is lots of fun to be with - always laughing at herself. They are a cool family. I really enjoy spending time with them. Friday April 16

Today was great. President and Sister Taylor came to Cheboygan today and spoke to us. They shared some great messages. Winifred was there but Wade and Misty didn’t make it. And the message was perfect for them so I am going to take it to them on Wednesday. We spent the afternoon at Olgas and then headed to Petoskey and had a good district meeting. President Taylor gave us some scoop and gave us both hope of sticking around a little longer. He is a great man. Sunday April 18

Sweet P-day. After laundry, we went and played some good hoop games - 3X3. And my team always rocked. It was fun. Then we went to the soccer field and played World Cup Soccer. That was a blast. I scored at will on these guys. Tonight our appointment with the Bollingers got cancelled so we had Elder Smiths birthday. Olga had left cake, ice cream, drinks, chips, etc for us to have. She is just so cool. The members here are the greatest - they can’t be beat. This area is just the greatest. Monday April 19

Today was district trade-offs and possibly the worst snow storm of the year. IT was snowing so hard I couldn’t believe it. We were able to teach Amina and Terry Lewis. We had pretty good discussions with them. Then we headed back and Sullivan and I went out and taught Becky. We showed her the three cartoon videos we had and we got to meet her mom. It went very well. Tuesday April 20

Zone Leader Trade-offs today. I was with Elder Adams today so it wasn’t too bad. We did some door knocking in St. Ignace and just had an overall successful day. We gave out a few books and met some cool people. Packer and Sullivan taught Winifred and Adams and I taught Wade and Misty. We watched “Mountain of the Lord” with them and then read Alma 32 and just committed them to read every day. So it was really good. Wednesday April 21

Today was my day with Elder Packer. We visited Helen Atkins and showed her “Mountain of the Lord”. She really enjoyed it and so did I. I also had to requalify my discussions today and do biannual, but it was really easy. I beat my previous time and got 16:25. I am amazing. And I recited 151 scriptures to be a grand master. So it was cool. Thursday April 22

Sullivan and I finally got to work together this week. We were in St. Ignace and spent with with Sis’ Weiss, the Dewitts, Winifred Weiss, and Eve for a while. Then we went to Jane Weiss’ mom’s house for dinner because it was Jennie Savards birthday. That was a lot of fun and everyone was so cool. The people here are the greatest. We even played a little basketball with some grandkids. On the way home, we stopped to talk to Misty at her work. She is way too cool. I got letters from Dad, Grandma, and a tape from Darren. My mission is a piece of cake compared to Greece. He has a really tough time over there. I heard from my Dad that Chad got his mission call to Brazil. I miss my friends. Friday April 23

Today was Christmas, the 25th of the month. I wore my Christmas tie. The APs spent most of the day with us and they are just so cool. We ate at Olga’s for dinner. Then Sullivan and I went with Br. Trues dale and Enoch out to the Bollingers and we got got to teach them the first discussion. It was really cool. Tonight we also went and saw the Remaly family and visited with them. Elder Iverson and Elder Affleck, the AP’s are such great examples and influences on me. I have to remember to be BOLD and fearless always. That is essential. I love these guys. Sunday April 25

Today was such an awesome day. We got up at 6:00 and played hoops with the AP’s and the Zeke and Manny Rivers. Everyone was pretty good so we had some good games. Then I got a haircut, we packed and washed the car, and then headed to Gaylord for the General Authority meeting. We got there and joined up with all the other missionaries and had lunch and then waited. in anticipation for Elder F. David Stanley. He and Pres. Taylor arrive and our meeting got underway. We had 2 full zones there and the singing the hymns was awesome. We sang with power and conviction, Called to Serve, Praise to the Man, and The spirit of God. We heard great talks from Elder Adams, Elder Iverson, Willie Taylor, Sister Taylor, Pres. Taylor and finally President Stanley. He is such a great man. I felt the spirit so strong especially when he was taking about the spirit and it’s power and the power of virtue and the priesthood. It was at that time when I thought “I love that man.” He instructed us on some great principles. He talked about 3 questions. What kind of missionary am I? What kind of missionary do I want to be? What am I going to do about it? These are important questions I need to ask myself throughout my mission and throughout my life. They can help me as a husband, father, leader, etc. He talked about “A prayer of Faith”. That I really need to learn to pray with faith. And that is another thing I need to work on. I was really edified and uplifted by our meeting today. It was awesome. Wednesday April 26

Well we survived another transfer call somehow. We are sticking around here together for one more month. So that is cool. We spent today up in the U.P. but only one of our appointments worked out. Wednesday April 28

Man, I hate it when we don’t have a car. Eve came and picked us up from Cheboygan at 3:00. She entertained us and fed us dinner. Then she drove us out to Debbie Weiss, who took us to Wade and Misty’s. Then Gary Weiss had to bring us back and we stayed at his place overnight. The members here are amazing. I can’t believe how much they sacrifice for us. We taught Wade and Misty the fifth discussion about sacrifice. It went very well, After the discussion, I wanted to hit the word of wisdom again hard but it didn’t work out. Thursday April 29

This morning we did some door knocking on Groscap road, which is Debbie Weiss’ street. We had a pretty good time and got one really good contact so it was well worth it. We went out to Winnifred’s and she has finished the Book of Mormon and then started on it again. So that is cool. We watched “Mountain of the Lord” with her. We ate at the Dewitt’s then went back to the Weiss’. Br. Weiss took us out to fish for smelt. Smelt are awesome. We got all dressed up warm and then got our nets flashlights, and bucket and headed down to Brevort River. We stood at the bank, spotted the smelt with the flashlight, and scooped them out with the net. We got a dozen of them between me and Sullivan. But actually I caught 9 and he got 3. It was so much fun. Then we came home and I cleaned all of them and we will be cooking them up for breakfast. Friday April 30

I can’t believe it is already May. The months just seem to fly by. Br. Weiss fried up our smelt this morning and they were pretty darn good. The Weiss family is just the greatest. There is no comparison to them. We went door knocking tonight in the neighborhood around the church building. We were able to give away one book to a nice young couple. So I hope they will read it. Saturday May 1

None of our investigators attended church today. I was so bummed. We had a potluck after church then our appointment with the Bollingers fell through. We had a good district meeting with both districts, Elder Foote and Elder Hall are both cool guys. Then we watched the Priesthood commemoration meeting and it was sweet. We got to hear Pres. Hinckley, Elder Maxwell, and Pres. Monson. What great men they are. They are my personal heros. Sunday May 2

This was one of the best athletic P-days that we have had up here. We went running this morning. Elder Smith and I ran a fast 2 miles. It felt very good. Then after laundry, we played some good 4X4 basketball games. We had some good competitive games. Then we played soccer World Cup and football after lunch. It was raining and muddy, so we came back black and wet. But it was great. Monday May 3

We had a great day today. We traveled to Rogers City, but Amina dogged us on our appointment. So we went and saw Terry Lewis. We gave him the book of mormon tapes. We had a really good teaching appointment with Pam Wheelock, Sister Bourries daughter. It was a good first discussion. She has a lot of questions. I feel very good about her. It was a great day. Tuesday May 4

What a sweet day. It was just incredible. We started a fast after lunch at the truck stop and things just rolled after that. We had a pretty good discussion with Winifred. We found out the Jazz won their playoff game. We memorized scriptures and then headed out to Wade and Misty’s. We just visited with them for a while waiting for sister Debbie Weiss to come out. Then we went ahead and watched “What is Real”. The spirit was so strong. Sister Weiss showed up right at the end and said she was just enveloped by the spirit when she walked in. It was a great feeling. Then in the kitchen, I talked about 1 Nephi 8:11-12 about the sweet fruit of the gospel and families. Then we went into the Baptismal Challenge. It went perfectly. We went through it and when I asked Misty how she felt in her heart, she couldn’t describe the spirit it was so great. Wade felt it too, I know because we all did. But when I challenged them, Misty right out said, “I’m ready”, but Wade said he wasn’t. I want them to be baptized together so bad. He is pumped up for the stop smoking program for next Wednesday and if he can quit in the seven days, then he could still be prepared by the 25th, which is the date we set with Misty. So I have faith that they can be baptized together at that time. I hope so bad that it all works out. If they get baptized, then my joy will be full. This was truly one of the strongest spiritual experiences I have ever had. We were all shaking it was so strong. Misty broke the silence with “You guys, I am going to faint”. I am so thankful for the chance I have had to teach them and get to know them. They are the nicest people and the coolest family. Just getting to know them makes my mission worth it. I love being a missionary - there is nothing better that I could be doing with my life right now. SWEET! Wednesday May 5

Today was awesome. It was Zone Conference in Petoskey and Olga drove us over there. We got there a little late so we ran in and sang the song. Then I glanced over and saw Elder Christofferson. I was so excited when I saw him. He is such a stud. We also ended up being in the same group and we just hung out all day. What a cool guy. It was our 7 month mark, so me and Sullivan and Christofferson, and Sister Patton all got a picture holding up 7 fingers. We drove back with the AP’s to Cheboygan and then up to St. Ignace with them. Elder Waltman was going up to see all the members up there. We ate at the Weiss and had a very enjoyable evening. Friday May 7

Today was a blast. The APs and Sullivan and I went with Sister Weiss to the truck stop for breakfast. Then we met Olga, Br. Weiss, and Eve and we all headed up to Tahquamenon Falls and Whitefish Point up in the north of the Upper Peninsula. It was a really fun road trip. Everybody had a really fun day. It was beautiful and the destination was really cool. It was really cool to spend time with Elder Waltman these last couple of days. He is so cool, and we get along so well. He wishes he could just come back to Cheboygan for the rest of his mission. I hope I can stay here throughout the summer because this area rocks. It truly is the best area in the mission, I know. The members and the people are the greatest. Saturday May 8

Another great day. Misty was at church, but Wade and Winifred didn’t make it. It was Mothers Day so I got to talk to my family at home. I talked to them for over 3 hours. I could have talked to them all night. It was just so great to hear their voices and to hear how good they sound. Mom and Dad were dominating the conversation so then they left for a while so I could talk to the girls. But then Nikole dominated it so she left so I could talk to Ash and Dinney for a while. My family is the greatest. I love them so very much. I can’t believe I have been away for over 7 months. It doesn’t seem that long in ways but in other ways it seems longer. Sunday May 9

Cool P-day. We went golfing and had a great time. Tonight, we ate at the Bourries and then answered a bunch of Pams questions and taught them the first New Member lesson. It was a good evening with them. And a great day overall. Monday May 10

Today was pretty cool. We had a Missionary Training Session via satellite at 12:00. We heard from Joseph B. Wirthlin, L. Aldin Porter, Richard G. Scott, and President Gordon B. Hinckley. (I love that guy) It was a great spiritual, motivational meeting. I just love to hear those men speak. They are awesome. We went to the Vorbeck’s and had a good discussion with Sister Vorbeck. It was a good discussion. She has some misunderstandings but they aren’t really hard concerns. After dinner there, we just drove around checking on referrals all over. It was a beautiful drive and we made some good contacts with a few people we haven’t seen for a while. Tuesday May 11

This was an awesome day. We were in St. Ignace and just tried to contact people until lunch when we went to the Dockside with the Weiss’. It was fun. Then we taught Lou Engle the fourth discussion. It went very well. We also saw Winifred and watched the Saturday afternoon general conference with her. Then after dinner, Eve took us back to Cheboygan and we taught Pam Wheelock at the Bourries. We just read the Book of Mormon with her and helped her to understand it. What a great day. Friday May 14

Sister Savard called us and asked us to do service for her. So Br. Weiss took us back to St. Ignace and we helped her clean out her garage all day. But it was fun to do some work. Then we had dinner at Jane Weiss’ house with their whole family because it was a birthday party. Then Br Weiss took us out to Wade and Misty’s and we read the Book of Mormon with them. Wade is doing great on his non smoking. He was determined that he wouldn’t smoke again. So I believe he will go through with it. Sweet! Saturday May 15

Church was awesome. Misty, Winifred, Jessica, Samantha, and Pam were all there. Five investigators at church is awesome. Misty had an interview with President Rivers and I think that went pretty good. So everything is still looking great for her baptism on the 25th. Sunday May 16

We had a cool P-day. We did laundry at Olga’s house and then went miniature golfing. I shot 4 under par 40 but Sullivan still beat me by 2 strokes. Then we played basketball at the Rec Center and I always made the free throw to be on the 2 man team against the 3 man team. But even though I was always on the small team, I always won except 1 time when I was with Elliss. Then Sullivan and I went and played 18 at the golf course. It was really fun. Monday May 17

Alright things are going very well. We taught Pam the 3rd discussion today and it was smooth. She basically accepts Joseph Smith as a prophet and the Book of Mormon as true so she is well on her way to membership in the true church. And it sounds as thought her husband who is in the Air Force in Korea is very supportive and also would be good. We are going to try to get missionaries to visit him in Korea. We went to the Bollingers with Br. Trues dale and watched Together Forever and a Book of Mormon cartoon. But Jim Bollinger wasn’t very receptive. Sullivan and I played cribbage to see who had to do the dishes tonight and I won. We are both too competitive. Tuesday May 18

Olga is the greatest. She always drops everything for us. Today she picked us up at 11:00am and didn’t bring us home until 11:00 at night. We spent the entire day in St. Ignace and it was pretty successful. We showed Lou Engle 2 Book of Mormon animated videos. Tonight was just awesome. We went to Wade and Misty’s to celebrate Wade’s quitting smoking. It was us and Rick, Debbie, and Stephanie Weiss, and Wade, Misty, and Samantha. It was a great night. I am so lucky and thankful for the chance I have had to get to know those guys. Wednesday May 19

Well the Zone Leaders finally showed up this morning. They are pretty cool guys. We watched a training video and then I was with Elder Beaver. Sister Vorbeck dogged us so we did a lot of door knocking and checking on referrals. It was a good day. And in the evening, we went to a Pentecostal Church called Shiloh Pentecostal. It was kind of boring but there was a lot of shouting and loud music. Very interesting. Thursday May 20

I had a great day with Elder Dalle. We drove up to Misty’s and taught her the sixth discussion and filled out the baptism recommend/temporary membership form. It all went great. Misty is definitely ready and she is both excited and nervous as well. She is going to have Elder Sullivan baptize her and that hit me kind of hard at first. I really thought she would ask me. We worked hard the rest of the afternoon door knocking and checking referrals and we had more success and got into more homes than I have in a long time. It was so wonderful. I have made a few resolves in my mind that might be good to write down here. First, I am going to develop humility. I am going to over every rule and work my hardest putting 100% effort into the work. Friday May 21

What a wonderful day. We taught Pam part of the second discussion and talked about the pre-existence, grand council in heaven, and Adam and Eve, and a bunch of other deep topics. It was a wonderful discussion it helped her to resolve some of her concerns. Then Olga picked us up and we headed down to Midland for the Adult Session of Stake Conference. We had a fun trip eating Olga’s junk food and listening to the “Tennis Shoes among the Nephites” tapes. And the Conference was wonderful. Elder Faust and Elder Christofferson were here and they gave a special message. After the meeting, we hung out at the church with all the St. Ignace members and the APs. We had a great time. Then we went to Don and Jan’s house to spend the night. They are Misty’s parents and they are awesome. We got to their place about 10:30. They treated us with such love and hospitality. It was so great to meet them and get to know them a little bit. They are wonderful. Saturday May 22

Wow. Elder James E. Faust is a prophet of God. We had a wonderful missionary meeting this morning and he stressed being a total, absolute, 100% committed missionary. I learned a whole lot from that. And then we headed over to the conference and that was an awesome experience. There were some great talks and great messages given. Also, we got to attend Elder Smith and Elder Elliss’ baptism of a family. So awesome. Sunday May 23

We had an alright P-day today. Elder Adams and I went jogging for 5 miles. It felt good. After laundry, we went to the church and played some great basketball. It was stacked against me since I had Packer and Elliss on my team, but we won 23-21. Tonight, we taught Pam Wheelock. We watched “Our Heavenly Father’s Plan” and just answered questions and discussed her reading. Monday May 24

Sweet. Misty just got baptized tonight. She was definitely tested and tried a bit, but we made it. None of her family were able to attend but all went well and she is now a member of the church. Elder Sullivan baptized her and did a sweet job. I got to play a lot of roles today. I said the prayer at the prayer meeting, played the piano, gave the talk on the Holy Ghost, and I confirmed her a member of the church. It was an awesome service. The spirit was so strong and she really got a lot of member support there. And Wade seemed to really be at ease tonight. I don’t think he is too far behind in entering the water. Misty is just awesome. I know that we will be friends for a long time. Br. Weiss does a great job with these baptisms. He made sure that nothing was overlooked and you get excited just seeing how excited he is. I won’t ever forget this night. Being a missionary rocks - it can’t be beat. Tuesday May 25

Well we got a transfer phone call this morning, but luckily it was for Elder Sullivan and not for me. President Taylor is sending him to Bay City. I am bummed out because he is a cool guy and a cool companion. We had some really good times and some great experiences. And of course Misty’s baptism was the perfect ending of our time together. He packed this morning and we spent a lot of the day up in St. Ignace. Everybody was pretty sad to see him go. We went with the Weiss’ to the Dockside for dinner. A $17.00 meal for free. They are awesome. Then we headed to their house for a little get together. Eve and her ladies came, Donna and Jenni, Debbie and Stephanie, and Misty all came. We stayed up pretty late just talking. I will miss Sullivan, but I guess 4 months together is long enough. Wednesday May 26