1-6-2014

Here's me 'hangin' out' with Shrek at one of our investigator's homes. Donkey wasn't there, unfortunately.

Family,

I loooooved those pictures that Dad sent. I thought it was hilarious how almost all of you were sleeping so much in there. You know how much I like sleeping in the car (or lack thereof) so I won't go into detail about that. Sounds like y'all had a great trip out to Utah. Did you get any pictures of Elder Mendoza? Seeing Jayce out in the snow reminded me of here. There's lots of snow here right now. Don't worry about the record cold here. I've actually been enjoying it because as a result, people are actually letting us in. For some reason people aren't home as well but I just think that's because some people are returning from trips during Christmas break. Or they could just be ignoring us. I don't know. Our phone this morning said it was -8 degrees outside. Our thermostat on the car said 1 degree last night and we were walking around Pratt in 7 degree weather. Yeah, it was pretty cold but I actually enjoyed it. It could be worse, right? I could be serving in the Dakotas or something like that. Anyways, I like the cold. Not as much as the hot but...whatever on to my week.

Monday was just another typical P-Day. We had an appointment fall through on us because the wife was sick but we hope to go back tonight and see if they're available. He is a less active that hasn't been to church since he was like 10 or something so he knows almost nothing about the church and she isn't a member at all. His Dad is the pastor at the local Cunningham Christian church.

Tuesday was service day. I wore shorts and a t-shirt to service on New years eve. It was warm except the wind bit into me a little. Not much happened on this New Year's eve except we did talk to this one guy who we think is a drug dealer. He looks like the actor for scarecrow off of Batman Begins. We taught him a brief message about the restoration and answered his many questions. That night for new years eve we didn't do anything special nor did we hear any crazy noises like last year (gunshots in the air). It just felt like a normal day for us.

Wednesday was a blah day. We set up a few appointments, tracted a little bit, and did a few other things. I really don't remember much about this day. Thursday, however, was different. So the previous night it started to get really cold and windy but today was even worse. We taught one of our investigators with a baptismal date (who is no longer on date since he didn't come to church) that morning. He has a loud mouth, that's for sure. He just didn't stop talking enough where the spirit could testify of what we were telling him. So that was frustrating. I think we set a return appointment. I hope we did. Let me check. Well it looks like we did not. Well we'll need to do that this week. We have zone conference tomorrow so it is going to be tough to do much proselyting here in Kingman at all.

Thursday, meanwhile, was pretty windy. It didn't seem like it was going to be as cold as it was so we were unprepared for the wind chill factor. 2 of our appointments fell through this day as well. So we were distraught at that. But one appointment that did hold was totally awesome. We spent a whole 45 minutes talking about the word of wisdom and the blessings that accompany it. She knows what she needs to do and even wants to be baptized. But she can't until she marries the guy she's living with and that can't happen until she finalizes the divorce stuff for her previous husband. So it's kind of upsetting but she did commit to come to church next Sunday the 12th. So Elder Clay and I were totally stoked about that. She was out of town this week so couldn't come. But we'll get her and her fiancé next week to come. After her, we saw a potential investigator who let us in right away. he had lots of questions and seems very promising. He seems like, to me, many of the early church converts who were looking for the truth but know not where to find it, as the scripture says. He said that the moment he walks into a church is if he can tell if it's right or not. He currently doesn't attend any church because he doesn't like any of the ones in Kingman. So we've invited him out to Pratt but he hasn't committed yet. He's one of those individuals who thinks that there are multiple prophets on Earth such as Billy Graham and Kenneth Copeland. I'm like: "Dude, that's not right." Not really, but I was thinking that. He agreed that President Monson is a prophet too. I shared with him Matthew 7: 14-16 where it talks about false prophets that are in sheeps clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves. I hope he makes up his mind and comes to church.

That night, we visited with a potential who is from Grossmont in San Diego. He kept repeating over and over: "God is everywhere. God is everywhere." That's why there are so many churches. Even after explaining it, he still didn't get it. He had the TV on and I wanted to ask him to turn it off, but I already told him to watch his language (he responded to that inquiry by saying that this is my house and my rules) so I didn't ask him. I guess that came back to bite me because out of the corner of my eye, I saw an advertisement for the winter Olympics. That temporarily made me trunky.

Friday we had our zone meeting in Wichita. Elder Stopper is one of our new zone leaders. It's funny because I was his zone leader for a transfer and now he's my zone leader. Weird, huh? We stayed there until 3:30 after lunch to help clean up.

Saturday was a full Kingman day. We had 2 appointments fall through as it started to snow again. I was concerned that church would be cancelled again like 2 weeks ago but fortunately it wasn't. Sunday was really cold. Church was not cancelled. The stipulation was if the roads were bad, then don't come to church at all. The branch presidency didn't want anybody coming if they didn't need to. But we came and one of our less actives from Kingman came as well. There were tons of people out of town today too so as a result there was only an hour of church. I bore my testimony again and so did Elder Clay. That's the blessing of being in a small branch; you get to bear your testimony frequently. We walked around today. As long as we were walking south it wasn't cold because the wind was coming from the north. Even so, as long as we were walking and actively moving around, it wasn't bad at all. Last night, the sisters wanted us to go see one of their investigators who speaks mainly Spanish. I think he struggles to speak to people even in his native language but he really enjoyed us coming over because I was like the only one that could speak to him, Elder Clay said that he understood some of the conversation and even I didn't understand some of it. But we made due and got the work done. He accepted a restoration DVD and a copy of the Book of Mormon in Spanish. I love love love speaking Spanish to people. It makes me happy to see them happy that they can speak to someone in their native language. Sometimes I don't understand what they are saying depending on what country they are from (Mexicans speak really fast as opposed to like South American nations) but it makes me happy that they can have the gospel in their life too. The Spanish Elders from Wichita come out about once every other months so it's good that I'm there. Now, I don't know how to teach the lessons but I try to explain the Book of Mormon and other basic language. But that's pretty much my week. Walking to our car last night was fun in such cold weather. No sarcasm intended.

Mom, I totally loved what you said at the end of your letter. I really do hope that I grow and think I will because there are still trials that await me, that's for sure. But I really don't want to think about home right now because I still have 6 months to serve and I want to savor it because I won't be able to get it back. I also laughed at what you said regarding choosing my wife. I know you'll have to approve them someday so I'm glad I got the marriage committee by my side, haha! Oh happy birthday to Grandma by the way. Yesterday was T-Dub's birthday. I wonder how he's doing. Thanks for all that you do and I hope you all have a great week adjusting to normal day life. I can't believe Christmas break went by so fast (who cares about being politically correct about naming the break). I guess it just goes by faster and faster. But I need to go. Have a great week! I love you! Love

Elder Sutherland

12-30-13

Family,

Well I had a good week. Kingman is eating with my mind at times but you know you just go with the flow. I totally loved all those pictures and video that you sent me. Pennie is just the funniest dog when it comes to Christmas time. I love it! What was the toy she got? Was it just a squeaky toy dog? Has she ripped the squeaker out of it yet? I love how she does that. So I'm still waiting for Dad's letter but I'm sure he's almost done. Did you take the week off this week too? I hope you guys can enjoy it. Well let me tell you about this week, shall I?

Monday was just another P-Day pretty much although the senior couple had to go to Wichita for a senior missionary gathering. So we had to do our laundry at the Laundromat next door to our apartment complex. It used up pretty much all of my quarters. Oh, before I forget to ask, would it be okay if I sent home my SD card? How do I do that without scratching something important? Also, to Dad, do you need to state the authority when you dedicate a home? I was just wondering. 

Tuesday we went back to the library because we had to complete a survey and write a short essay on the history of opening up Kingman as a new area. We then had an awesome lesson with one of our investigators in the which we watched Elder Holland's talk from this past General conference titled: "Like a Broken Vessel." The spirit was quite strong and he really liked it. He really feels like this church is true but struggles with certain things like hygiene and especially transportation. We're trying to come up with ideas for him but unless he does it himself, then nothing is going to happen. We'll pray for him, that's for sure. That just made me think when I was in Blue Springs in the Fleming Park ward, we fasted and prayed for a particular investigator who eventually got baptized. I think we can have that experience again with this particular investigator and even all of the other ones that I have here in Kingman. My faith has fallen a bit recently but that is a good thing because it's made me think about my testimony and the strength of it. 

Wednesday was Christmas day. We were blessed with an appointment that we scheduled during weekly planning. We taught half of the first lesson and invited him to baptism. He didn't seem all too gung ho about everything but said he would. So we're going to go back this week and re-commit him to come to church and therefore be baptized. We feel we need to include the wife too or else this won't work for him. I later opened my presents and was happy with what I got (you know me...whenever I open a present I never jump up in the air with excitement but rather, I am satisfied with everything). By the time weekly planning ended and we'd eaten lunch, it was time to go to Pratt and Skype. That was so fun to see you on the other side of that computer. It felt as if I hadn't even left home. Elder Clay enjoyed his Skype call. It was kind of funny because we heard him through the door most of his call. His voice is kind of loud sometimes. Dinner was amazing, Brother Gordon special ordered this roast and it was waaaaaaay good. By Tuesday I was not feeling too good at all. I've been fighting a cold ever since then but now am just dealing with the side-effects like stuffy nose and all that. I was feeling quite poopy on Thursday but we still went out and got to work. 

It was pretty warm on Thursday and as a result, the snow from Saturday was melting at a fast rate. That made walking quite fun. It made my shoes quite dirty (no use cleaning them because the first step you take outside the door will make your shoes dirty) quickly. Some of our appointments this day fell through which made the day longer. I was looking forward to Friday more than I should've. I need to focus on the now more than anything. We did a lot of tracting on Thursday. 

Friday we had an appointment at 1 that fell through. Later, we talked to this teenager guy that invited us in even though he had loud, worldly music on, and playing video games with a few of his friends. I declined the offer and realized right after what I said was not what I should've said. His family wasn't home and we need to involve whole families. But that's just an excuse. We'll try to go back this week and teach the whole family or maybe even just him. Later, we went to district meeting in Pratt. The zone leaders came out all the way from Wichita because we were going on exchanges with them later that night. I received several compliments on my training at district meeting. I trained on D&C section 4 breaking it down verse by verse. I was grateful for the involvement and excitement that they showed during it too. I went to Wichita that night with Elder Hamblin. I was going to his companion again for the day on Saturday. Do you remember him? I was his companion from December 2012 through January 2013. I really enjoyed being his companion. Being on exchanges on Saturday and being a zone leader for a day was way fun. I also loved seeing some of my old investigators and many of the members that were in the singles ward. One of the sisters in the ward enters the MTC on January 15th for Carlsbad, California. She said the boundaries go from Del Mar to Murrieta. I didn't know that. 

Yesterday being Sunday was a great day. I had the chance to partake of the sacrament again for the first time in 2 weeks. Last week we got snowed out and had to wait until this week. It felt great to be able to be cleansed and handle the emblems of the sacrament. For the fifth Sunday lesson, our branch president spoke on priorities. He listed some things on the chalk board and we put ones or twos  or threes by them according to what we thought would be the most important in someone's life. He emphasized tithing a lot along with the balance of family, career, church calling, and everything else the world throws at us. It was a great lesson. I loved it. There is a member of the branch that we later spoke with at his home. He didn't come to church because he was sick. So we discussed his family history and eventually got him to turn off the TV (watching the NFL) to talk about temples and stuff. He says that he can't go to the temple because he can't afford to pay tithing. He says he was told that, in order to got o the temple, he would need to be a full tithe payer for a year, according to our branch president. He gets angry fairly easy and as a result I did not boldly speak up and testify of the blessings of tithing. I don't really have a testimony of tithing yet because I haven't needed to stretch myself to pay it and wait for the Lord's hand to bless me. But that day sure will come. That night after dinner we went to this one guy that was a former investigator down in Galveston, Texas. I intended on going there and introducing him and his family to the sisters so that they can take over with them (they live in Pratt) for only like 30 minutes. But this guy just wouldn't stop talking. I was so frustrated and impatient (I'm honestly trying to work on that) the whole time because that appointment made us get home 45 seconds exactly after curfew back in Kingman. We got out of there at about 8:40 and still had to walk to the church for 15 minutes and drive home for 30. But that is just another trial that I'm going to have to work on. I don't know how to make someone stop talking. I don't want to get on this guy's bad side either. That made me really mad. But I'm over it now and that ended our week.

So I just read Dad's e-mail and really enjoyed the journeys and adventures that he told me about. Why were the Hepworth's in town again?  We have an amazing leader in the form of Grandpa. I am grateful for the love that he shares with everybody. Well sorry I didn't write to anyone last week. I was busy writing other letters and laundry and stuff like that. It was a crazy P-Day last week. Unfortunately, I need to go right now. But I really loved skyping with all of you. I always look forward to talking with you and e-mailing each week. I thought it was totally funny how Jayce (whose voice has totally transformed in 7 months since I skyped last) kept running in and out with his BB gun. But anyways, I best be off. May the Lord bless you and strengthen you when you feel down. I love you. Love,

Elder Sutherland

PS: "You and me, me and you, both of us together!!!!"

12-23-13

Making Christmas cookies!

 A little tiny tree and presents!

Family,

So this week was warm and then cold. I got the letter and package with the cookies and popcorn. That was very nice of you. Elder Clay and I call the snickerdoodles Scooby snacks because they're just so delicious. So thank you. I enjoyed the letter from Cody and Jayson. Jayson's letter was filled with trunky questions but it was totally cute. Elder Clay "aaahh"-ed at some of them. As far as the Skype is concerned, I'm still not 100% sure where and when but my plan is to call you right before and say get on. I'm either going to do it in the mid-afternoon in Pratt where we're going to have dinner or we're going to do it in the early afternoon here in Kingman at Brother Waters' house. So I'll just call you from the member's phone and say get on. I hope that's okay with you because I assume you'll be available all day.

Okay my week this week was better but still kind of tough. There's still plenty of opposition here but we see the hand in the Lord all the time. Monday was nice and warm. It got up to like 71 degrees in the afternoon where the Sisters and us made sugar cookies at the Greenlaws house. That's the picture that I sent to you. I also sent you one of them on their way to Wichita for transfers on Wednesday. We miss her but are glad to have Sister Miller in our district now. On Monday night we went caroling to various homes as a branch for FHE. It was fun. 

Tuesday we began service at the Kingman county recycle plant. The guy in charge there was super grateful for our help because all the volunteers he works with are convicted criminals and sometimes don't get the job done correctly. So we helped unload some bales of wood palates. I don't really remember what happened on both Wednesday and Tuesday just that during weekly planning we said bye to Sister Bitter. Oh, we did walk way far up North and get a new potential investigator. That was the main highlight of the day. The investigators that we did have an appointment with at night after dinner weren't all at home. They finally did arrive but only after we were waiting for like 45-60 minutes. So we didn't have time to teach a lesson at all. So that was a bummer. 

Thursday we did more service at the recycle plant where the guy in charge went and bought us some drinks and cookies. He is super nice and we'll try and grab his address to be able to go by and teach about the gospel to him and his family sometime. We wore real service clothes this time because last time we wore our church clothes and they got all dirty from the bales inside the truck we were working in. This time we helped load these huge bales of compressed cardboard boxes. Boy were these heavy. We had a jack to use but we really enjoyed the work that we did. After, we had another appointment with one of our investigators. She said that she knows it's true but she's afraid to leave her old life behind to commit to this life and then miss everything that she had before. She was out of town this weekend...I think. So she couldn't come to church. We are really showing care for her and want the best for her. She knows what she needs to do but she's just not committing us much as she needs to. Another thing that's kind of frustrating is that there are many distractions there. People coming in and out and disrupting the spirit. At the end of the lesson, she had a friend come in and pick up her son who was being babysat. We'll be praying for her and working with her. We had 4 appointment today but only one held. So that was a bummer. 

Friday was a little bit of a better day. We did some more service for one of our investigator's daughters at the Kingman rec center by setting up table and chairs and baking cookies. Yes, Mom, I actually baked some cookies without adult supervision. Aren't you proud of me? JK. We also went to Pratt and had district meeting. It was a great meeting as I provided a decent training on lesson one, the restoration. I hope it aroused the district to a greater sense of their duty. I also found out today (meaning 12/23/13) that Elder Andrus is a district leader now. I'm so proud of that kid. He's an awesome missionary now in the MIM instead of the KWM. That reminds me, I can't believe the sisters that came out with me are home now. Isn't that crazy?! Time sure flies by when you're in the service of our God. I'm looking forward to serving well for the rest of my mission. I'm also looking forward to skyping all of you at home. That'll be fun. We'll get an hour again. But just like I mentioned above, I'll call your right before and say get on. 

Saturday was a full Kingman day yet again. In the early part of the day, it started to have freezing rain. Then later in the day it turned into snow. So we got like 6 inches of snow this past weekend and as a result it cancelled church. So I haven't taken the sacrament in over a week now. I'm going less active! Just kidding, just kidding. But Saturday was totally sweet!!! Since the weather was terrible, everybody was home and inside because they couldn't go anywhere. We taught 3 lessons this day and got 4 new investigators. It was totally cool to see the Lord bless us with this kind of weather to make our hearts warm up a bit because of the amount of work that we are doing. The appointment that we were looking forward to at night that night cancelled because one of the investigators got sick and had to re-schedule. I think the Lord blessed us with a snow day not only to bless us but to try us. Even though Elder Clay loves the snow, the snow cancelling church was kind of hard for him a little bit. It was hard for me too because Satan has been eating at my mind again just as he has in Wamego and other parts of my mission saying that you don't need to go outside and work. But alas, we went out and work. After all, that is the recipe for success: Arise at 6:30 everyday and go to work. The Lord, as a result, has been blessing us. In the past 2 days (even within the past few hours) members have been giving us food right when my food supply was beginning to diminish. So I love seeing the hand of the Lord in my life and it is so much more evident as a missionary. 

The blessings of missionary service not only apply to me but they also apply to you. I know I am blessing you. So it's just one constant cycle where you pray for me and me for you. Sunday was tough but we left the apartment and got to work. More and more people are surprised to see us out and working in this weather. We actually have been blessed to talk to and meet another less active member here in town. Isn't it awesome finding members that aren't on your records? They're all over the place. So we'll be getting them back to church someday. But despite the snow and bad weather and church being cancelled and all, these experiences will "be for my good" as the doctrine and covenants relay in section 122. Well anyways, that was my week! You can talk to me more about it on Wednesday and whatever else you want to talk about.

Sorry, Dad, that the interfaith shelter was so bad this year and that you got so sick. I hope that it gets better in future years. I feel like I want to give that lady a piece of my mind. How long has the ward been going to the interfaith shelter? It's been since before I was a deacon. I also just want to say one thing to you guys: "HI CAITLIN!" I'll see y'all on Wednesday. Love,

Elder Sutherland

PS: I'll be praying for all of you.

PPS: "F is for fire that burns down the buildings. U is for uranium...bombs. N is for no survivors!" 

12-16-2013

 Goofy Elder Sutherland

 Goofy Elder Sutherland and Elder Clay

At the Branch Christmas Party

Family,

I assume Dad didn't have any time to e-mail me today/yesterday because of tithing settlement and stuff. But if he sends me an e-mail within the next couple of hours, I will take that first sentence back. So it sounds like you guys had a pretty good but tough week. Actually, it was the exact same here in Kansas too. Even though the weather is temporarily warming up, the work has been slowing down a lot. I'll get into the details in a minute. I just wanted to ask you a couple of questions, what do you do with the Harvesters that I send home? Also, have you gotten my zit stuff? I assume you will send that in your paskage to me. I have a lot to write to this week. But as far as skyping is concerned, yes I am allowed to Skype but I don't know when or where yet. I've been thinking about either doing it here in Kingman at a member's house (like brother Waters) or going to Pratt and doing it over dinner there. I will definitely let you know next week.

Last Monday was quite chilly but good at the same time. I always enjoy P-Days. In Pratt, we do laundry at the senior couple's house so it was fun to be able to hear their stories and interact with them and stuff. Tuesday last week was super fun! We woke up at 5:30 (UGH! I was so tired) to be at the 13th street building by 8. Turns out, we only needed to be there at 10:45 but upon asking the zone leaders over and over they kept saying be there at 8. So we did and it was unnecessary. The Sisters had to get up at 5 in order to be there on time. Speaking of the Sisters, Sister Bitter is going to Manhattan this week. It was only a 5-week transfer because if we had a 6 week transfer, transfer day would've fallen on Christmas day. That would've been crazy even though I would'nt've cared. 

Anyways, Tuesday was awesome because we had a combined zone Christmas partay. There was food and reverse charades. After we waited for like 4 hours to be interviewed and didn't get back home to Kingman until after 9:30. But we made it! Wednesday was kind of a "meh" kind of day. But that night we had a member come out with us from Pratt and we taught a lesson to our most solid investigator. He committed to baptism but still has a lot to overcome, like working on Sundays or getting a car to get him to and fro church in Pratt. He came to church yesterday, though, and absolutely loved it! I think he liked it most because it was potluck Sunday just like we had in the Wellington ward. 

Thursday was another day. The days here seem to be getting longer and harder to go and work. The holidays are pretty tough here. We had an appointment with one of our investigators with a baptismal date and taught her and her son half of the restoration again. We also taught her the word of wisdom and she totally just accepted it then and there. We thought she had no issues with it at all. But she called us the next day and said that she had discussed it over with her husband and that they were going to try the Nazarene church here in town. I just about blew up when she said that because she has told us repeatedly that she knew that this was the only church on the Earth today with the fullness of the gospel. She has had the same questions Joseph Smith had when he entered the sacred grove. Man, aren't people just so smart? That night after our planning session, we felt kind of down because our teaching pool is decreasing while the opposition to us is rising. Everyone knows we're here now. It's just a matter of providing an example for the people here. Are we living a gospel centered life like the Savior? I sure hope so. I know we are but it's not we think of us, it's what others think of us. That's why we need to be on our best behavior. Anyways, the Sisters sent us a message where they sang us the children's hymn: "Scripture Power" and mixed up the words by using Sister power or Elder power. It was cute and lifted us up a ton. The next day we sent a message where we wrote a poem. They were appreciative of that. 

Friday was an okay day as well. It was also my 18-month mark. So that's all I have left. 6 months. What will I make of it? Let's find out. We did service today at the Kingman food bank located in the basement of the local Presbyterian church. They love us coming over because everything gets done so much quicker and easier with us tall kids. They always appreciate our help. I don't really remember what else happened that was super epic. 

Saturday was an especially epic day. It started out fun and exciting but ended on the other side of things. We had our branch Christmas party in the morning breakfast style. It was way fun and delicious. They made crepes for us and eggs, sausage, and bacon. I thought it was lovely. After the party, we dedicated the sisters' apartment. we got approval from the mission president to do that. Oh, we also dedicated our apartment the night before. I just wanted to ask Dad about the dedication ordinance. The white handbook says that I don't have to state authority when I do that, but am I supposed to? I haven't when I dedicated any apartment/home throughout my mission. So just thought I'd ask you since the awesomest Dad ever. Just got your e-mail by the way. Sorry you were so busy and now are paying the price. 

Anyways, after the dedication, we went back to Kingman to have studies and lunch before heading out to proselyte. While tracting this one specific apartment complex, we came across this one guy who, come to find out, is a long lost member. His records aren't here so we were psyched to meet him. He had kind of a potty mouth too and like you know, it bothers me to no end when someone swears and doesn't care. So I asked him if he could watch his language because it offends me. I meant to be bold with him but not overbearing. All of a sudden he started screaming at me saying get off his property while using some choice words. I didn't think he was serious at first so I just stepped off the sidewalk but then he ripped off his jacket and started coming at me. If he was as tall as me, he would've been standing nose to nose with me. So he was like 6 inches shorter and was trying to instigate a fight all the while I wasn't saying a thing nor did I move. He kept swearing up a storm. Finally his wife/girlfriend came out and didn't even acknowledge us and said something to him like: "Stop! You can't go to jail!" We were walking away at that point. I simply cannot tolerate that language. Elder Clay doesn't like it when I do that but whatever. I'm going to tell someone to stop taking the Lord's name in vain. So that made me down in the dumps because those words hurt to hear. I felt a lot better the next day. 

Sunday was a great day. I always love going to Pratt. As I said, we had our first investigator at church today for this transfer. He was picked up by the high councilor who came and spoke at the branch today. For dinner that night we had chicken and waffles and it was super good. I always love having dinner with the member that feeds us weekly. They make such exotic foods that I usually love. The only thing I haven't liked was the Indian food. So that was my week! Those other pictures that I sent later were taken by Sister Bitter in our district. She's getting transferred this week so we'll miss her.

I'm super bummed out that Cody won't be able to participate in track this next year. It's all in the Lord's will, though. This may be the toughest time of his life but it's not in his hands. I've been praying for him and also for Dallin too so hopefully he can turn his act around. Have you sent his records to the ward in which he now lives? Do you have his address? I would like to send him another letter. One more week until Christmas break for you! That's so exciting! Please say hi to Billy and Caitlin for me. Are they going to be there for Christmas? I think it would be fun to be able to Skype with them again. OH! I also got to practice my Spanish this week too. We have some Spanish potentials that also speak English but prefer Spanish. I kind of dominated the conversation so there's room for improvement, haha! Well I best be off. You guys have a great week! Bye! Love,

Elder Sutherland

12-9-2013

Family,

First off, I am happy you got to talk to brother Waters. He's a really cool guy and used to live right next door to us before he moved a few blocks down to a bigger house with more room. I thought he was going to attend your ward but when I told him it starts at 9 AM (I think) he was like: "You're gonna make me get up early, are ya?" I really like his southern accent. Okay on to my week.

Monday was a very warm day. It felt so good to be wearing short sleeves before the winter blast hit us later in the week. That's when I took the picture of the geico gecko. There's a less active in Cunningham that was entered in a light competition just like snoopy in Charlie Brown. I don't know if he won yet but we'll find out tonight. I also wrote to brother Chen but haven't gotten a response yet. Speaking of letters, I haven't gotten any letters from anyone other than Grandpa for like over a month. I'm not complaining, I'm just saying. My MTC teacher predicted this and boy, was he right, haha! 

From Tuesday to Saturday we stayed in Kingman. I can't really remember what happened on Tuesday but that night we contacted a referral. This guy that we talked to has huge issues with God and his reality. He never really gave us too much of a chance to speak for the whole hour or so that we were there. He said that it's easy to believe in Jesus because there are tons of paintings of Him. He said if there were paintings of God it would be a lot easier to believe in Him. He's gone through many trials throughout his life that have degraded his patience with God like being charged with a DUI when he was totally fine. We did the best we could to answer his questions and would've answered them had he given us time to speak. To be honest, I was just glad when we got out of there, haha! 

Wednesday was when it really started to get cold. We had a ton of appointments that fell through this day but we made it work. We got a new investigator right before dinner. He's pretty cool and we're looking forward to inviting him to things. The biggest problem here in Kingman (including the guy I just described) is that they can't afford to drive all the way out to Pratt to come to church. Either that or they don't even have a car to get out there. That is super frustrating sometimes but we do what we can. A member came out with us that night and took us to Houdini's pizza. After I demolished their food, we had all of our appointments fall through. We literally tried everyone and all of our plans fell through. That stinks so much because he's our only team-up for the week and that's the only time in which we can get member presents. We did get to sit down with him and talk about the branch while having McDonald's hot chocolate. That was fun. Missionary work is very important to him. He's our Elders quorum president. We also sat down and spoke with brother Waters before the end of the night. That's when he told us he was going to SD this weekend. I can't remember if he said that he was going for work or vacation. But that's cool that he talked to you! I thought for sure that he would attend your ward. Maybe next time, though. 

Thursday was a tough day because we just could not plan effectively. Walking around Kingman is nice because everyone notices us. In fact a member who lives here called us one day and said that we're the talk of the town. She works at the hospit5al and spoke with someone there that told her that we came in asking to do service and talk to people in need. So I'm glad we're being noticed. I don't remember much from Thursday just that 2 more appointments fell through. Oh, we also wrote a letter to one of our inactive members here in Kingman to try to see if they actually live at their listed address. No response yet. 

Friday was a very depressing day. At about 8 o'clock at the beginning of our studies, we got a voicemail from president Bell which said the following: "Yesterday I received a letter from Salt Lake which says the following: 'due to the increasing numbers of missionaries throughout the world, Elders will be serving 18 month missions and Sisters will be serving 12 month missions. No extensions will be given.'" So for that hour of studies I cried and couldn't believed that my mission would end at the beginning of February. I felt like Dad at the end of his mission getting sent home 6 months early. I couldn't believe it. Then finally at the beginning of companionship study we got a voicemail from the zone leaders which I thought said to continue working hard for the amount of time that we have left. He later called me and explained the situation. It was just an exercise to make us recognize that our missions are going to end eventually and we need to devote all our time and attention to serving the Lord. I was pretty upset that we were joked and so was every other missionary in the zone. Apparently it wasn't even supposed to be sent out but it was supposed to be said at zone meeting the next day. I soon got over it, though, relieved that I am still going to be here for the full 2 years. The sisters in my district were pretty distraught, however, and were super depressed. Luckily, my companion is super good at making them laugh so we brightened their day fairly easily. 

Meanwhile, during the day we had a great lesson with a lady who has a baptismal date (it won't hold though due to certain stuff). The spirit was strong as we watched the restoration video. She now knows that the church is true and that this is where she needs to be. Again it's her financial situation. She said that she will save money to pay for the gas to get out there. We then thought to get her son involved in the lessons. He is 10 and more into religion than any other 10 year old I've seen. That night we had a super awkward situation too after dinner. We tried one of our potentials but she didn't answer but they pulled up as we were walking away. We just stood there thinking about what to do as they watched us for like 3 minutes. We soon just walked up to them and talked to them. She didn't remember who we were and as soon as she grabbed what she needed inside, got back in her special someone's car and he began to pull away before we finished talking to her. She eventually remembered who we were and when we met her like the second day we got to Kingman. We asked when we could return to help her with her junk in the front yard and inside but she didn't get a definitive answer. So we just left. I was glad to get out of there. 

Saturday we had a good zone meeting in Wichita. We had a mini-district meeting there too talking about our goals and such too. It was good. That night, we had dinner in Pratt where some members fed us Hanukkah type food. It was super good. On Sunday we had branch council and then had good meetings. We gained a new investigator too. That night we went to do secret Santa ourselves. It was way fun and I almost slipped on the ice. But I was happy to be able to bring back memories of SD doing that with the family. I also watched the first presidency Christmas devotional. It was a great devotional with lots of great music. Dad, all I have to say to you is........... MACK!!!! I loved Sister Wixom's talk the best. But yeah, that's pretty much my week!

Thank you so much for all that you guys do for me. I am truly appreciative of it. I have been chatting with Mom this whole time so I think all of your questions have been answered there. But I have to get going here pretty soon. May the Lord bless you this wonderful Christmas season. No matter how low things get, look at the bright side of life. I love this gospel and am so grateful for the testimony that I have acquired over these months in Kansas/Missouri. Love,

Elder Sutherland

PS: I am proud to announce that I didn't delete everything while typing.

PPS: "There was a little girl who had a little curl frolicking around in the forest. - "

"Stop it, I beg of you!"

"I'm sorry I acted so silly."

"Oh it's quite all right."