9-9-13

Family,

 

Dang, Jayson's sick all the time. I guess that's a good thing because growing up later in life he'll get over sickness quicker than a normal child. Sorry, I have less than 30 minutes to write today, but I'll do my best to get everything in. FYI, I don't want you to send me toothpaste anymore. If I need some I'll just buy some at Wal-Mart or something. I'm trying to cut down on things that I need in my suitcase because I don't want to leave some things behind when I go home. No, the fire wasn't that big. It was only like a foot tall . So no worries, haha! The thing is when I had that migraine, I didn't have any advil with me. So I took 3 ibuprofen liquid gells (work like a charm). But that didn't help at all. I bought some excedrin migraine relief. So I hope that gets rid of it real quick. It has acetametaphin, and caffeine in it which I hear is good for migraines. Yes, Dad, I do live on the same street as the mission office. I have to drive through the spanish populated part of Wichita. So it's kind of cool.

 

Okay, on to a summarized version of my week this week. So, when reading the New Testament this past week, I read in Matthew 4 about when Christ casts Satan away: "Get thee hence Satan." I love that part. Last night was a great reassuring of my testimony when I watched the CES broadcast with our YSA ward. Elder Nelson spoke at BYU-Hawaii. His talk, I feel, was totally contoured for Cody and his needs. So if you have the time, have him watch that. It was speaking to me too. But anyways, that's all I have to say. I need to go. Y'all have a great week and I can't wait to hear from you! 

 

Love, Elder Sutherland

9-2-13

Family,

 

I'm sending this on Tuesday today because yesterday being Labor day, the libraries were closed. Today isn't P-day, but we're just e-mailing today. I laughed at the picture of the despicable me minion. Hopefully Jayson doesn't look like that when he enters the MTC, haha! I also did service for 6 hours this morning helping to build a house. We had a good guide help us who actually knows stuff about carpentery work. I have very little experience in that regard so I was happy to be able to help. It was also fun. There were people with all kinds of experience there so I felt right in. We got to use hammers, saws, install siding, and a few other things. So a good life skill learned, right? There were single age people there too but they left before we had a chance to talk to them. Thanks for telling me about your week and everything. I was glad to hear about everybody. How does Cody like seminary this year? Who's the teacher again? It's not brother Oross, right? I loved doing the Book of Mormon with brother Holland as our teacher. Okay on to the rest of my week.

 

So I'm not going go get into too many details but I'll do my best to remember what happened this week. While I e-mailed in Argonia, I had my journal with me to tell me what happened in the previous week. But not anymore. On Monday last week, I had one of the worst migraines in my entire life. I felt nautious after the headache went away. But the headahce was super bad. It came on gradually making me think it wasn't a bad one. But it was a super bad one. I finally bought some migraine stuff at the store yesterday in case that ever happens again. Hopefully the next time I get one, that stuff will be able to tone it down quite a bit. But it was super fun to be able to play P-day sports again. We played jump 21 and chair soccer. Boy it got intense sometimes. 

So a little background on what I'll tell you next: So for the past 2 or 3 years or so I have been reading the whole old testament. I plan on finishing the entire bible before I get home. Well, on Tuesday, I finished the old testament. I was sure glad to too, because it was getting pretty boring talking about the second coming and all that (other than Malachi, which is always a hit). Beginning the New Testament was sweet! I've never read it all the way through before. The stories of Christ going around healing everybody and doing all that he did is truly amazing to read. I absolutely love it. 

We attended Wellington's district meeting that day too. Later that day we had an appointment with one of our newer investigators. He has close to no faith in the Savior. So it's a little different than most people here who have a huge faith in Him. But he loves and appreciates our visits and we're tyring to get him to get some faith. We invited him to church but he didn't come, which kind of stinks, but whatevs. We're trying to find ways to find because tracting hasn't been doing anything success-wise until Sunday when we decided to tract this one apartment complex. Well it was a good choice because there were only singles there. I can't remember seeing one person that wasn't under 30. So we'll be going back there, that's for sure. But other than that, times have been pretty slow including on Wednesday. I've been getting pretty tired through the first part of the afternoon too so, it's been tough. 

Wednesday night, however, we had a great lesson with this less active lady. The spirit was strong as she commited to some to church the next Sunday (2 days ago). She didn't come, which was a bummer, but I'm just glad that she was able to feel the spirit once again. Also Wednesday, we had a leadership training meeting for all zone leaders and district leaders in the Wichita, Wichita north, and Derby zones. It was a good meeting. Thursday we tried to do some creative things. we walked around downtown Wichita for an hour trying to find singles. Not much success there. But that night after an appointment with the girl that we have on baptismal date, we went out the church doors and smelled something on fire. We looked around and the mulch under one of the trees was on fire. So we stomped it out and poured some water on it just in case. 

Friday we attended the Rolling Hills district meeting followed by lunch at chipotle (which made me super tired, by the way). The rest of the day on Friday was pretty slow. Saturday we had some nice visits with a less active lady and her Dad. He dominated the discussion, however, and we didn't get to feel the spirit all that much. Next time, we'll just have to shut him down (not in a mean way) and say that we're here for her. His filipino girlfriend was also there, but didn't say much. She's a less active and we invited her back to church. She didn't say yes but she didn't say no either. She ended up not going. Later, we got super pumped to do more missionary work as we talked with this super enthusiastic active member. He's hilarious, but knows what it takes to get the ward going in missionary work. 

On Sunday we had a nice fast and testimony meeting. Both Elder Eliason and I bore our testimonies. That night, we had our first dinner with a young ward member. We've had dinner prior to that night with members of the bishopric, but not with the younger body until that night. I love our ward. Everybody is so close and so funny. For FHE last night, we played this game called boxers and briefs (similar to apples to apples) and everyone was laughing all over the place. Too bad we couldn't stay all night. We're getting a hang of the area little by little and are bringing the gospel to the world one person at a time. Then today we did service and had fun doing it. I kind of felt like Dad who can build/fix anything. Now I can at least use a hammer! But that's pretty much my week! 

Tomorrow we have a meeting where all the zone and sister leaders in the mission gather to the mission home and have a leadership meeting. The zone leaders then re-train on that to the rest of the zone at zone meeting usually in the next week or so. So we'll be doing that on Friday. Oh, on Saturday we had a guy ask us about our favorite college football team and how they did on the first game of the year. Way to make me miss worldy things, dude. At least I'm on a mission where I can't think about that! 

 

Yeah, Wichita is a very big city. Not like San Diego, but there are sure lots of people that need the gospel. Our apartment is near the edge of english-spanish territory. Go east about 3 miles and you hit mini-mexico. That's where I'm e-mailing right now. Well thanks for being an awesome family and I'm always glad to get your e-mails. I have a testimony of the retsored gosepl that it is true. Satan may try to convince you otherwise, but don't ever listen to him! He is, was, and will always be a loser. Just stay on the Lord's side and you will always win. Just as Nephi says, there is opposition in all things (or was it someone else? I think it's pretty safe to say Nephi). But that doesn't mean life needs to be sad. This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God, so whatever experience gets us closer to that goal will be able to get us there. But that's pretty much it for me. Do you have any questions for me? I should get going here pretty soon. Y'all have a great week! Love,

 

Elder Sutherland

 

PS: "Where's Timmy?"

"He's in the bathroom."

"Why?"

"It's 6:13. Timmy always goes to the bathroom at 6:13."

8-26-13

 Derek asked me to send him a new washcloth. 

I wonder what in the world he has been doing with that one!

His new apartment, with his tired companion, apparently.

Family,

 

I'm writing this from a library in Wichita. I haven't e-mailed at a library since December. But this has been a good week. Elder Eliason and I are really struggling to find things to do. Elder Eliason is from Holbrook, Idaho (30 miles from Malad) and is the middle of 5 boys in his family. So combine the families, and you get 9 boys and a girl. I think that's pretty funny. He has been out almost 20 months and goes home a few days before Christmas this year. His first area was Wamego just like me! I have enjoyed reminiscing with him about that area.

 

So, since I don't have nearly as much time as last week, I'll only cover the highlights. So first, Dad, in your e-mail you talked a lot about getting out of our comfort zone, and reading it really motivated me to act. Last Saturday, Elder Eliason and I were trying to think of creative ways to find new investigators. We didn't know the ward because we had got there only two days earlier. We decided to go to the mall since that is a typical place where young single adults "hang out". So we went there and it was really, really hard to stop people and say: "Hey, I know you're shopping, but do you want to know more about our church?" We talked to two people. One had just graduated high school this past May and his girlfriend was a junior in high school. So we failed there. That's where your e-mail comes in. I need to just step out of my shell. It's sooooo hard for me just to stop and talk with people; especially in a busy mall with so much wordly stuff around you. 

At church yesterday, we were just trying to fellowship the ward with us. I also gave gave a talk about Elder Ballard's conference talk: this is my work and my glory". I felt the talk went well, especially since I only knew about this assignment a few days prior top giving it. But Elder Eliason and I are brand new to the area and brand new to our apartment too. So, we're not too familiar with the Wichita area but I think I'm getting the roads down. We also bought a road map at the QT gas station and Elder Eliason and I (pronounced eel-ya-son) wrote all over it. He's now a road map expert. When I left Wellington on Wednesday, we also were assigned a full-time car, being new zone leaders. We got the car that I was driving in Wellington and now they share a car with the Pratt sisters. So they need a car, haha! We'll get one for them when more cars come in in September. 

On Thursday, we met the only investigator that we had coming in (we now have two, as of yesterday). This girl has been super prepared to hear the gospel. She is seriously dating a return missionary who had been less active for several years after his mission. His girlfriend came up to him and said: "I want to check out your church" even though she was born and raised Catholic. So when they were on vacation in Bulgaria visiting his mission to the Czech republic, they started taking the lessons. (FYI, this returned missionary's parents are on "the district 1"...so I get to meet them!) She met with us on Thursday and immediatrely accepted baptism. Her date is for October 3rd, which is kind of far away, but they want to have their parents come up for the baptism and then fly out to general conference that weekend. We had it approved by President Bell to get her confirmed at the baptismal font. So, we're super excited for her and for this returned missionary who just got this wake-up call to go back to church by his girlfriend. She's super nice too and already knows that the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith was a prophet and all that. 

But as far as finding new investigators, we are needing help from the ward in that regard, so that's why I appreciate that e-mail you sent me. We drove around the two religious universities in our zone the other day too and found nothing that we could do. Although, at church yesterday we talked to a professor at Friends university who is an active member. He said he'd let us know what he could do and be sure to get us onto campus! So that should be cool. Could you do me a favor, Dad (or Mom), and print out your e-mail you sent me and send it to me? I'd like to read it and keep it but don't want to spend money to print. Speaking of money, there are so many rich people here! It's crazy! The houses by the nice golf courses are super nice. 

Anyways, back to my week. Our bishop is super cool. He sent you that e-mail with our pictures in it. I also got a picture on my camera. Bishop Jensen is his name. In fact, our whole bishopric is really cool. We did laundry this morning at one of their houses. But anyways, I better wrap it up here. I'm sure the other elders are getting uneasy wondering where their zone leaders are. But I'd just like to let you know that I know that this work is true and will carry forth forever. I know now that people must not be comfortable with attending another church because the fulness of the gospel is in only one church, the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am grateful for all that you do for me (including sending that package that I got on Saturday). I must step up my obedience as a zone leader and work harder than I ever have before. Elder Eliason is a great leader and hard worker. I love you all and hope you have a great week! Love,

 

Elder Sutherland

8-19-13

Family,

I'm glad that you all had a good yet busy week. Mine was pretty busy. I forgot to mention last week that maybe I could use more Costco toothpaste too. Oh, could you also e-mail the Chandlers for me in Wamego? I would like to get their address to write them and maybe a few other branch members. But you don't have to worry about that until later. I'm getting a haircut later today but should shorten this letter because we need to leave sooner than normal. 

Well my week this week was a good one with the ending of the baptism. Monday was a normal old Monday being P-Day. We had dinner with a member that has just come out of inactivity. You know, this last week I was thinking of how I could improve on bringing back less active members here in the ward and thought that if I'm patient, I just need to love them and invite. Our stake President has told us that if we invite then it will be easier to bring people back instead of pressuring them. So that's what I will be working on this week. Our ward has, tops, 30% church attendance. So that needs to improve. But at dinner with that member, we had one of our investigators there. He's super cool and just became a catholic a few years ago. Later, we tried to contact our investigator with a date to be baptized this past Saturday. Well when we knocked, a crazy man answered the door with zero clothes on. You can mark that off tracting bingo, haha! But our baptismal candidate lives there for now. We're trying to get him out and into a member's house once he can get a good job.

The next day we had district meeting. Little did I know, it would be my final training...for now (more on that later). We spent our day in Wellington and spent some time helping another crazy less active guy pull some weeds. Pretty soon, just as in the past few weeks, the clouds started to darken. I told Elder Evans: "Hey we should probably be done." "Why?" "The clouds are darkening really fast." Then lo and behold, rain started to pour down just as we got in the car. So I'm pretty proud of my meteorology skills. Wednesday after weekly planning we went to Anthony and walked around there. School started Wednesday for Harper county. I kind of felt bad for them because I always thought that I started early back in SD. We weren't met with too much success. We talked with some old people that said: "eh, we have our church and you have yours." Other younger people told us that they'll take a copy of the Book of Mormon if we left them alone. I'm doing better talking to everyone I see but still have room to improve. I hope they just don't throw away the Book because it truly is an instant life-changer if they just let it. Some people just think it's a book with words in it, but it's much more than that. We later had dinner in Harper outside with this older single sister. The rule in our mission just recently changed where even sisters over 60 can't be alone with missionaries. So that kind of stinks now. But we obeyed and were blessed for it. That night we got rejected and not much happened. I don't say all this to boast (not even this itself) but I feel that my testimony is getting stronger each time someone slams the door in our face.

Thursday was a similar day. we began in Harper. A sister in my district called me to try to pass off lesson 2 to me. I bet some district leaders may have let it fly, but she didn't do all that well and I could tell she got a little upset about it. But after giving her some pointers, she passed the next day. So I'm glad that I am able to help. Thursday evening we came across this one younger man that is interested in the Book of Mormon. He said he enjoys to read and even though he didn't answer the door when we tried him yesterday, he seems promising. I am getting bit by mosquitoes a lot lately. I don't really mind because the itchiness goes away with a day or two. 

Friday was a good day. We had our baptismal candidate's baptismal interview. he passed! So then we taught a lesson at a member's house again. He then was cleared for baptism once we finished. The member friendshipper that we have for him was so kind to always give him rides to places and even buy him a full suit at the thrift store for under $20! So he has plenty of friendshipping. We just hope that he doesn't go off the wayside like another one of our recent converts who has gone inactive. Later, we had dinner with some people that just went to the temple that day and said it was awesome! I can't wait to go back and experience what it feels like to be in the Lord's house again. We don't have a temple in our mission, so we can't go anywhere even with a recent convert. We went on splits that night with them and saw 4 members (not all of whom are active). It was a good day.

Saturday, however, was the big day. We had to drive out to Wellington and were the first ones to the church 30 minutes before the baptism. The font wasn't on so we had to text Bishop, who was doing missionary duties. That's why he was late. But we got ti filled and even though the church was getting it's roof and H-vac system redone, the baptism went well. Our Bishop baptized him. He told us that next time one of us should do it because we got him that far and therefore we should do it. But we asked him who he wanted to baptize him  and he said the bishop. But I appreciated the Bishop's comments to us. After the baptism, we had a conference call with all the new missionaries and their trainers. I felt indifferent on what this transfer would bring. After the call and lunch with the Bishop (I got probably the best french toast I've had in my entire life), we went down to Caldwell and had zero success. We only picked up one potential and walked around town having nobody answer their door. For those that did answer their door, they either didn't have time or weren't interested anymore. We finally went home and had a quick dinner before heading over to Milan and seeing an inactive who hasn't been to church in 5 years but knows he should go back. We committed him to go back this coming Sunday. So we were pumped. He has a lot of repenting to do but wants to go back to the temple. That may take some time but if it's worth it, then do it.

Sunday was an okay day. I had the first confirmation of my life. It was really cool to say the words: "Receive the Holy Ghost." That was a powerful moment for me. Even though the Bishop forgot to confirm him before the sacrament, it was a great meeting. Once we began our proselyting efforts, I really felt down in the dumps for some reason. I didn't want to go out and work at all. But a quote from President Kimball (I think) kept resonating in my head: "One of the greatest secrets of missionary work is...work! Work work work. There is no greater substitute." I probably messed that up a bit but whatever. So if you don't feel like getting up and working, whether it's a church calling, home teaching, or missionary work, just get up and do it! Pretty soon you will see miracles! I know that I need to be bolder in the work that I do do too. So I will be working on that this week too. The reason I say that is because last night, Elder Evans and I were in the land of giants (seriously!). We were in a home where a party was about to begin and there were two or three guys there that had to be like 6'9" or 6'10''. I was looking up at them when I shook their hands. They were all Mennonite. We tried to talk to the investigator that lives there but obviously he was busy and said he wouldn't be available for a month. I should have said that our message is more important than anything you could do, but didn't because of all the people there. We did hand out 2 copies of the Book of Mormon, though. So that was a plus. The member that gave us a ride bought food at Subway before he picked us up. I think the church and some wards really need to stress the importance of keeping the Sabbath Day holy. So we'll be trying to do that in the future. That night, I got a call from President Bell informing me that I was to become a zone leader! My companion is Elder Eliason and he's from Idaho Falls (I'm pretty sure). I will be changing areas to Wichita somewhere. I am pretty sure we'll be covering the singles branch but we'll see. Lots of stuff that has to be resolved before we get there. It reminds me of the scripture somewhere in the doctrine and covenants: "Take no thought what you shall eat or drink, but treasure up in your minds the words of like eternal." So I just need to not worry about it and work as hard as I can because the Lord will provide. I see my faith increasing everyday here now. I still have lots to work on but those are natural thoughts. So that was pretty much my week. I hope to be able to continue on in the work of salvation.

OH WAIT!!! I went on LDS.org the other day and saw the first thing that comes up on the front page and noticed in that article that they were filming missionaries in the NY, NY south mission. One that we are all familiar with. That's right, Elder Walton is famous now! I watched the video and was like: "I know him!" ("SSSSSSAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNTTTTTTTTAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!! OH MY GOSH! I know him! I know him!) Just a fun little insert there, haha! I don't know how much time I'll be able to chat now that I will be in a new area and especially now that I'm a zone leader. I know that a lot will be required of me. "For where much is given, much is required." There's also a lot more changes in the mission. Lots more zones and districts, as you can see in the thing I sent you. But, yeah! 

Dad, I appreciate your words. Do you know where in Utah the Chapmans are moving to? I just thought it would be around where Elder Evans is from. How's Kenneth Young doing? I sure hope that the missionary work in your ward can really step it up. The missionaries need work to do. We need to be done away with recruiting (my substitute word for tracting). Hopefully that Jeff Morris guy can realize that this life is short and he needs church to feel the blessings of the gospel. Does he go to church at all? Where does he live exactly? It sounds like Jaromy's talk was super good. I wonder if he met any Spanish people in Montana. I bet he did. What's wrong with Cody? I want to be able to pray for his needs specifically. 

But anyways, that's it for me. I hope you all have a great week and beginning of school again! Who does Jayson have as a teacher? Mrs. Wiens? That would be cool. Have Cody say hi to Mr. Stimpson. I hope he enjoys being a big kid on campus. Thanks for being awesome! Love,

Elder Sutherland

PS: "There's a lot of love out there, ya know man?"

8-12-13

Family,

I'm so glad to hear that you had a good week. The reunion sounded super fun, and I'm sure you're having fun still sleeping in (for the youngins) and working (for the parents). School starts pretty soon here and therefore there too. So it's exciting times (for some of us) all around. I bet some of the storms that you got during the reunion came from the storms here. There was TONS of rain here and flooding in some places. It's a huge contrast to last year when there was almost no rain and it was so hot. It's only gotten above 100 a couple of times this year while this time last year would've been about 40 days. It has already rained today too. I'm not complaining, don't worry. Let me get into my week.

So Monday was just a normal day until late afternoon. We ended P-Day a little early because we had a team-up come out with us to teach to one of our newer investigators. She has just broken up with her boyfriend after being together for something like 10 years. She is now raising her kids by herself. He was caught cheating on her. He was our investigator too. She has been struggling a bit with work and everything so we focused on the atonement. She said she'd try to get to church this coming week so hopefully she does. The Bishop came with us and provided some great testimony. After the lesson, we were super late to dinner but were grateful for the member's patience. That was pretty much our Monday. 

Tuesday was a good day. We didn't have district meeting this week because of zone meeting on Friday. While we were studying, a less active member (trying to get active) came and talked to us at the Brundage's home. I talked to him for a bit but he had to leave as did we. The highlight of our day had to be a lesson with the guy who is getting baptized this Saturday. We chose not to have it at the house he lives at because the spirit isn't there when the less active member is there. So we had it at another member's house and the spirit was there as he accepted the lesson. He told us he is still good to be baptized so that was a plus. 

Wellington has been slowing down a lot as far as the work is concerned. We are trying to get new investigators there because it's not going as good as the other cities we proselyte in. Probably because we are driving around in Wellington instead of walking, like the other cities. You know, one other thing that I've began to notice. Up until a couple of weeks ago, I've been not wanting to go out and work and not enjoying it as much as I do now. So that whole year has been up and down as far as enjoying the work. But now, I'm on one of those highs and am really noticing how time is going by quicker. I mean, that lesson we had on Tuesday just feels like 2 or three days ago. I am really loving this feeling. 

Yesterday in church, our relief society president gave a talk and said "Within a short time these young missionaries sitting back here will be home and moving on in life." I was like: "Way to get me trunky." Just kidding. But it's true! It's not going to be that long before I'm home and thinking about my mission (instead of serving). So that means it's time to work and leave nothing behind, right? So that means I will be talking to as many people we can and bringing the gospel to a world that desperately needs it. Especially here. So many people think they have the fullness, but let's see what happens when they bring in the warmth of the fullness. 

Wednesday we went to Anthony. Not much happened in Anthony. We talked to this one guy who is just satisfied not having a church to go to. He's got to be upper 80's/90's and is a former investigator. He feels that church is not something he needs. That night after dinner we had a potential investigator drop us because her husband looked up some false stuff online. If they went to Mormon.org, they'd be able to find out what the church REALLY believes. We then spoke some Spanish to this one lady who is a cousin to a potential investigator that we have. I am not the best at understanding Spanish so I didn't really understand it but said we'd return with some materials later on during the week. 

On Thursday we saw the county fair beginning. So that was pretty exciting. Not much happened that day. We were given money to go out to eat, so we went to Pizza Hut (one of four restaurants in Anthony) then parked and walked the rest of the evening. We ran into these 3 girls that I would say were about 2-3 years older than I was. Either that or they are my age. They were all smokers. I hurt me inside to see such young people fall into such a sinful nature. They accepted our copy of the Book of Mormon. So we were excited. We also went on splits with a member of the Bishopric and the assistant high priests group leader. Nothing much happened there. Both Wednesday and Thursday we had heavy rains overnight and as a result the rivers were way high and water was flooding everywhere. 

Friday was a cloudy and cool day. Just perfect for our zone meeting at the Wichita stake center. It was a great meeting as we received the announcement that there will be no more suit season. I was kind of bummed because we might have companions that want to wear short sleeves or something when you want to wear a suit because of the weather. But I guess I'll just have to deal with it. Our proselyting day was okay. We didn't have much happen to us until dinner when we had our baptismal candidate at dinner with the Bishop. We taught the plan of salvation after and had a nice visit. He loves to eat fruit and the Bishop has a great garden in his backyard. So he enjoyed picking some fruit for a little bit. That was the majority of our Friday. 

Saturday we had another great day. The highlight was when we taught a lesson to women ages 40-something, 20-something, and 12 (don't worry there was a guy there. He just didn't participate in the lesson). They are very curious about religion and don't know much and are prepared to accept the fullness of the gospel. We invited them to baptism after the first lesson and they said that they would if they knew it was true. That was super exciting. So as of right now we have 4 on baptismal date. That night we went to South Haven and had little success. 

Sunday was a little depressing because we didn't have anyone at church; not even the guy we have on baptismal date. The member who was to pick him up went and knocked but apparently no answer. That's okay. He still qualifies for baptism and we'll hopefully contact him today. That afternoon was not that productive but we made it work. I struggled with things that I have been struggling with my whole mission and whole teenage years, but have had periods where I've totally conquered Satan. Well let me tell you, he is NOT going to influence me anymore. That wimpy weasel ain't got nothing on me because I have something that he doesn't have...a body, the priesthood, a willpower, and the list goes on. Now that he's been working on me for almost 10 years, I know his tactics, and he knows it. He's pelting me with different temptations now and struggle with it at times, but if I just follow in the example in the Savior, Nephi, and other righteous examples in the scriptures (and people today), he won't have anything on me. That's why I strive to become like Dad and other members of the family who have had trials and temptations for a long time. I thank you for your examples. Well that's enough about me. I just know that this gospel is true and everyone needs to hear it. 

So I e-mailed Mom a few things that I need sent to me. I might also need some more shampoo too. The costco kind that you sent me for Christmas (Kirkland signature). So that would be good to get them. Also, I mentioned a few weeks ago that I'm not a big snacker. I like to snack. So feel free to send things to me if you want. Sounds like you all had a great time at the reunion. I remember how nice it was when we were there last. So, according to our Bishop, the new temple video is super awesome. I am so jealous I can't see it until next summer. I guess it'll still be there when I get home. Well I can't really think of anything else to say. I know I will think of some more things later but I guess I'll have to tell you next week. Let me know how work is going and if there's anything i can do to help. Lots of love,

Elder Sutherland

PS: "Where did the avalanche noise come from!?"

"Don't forget the second avalanche!"

8-4-13

Family,

Sorry no pictures from me today. I probably should've gotten one or two but didn't. Speaking of the family reunion, do you remember that one family reunion in Texas on those house boats? I feel like that all over again because there were so many flies that I sent to the fly spirit world. I just killed 3 flies as I type this. Not at the same time, of course, but they're dead and in the trash can. Sounds like you all had a great week this week. I loved all the pictures that you sent me. Elder Evans and I were talking about Uncle Jeff and Val and how fun it would be to have Elder Evans speak Portuguese to both of them. Val isn't fluent in English, is she? Well Elder Evans could practice anyways. Who knows when he gets his visa. ANYWAYS, let me tell you about my week, shall I?

So, last week I told you about the run we did on Monday so I won't go into detail about that but suffice it to say, I was dead for like an hour after it. I got an e-mail from my first baptism on my mission and from out he got the Melchizedek priesthood and is preparing to go to the temple THIS MONTH!!!!! I was so pumped. He lives in Mississippi now with the Baton Rouge temple as his temple district. So that was cool. Pretty soon, it was time to go to Wellington to get our groceries and stuff. Hey, that reminds me, did you get my package that I sent you? This week was also a very rainy week. Not as stormy as last week but just very rainy. You mentioned in your e-mail about the thunderstorm you are in right now, we had like 2 of those last week plus another 2 scheduled to come in later this week. So that should be fun. But all this rain also means, you got it, lots and lots of mosquitoes. It also means that it's super humid. So I've been getting more sweaty than I'm comfortable with here lately. But Monday wasn't too special. We found a lost investigator but found out the next day that he still doesn't live  where he used to since his girlfriend kicked him out for cheating on him. 

On Tuesday we didn't have district meeting because of zone conference later on Friday. So we went to work. We saw several individuals: Recent converts, investigators, less actives, and others. One lesson we had, we set a baptismal date for one of our investigators that is my age. He is super solid and is probably going to get baptized. He quit smoking, coffee, and tea cold turkey on Saturday: the last day possible he could quit. There's a greater surprise I'll tell you about later. So I'm super pumped for his baptism. It's now just a matter of teaching all the lessons to him so that he can be ready and prepared. He's only 2 months younger than me so this has been fun. After dropping an investigator (he was never really all that interested), we had a marvelous dinner at my favorite member's house. After we saw a recent convert/less active. He enjoys us coming over and reading the Book of Mormon with us and says he will come to church but never does. For example, yesterday it was raining and texted us saying that he can't go because it's raining and his head will shrink if he gets wet. Whatever. That night we helped a less active sister fix her dog's fence. It was mosquito infested but we got the job done. The dogs kept escaping so we wired it shut then I brought out the bigger dog and put her in. Let's just say those dogs won't be escaping anymore. We got home that night less than a minute before 9:30. 

Wednesday we went out to Bluff City and had zero success so went to Anthony and had little success.. After dinner, however, we went on splits with the Bishop and brother Brundage. I went with the latter and had a nice visit with one of our less actives. She and her husband are frustrated because their bosses won't give them time off to go to church on Sunday. So they are probably going to move back to South Carolina. That is a good thing because there they will have Sundays off and they are closer to a temple. Therefore they can both strive to become active, repent, and be sealed to one another...finally. The next person we tried to see had an incorrect address. So the last person we tried brother Brundage used to home teach but paid him some money without paying him back. So at first he was hesitant, but after getting into the conversation a bit, it went well. He has heart problems and is only like 55 years old. He knows he needs to come to church but for most people in Harper, the cost to drive to church and back is very substantial and income-damaging. So I shared the scripture 1 Nephi 3:7 which essentially says the Lord will provide a way for you to obey His commandments (including coming to church) if you just act in faith. I think that helped him a ton. 

Thursday after weekly planning we went back to Harper. The first day of August last year was super super hot. This year was more mild. The whole summer this year has been much more mild. Hopefully that doesn't mean a cold winter, though, which it very well could. Later, after having little success with all our other plans, we went to the south side of town intending to try this one less active. Instead we saw this young family outside where the son was weed-eating. We started talking to him but he was kind of shy and didn't say much whenever I asked him a question so I turned to the mother. She didn't speak any English...only Spanish. So it was up to me to converse with her. She said she was from some city in Mexico so that means she talks really fast. I just told her about the restoration a bit and said we'd return in 2 Sundays with someone who can speak Spanish fluently. But as I have said before, even though I'm nowhere near fluent, I love speaking Spanish. There's plenty of them in Harper, too. 

On Friday we woke up at 5:30 and got ready to go to zone conference. We left a little after 7 but got there on time before 8. The conference was great! President and Sister Bell gave talks, we popped balloons as part of a visual in the chapel (that's bad, I know, but it wasn't my fault), the Sister leaders gave a training, the AP's gave trainings, and all the missionaries who go home before Thanksgiving gave their testimonies. So it was cool. It just wasn't the same as a President Keyes zone conference. Those are always motivational. I mean this one was, it just wasn't the same. Maybe I just still have to get used to him. But it was still good. It ended at 4:30 and we had dinner in Wellington at 6. So after getting our supplies from the zone leaders, we booked it down there, changed into short sleeves, and went to dinner only a few minutes late. After dinner we had a great lesson with our baptismal candidate and confirmed to us his decision to be baptized. The spirit was strong as I testified of the Savior. He's turned his life around as he's met with us. Especially recently. 

On Saturday we went to Caldwell and discovered that there are tons of people down there that are ready to hear the gospel. I mean tons! Everyone we had the courage to stop and talk to said "yeah you can come back next week." Most of them were busy since the carnival was that night. But we were actually sad to leave Caldwell (and we stayed there and hour and a half longer than normal) because there are so many people willing to talk to us now. Just compare it to April and May when NOBODY wanted to listen to us down there. I was happy all day. I am still happy, as a matter of fact. We met with this couple on Saturday that go to the local Pentecostal church and with them in particular, I have been trying to do what Dad keeps telling me to do: look at the good they have and not the bad. They were trying to dissuade us from what we believe, but we didn't and the conversation didn't go anywhere. We're just friends now. 

Sunday was another good day. I felt like I was just going without food and water for 24 hours for most of it. But I did remember the reason why I was fasting so it helped me along the way. So the surprise that I mentioned earlier was for our investigator with a baptismal date was offered to move into this newly wed's home when they move in because they have an extra room. I was amazed at the charitable offer this brother made. This will ensure that he will get baptized and stay active. He came to church too yesterday. I'm so happy for him. It reminds me of the baptism I had in the Fleming Park ward. That was a miracle in and of itself. 

Yesterday it was raining again. But it was another good day because you know why? We get to do missionary work! After doing an hour of studies we went to Harper and had a lesson with one of the less active guys we have helped get active. He always enjoys our visits as do we. He had this one cat that was liking us a little too much. So I tossed it across the room several times. It was a kitten and the member didn't mind. Not much happened other that and another person that we visited. It was the person we visited with brother Brundage on Wednesday. She was extra mad yesterday because she wants to go to church and having an unnecessary party at her house until 4 AM didn't help her attitude to have her need to clean it up. I certainly hope she moves to South Carolina to receive the blessings of living the gospel. It being fast Sunday, we talked with her a bit about fasting. She thought she might try it sometime to help her get Sundays off and go to church. But yep! That was pretty much my week! 

Dad, thanks for your letters. I always love reading about your experiences at work and learning about how it's not all just work building phones but about working together; something I still need to work on as well. But thanks for the pictures. I don't have much more time but hope you all have a great week at the family reunion! Love,

Elder Sutherland

PS: "You have received the medal of honor. You can hold your breath underwater for 30 seconds?...Does it look like I speak Spanish?"

"Your face, como un burro."

"Oh, why thank you. Go on kids."

(Sorry, Cody for butchering that. I am losing ideas now.)

7-30-13

Family, 

Well what an interesting week this was. It was filled with service and more service and more service. Let me get into it.

So Monday last week just was a normal P-day despite me waking up feeling sick. I got over it as the day progressed. At about 4 we went to Wellington to get our needed groceries not knowing what would hit the town of Argonia, Kansas. There weren't even that many clouds from what I remember. But as we were getting dinner at Subway, we got word that another town had lost power because of the storm. It was only barely sprinkling in Wellington. But after proselyting that evening, the Brundage's called us and said that their power was out too and would be out for a few days. I was a little worried. When we pulled into town, we saw why. Apparently the rain was just unbelievably hard and the wind gusted up to 90 miles an hour. That's hurricane weather! It knocked out our power only for 6 hours, fortunately, but the AC was destroyed. Little did we know what was coming later. 

On Tuesday we had a good district meeting then drove back to Wellington. After some proselyting, we went to dinner with our ward's relief society president and her husband. Their grandsons were there. One of their grandsons got his mission call to the Las Vegas Nevada west mission. I know an Elder in that mission so that sounds like he'll have a great time. Gladys Knight lives there too. Anyways, after dinner we went on splits to go see some less actives in Belle Plaine. I went with the guy that just got his mission call and the other guy went with the grandfather and my companion. After seeing a few other less actives and inviting them back to church (none of which came), we went home. The clouds were super dark by the time we left. The next thing that happened to me was that we got home at 9:25 and the latest that we are allowed to get home is 9:30. Boy was I glad that we were obedient because right at 9:30 another huge storm rolled through this time with hail the size of golf balls. What damage the storm the night before didn't do this one took care of. Our car wasn't harmed, thankfully. Our power was out again. We had lots of candles so had plenty of light, but after dropping my flashlight the first night, it hasn't worked since. So I had to use Elder Evans' small flashlight to get ready for bed. It was a hassle but worked out. That was the biggest storm I think I've ever been in. Dad and I ran into a pretty big one on our way back from Philmont but it was nothing like what we had here. I was just grateful that we were obedient and got home on time. The power came on again right before we went to bed. We are still without AC but living in the basement keeps it pretty cool here. 

Wednesday was clean up day. We worked in the backyard until like 4 in the afternoon or something like that. We helped pick up branches and cut them up too. It reminded me of all the good times that Dad and I had doing the yard work and stuff. It has been raining a lot here lately, therefore cooling off the weather a ton. I am so grateful for it too because this time last year in was like 110 every day. But we've only had one day this year that we've hit 110 (knock on wood). August, apparently, is supposed to be pretty hot. But we'll just have to wait and see. 

On Wednesday, my back spasms returned. It is pretty painful sometimes. While we were proselyting that night, we went up to one of our investigator's doors and found the pamphlet and copy of the Book of Mormon on the porch saying "Mormons: We're not interested."

Thursday we helped in the backyard until like 4:45. I got a sunburn on Wednesday (I didn't put on sunscreen) but enjoyed being out there. We tried to get some people to open their stinkin' doors but unfortunately didn't. The whole time we did service throughout the week this week I felt like we were wasting our time by not proselyting. But the Brundages do so much for us, it's the only way we can pay them back. 

On Friday we did some more service in the cooler temperatures but just not as long as before. We had a nice day of bringing the gospel to the people of Wellington that day. But before that, we visited with this investigator that we have that is married to a less active. She's only less active because she goes wherever her husband goes which is the church in Freeport, Kansas. A town of 5 people. In Wellington, we talked to the guy that we have on baptismal date. He went down to Moore, Oklahoma over the weekend for his new job with a construction company, He's been looking for a job for a while now. Apparently there's a lot of work to do down in Moore due to the tornado a couple of months ago and a couple other storms later on. 

On Saturday, we helped move some of the limbs from the huge pile that we have outside into a truck that took it to the unloading burning spot just south of town here. In Caldwell we had a good day with some interesting experiences including talking to this one guy for about an hour. We could tell he was just trying to prove us wrong but you can't do that with the gospel, right? Sunday marked my year mark for my first baptism last year. I have a total of 5 now, but that was a memorable one. I actually got an e-mail from him today. It meant a lot to hear from him for the first time since his move back in November. We also went on a run this morning. I tell you, I am super out of shape. Sorry for the non-detail. I don't have that much time today. 

So yeah! thanks for telling me about your week! I hope everything goes well this week and you all stay safe. Have fun at the reunion! OH WAIT, if by chance you see a blue Chrysler minivan driving past you with a Kansas license plate, it could be a family from my first area driving to Idaho to take their daughter to school up there. Hopefully you can say hi to them. But I have to go, sorry. Love,

Elder Sutherland

PS: "I hate the pill"