Week 65 – Another Round of Transfers

Making Transfer Calls

December 14, 2015

Howdy errybody! 

First of all I want to give a shout out to my wonderfully talented mother! I love you Mom! I have been handing out your Christmas CDs here, and everyone that has gotten one loves it!! I am sitting in the mission office as we speak and I can hear Sister Bell playing it.  It has been playing here in the office non-stop since I handed it out to everyone. So you are famous here in Nevada, and I am lucky to claim you as my mother!!

I am also grateful for all of my siblings who constantly write me letters and give me updates on the Sports world!! #ToddFamRepresent

Working on transfers with Elder Ash and Pres. Chestnut

We have spent the past week here in the office preparing for transfers tomorrow! This has been a short, 5-week transfer, and it went by SO fast. It feels like just yesterday Elder Ash arrived. But as we do the last week of every transfer, we spent lots of time staring at the transfer board and trying to prayerfully figure out companionship's and leadership and areas and all of that. Overall, this has been a small transfer, with not too many changes. Tomorrow we lose 5 missionaries and we gain 5 missionaries, and so we won’t have to open or close any areas, which is nice. 

5 missionaries going home.
Sister Stevenson is 2nd from right.

Tomorrow Sister Katie Stevenson goes home, and the mission is going to miss her! She has been a powerful missionary and a great leader for not just the Sisters, but us Elders as well. I looked up to her a lot. Ashburn Stake represent!!  But it is always fun to spend time with President in his office. He is really a hilarious guy when you get to know him. He is 100% himself around us, and it makes it a lot of fun. Our joke this week was, "Our we making any bonehead decisions?" in regards to the transfers. He kept asking us that and now it is one of our inside jokes.

Lavonda is doing GREAT! She is going to attend the temple this Friday! And yesterday, during the 2nd hour of church, she went and worked with the Family History Consultant and they got her mother’s information, and on Friday she is going to be baptized for her mother!! Is that cool or what?? 

Christmas lights in the upstairs of our apartment

This week should be a crazy, but fun week!! Tomorrow is transfer day, which is always lots of fun. And then on Thursday we have a huge West-side party, with about 120 missionaries in all the zones on the West side of the mission...Carson City, Reno, Reno North, Quincy, Sparks, and Fallon! And then after our party here, we are going to rip across Nevada and go to the East-side party, with the 3 zones out there – Elko, Ely and Winnemucca on Friday! We are super pumped to attend those, just two straight days of parties, wahooo!!  It will be lots of fun to see the whole mission again. Then Friday night we will have to drive back home for a meeting on Saturday with the new greenies and their trainers. So it should be an action-packed week. This new transfer will be 7 weeks long, so after these next two weeks of parties and Christmas it should settle down and be a normal transfer, without any zone conferences or anything. It will be nice to do some good ole missionary work! Our area has suffered a fair amount this past transfer because we have been so busy with mission-related administration items. We are probably going to put another set of Elders in our ward next transfer so that we can travel around the mission more and the ward itself won't suffer. 

Another pic of our apartment...Christmas lights and all

During this past week of transfer planning, we would always go out and proselyte in the evenings, and you would think that because we have so little time to proselyte that the Lord would bless us in the evenings, but this past week was one of the hardest weeks I've ever had! We had TONS of appointments in the evenings this past week, some even double booked, but only a few actually happened. It is really tough during this time of the year, too, because not many people are out and about in the evenings because it is dark and cold, and not many people are too excited to let us in when it is dark and cold, either. So we have to find the people that are open and available to let us in at that time of the day, and pray and plead with the Lord to lead us to those who are ready at that time.

Snowy Night

It has been pretty cold here lately...and it snows about every other day, but it usually doesn't stick around for very long. But it’s fun to have it actually feel like Christmas here! I have grown to really love the weather here in the west...I certainly do NOT miss the humidity back at home!!

Last week Elder Ash and I made a trip to Costco and LOADED up on stuff.  We spent almost $200 in groceries and stuff!  But we are loaded now.  We have tons of everything…milk, cheese, bacon, ham, bread, fruit, toilet paper – it is great. We are hoping we don't have to do much shopping these next two weeks. 

Costco Run

This past week I went to give a blessing in the hospital that is in our ward, and the lady had an NG Tube...and while we were there the nurse came in and pulled it out!! It brought back so many memories....not necessarily good memories, but memories nonetheless of when I was in the hospital with a ruptured appendix and had an NG tube of my own. I am grateful for the health that I have been blessed with while I have been here on my mission, it is truly a miracle that the Lord has blessed me with.

I speak a little Spanish every now and then...and the other day it donned on me that Christmas is just Christ-MAS...like 'More Christ". Pretty cool, eh? Just a random thought.

We loaded up!!

During the past few weeks I have been studying Chapter 4 of Preach My Gospel, which talks about The Holy Ghost. I have learned a lot from my studies, and it has made me so grateful for the Holy Ghost in my life. It is a teacher, a testifier, a guide, and a comforter for me in my life. Because of my studies I have been trying to more closely listen and identify impressions that I receive. The Sparks Stake President said in a meeting once, "A thought is an impression until otherwise proven." I like that quote a lot. I know that when we are doing what we should be and we are worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost, that truly any good thoughts that we receive are from the Spirit. I have taken the influence of the Spirit for granted sometimes, but it truly is one of the greatest blessings that anyone can have in their life. There are TONS of scriptures but one of my favorites is Moroni 10:5,  "And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."  I know that as we all strive to be worthy of the Holy Ghost in our life that we will be lead and guided in all that we do, which will allow us to experience more peace, joy, and confidence in this life.

One funny story about the companionship of the Holy Ghost...we had two Elders in our mission back into a pole at their house, and of course this caused damage to the back bumper which had to be reported to the vehicle coordinator and the President and all of that.  When Elder Zappe, the senior missionary who is also the vehicle coordinator, went down to check it out, he asked them, "Who was standing outside backing up the car?" (Because that is of course a church-wide rule for mission vehicles) and the Elder said, "The Holy Ghost" and I thought it was pretty funny myself that he would say that, but Elder Zappe wasn't too amused, and his response was something like, "well as soon as you put the car in reverse and your companion didn't get out, the Holy Ghost left." So a small little lesson about being worthy to have the Holy Ghost!!

I love you guys!!

Love,

Elder Richman Dawg

Week 64 – A visit with a General Authority!

Elder Ash and I with Elder and Sister Snow

December 7, 2015

Hey everyone!!

4 homies

Being a missionary during the Christmas time of the year is a total blast. There is so much excitement and buzz around with everyone; it makes missionary work even more fun. The other day I shot Laura (from Sun Valley) a text and asked to go and borrow the same Christmas tree that I used last year from them, and they said yes, so we went and picked it up from them and set it up at our place!!  We got our house all decked out with lights, and with the lights that Mom sent me, we have even more!! So it really feels like Christmas at our place.

Exchanges with Elder Baker

We had a good week this past week, we went on two exchanges, one of which I spent a day back in Cold Springs. That is always lots of fun, to go and see how the area changes and progresses. I was with Elder Bramall, who goes home next week, so he taught me a lot about all the things he learned the past 24 months. I also spent a day in Reno in Spanish, with Elder Baker. We had tons of fun also, teaching and preaching in Spanish!  On the day I spent with him, it was SUPER windy in Reno, so there was stuff flying all around us. It was really pretty crazy, but it made for some good conversation starters with people out on the streets!

Dog presentation

On Friday we had our monthly MLC meeting, and it was fantastic as always. The east side Zone Leaders drive into Sparks the night before and stay with us and with the Elders that live next door to us, and so that is always fun to have company for the night. Then the actual meeting itself is always great and very spiritual. We had a local member come in and bring his dog and give a presentation about obedience. His presentation was really good and it really hit home to me of the importance of obedience. I feel like I have learned a lot on my mission, but probably one of the biggest things that I have learned is the importance of being obedient. He taught us that dogs hate being on leashes, because it restricts their movements. So he has to trust his dog that he will be obedient to him when he calls him back or asks him to sit or whatever. 

He told us of one time he was out walking his dog, (without a leash) and the dog wandered off into the road, right in front of a big truck. The owner yelled out to him, and the dog began to ran towards him, right into the path of the truck. The dog obviously was not aware of the danger of the truck coming right at him. At the last second, the owner decided to do a certain whistle, which the dog understood as "sit", and as he whistled, the dog sat as he had learned, and the truck wizzed by him just inches from the dog's nose. If the dog had not listened, it would've certainly been killed. The same is true for us in life. We don't always see the dangers that lie in our paths, so when we are asked to do something, or the Holy Ghost tells us not to go somewhere, we NEED to listen. I know without a doubt that I want to be obedient to the Gospel for the rest of my life. When we are obedient it brings us confidence and a surety that things will get better. When I have gotten along great with my companions it is because we both have the same goal in mind to be exactly obedient, and so we can help one another fulfill that goal. I want that same thing to happen with my wife, to be able to help each other be obedient to ALL of the commandments. This to me is the most important thing, and nothing else matters when it comes to marriage....especially when it comes to choosing an ETERNAL companion...because eternity is a long time!! But his training with the dog really strengthened my testimony. 

Singing at MLC

At MLC Sister Chesnut had us all break into groups and sing a Christmas hymn in parts, which was actually SO much fun. I wish I had learned more from you Mom, but when I get back home I want to dive back into music including guitar and cello, because playing music is so much fun!! I uploaded a video of us presenting our song. Elder Zappe in the office here was a professional singer and so he rated all three groups who sang and our group won for overall sound.  (Clearly he didn't hear my voice or else that wouldn't have been the case...). 

Also at MLC, President Perry (2nd counselor in the mission presidency) gave a great training on a pattern that is found in Joseph Smith History verses 10-20 about receiving answers. It was awesome. He is a scriptorian and he always digs way deep into the scriptures and pulls stuff out of it. His trainings get me excited for my scripture classes at BYU, to really dig into the scriptures. By the way, on a side note, I LOVE hearing about what people are studying in the scriptures, so please give me frequent updates on what everyone is studying and learning, I love getting different perspectives on scriptures and stories the way that you see it. 

With Elder Snow and his wife

This past week we had Elder Stephen Snow of the Seventy come and tour our mission with his great wife. It was awesome. Last week after we emailed, we zipped down to Carson City for the first meeting with 3 zones. We (meaning Elder Ash and I and President Chesnut) had no idea what Elder Snow wanted to do with the big meetings, so we were just flying by the seat of our pants. We got there and Elder Snow STILL hadn't told us what the deal was, so about 10 minutes before the meeting started, he told President Chesnut that he wanted Elder Ash and I to take about 30 minutes at the beginning of the meeting, and then President and Sister Chesnut would take about 45 minutes combined, and then he and his wife would take the rest of the meeting....so Elder Ash and I had to whip up a quick little training in the 10 minutes we had because we had NOTHING prepared....so we quickly found a few scriptures and came up with a quick activity and then roll with it. It was weird because I felt tons of pressure to perform well in front of Elder Snow, but at the same time I felt lots of peace and comfort from the Holy Ghost. Our portion went well and Elder Snow said he enjoyed it a lot. We asked him how we could get

Me and Elder Ash

better, and he told us we needed to be louder, so the next meeting we trained at with him we talked much louder haha. But He and his wife gave some great training on working with members and how to find new investigators. It was awesome. Then on Monday night, we went up to President Chesnut's house and had dinner with Elder & Sister Snow, President & Sister Chesnut, and all the senior couples in the mission. It was WAY cool, to have dinner with a general authority!!  At the end of dinner we shared a spiritual message (as we ALWAYS do after a dinner) and had them all role-play  with one another. So that was fun...I felt TONS of pressure, though!!! But we all know "there is no growth in the comfort zone and no comfort in the growth zone,” so we were only growing. The next day, we basically had the same meeting, but with three different zones. Then President and Sister Chesnut and Elder and Sister Snow drove out to Elko, and had a third tri-zone meeting, but we did not attend that meeting. We had the Zone Leaders out there give our portion of the meeting. But it was very cool to spend time with a general authority like that. I am certainly very blessed, and I treasure the time I had with him.

Our apartment - ready for Christmas

During this time of the year it is very easy for us to turn inward and focus on ourselves and what we are going to receive from Santa or from others. However, I know that as we turn outward, and focus on who we can help and what we can give others, we will have a far more enjoyable holiday season.

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."

The Savior Jesus Christ never turned inward. He had many opportunities to do so, but he never did. This is something I need to work on, because I often get caught up in what I am going to receive. However, I am grateful for the time I have as a missionary because it allows me to focus on giving to others instead of turning inward. 

The Church is true. Our Savior Lives. We have a living prophet on the earth. We can live with our families for eternity because the Priesthood of God has been restored to the earth. Because of this, we have no reason to be sad or fear, but to be happy and rejoice!

I love you guys!!

Love,

Elder Todd

One of the teenagers in the ward 
took this dorky pic of us - haha! 

A house in our area....totally decked out for Christmas!! 

Week 63 - Gratitude for My Many Blessings

With the Gils - One of my favorite couples!
We've had a lot of funny experiences with them.

November 30, 2015

Hello everyone!!

Happy Thanksgiving!! I would first off like to let everyone know how grateful I am for everything that I am blessed with. As I sit back and think about it, I truly am so blessed. 

With Elder Krey

First off, I am blessed with a loving Heavenly Father who loves me and blesses me daily with everything I have. I am thankful for a Savior, the Son of God, who loves each of us so much that he sacrificed his life and suffered for all of us, so that we can be happy and return to live with our Father. I am grateful for an earthly father, who has been my coach, teacher, friend, mentor, and example, and who has shown me how to be a worthy priesthood holder and how to raise a family in the gospel. He also works hard to support our family and help out those around him. I am grateful for a wonderful mother who supports and encourages me in all that I do, and has been someone I can talk to whenever I need a friend! I would not be on a mission if it were not for her...(especially considering she did like 95% of my mission shopping!!). I am grateful for 5 AWESOME siblings who send me letters and pray for me regularly, and who make me laugh all the time. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have that I can live with my family forever, because my parents were sealed in a Holy Temple of God by someone who had the priesthood. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have to serve as a full-time representative of my Savior Jesus Christ for these two short years, and to invite everyone I see to come closer to Christ. I love being a missionary. I am grateful for the Book of Mormon. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and I know that it blesses lives, and I am so grateful for that. I am grateful for the principle of obedience. When we are obedient, it provides us a great foundation for our faith, and it allows us to have confidence in all that we do. I am grateful for that. I could go on all day about things that I am grateful for, but those are some of the biggest blessings in my life.

The Beutler's dinner at the church

I had an AWESOME day on Thursday. We woke up and did our usual morning routine, with our studies and everything, and then after our studies the whole Sparks zone got together and played football...and it was a total blast. Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE playing football, and so it was way fun. It was freezing outside, and it was actually snowing the whole time, but it made it even more fun. Then we got cleaned up and went to help the Beutlers put on their Thanksgiving dinner for many of the local members and investigators who didn't have a place to go. 

With the Jorgensen Family on Thanksgiving

Then we zipped up to the Jorgensens, an awesome family in our ward and had a delicious dinner with them. It was nice because President Chesnut instructed us that it was not a real proselyting day, and he wanted us to spend time and build relationships with members, so we were able to spend a little more time than usual with them, which was way fun. 

After we had dinner with them, we went up to the Chesnut's home (the mission home – it’s beautiful), which is over on the other side of Reno and hung out with President and Sister Chesnut.  They had their oldest son in town and his children, so we spent time with them. It was an experience that most missionaries would kill for, to just spend an evening with the President at his home. We found out that we are NOT getting iPads when President Robbins comes in January, but that President Robbins has asked to have a special meeting with Elder Ash and I and the President to discuss the needs and concerns of the mission....so basically I will get to sit in an office with a general authority for an hour or so!! We are super excited for that.

It was raining mud!

The first part of the week was extremely fun, too! We had a great conference in Elko on Monday, and then spent the evening with the Zone Leaders out there on a mini exchange, Elders Kidman and Johnson.  After the exchange, we attended a district meeting out there Tuesday morning, and then drove home afterwards. It was crazy…as we were driving through Winnemucca, it started raining mud! So the windshield wipers didn't help anything, thankfully we had just refilled our wiper fluid. But we had lots of fun out there for a few days, and I really love long road trips, they are tons of fun!!

Exchanges with Elder Palmer in SUN VALLEY!!

We went on FOUR exchanges this past week, so Elder Ash and I have barely had the chance to work together, but it has been lots of fun. We went on a mini-exchange with the Elko ZL’s Monday night, and I spent a few hours with Elder Johnson, who is one of my closest friends. Then, Elder Freeman came back to the Prater ward for the day on Wednesday, which was fun…it felt like the last three transfers!  I spent Friday with Elder Palmer in SUN VALLEY!! I got to go back for a day and serve in English. It brought back lots of memories, because it was exactly a year ago that we were there. 

Exchanges with my man, Elder Krey

After our exchange on Friday, Elder Ash and I got back together and drove to Fernley, where we started another exchange, with the Fallon ZL’s – Krey and Wheeler!  I got to spend another day with the one and only...Elder Krey! I love Elder Krey so much; we have a ton of fun together. He is hands down the funniest missionary in this mission, he has me laughing all day long...and the best part about it, is that he is also a great missionary! I have never met another missionary who has so much desire to share the Gospel with others. I really want to serve with him again as companions before our missions are over. 

With Elder Freeman....who got me started on the
Rubik's Cube

It’s funny that the family is now into Rubik’s cubes...because I got into them on my mission! Elder Freeman taught me how to solve one and so I too am a Rubik’s cube fanatic! Although I am sure that everyone back at home is way faster than I am at solving them. 

In about 3 hours, Elder Snow arrives.  President and Sister Chesnut are going to pick him up, and we are all going to head down to Carson City for a tri-zone meeting. Tomorrow we have another meeting here in Sparks with three more zones. Then on Wednesday, we will not be attending, but there will be an East-side meeting with the three East-side zones attending. I am super excited to spend time with a general authority and learn from him...he is also the Church Historian so I am sure he knows and has lots of cool stories to tell.

Road-trippin' with Elder Ash

Well that’s about all the time that I have today, but next week we will be back on a regular schedule and I will have a real P-day next Monday! So no more crazy emailing schedules.  But the Book of Mormon tells us that we should, "live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you." I know that as we do so, we can recognize all that we truly have been blessed with and we forget about the things that we don't have. This allows us to be happier and more grateful for all that we have. I am so grateful for all of you and all of your love, support, and prayers, I couldn't do it without all of you. I love being a missionary and I cherish every moment that I have.

I hope you all have a great week.  I love you!

Love,

Elder Todd

Me and Elder Ash

More pics from Thanksgiving

Filling up the truck with Elder Krey