tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31566467058400680832024-03-05T10:46:22.105-06:00Steadfast Faith in Christ: A Missionary JournalA site containing letters from missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reflecting their proselyting and service experience, as well as convenient links to official sites of the Church.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10966241468533764102noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-17078427297084209402010-11-01T14:14:00.002-05:002010-11-01T14:15:54.183-05:00Happy November, Well What a Week!<div class="gmail_quote"><div style="word-wrap:break-word"><div><blockquote type="cite"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; "><div style="font-family: Tahoma; ">Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2010 13:35:34 +0200<br />
Subject: Happy November<br />
Well What a Week!<br />
<br />
It really has been just a great week of hard work and fun. Because Missionary work should be fun and if you make it fun it will be and then you are more productive and get more accomplished and the blessings just keep coming. So I'm having the best of times with Elder Hinkson right now and we really are having so much fun. The work is going and I feel the support of prayers of many. When the spirit leads you it is just great.<br />
<br />
First last Monday we had an awesome family home evening with this way cool family the B------'s. The have a single mom with 5 kids that very in ages but are so much fun. The mom gave the lesson purely on thinking about past family nights and thinking about one that was most memorable to us. It really hit me hard to think about all the wonderful times that I have been able to spend with my family over the years and all the many lessons my wonderful parents have taught me. I love my family so much and I'm so grateful for the relationships we have in our family, I couldn't imagine it any other way.<br />
<br />
Tuesday, We had a sweet lesson with this guy named K-----. It is always great when someone says that they are looking for something for their soul (because it just so happens we have something to give to help with that). He is way interested but he travels on business like crazy so we only had that meeting with him but we have one already set up for this week, so I'm way excited!<br />
<br />
Then we had Beginning English and it went pretty well. We talked about Halloween and then I had brought a Cake I made to share for a mini Birthday Party, it was great fun!<br />
<br />
Wednesday we had a way good combined District Meeting out by the temple which was great, always good to go out there. Then we came back and went and met with this partially paralized guy but he isn't too interested and we found out he's had a Book of Mormon for 15 years he just doesn't really care, which is way sad. Then we had an awesome lesson with the B----- Family and our Mission Leader came with us and it was great we talked about establishing a baptismal date but they wanted to talk about it.<br />
<br />
Thursday was a bit of an interesting day with some random lessons and the adventures of stopping by Less Actives (they can be quite the adventures). We had Advanced English where we just talked about Halloween a little more in depth.<br />
<br />
Friday Morning we had a way sweet lesson with just P----- the father of the B----- family. We found out that he and the kids feel ready but the mom is still hestitant she wants to be sure. So we talked about how we can help her and just as we were leaving she walked in and he was like "talk to her" so we talked to her about it and said we'd come with a plan for them our next lesson. Later in the day we had a way sad Less Active visit. It was way sad because it is just heartbreaking to see someone who has made baptismal and temple covenants go away from what they know is true. It really is one of the hardest things to see. We were able to lift our spirits after by visiting with a great member family and talk about their missionary work.<br />
<br />
Saturday during study I got a call from my cousin Mark and so then we got it all planned so that we could meet eachother before his temple session. It was so awesome to see him and visit for a little bit. The weird thing was just how normal it seemed. We swapped mission stories and talked about the work here in Kyiv vs where he is in Moscow. It was such a neat thing to see him! All of our lessons fell through on Saturday but we were able to create a way tight plan to give to the B----- which brings us to Sunday.<br />
<br />
As always Sunday was the greatest day of the week. It was even greater because we got to have an extra hour of sleep. We went off Day Light Savings a week earlier than the states so that extra hour was way nice. We then headed to the church. First we had the international branch which has just a comfort feeling about it. Some great talks about gratitude. J----- the L------- were glad to hear that you are doing well. <br />
<br />
Then it was the Vinohradar Ward which was way good. The best part I think was the 3rd hour. It was 5th sunday combined and pretty much ward leader after ward leader got up saying what needed to be done, like missionary work, less active fellowship and all this great stuff. The greatest part was when the Bishop was like I think we should fast for the B----- family tomorrow to help them journey towards baptism so today we are fasting with the ward for the B----- family. It is so wonderful to have that support from the ward leaders and all the members. After church somehow I got dragged into being the pianist for the Holiday Choir they are having for some different service things like singing for the blind and such. That was quite exciting to accompany as they are telling me different things mainly in Russian. My piano skills have definitely been blessed by being a missionary.<br />
<br />
Then we had a sweet lesson with this babusya (grandma) V--------. V--- our MCL came with us and she basically understands the Book of Mormon like I have never seen before. She basically recited the whole 1st chapter of Nephi with explanations. The one thing she doesn't really understand is that if this is the only true Church of Christ, the one she is currently going to can't also be true but we are working with her and she is awesome.<br />
<br />
Then came the highlight of the entire week. We swung by home to pick up the special birthday cake I made and then we met a member T----- to go to meet the B----- with us. They went to the village so weren't at church which was way sad but we have retaught the importance of them coming so I have high faith in them this week. We presented them with the awesome plan we prepared for them that has what we want to teach again and then it also has goals, including their baptism on the 20th of November, and priesthood ordinations and a temple sealing next year. They were way excited for the plan. I had told them I'd bring a cake for my birthday but it was the first time I had a chance so then we celebrated with them and it was really one of the greatest meetings of my mission.<br />
<br />
Wow well that was my awesome week. I'd like to welcome my new cousin E---- to the family and hope she and Aunt R---- are doing well. I'll be excited to meet Eliza sometime in the future! Well I love you all and I love this gospel! Thanks for your support and love!<br />
<br />
Love<br />
Elder Alexander Larsen</div></span></blockquote></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10966241468533764102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-65027361408766097092010-11-01T13:59:00.002-05:002010-11-01T14:05:28.118-05:00Happy Day!<div class="gmail_quote"><div style="word-wrap:break-word"><div><blockquote type="cite"><span style="border-collapse:separate;font-family:Helvetica;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:normal;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;word-spacing:0px;font-size:medium"><div style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Tahoma">Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2010 12:08:11 +0300<br />
Subject: Happy Day!<br />
<br />
<br />
It really is a happy day! And I have had a fabulous week! Thanks first off for the many Birthday Greetings! I'm so glad that I have such a wonderful family to support me and send me their love. Thanks for the awesome Birthday cards too, I have recieved them all and also that hand delivered package mom so thanks so much for thinking of me. I'm going to take Elder Hinkson out to lunch to celebrate so that should be fun. So now to my fabulous week.<br />
<div></div><br />
<div>First I'm working with Elder Hinkson which is like working with one of my best friends! It really is just amazing! We were great friends in the MTC spending everyday for 3 months together and now we get to serve together and it is great! We both want to work hard, be obedient, and just go have fun doing the work of the Lord so that is what we have done. We are running everyother morning which has been fantastic and praying the snow holds off so we can keep doing that even though it is crazy cold already in the morning. The cold won't stop us though, haha. So serving with Elder Hinkson is just grand and it makes the work so much fun!</div><div></div><br />
<div>My Branch (international) and Ward are sweet! I love the members and the leaders we get to work with, they have just been awesome! Jeremy thanks for the connection to Brother Luschin, everyone in the mission knows he is the one from President Uchtdorf's talk but that is way cool your family new them in Germany, I'll be sure to pass a hello. We have had some great interactions with members and I'm way excited to be working with them.</div><div><br />
<div><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="border-collapse:collapse">So last Thursday I got to go to the temple with Elder Oldham and it was so nice! It was so peaceful and just what I needed. I had such a enjoyable time there and it just felt familiar even though it was my first time for a session there and there were many things in Russian. They did have head sets for English which was at least nice. It'll probably be January before I make it back to the temple but I can't wait. The temple is what it is all about. I'm so grateful for the covenants we make with the Lord. I also ran into Elder Mark Larsen's old companion Elder Grover who was here for a visa trip so that was cool. Hopefully this week I might be able to see Elder Larsen himself.</span></font></div><div><br />
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</span></font></div></div><div><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="border-collapse:collapse">Okay the best part of the week was working with the Boyko family. I first met them last Monday and they are such an awesome family. The dad Pavlo is wanting the truth for his family and they are just the greatest family. We had some really sweet lessons with them where the spirit was so powerful. They have three kids a 14year old boy, 12 year old girl and a 2 year old girl. The kids are great and so happy to learn about the gospel. The highlight was seeing them walk into Stake Conference. They hadn't come to church yet and that has been holding back their progress but they loved Stake Conference. We actually went to their apartment this morning to read the Book of Mormon with them and it all went well. We should be re-extending a baptismal date with them on Wednesday, so I'll be praying that I'll goes well. I'm so happy to be working with a family and seeing them progress in the Gospel. It is the most rewarding thing and I just can't wait to see them baptized and then eventually sealed in the temple. That is where my focus is now.</span></font></div><div><br />
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</span></font></div><div><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="border-collapse:collapse">Alright so yeseterday was Stake Conference. It was really good! Most of it was in Russian but I suprisingly understood most everything (at least the jist of it). My favourite talk was President Galbraith the Temple President. He is just wonderful to listen to. He reminds me a lot of Uncle Fred, which is just fun. He was in a temple president's conference last week with the first presidency and the 9 of the 12. He was eating with Elder Bednar and asked him to teach him something, so Elder Bednar did. He told him to read the scriptures through "temple eyes" he then admonished us to do the same.</span></font></div><div><br />
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</span></font></div><div><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="border-collapse:collapse">Alright well it was just a great week! I'm happy, I love the gospel and it is true! Thanks for your love and support family you mean the world to me!</span></font></div><div><br />
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</span></font></div><div><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="border-collapse:collapse">Love,</span></font></div><div><font face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="border-collapse:collapse">Elder Alexander Larsen</span></font></div></div></span></blockquote></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10966241468533764102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-80339813963966187342010-10-18T13:04:00.000-05:002010-11-01T13:21:53.068-05:00Greetings from Vinnigrader<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<blockquote type="cite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Date: Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:48:10 +0300</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Subject: Greetings from Vinnigrader</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Hi Family,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">There is so much to say today, we'll see if I can remember to say it all. Well I got transferred sure enough and I'm now serving in Kyiv. I'm in northern Kyiv in the Vinnigrader ward. I also cover the international branch (more about that in a bit). I'm serving with Elder Hinkson who was one of my roommates in the MTC so needless to say we are compeletly stoked to be serving with eachother. I'm sad to have left Vinnytsya but I'm so excited for what is ahead. And as you said dad change is a part of our Heavenly Father's plan for us as we grow in the gospel. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">So there is so much potential in this area right now it is crazy! We are working with a family, the B-----, who are temple refferals and way close to being baptized. That is right a family! I get to meet them for the first time tonight and I'm so excited, just pretty much giddy with anticipation to teach them tonight. The only thing really holding them back from baptism is coming to Church so that will be a big focus this week, I'm going to be praying none stop for them to come to church this week. We also have a few other people who are progressing.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">So I'm serving in a ward! It was the coolest thing ever on Sunday to have a bishop! And to have everything run without the missionaries help (ya we are willing to help but it was nice to watch the church run how it is designed to). There are so many strong sweet members and I can't wait to get to know them all. Because of this months primary theme we were invited to visit primary which was a blast and really just made me so happy to see the real importance of this gospel in uniting and building strong families. It was great to reflect back to my primary days and everything I learned there and share with the kids what helped me want to be a missionary. I sat down on the piano and sang "I hope they call me on a Mission" with them, it was so great!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">In addition to the ward that I'm serving in we also go to the international branch Sacrament Meeting. It was so awesome to be in an English Sacrament meeting and was just way comfort feeling. The Branch is filled with girls here for the International Language Program just like cousins M--- and B---- did and they went to the same branch. Sacrament meeting was great as we got to hear from the L-------, he was in charge of building the Kyiv temple (so they'll be moving soon) but it was just a sweet meeting. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">It is strange to once again live in a big city, been over 2 years since living in London, but I love it. We live at the northern part of the city so I think it is comparable to living in Camden Town (but don't worry too much mom, it's way safe). I'm excited to just get straight to work here and do all we can. Elder H------ and I have already started off with fire and I know this transfer will be one to remember. We also had some sweet planning training this week. President feels like he let some things go the past 6 months with so much focus on the temple, so with his help we are working hard to get things really going.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Also I'll be going to the temple this week most likely. And then after this transfer the policy will be that we can go once every 2 transfers, so another 4 or 5 times while on my mission. I'm so excited to be able to go to the temple, it will be such a blessing to me. Well family I love you all and this gospel is true! I have come to reallization after reallization of what I need to do and I just love this gospel. Glad everything is going well with everyone at home and that you had an enjoyable visit to M-----'s house. Thanks for your love and support!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Love</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Elder Alexander Larsen</span></span></div></blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10966241468533764102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-41494381125324460022010-10-11T13:18:00.002-05:002010-11-01T13:44:49.295-05:00Midnight Baptism<div class="gmail_quote"><div style="word-wrap: break-word;"><div><blockquote type="cite"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Date: Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:10:21 +0300</span><br />
<span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Subject: Midnight Baptism</span><br />
<span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span><br />
<div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Let me try starting this again, the internet club we are just had to restart every computer. Hopefully we won't have any more problems.</span></div><div></div><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Yep that is right we had a baptism Saturday night! Okay it wasn't right at midnight but it was pretty late I think he got baptized at about 10 o'clock. Needless to say Saturday was one of the craziest stressfull days of my life but with many prayers all things were overcome and one of my new greatest friends entered into the covenant of baptism. Mom if you got the picture from the baptism from the Ewarts please forward it with this e-mail to those you send this e-mail too. </span></div></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWz0dDY7IFBXqtRzwYBc58KQ0e3ny3eSsdrH1uOk9rT7DQ7Z8XvMJzQYXRYB_chMO9JCBcqb-nxtu7OKwI62EGAxkL_E-yYrw0uq_5LyiEU4mykqEIEcXGPr53VX4N1oVQRh3azdYmAc/s1600/Alex+and+Sam+baptism+in+Vinnytsya.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWz0dDY7IFBXqtRzwYBc58KQ0e3ny3eSsdrH1uOk9rT7DQ7Z8XvMJzQYXRYB_chMO9JCBcqb-nxtu7OKwI62EGAxkL_E-yYrw0uq_5LyiEU4mykqEIEcXGPr53VX4N1oVQRh3azdYmAc/s400/Alex+and+Sam+baptism+in+Vinnytsya.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote type="cite"><div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><div><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Okay now I'll back up a little. If you remember 2 weeks ago C---- got baptized and his friend S-- came to the Baptism and the very next day told us he wanted to be baptized as well. So we had set the 9th of October as his goal. Well we met with S-- pretty much everyday for the past two weeks preparing him for the day. S-- got greater and greater and more and more excited for his baptism. So on Friday he had his interview and as a result it was determined he would probably need to visit with President Steinagel. We weren't able to get in touch with President until almost 10:30 Friday night. We then found out he could meet with S-- tomorrow if we got him to Kyiv. Sam was all in and didn't want to wait any longer than he needed to. So we got up early Saturday morning to meet S-- at the Voksal (train station) to get him on a train to Kyiv. Got everything sorted out and sent him on his way. I then made all the arrangements with Elders in Kyiv to get him back after his interview. So then we headed off to Church to watch Conference. Had a lovely time watching the first session, at the end of which S-- should have been arriving. However, the adversary was doing everything in his power to stop S--'s progress and his train was over an hour late. So I spent much of the afternoon conference session on phone calls with S-- and President Steinagel working everything out. Eventually they were able to met up and got him to President's office by the temple. Everything went well with the two of them and then began the work in getting him back. With the help of many different Elders we were finally able to get him on a Marshrutka (small bus) back to Vinnytsya. We had no clue though when it would arrive back in Vinnytsya. I had asked S-- if he wanted to get baptized when he got back or wait till Sunday to do it. He told me this was the day he'd been waiting for and he wanted it as soon as possible. He was however worried about us as missionaries not getting home on time, but with President's permission saying that a baptism is important enough to be out late we told him we'd have the service when ever he arrived. So we scrambled to get things together for the baptism that would happen sometime just not sure exactly when. The hardest thing was finding white underwear, which I won't go into too much detail in that story other than we eventually found some for S-- because he'd be coming straight there. So then we just sat and waited at the church. We had some members there and I felt way bad because they waited as long as they could but had to leave about 9 because otherwise there wouldn't be public transport to get home. So it ended up just being the 4 elders, the Ewarts, S---- (who got his mission call this week to Yukaterinburg Russia), C---- and another Nigerian friend J---.</span> </div></div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div><div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">S-- walked in just after 9:30 pm after the longest day of his life and having prettty much not eaten a thing all day. He got changed and then we were able to hold a simple beautiful baptismal service. I was hoping that it would work out for C---- to baptize S-- but S-- had been pretty persistent that I do it so at about 10 PM I had the wonderful privelege of baptizing Sam. Then because Conference was this weekend for us and there wouldn't be a sacrament meeting we had special permission to also do the confirmation right there. The spirit was so strong and it was a day and experience I will not forget for the rest of my life. S-- was so happy and after going through trials that many of us have never faced was able to recieve the greatest gift on earth, the Holy Ghost. Yesterday we were able to meet with S-- and watch Priesthood Session and he loved it and is so excited to live the Gospel! He kept having us pause the priesthood session so he get written down something that really struck him. He also had somethings work out in his life yesterday that have been problems for years. The Lord is surely showing his love and giving his blessings to his son who has been so faithful in coming to his Gospel. So that is my big story of the week!</div></div></span><br />
</blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div><div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"></div><div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">A few other things. Tuesday morning we wake up at 3:30 to catch our 4:30 train to Zone Meeting and it was the coldest most miserable train ride of my life but there is a price for everything and we had an amazing Zone Meeting that has truly blessed and enriched my life as the blessings of the Lord after trials. We were able to do a role play and zone meeting that was so needed for a lesson the next day and helped us have the spirit in an extraordinary way in that lesson which has created a lot of progress with our investigator N------. </span></div><div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"></div><div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Conference was so good by the way! Loved all that I saw, going to have to go back. Was able to watch all but the last session in English. Had an investigator for the last one so I watched in Ukrainian and got the jist of everything. It was fun to see people I know in all of the choirs. (Including the mr. blanch look a like katie) Cousin Elder Larsen in Moscow thanks for the note you had delievered somehow, was really funny how it eventually got to me. Mom I was talking to a missionary who was standing next to A----- M---- so she found missionaries that know me. Aunt C-------, Elder F---- from your ward has been in my district. Um I'm running out of time. Transfers are this week and we haven't been told yet but I think I'll be leaving Vinnytsya which makes me so sad but I know the Lord has a plan for me in his work. I love you all! Thanks for all your prayers. Sister Ewart is really sick again, please pray for her.</span></div><div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"></div><div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Love</span></div><div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Elder Alexander Dean Larsen</span></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10966241468533764102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-54720472024167737712010-10-04T12:49:00.001-05:002010-11-01T13:26:39.607-05:00Trust in the Lord<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<blockquote type="cite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Date: Mon, 4 Oct 2010 11:55:02 +0300</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Subject: Trust in the Lord</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Well I'll first answer your question about conference. I've only seen one session but it was awesome. Because of the time delay our branch will be watching conference this next weekend instead of live. We were however able to watch the Sunday Morning Session live at the E---- apartment last night and it was incredible. We went there with Ch--- (who just got baptized), Sa-- (Ch---'s friend who will be getting baptized on Saturday) and Se--- (who was only there for the end and will eventually also be getting baptized, it is just a matter of when). So it was just awesome! The spirit was so strong and we all had such a great time and I learned so much. I absolutely loved President Eyring's talk on trusting in the Lord and I hope to use it is the map of the rest of my life, everything comes down to trusting in the Lord and it was something I really needed to hear this week. I can't wait to watch the rest of conference this coming week, I love conference so much. And also I have to say since we were in London the quality of the Internet broadcast has dramatically increased. We had to run home (to be home by 930) so we weren't able to watch the thing on Kyiv. But yep I know Elder Sorenson (I served with him for a week during the open house) very well and you know his aunt (Cindy Morris) very well to mom.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">One thought I had this week was about how much I love being a missionary. It is so great! It really is just the best thing ever. I don't have any of the worries that other people might have. For example I don't have to decided what movie to go see because I don't watch movies or I don't have to decide on who to take on a date to the movies because I don't date. All I have to decide is what would be the best use of my time to try and help someone come closer to Christ. And the even better thing about being a missionary is how I feel. I'm living my life right now so that I have to be in tune with the spirit. I can't do anything to detract from that and it is an amazing feeling and I'm trying to think now what I can do to allow what I'm learning now to effect me through the rest of my life, a pretty big challenge but that is why I have a good while to figure it all out.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Alright to some things from the week. We have been working a ton with S-- lately making all the preparations for his Baptism. I am so excited to see someone else be baptized. It will also be really good for C---- to have a friend in the gospel with him. It's been pretty fun to teach in English too. So Sa--- is doing well and I can't wait to report about his baptism. C---- continues to be awesome and yesterday I had the privilege to confirm the Aaronic Priesthood on him and ordain him a priest which was once again such a special experience for me. It is just amazing to be guided by the spirit and I learn more and more from the spirit everyday. Thanks dad for being such a great example on always being sensitive to the spirit and seeking its promptings. I'm so glad you know what is important and I love your constant reminders to me to seek the spirit and live worthy of it. We also have continued working with Se--- who is just an amazing man. There are a few hurdles to overcome on his path to baptism but I know he will get there. He has a wonderful desire and wants to be ready. Keeep him in your prayers and I know the Lord will be able to help him through challenges and oposition he is facing. </span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">We also have been doing some good member work, and we strengthen then and they strenghten us. I think we are gettting them to reallize their role in this work and that they can actually play a vital part through their simple efforts. This branch is so great and I love them all so much. This saturday I should find out if I'll be staying another transfer or not, I hope that I'll be staying because I'm just not ready to leave Vinnytsya. </span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Well not too much more to say but thank you. As we learned so well from the prophet yesterday we need to always make sure we express our gratitude. So thank you so much my wonderful family and friends. You all have made such a great impact in my life! It is so wonderful to know that there are so many people who love and support me back home, it really helps a missionary to go when the times are tough. So thanks for your love, kindness, prayers, thoughts and friendship. I love you all and wish you a most happy of weeks!</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Love</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Elder Alexander Larsen</span></span></div></div></blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10966241468533764102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-68926128246624298312010-09-21T21:05:00.000-05:002010-09-21T21:05:11.416-05:00Hidden Treasures in the UkraineWelcome to Elder Alexander Larsen, a cousin in the long reach of our extended family. We currently have none of immediate descent serving missions, but we want to continue sharing to joy found in serving the Lord and spreading His Gospel.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">*****</div><br />
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<blockquote style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.8333px;" type="cite"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"><div>Happy Fall All!</div><div>It is a great time of year. It has gotten cooler sometimes even a bit chilly, and today is quite rainy but we are supposed to just have good fall weather until November, at least that is what all my Ukrainian friends tell me. The work continues to go very well here. We had an absolutely stellar week and we were just constantly busy, which is the greatest feeling ever as a missionary. Today even we are super busy with a lesson and baptism prep, so much for Pday but then again who really needs a Pday when there is work to be done. </div><div> </div><div>Last Thursday was zone conference and it was fantastic. We journeyed out to Lviv and I'm even getting used to the night trains (except we almost weren't allowed on, but that is another story). Lviv is just beautiful and we had a great zone conference. It was all focused on the new Preach My Gospel training and so we focused on teaching the doctrine of Christ. There isn't anything better to teach and it is just so much fun! I have also changed my study because I want to have a greater focus. I had just started the Old Testament which I planned to read before the years end and so I would have completed all the standard works (some multiple times) and Jesus the Christ in one year. But I came to the reallization that I need to be focussing on what I'm teaching and I just need to learn it more and more so that I can teach it better and better. I need to be able to open the scriptures and teach from them, knowing them so well. So that is my new goal. I think it is a better less selfish one too.</div><div> </div><div>This week started slow with lessons but we worked hard to make them happen and they were all great! I love being able to teach. We had some really great lessons with both Chidi and Serhi. I have been blessed to see time and time again the Lords hand in this work. I quote chidi who said this week "It is like the Lord sent you to me knowing what I needed to hear and the words you are speaking are not your words." Another great thing to hear came from Serhi "I would love to live the law of Chastity." Also another one from Serhi "I want as many people as possible to hear about the church in Ukraine." And thus we are meeting with him and his friend on Wednesday. Serhi is abosultely amazing but sadly I don't think he'll be getting baptized this week because he thinks he isn't ready as he has a complete understanding of what it means to be a member of the church and even created a personal goal to go to the temple. He is ready and we just need to help him reallize that so that is where much of our energy is going now. Chidi is doing just great and ready to jump in that font on Saturday as he won't let anything stand in his way from his decision to be baptized. It is amazing to see how he is effected by the spirit in our meetings and how he just loves being happy.</div><div> </div><div>We taught both of them the Word of Wisdom as well last week which they both immediately accepted. Serhi commented on how hard it would be to not start the morning with a cup of tea but he was so willing to do and we brought him some herbal tea to enjoy the next day to help him. It is amazing how you can come to love people through the gospel. I think that is really truly the only way we can love someone is according to the principles that we learn in the Gospel. The first commandment is to Love thy God, which I think is easier to do when we reallize that God is Love and therefore we are simply gaining more love by loving God and those around us. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is just so beautiful and perfect. I want people to understand it the same way I understand it because it has made my life everything that it is.</div><div> </div><div>Well there is probably more I could say but I'll just end by sharing my love with you and telling you that the Church of Jesus Christ is on the Earth today and only true happiness can be found by living the Gospel taught therein. Jesus Christ lives and is our Saviour! I love you all!</div><div> </div><div>Love,</div><div>Elder Alexander Larsen</div></div></span></blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10966241468533764102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-89583864865875190242009-08-10T18:30:00.003-05:002010-11-01T13:28:43.596-05:00Lost Sheep<div class="gmail_quote">On Mon, Aug 10, 2009 at 12:35 PM, Matthew Courtright wrote:<br />
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px #ccc solid; margin: 0 0 0 .8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">hey all. sorry if yall have missed me over the last weeks. its been crazy hectic. God has been having fun with my health. Dont worry, still no AIDS or anything serious, just a series of fun little things to try my patience. I started off by getting sick. I have never had a summer cold before so that wasnt fun. I took lots of Nyquil and about 2 days later was over it..for the most part. the next 3 days were spent with very little energy. The slightest amount of anything wore me out. Walking up stairs was hard becuase i had so little energy. I slept alot. I had never been so effected by the flu. Then about the middle of last week my tooth started to hurt. I ignored it (which is what every 18 - 24 year old does) and hoped it would go away. it did, but was replaced by massive headaches. So i called one of the 9 local dentists in the ward and asked him to check it out for free. He didnt even think twice, just said yes. He also wrote me a perscription for ammoxcicilan to kill anything. i went in this morning and he removed a filling i had to see what was up. He thought i was crazy at first but he said that i had been grinding my teeth which is a sign that something is up. When he removed the filling he said "uhhh, bad" then proceded to scrape away at my tooth with out telling me anything. i was lost. turns out i had a cavity under my tooth. He said that it wasnt anything i could do to prevent and that it was probably the dentist who put in the fillings fault. (By the way, i got that filling in Oklahoma...which is to say Canada.) Apparently the cavity was dangerously close to the root. So he fixed it and then refered me to a root canal specialist (who coincidentally is also in the ward. Freakin lots of dentists here). SO i might need a root canal and hopefully i can get it for free. a perk of being a missionary.<br />
<br />
So it better news, a couple weeks ago i mentioned that we had had a miracle but never expounded on it. Now i will. So my companion and i were walking down the street to go and visit a family that had just moved into the ward. ON our way, we stopped and contacted to asian girls. They were very timid but their uncle said "come back. you need teach them. they go to church" (all asian like). we set up a time to come back but were very...hesitant because he wanted us to teach them, not him. we came back though with one of the youth and began to teach them and their 10 year old brother. We had to start at the basics. They had little to no concept of God or the spirit or anything. It was kinda sad. However, when we pulled out a Book of Mormon they said oh we have one. turns out the girls are members but tony was not old enough to be baptized. We were led to 3 of God's lost sheep. It was nothing short of a miracle. Since then, they have come to church and been fully welcomed into the ward. Tony has made some great friends already and the 2 girls, Kocky and Luly, are opening up. Tony is getting baptized on the 22nd of August and is super stoked about it.<br />
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Well, i am out of time and would write more if i could. Be good Yall. Love ya.<br />
<br />
Elder Courtright<br />
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</blockquote></div><br />
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-- <br />
Penny Freeman<br />
Gratitude is the essence of joy.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10966241468533764102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-84504573600273216812009-07-03T09:53:00.002-05:002009-07-03T09:57:20.586-05:00Extending Mission<span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><em>From: Elder Andrey Pearce Dated: July 02, 2009</em></strong></span><br /><br />Dear family<br /><br />I am sorry that i didn't have a chance to write to you. We were very busy so i didn't have the chance to write. As i read the letter today i found out that there are some very big decisions that had to be taken and i am sure that there were taken. I didn't really know the reasons. I stand firm with my decision that i have made to extend my mission. I am sorry for the plans that it is affecting and hope that you know i took the choices with a prayer in my heart. It was not an easy choice that i made.<br /><br />I want to walk the road less traveled to bless the most that i can my family and all that the Lord sees fit for me to bless. It all stands to us the type of generation we will be. The time is coming ever so soon that it will be up to us. Will we see angels as the Book of Mormon times. Will we be as alma as ammon or moroni.<br /><br />I know that with small steps and decisions we will be the generation to wake up the world. I am so thankful that the Lord helped me see that on my mission and strengthen my testimony. About studying it wont be an easy transaction i will have to see what i can do to correct my English and get back in tune to studying. I will have to look for other resources to see how i can start my studying.<br /><br />Dad i am sorry i didn't write on Fathers Day i hope you know that i love you very much and hope to become the father that you have been for me. I look forward to following your example in scripture studying i have had great opportunity to teach about my father in the Little time that i have had. They are looking forward to meeting my father. They all think you were the Greatest Dad.<br /><br />Well its almost time to get back to work the Lord is Reading (ready?) to push a Little bit more here we are getting ready to change houses we had a baptism last week a sister that is friends with some members. The work moves along pray for me that i will have strength to keep giving all i have. I have been a Little anxious knowing that the end is coming soon. I have had some dreams and know that some of the biggest decisions in my life is coming up. How fast the time goes by just 3 more months.<br /><br />Elder PearceUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-36398513563852471732009-07-01T22:59:00.001-05:002009-07-01T22:59:36.750-05:00Fwd: 6.29.09The latest from Elder Courtright. Enjoy.<br><br><div class="gmail_quote">---------- Forwarded message ----------<br>From: <b class="gmail_sendername">Matthew Courtright</b> <br>Date: Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 11:40 AM<br>Subject: 6.29.09<br> <br><br><br>Hey all! I will go ahead and wish you all a Happy Independence Day! Woo! just know that i will be watching (not blowing up) fireworks with y'all and you will be in my thoughts...probably.<br> <br> So whats new for me? well, we had a really cool experience this week that started out pretty crappy. It was kinda like Satan got ahold of all our investigators and the less actives we have been working with and just ate them. It was a pretty sucky weekend. However, i kept reminding myself to be patient in adversity or as the scriptures so often put it "bear with patience your afflictions." It was hard but it paid off. here is how. So sunday morning we got a call about 11 from a family who we have been trying to work with, the Bruces. Sister Bruce is a member but Bro. Bruce is not. They invited us over @ 7 that evening but was pretty secretive about why. Kinda shady. Anyways, so during the Sacrament (or communion as so many call it) I thought and prayed about our situation and the troubles our investigators were going through. The answer i got so suddenly and so clearly was "dont worry, I got ya. Just wait till tonight at the Bruces." I knew that they were the answer to our prayers and hard work. When we went to the Bruces, we talked for about 10 minutes and then sis. Bruce nudged her husband as if he needed to say something. the next words out of his mouth were "How do i go about joining the church?" Thank you God for operation: Shock and Awe. It was amazing. We set up the baptism for the 18th of july and all the appts and interviews between now and then.<br> <br> I know that God is watching out for us. He knows our situation, our troubles, our needs and he is there with an outstretched arm guiding us. It has been an unforgetable experience to learn the importance of patience. It was hard. (probably my weakest point) But the blessings of patience are amazing.<br> <br> Well, i hope you are all safe this 4th of july weekend. Shoot some Roman Candles at each other for me please. the more burns the better.<br> <br> <br> Love yall<br> <br> Elder Courtright<br> <br> p.s. Sister Bruce has the sexiest southern accent i have heard on my mission yet. i love it.<br> <br> </div><br><br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Penny Freeman<br>Gratitude is the essence of joy.<br> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10966241468533764102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-44726582133045387442009-06-20T10:28:00.001-05:002009-06-20T10:32:22.361-05:00Life In The New Branch<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">From: Elder Andrey Pearce Dated: June 15, 2009</span><br /></span><br />Dear family<br /><br />Well the work keeps moving forward as my english moves farther and farther away. I feel like the time has gone by so fast.<br /><br />This week we had a great activity with our district which is Nagarote. we went down there to play soccer and to spend some time with the young men. Rudi one of our investigators came with us also Brother Vladimir Estrada also came with us. We brought our flag that the name of the church. We went down there and played about 3 games. 2 we tied and the other we lost by two then we made a team together and we won against the team that was there of people wandering around.<br /><br />Then we ate together something that's called Quesillios and went up to the Mirador the lookout of nagarote. We spent good time and helped the boys get to know one another. its true we lost and they felt a little bad but we had a great time and learned that some times we loose together. Next time they will come down to Mateare. It's about 40 minutes ride in a bus.<br /><br />We also had a [Get together] in the get together that we call Noche de Hermanamiento. We play games, have some instruction or counsel on life and watch movies of the church. It went really well as we have been trying to show the people that the church is in Mateare.<br /><br />We put our flag up on the house of Rudi in his subdivision and many wanted to know what it was. The pastor of Rudi's mom wasn't very happy and came to talk to him to tell him that the church was false and that it was the lowest church he could join. He let him know that he loved the church and that we as members of The church of Jesus Christ don't believe on criticizing others. I have felt like the church is moving very well here.<br /><br />The young women Presidency went to work this week visiting and had a great activity. The church actually looked like a real church of Jesus Christ. With the new pulpit and the sacrament table. We are trying to work hard on bettering our organization because there is some challenges to start new things and it's time consuming for the people that don't have much time. All the things that the people do here is by hand. wash their clothes or cook by a fire so it's a hard work to take care of the place and have kids have work and have a responsibility.<br /><br />So we are trying to teach that as we get better in organization we will improve and the time will be better. We made a calendar this weak and also a cleaning role and a talk list so we are getting better and cutting down on our time. I have learned something about the gospel of Jesus Christ. The more we work the more we sacrifice the further moves along the work of God and the more blessings we enjoy later in life.<br /><br />I had cold this week but i didn't let it get me down. i kept moving along. I officially extended my mission as i went down to the office i talked with president and he finally approved and told me it was OK. He really wanted to send all my group home to study. I was praying hard to know what i should do and felt really strongly that the road i want to walk in my life is to learn and do a little bit more that i can in my mission. I felt like just a little more matters all to my future family and to the people that i will be serving.<br /><br />I love the lord and i am thankful for revelation that we can receive in our life. I love you all very much and thankful for the letters and the counsel that you give. Thank you Dad for writing each week.<br /><br />I can't believe how fast the time is going by! almost another month has gone by.<br /><br />Elder Pearce<br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-49249329178662248622009-06-17T12:57:00.002-05:002009-06-17T14:12:44.262-05:00New Companion<span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>From: Elder Andrey Pearce Dated: June 9, 2009</strong></span><br /><br />Dear Family,<br /><br />Thank you Mom and Dad for your letters. Well i did get my companion his name is Elder TIRADO he is from Chile. Is the first companion i have had from chile. I think he will be my companion to finish the mission. He is a very good companion he has 14 months on his mission.<br /><br />Well i have been feeling more and more like my mission is ending they have officially asked for my plans. I really want to extend my mission but President Fraatz wants that i can get home and study. I have been thinking really hard and am waiting for the revelation to know if i should extend or if its time to go home and get on with forming my life.<br /><br />I am so blessed to be a servent of my Heavenly Father i can't belive the wonderful time that he has given me to work here. Mom they are trying to by my plan ticket it would be good to call them as soon as posible. The other day they called me from office and i told them you will be calling. Please mom as soon as possible so there aren't any problems.<br /><br />Well this week we had changes i was traveling all week up and down none stop i was very tired from taking bus there back then to my disctrict then to managua then back to my area. Getting back we went to work the members were a little sad because no one was in the area. Also that my companion went home so they were down about that a little bit. We went to work getting to know all the people. My companion got used to the people and the work very fast he has helped me a lot take some weight off my shoulders. He just gets in and helps as he can. We went to work on visiting people this week and had a very good turn out. 64 came to church we are exited and set the goal to keep our attendence at 80 so we will be working really hard.<br /><br />We found another family that came to church this week and liked it so we are exited to work with them. They have sent the podiam or the pulpit and other things so the house looks a lot like a church. We also have a piano we have been asking all around who plays the piano and we have visited them to invite to church and to convert with the help of the Lord. It reminded me of The Prophet Joseph Smith when he sent some one to go find an arcitectore and bring him to zion.<br /><br />This sunday i had the great privladge to guide the meeting it went all well. We had some lovely testimonies. Then interviews with the members. All is starting to go very smooth. Then we had a meeting at 4 with all the presidencys it went really well all have desire to work really hard.<br /><br />Also this week came the Relief Society general president to Nicaragua so our relief<br />society and young women presidents went to that meeting. They came back with lots of joy and experience to work and to give all that they have. I love the work of the lord. All is well with me i am starting to have more strength to serve. I know that to bring forward more the work there's more to sacrifice and more to work and push. Over all the guidence of the Holy Ghost is realy importent he has bin my Guide as we have had some great desicions to make.<br /><br />We also have found another spot its the Center of Mateare in front of the central park. On one side there is the alcaldia the center goverment place of mateare. On the other side the catholic church on the other side The central bar of mateare and the other side will be The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints if its the will of the lord we are all exited because all will know that there is a church in mateare and if for some reason or chance some one wonders in from the catholic church the better it is. I love this work and hope and pray that i will keep giving all i have to this work that i will live to the best maner that i can to honor my call and to represent The Savior Jesus Christ and be His Example to all.<br /><br />Love you all take care and Mom i hope you enjoy the camp out. Dad i hope that the end comes soon to the struggles.<br /><br />Elder PearceUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-64377693508823145292009-06-08T12:26:00.001-05:002009-06-08T12:26:04.708-05:00Re: mmhmm..Here's Elder Courtright's latest<br><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 11:54 AM, Matthew Courtright wrote:</div><div class="gmail_quote"><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex;"> coincidently, that subject title is also the title of an approved music cd by Relient K :)<br> <br> well not that i have been keeping track but my amazing abilities at math told me that today marks my 8 month mark and 1/3 of my mission. all i can say is what the world? where is the time going? man... not fair.<br> <br> this week was really different. Arvada (where i used to serve) had its missionary for the day event for the young men in the Arvada stake. It was awesome to go back to Arvada and help out with that. I got to go because i was the only one who knew how to get to the specific building in arvada. its tucked nicely into a neighborhood with no really connecting main streets. annoying. but we went down and had alot of fun and good experience. its so important for those boys to get a taste of bearing sincere testimony and tracting. fun. we each had a boy and i went with one of the spanish elders, elder lawther, (he speaks english better than spanish. he is from oregon) to an appt. the 4 of us taught the first lesson about the restoration of the gospel. it was awesome. Elder Lawther and i guided the lesson and had to the 2 boys bear testimony and explain basic principles like "what is a prophet?" "how has your family blessed you?" etc. THen we took them tracting. We had a 90+ year old guy answer the door in his whitey tighties and tell us we were selling souls and to "Scat." i miss arvada.<br> <br> this week we also had zone conference and the theme was "forget yourself and go to work." it was amazing. and has really changed my perspective on what i am doing. i am excited to apply the principles i learned<br> <br> well, be good kids and write me back. let me know how things are going. i love you.<br> <br> -elder courtright<br> <br> <br> </blockquote></div><br><br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Penny Freeman<br>Gratitude is the essence of joy.<br> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10966241468533764102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-105539344920757022009-05-27T21:32:00.001-05:002009-05-27T21:32:09.294-05:00Re: 5.26.09<br><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Tue, May 26, 2009 at 3:01 PM, Matthew Courtright wrote:<br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex;">hey all.<br> well things are going well in westminster. crazy, but things are well. we had dinner with the racist lady (who's daughter is on a mission in houston) on thursday of last wek and i said something about houston and she tried to argue with me. how is someone who has never been to houston trying to argue with someone who lived there for almost 20 years? re-freakin-tarded. However, thats why we have companions. he jumped in real quick and changed the subject. needless to say they are the least awesome family.<br> <br> we did alot of cool stuff this week. we went to the temple on wednesday which was alot of fun. there were about 20 other missionaries there as well so it was a big reunion. we went to eat at applebee's across the street and 2 of the denver south mission missionaries were there. that was fun for us.<br> <br> we had transfers yesterday, memorial day, and i didnt get transfered. its about freaking time. i have packed my bags every transfer so far so i am hoping that it does happen between now and then.<br> <br> we have had alot of success with some of the less active families in the ward. the culmination of which was 15 less actives at church on sunday. some of them we have been trying to get there for a long time so we were definately thankful for the divine help we received.<br> <br> oh, by the way, 15 is an amazing amount.<br> <br> well, thats all for me. tell me whats up with yall and your plans for the summer. i need to live vicariously through your beach activities and what not. take pictures for me :)<br> <br> </blockquote></div><br><br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Penny Freeman<br>Gratitude is the essence of joy.<br> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10966241468533764102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-16177003275353412742009-05-19T11:06:00.001-05:002009-05-19T11:06:21.321-05:00Re: 3.18.09<br><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Mon, May 18, 2009 at 12:18 PM, Matthew Courtright wrote:<br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex;">hey all! Things are going great and the best part is that summer is here! it was only late by about 2 months. the sun is out, the temperature is up, and i finally have a decent tan. You guys would probably be amazed at the darkness of my skin. We are so much closer to a big ball of flaming fire here in denver. kinda scary actually.<br> <br> Well, this week we got a referral from church headquarters for a guy named Robin Mitchell. He talked with the missionaries about 20 years ago and even went to church for about 6 months. unfortunately however, one of the missionaries said something really dumb and he asked them not to come back. We have high hopes for him though. Robin has a wife and 2 grandkids living with him. They also sat in and talked with us. One thing about Robin i like is that he has a severe speech impediment. He stutters pretty bad about every 3 words or so. However, he is really open about it and even jokes about it. its great to see other people take their difficulties and make them into a plus.<br> <br> well, i hope all is well for you, but as usual i am short on time. i love yall!<br> <br> elder courtright<br> <br> </blockquote></div><br><br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Penny Freeman<br>Gratitude is the essence of joy.<br> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10966241468533764102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-37250282048619200442009-05-14T00:03:00.004-05:002009-05-14T00:11:34.009-05:00Exciting Missionary Work<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">From: Elder Andrushka Pearce Dated: 05.11.09</span></span><br /><br />Dear Family<br /><br />what a great energy boost it was to talk to my dear family. I felt i was right at home. I could just picture everyone around the table in dads office. Then i was a little sad because i couldn't finish the call. The phone ran out of batteries. Well i would have loved to tell mom how much i loved her and appreciated all the time that she put into my life. The love the care that she for so many years showed me. Love you mom. I love reading the letters of my family and knowing more about all of you. I do have to confess that my English is struggling but my Spanish is getting better and better.<br /><br />THis week as i went down to Nagarote i had the chance to meet a leader of another church and we went right into teaching him about the priesthood power and what function it has in the Lords church. Then the sisters called me and told me he will be going to church and he wants to tell his whole congregation that he has found the church more organized and that it is the church of the Savior. Well he didn't end up going but we will sure give him a follow up to encourage him i am sure the other members were quick to desanimate him.<br /><br />We also have officially become a branch. I am very blessed that the Lord has been behind all that we do. There is a lot of work to be done here. Well the meeting went well i gave a talk on missionary work with a little bit of pushing emotion that all could get involved in the mission work. We will have to see how all goes.<br /><br />Talking to my family really made me think a lot about home and what i am going to do. I look forward to it. I look forward to another adventure filled with the Savior and the Holy Ghost guiding my decisions and my actions.<br /><br />Love you all with all my heart. I hope all the very best. Hope all are reading there scriptures and looking for their Husbands. Amy, Emily, Andrea.<br /><br />Elder Pearce<br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-16768711183936644552009-05-04T21:13:00.005-05:002009-05-05T15:03:45.105-05:00Elder Cook Visits<div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQO4aGIJmFTh1evqbSQ9su889299olSMOZmOTrqTuOjPEQ02GSyiFY4v6yi14_8YmvpFFw_pdYz8OLS4NSDd3WFFvv0-J_sXICrRl9nrXJTbrQf6qDqyyTmQjtR5z_G6PtSUlbBcCpDo5/s1600-h/05.04.09.5"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQO4aGIJmFTh1evqbSQ9su889299olSMOZmOTrqTuOjPEQ02GSyiFY4v6yi14_8YmvpFFw_pdYz8OLS4NSDd3WFFvv0-J_sXICrRl9nrXJTbrQf6qDqyyTmQjtR5z_G6PtSUlbBcCpDo5/s320/05.04.09.5" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332432029910290530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" >From: Elder Andrushka Pearce Dated: 05.04.09</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYW4DUA8TOAEuUycthAhToGEvY0XjZgJNyAt1zPf56LiwQRhc2MElHOKlZTsef4fiIapGilAp_B-nnLRbEalSOXKUqM_lJEGAZfoH8bc_gRAd7ujaw0Y-jKgO8OkaihsFK_3FM9EUkU93/s1600-h/05.04.09.4"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYW4DUA8TOAEuUycthAhToGEvY0XjZgJNyAt1zPf56LiwQRhc2MElHOKlZTsef4fiIapGilAp_B-nnLRbEalSOXKUqM_lJEGAZfoH8bc_gRAd7ujaw0Y-jKgO8OkaihsFK_3FM9EUkU93/s320/05.04.09.4" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332160484116240658" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsBh5FSySow8-phMU_xn9tCtgxEcXXbMENAffrwkFfEpczvsRpQnucUAaRop0_Dj24hQST6MXMAHeST_ELGWCErTWLqCkCvWtnRS8uyFkG-mgiG0nLUUszRqgqarmAIezxrASJ3xTxZCx/s1600-h/05.04.09.3"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsBh5FSySow8-phMU_xn9tCtgxEcXXbMENAffrwkFfEpczvsRpQnucUAaRop0_Dj24hQST6MXMAHeST_ELGWCErTWLqCkCvWtnRS8uyFkG-mgiG0nLUUszRqgqarmAIezxrASJ3xTxZCx/s320/05.04.09.3" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332160481090268178" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdkQRudS1NIY_4Nbv1DKfFYN4Qkl8N09TZkzkfZRNHCm5yxd538D_rGXHwPw-91BGS4SogI1vGMmE1bhqgbB8Yp-JA_MtC7BjWV8oWvWJgFpBXHy4sFn8YucRUAlP95eJQodUmR4n0v80/s1600-h/05.04.09.2"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdkQRudS1NIY_4Nbv1DKfFYN4Qkl8N09TZkzkfZRNHCm5yxd538D_rGXHwPw-91BGS4SogI1vGMmE1bhqgbB8Yp-JA_MtC7BjWV8oWvWJgFpBXHy4sFn8YucRUAlP95eJQodUmR4n0v80/s320/05.04.09.2" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332160475629883794" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdhR_AV-__nTwmo3BUrNZD6X_xpO7WHn3NKxJxe0zl2oAWI_j4nIrZCH3lXb8EErB5rRXFJkbosFYOEVHjrtBMOLKtE4oQJdrsZ-i8qs4q8zmaknVFlDmP8EQ1vs_s4Bf5z8pZHddR2Oj/s1600-h/05.04.09"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdhR_AV-__nTwmo3BUrNZD6X_xpO7WHn3NKxJxe0zl2oAWI_j4nIrZCH3lXb8EErB5rRXFJkbosFYOEVHjrtBMOLKtE4oQJdrsZ-i8qs4q8zmaknVFlDmP8EQ1vs_s4Bf5z8pZHddR2Oj/s320/05.04.09" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332160468945912994" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Dear family</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I am very grateful for a kind dear mom and dad that i have it means a lot to me to get a letter from you each week. I have come to realize that my English has bin very lost. I also realized that i am old on the mission. </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />The experience about Elder Cook is. I was all ready to give my part so nervous as i got there i found out at the last minute the plans changed and that he had very little time so he took his time on giving us a very good training that i loved. So i was very grateful and i was ready for such and experience. </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />Then that night we went to his talk to all Managua that he did. As i was there i saw many of the people that i taught and the wards that i worked in. I saw family Martinez from my first area i was up on the bleachers as i saw them i was nervous to see and so happy at the same time. As i got down the dad i gave a big hug i was so happy to see them he is president of elders quorum and she is president of the women. I was so happy to see the small efforts of mine and the greater of our Heavenly Father. </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />This week we went out on a camp out with the elders de Mateares by the permission of President. It was a great experience many ideas came to me what we need to do and how we need to work. Very good experience it reminded me how much i miss the mountains. </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />OH by the way i cant believe how close i am getting to being done with my mission the comments of mom about the plans made me think wow it has come and gone. I am a little bit sad because i want to end with all i have. I am looking, praying, studying, fasting and learning how i can finish my mission with all i have that i can give a great last punch that i have in the army of the lord here in this place. I know that i will have all my life to server the lord. I pray that i may give all i have to this work.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Today president was talking about giving your whole soul and i want to give so much more to the lord. I have come to realize that the only thing i can give the lord is my will my heart that he will mold me and that i can be willing to serve him in all time in all place. So i will be buckling down on giving all i have. I love the lord and i know it is his will. I wish there was a way to recharge your batteries quickly and return to the work. </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />This Sunday i was a little down. Well my body was hurting from hiking up the mountain playing baseball and other moving activity and sleeping in a hammock well the little sleep that i got. Then getting up hiking down in the sun tired as i could be to take a shower put my clothes on and go out to work the zone leaders came over to do a visit to some families. </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The camp out went great as we got to know one another better.<br /><br />So in the meeting Vladimir had a meeting so i was directing and i was tired as it came my turn to be my testimony. Then one by one the new converts got up to share there testimony oh how my heart was filled with love to know i had a little part helping them. They expressed their love and thanked us the missionaries in this area. How i love this area how i love the people here they have grown so much. I am so thankful with my Father IN Heaven for opening doors and helping us with so much. </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">To finish got up the daughter of Vladimir and gave her testimony i was so happy to be there. The meeting got done with lots of joy and feeling of a great family that we are Mateares. So i have bin thinking about the plans and what we can do here. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I pray and hope all is well there. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">May Dad get better and feel better. May all my sisters find their husbands. To be ready to get married when i get home. May they that are inactive find a testimony of Jesus Christ. </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Love you Mom and Dad i will let you know my plans for when i will be coming home. Elder Pearce.</span><br /><br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-46331150284545597072009-05-04T19:41:00.001-05:002009-05-04T19:41:07.510-05:00Fwd: 4.4.09<div class="gmail_quote">The latest from Elder Courtright.<br><br>---------- Forwarded message ----------<br>From: <b class="gmail_sendername">Matthew Courtright</b><br>Date: Mon, May 4, 2009 at 12:37 PM<br>Subject: 4.4.09<br> <br><br>hey everyone. how are things with yall?! my week has been pretty spacy and i am definately ready for my psuedo-day off. We had some really cool things happen though. On friday we painted this lady's son's room. He name is Nicole..and she is a Jehovah's Witness. Now, in case you didnt know, J-W's usually dont like mormons. Fortunately she isnt active. Her husband is catholic and they used to have a less active and a baptist living with them (they moved about 5 days ago). we call the house "The Mine." We talked with the J-W and the Catholic about alot of different things and are going back on friday to do some more service and to hopefully have a lesson.<br> <br> This weekend was stake conference. It was pretty good but that is about the extent of it, i think. OH! i almost forgot....story time!<br> <br> So we were leaving Nicole, the J-W's, house. One of our investigators texted me and asked us to come clean his garage. now, i am a seasoned texting while driving person so i figure on a bike it cant be much different. so there i go, texting like the wind, and i looked up to make sure i wasnt about to hit a car or the curb or something like that. I wasnt, but there was a dog! It was looking away from me and all i had time to think was "oh crap, the stupid dog isnt looking at me, i am going to run it over." (it was a cockerspanial.) So i ran it over. my front tire went entirely over the dog and then i fell off. I was so mad at the dog and said something like "see, even God punishes dogs who run away." In hindsight, its a great story. i just laugh about it now. See kids, dont text and drive! IT KILLS!<br> <br> love yall<br> <br> Elder Matt Courtright<br> <br> </div><br><br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Penny Freeman<br>Gratitude is the essence of joy.<br> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10966241468533764102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-48029567534003540932009-04-22T13:10:00.003-05:002009-04-22T13:21:21.865-05:00Easter and Progression<p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >From: Elder Andrushka Pearce Dated: 04.22.09</span><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">Dear family,</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> It is joyful to hear from so many married brothers and sisters of mine. I loved the letter from Eric it has been a long time since i have read a letter from him. Congratulations on your new call. A little that i have learned about that call is that it’s the biggest call of doing and being in action. How wonderfully Eric and Tomi put their families and described about there kids. Thanks Dad for your report as always.<br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">Well about the work here. All is well this was the last week of this change so we worked hard of finishing of well. We had the opportunity to help the sisters to baptize and confirm. This week i was really looking forward to resting and not being so involved. So we organized the sacrament very well. </span></span><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">Vladimir</span></span><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> was assigned to start the meeting. We chose all the people to give talks in advance gave them time to prepare. We did this week Easter in our ward. The first talk was about the birth of Jesus Christ. The second on the life of Jesus Christ 5 min. Third on the Atonement and Death of Jesus Christ and the last and the one i was most looking forward The Resurrection of The Lord Jesus Christ.<br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">Well that was all planned out until we got up in the morning and started to do our early morning visits to see how everyone. Our third discursante as we got to her house started crying and was busy working. We asked her what was wrong and she told us that she has had a very busy week. That her work pushed really hard and that she was very tired and that her husband left and she had a lot to do so she will not be going to church and she was very stressed about the talk. So we took the talk away as it was a great honor for me to give the talk. Then we calmed and helped her about the house things and she got ready to go to church. After church she was joyful that she went because it helped her with more spirit to keep fighting. </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">I was thinking how wonderful opportunity we have to take care of this area and the fathers sons and daughters our brothers and sisters. Well as well this week we had a great opportunity as we went to adventista (Adventist?) church and we both got a strong testimony how thankful we are that our church has a prophet and twelve apostles. To guide this work the order we have. We went really well represented and the preacher was the owner of the house that we are leaving in. Gave us a great welcome and we sang songs shook hands with all it was a great occasion. I am looking forward to getting home and getting to know other churches. I have learned that they have some parts that they do well. As some have great devotion for what they do. The fulness and the Truth is what they don’t have. Well with many other things. </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">Also this week we had a great opportunity to represent Mateares in a stake actividad as we had our responsibility and we had great support from the priesthood. We did a very good job. The activity was great success we had 76 investigatores come and over all 205 people. Um this week we also ordained on of our converts that has 51 years a Aaronic priesthood. The work is growing great. After church we did a baptism for the sisters as they had a hard time entering water in there baptismal font. The member were there to help us and we finished at about 5. As we left in the streets was the best view. I will Call it Sacerdocia en Mateare. We were walking in the main street of mateares and as i looked we were spanned across the whole street all in white shirts about 6 or more of us. As we walked the people were looking at us like who are they and what are they doing. What a look as the greatest power of God we have as humans was shown in the streets of Mateare. I know that this is the </span></span><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">church</span></span><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> of </span></span><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">Jesus Christ</span></span><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> this is the work of Our kind and Dear Heavenly Father. I love him and thank him for the work that he has put in my hands for the comfort that i have had. I know he loves me. The hard times we go through is to help us to become better i know that he is molding me to be better to help more people.<br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-size:100%;" ><span style="">I love you all keep up the letters.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" > </span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-34844387697189306852009-04-20T12:36:00.001-05:002009-04-20T12:36:33.635-05:00Fwd: 4.20.09The latest from Elder Courtright.<br><div class="gmail_quote"><br>From: <b class="gmail_sendername">Matthew Courtright</b><br>Date: Mon, Apr 20, 2009 at 12:02 PM<br>Subject: 4.20.09<br><br><br><br>hey all. things are going great in arvada. this weekend (friday and saturday) were pretty much the most fun i have had while not being able to feel a single part of my body. on friday it snowed literally all day. we had the biggest snowflakes i have ever seen. so on saturday we spent all day removing that snow from people's driveways and sidewalks. it was alot of fun. it also rained the entire time we were removing the snow so that wasnt the best. i had a brain freeze almost all day. no bueno. i think we shoveled about 15 driveways at least. we were all worn out when we were done but it was really productive.<br> <br> sunday, the culmenation of a week of work. we had 2 investigators at sacrament meeting and 11 less actives at sacrament. that was amazing! we were so excited to see so many of them who we have been working with alot finally show up at church.<br> <br> well, things keep moving forward. we have great days and we have pretty crappy days. sometimes all it takes to me a day awesome is the last 5 minutes. in fact, it seems that way most days. i dunno if yall notice that in the "real world" but i know out here, thats what makes a day...the last 5 minutes.<br> <br> hope yall are doing well. keep up the mail. i love it! and yall. i love yalll.<br> <br> deuce<br> <br> elder 'studley' courtright<br> <br> </div><br><br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Penny Freeman<br>Gratitude is the essence of joy.<br> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10966241468533764102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-50573230757007261192009-04-16T01:33:00.006-05:002009-04-16T01:54:29.899-05:00Strong New Leaders; Thoughts on Carissa and a Bit Trunky<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Sopk6omOJqg/SebVABaMOrI/AAAAAAAAAHw/DGIxJceOJw0/s1600-h/04.13.09.3"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Sopk6omOJqg/SebVABaMOrI/AAAAAAAAAHw/DGIxJceOJw0/s320/04.13.09.3" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325177805767195314" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb99ERWN1-U2ydC2RX1hEwqmdZLCRv7d046TtKLEiwKHEJwqhuPZVoUeLAiFG_HDa5inAowt1z1VhJDchImkNtluOblDQm4huei5E4HbJM6lrGC0mT5TpH10uG4XL33vc5SlWnocM_a4VB/s1600-h/04.13.09.2"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb99ERWN1-U2ydC2RX1hEwqmdZLCRv7d046TtKLEiwKHEJwqhuPZVoUeLAiFG_HDa5inAowt1z1VhJDchImkNtluOblDQm4huei5E4HbJM6lrGC0mT5TpH10uG4XL33vc5SlWnocM_a4VB/s320/04.13.09.2" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325177801936474754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDemYpzritHDoHjOkYQIvrD5ya0L7YYwCTPFn3d5jRAUNE4ndZdQQ-QkJp0f0n22yV2Yx40zSRVbYFP46eQBeDVC7lTdc5DK4q3m6S2OHKriBUIreg8D3MxC97TeLHkxDE9MzTlunsqr2/s1600-h/04.13.09.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDemYpzritHDoHjOkYQIvrD5ya0L7YYwCTPFn3d5jRAUNE4ndZdQQ-QkJp0f0n22yV2Yx40zSRVbYFP46eQBeDVC7lTdc5DK4q3m6S2OHKriBUIreg8D3MxC97TeLHkxDE9MzTlunsqr2/s320/04.13.09.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325177798613782386" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >From: Elder Andrushka Pearce Dated: 04.13.09</span><br /><br />Dear family<br /><br />The letters rushed a sense of memories from last year about a lot that really has happened. It strengthens me to know that i passed those moments and that the gospel of Jesus Christ made me feel at ease with it. I love Carissa and know that i will see her one day. In the celestial kingdom.<br /><br />Well as always there is a lot that happens. This week we had our first meeting in the new house. It was a little rough with the little room that we had and not much air that passed through. So for next week we will have to see how to over come this challenge.<br /><br />We baptized three. A son of our convert that turned 8 years. Fransisco who we found thinking he is member but he wasn't. we set a goal and he reached all his goals. It reminds me when we came to do an interview for him with our leaders we found him studying on the table he had the book of Mormon the pamphlet we left him a dictionary of theory and a bible. He worked hard to reach his goals filling out the pamphlets that we would leave with him. He has 51 years. Another great leader one day.<br /><br />Also we had a great joy helping a father of a family that we have been working for time to reach his goal. He left drinking coffee and maybe not because he understood but because he knew it was necessary. He is another prospect of a leader. I am so happy for this area because really the Lord has blessed this area. We also had a pool party as we didn't enter the pool but our quorum of Elders made sure we would be drenched without entering water. I will try to send some pictures about it.<br /><br />Then after the pool party with surprise visit of president Fraatz and His assistant that gave as notice of two minutes came by to see the house that we have rented and gave as a interview personal. He was very happy for the work that we have been doing here. He gave me lots of great council. I have come to have lots of respect for President Fraatz and what he has done for this mission. He is a very big example for me in my life to be firm and to bring the spirit to do the work of the Lord just like he would like us. If we make mistakes we repent and do the best we can. My stress is coming down and i am feeling greater because lots of my stress is coming to resolve. Pres told me this is His work and to have confidence in Him that he will help and that its not all on me.<br /><br />I love the experience that i have had here. How i love this area and all the people here. Sunday we had a meeting with the elders we were all together 8 we studied the history of The Prophet Joseph Smith and the history of the church. It was a great 2 hour meeting and then they wanted to make a plan to visit the members and work to return the lost members back to church. I think the spirit touched their hearts and the joy to move forward and work hard in this work. So we were there tell 6:30 talking and planning i could see the future and was happy for this ward. They have grown so much in little time.<br /><br />President in my interview asked me and what would you like to do. I meditated for 2 minutes and told him i would love to keep going in this area. I hope that i could stay here for the next change i will let you know in a week and a half how it went. I know that there is a lot of pressure but i love it here and know that i am progressing and He is blessing me to learn and gain a stronger testimony.<br /><br />I love you all I can't believe how fast the time is going by. I Can't believe that Mike got home. It made me really trunky thinking when i will get home. Ooooh in half a year. Be strong and true the Gospel of Our Savior Jesus Christ. Elder PearceUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-4227524354170220352009-04-13T20:48:00.001-05:002009-04-13T20:48:23.880-05:00Fwd: 4.13.09The latest from Elder Matt.<br><br><div class="gmail_quote">---------- Forwarded message ----------<br>From: <b class="gmail_sendername">Matthew Courtright</b> <span dir="ltr"></span><br>Date: Mon, Apr 13, 2009 at 11:54 AM<br> Subject: 4.13.09<br><br><br>HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE! <--- on sunday<br> HAPPY END OF LENT! <--- on monday<br> no go party hard<br> <br> Hey all.<br> <br> How are things with yall? thanks for all those who consistently write me on a weekly basis whether in email or mail. i love them all.<br> <br> Well transfers are today and in case you are wondering i am staying right here in arvada. i have mixed emotions about it but mostly happy! i will explain in a bit.<br> <br> On saturday, we had the baptism of shane howard.<br> Shane is a Iraq war veteran who had half of his face blown off, suffers from ptsd and was heavy into drinking and drugs for awhile. However, he has truly changed fromt he man he used to be. Before we taught him the first lesson, he had read the 1st book for Nephi and by the time he was baptized he was half way through alma. it was incredible. He is married but his wife is an alcoholic so he moved out into a friends BACKYARD! he gives all of his money to his wife to help support the kids. the baptism itself was teh most spiritual baptism i have ever seen.<br> <br> Now for the mixed emotions. I am not sure how much i should talk about this, but i need a stress relief so...hi. my companion, elder caillier, hasnt been the most hard working guy on the planet. in fact, president put me with him to teach him how to work. (thats a quote from president). after we had taught a couple lessons, i realized that he didnt know how or what to teach in the missionary lessons. that was a shocker to me. He has been out 20 months and had no idea..that was a hard pill to swallow. So for the past 2 weeks i have had my patience tried and i think for the most part i am doing pretty good. We are still on lesson 1 because he forgets so much over night, but this is a true test of my patience and teaching skills. i have never had to teach someone how to teach. its a very different thing but i think if you saw me work, you would be throughly amazed.<br> <br> Also on saturday we did a "missionary for a day" thing with the youth in a neighboring stake. we got to take a young man, Braedy, age 14, out with us to teach. the appts. were already set up, but that was okay. we taught a psuedo active guy about faith, repentence, baptism, receiving the gift of the holy ghost, and enduring to the end. then we took him tracting. he was scared but he did pretty good overall. the street we were asked to tract was tracted literally 2 days before and the 1st house was a house where members lived. it was mostly lame, but fun too.<br> <br> well, overall things are great. if you have written a letter recently, i got it but havent responded because i am slow and busy. my bad. i am working on it though. i have alot on my plate that i shouldnt have.....<br> <br> love yall,<br> Elder Courtright<br> <br> </div><br><br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Penny Freeman<br>Gratitude is the essence of joy.<br> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10966241468533764102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-11021414498050597642009-04-10T20:46:00.001-05:002009-04-10T20:46:11.932-05:00An Apostle's Easter Thoughts on Christ<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/EpFhS0dAduc' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/EpFhS0dAduc'/></object></p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10966241468533764102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-25287974683466195132009-04-10T20:45:00.001-05:002009-04-10T20:45:56.931-05:00An Apostle's Easter Thoughts on Christ<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/EpFhS0dAduc' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/EpFhS0dAduc'/></object></p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10966241468533764102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-33978733513353852842009-04-07T12:43:00.004-05:002009-04-07T12:59:31.911-05:00Lessons From Conference<span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">From: Elder Andrushka Pearce Dated: April 7th, 2009</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Dear Family</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Well the life is getting better. After the conference i feel so much better. It charged my soul with courage and deep devotion to my Savior to keep giving all i have. How i love the words of the prophets and apostles. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">After conference we had a emergency meeting as a mission as we did last year to have a repentance session of the mission. I loved it. It reminded me the importance to keep on repenting for the little things we do.<br /><br />Being a representative of Jesus Christ is a big responsibility. I love it. I know that the life is about having joy something that came to my mind and i love it. Is that fear makes doubt making us to have less faith. That i don't have room for fear to enter my life. Thinking about many things i have to do, comes fear. Fear of standing up in rooms of many people. Fear of not doing the best. So it helped me realize fear is not of God. This time i was there for all the sessions of the conference. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">As we worked hard to help our Elders attend the morning Saturday session and the priesthood it went well as we had about 8 people or more there with us. What a great joy to be in this area and keep pushing forward. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The papers are still being filled out [to become a branch] . This week we changed houses and i could feel a strong spirit like that is the house. I just feel a sense of home in the new chapel and know that the Lord blessed us to be there. We are decorating it with pictures of Jesus Christ. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Mom about the camera it doesn't turn on i have taken good care of it but i don't really know why it doesn't turn on. So i am trying to find a way to fix it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I am feeling better with my health. I am looking forward to keep pushing on. How sad it was to think that this is my last general conference in the mission. I started to think a lot about my mission and what i want to accomplish there are many things that i have come to reach and some i am very far a way from reaching. I have really worked hard to reach some of the goals and i know that i have a long long way to the presence of God but i have the tools and know were to have the map. The goal that i have to reach in this 6 months is to come to know my savior Jesus Christ and have a personal understanding and relationship with him. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I have also bin thinking a lot about families. As the mission changed its focus we are not allowed to baptize easily if they are not a family they need to go to church 8 or more times to be baptized if they are not a family. So i have been reading a lot about family becoming a counselor and expert on married and families and i have enjoyed learning so much. It reminded me a lot of you Mom and Dad. Many of the things that you have reached and put in practice and that has blessed my life and many of our lives. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Its 2008 leadership training or something like that and many other things i have been studying. I was thinking to myself the other day we may not all become leaders or be called to move thousands of souls to repentance. We all will one day be fathers and leaders of our house and our children. That gave me courage to keep fighting for the best and keep pushing forward. Many leadership skills i have and need to learn still. Well that's what comes to my mind this week i love you all take care. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Elder Pearce</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156646705840068083.post-60010289799895377192009-04-06T17:34:00.001-05:002009-04-06T17:34:18.951-05:00Fwd: 4.6.09Today's letter from Elder Courtright.<br><br><br><div class="gmail_quote">---------- Forwarded message ----------<br>From: <b class="gmail_sendername">Matthew Courtright</b><br>Date: Mon, Apr 6, 2009 at 11:51 AM<br>Subject: 4.6.09<br> <br><br><br>hey everyone. It has been snowing all week. Why cant it be 80 degrees like where yall are, for the most part. on wednesday, i went on exchanges. I went into the arvada 1st ward. It was alot of fun. We went tracting and about 20 minutes after we started, it started hailing. we ran 500 feet through hail smashing into our faces to the car. It sucked so much and it hurt. then a blizzard came 20 minutes later so we were house bound for a little while. what a way to spend an exchange....<br> <br> Well, as many of you know, General Conference was this weekend. It was really good. Did anyone notice how stylish D. Todd Christofferson is? He is very stylish, in case you missed it. It was a very crazy weekend. I loved Elder Hollands talk. it blew me out of the water.<br> <br> Also, who does Neil L. Anderson think he is? An apostle of the Lord? haha. we had a really funny conversation about that for awhile. i think it was one of those had to be there moments for the most part. Well, between a couple of the sessions, we eat and played games as a district. (by the time we got to food, ate, and got back to the stake center there was no time to prosylete. I felt weird. I wasnt being disobedient but it was out of the norm) I taught the district how to play dominos. We had fun with that.<br> <br> Things are going well, we have a baptism on saturday and we are doing some missionary activity with the youth of the westminister stake next saturday (the 11th). They are part of our zone which is why arvada missionaries are getting pulled in. The youth are going to have a "teaching appt." and go tracting with us to give them an idea of what missionary work is. I am really excited for that.<br> <br> Love yall,<br> Elder Courtright<br> <br> </div><br><br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Penny Freeman<br>Gratitude is the essence of joy.<br> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10966241468533764102noreply@blogger.com