As most of y'all are aware, this mission has been authorized for the use of ipads. It has been mentioned and talked about for long time and now the day is finally here. The ipads are going to be distributed throughout the mission this week. I both excited and nervous. This is a large responsibility that we have been given. We have the trust from the Brethren and also from God. I have never had a greater sense of accountability.
Last week we had a training meeting about how to safely and properly use the ipads. Elder Zwick of the Seventy was there with Brother Hemingway, the director of proselyting. A lot of it was guidelines and obedience. One thing that stuck out to me was when Elder Zwick talked about the ipads as just another tool the Lord has given us to do His work. The ipad does not replace anything, but simply adds to our tool kit. We are not becoming "ipad missionaries". Instead we are utilizing all the resources we have to fulfill our missionary purpose and to hasten the work of salvation. We are becoming "Full Purpose Missionaries". Another things that stuck out was how we need to have our purpose written on the "fleshy tables of the heart" (2 Corinthians 3:3). Much like the Gospel was written on tables of stone, it needs be engraved upon our hearts.
I look forward to this new chapter of my mission. It is awesome to be a part of this great work. Next email may say something like "sent from elder price's ipad".
And behold, there were divers ways that he did manifest things unto the children of men, which were good; and all things which are good cometh of Christ; otherwise men were fallen, and there could no good thing come unto them.
Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until the coming of Christ.
-Moroni 7:24-25
The Lord has divers ways he manifests things unto his children. I now that these ipads are just one of those ways.
Elder Price
(5/25) No Subject...
What's up family!
I am glad to see that good things are happening at home. I remember this time of year waiting for school to end and summer to begin. Looking forward to the BBQ's and camping. Here in Arkansas I am NOT looking forward to summer. It is all ready getting hot enough as it is. The weather hasn't been all that bad. Just lots of small rain storms. You can tell Alex that I am doing okay. I appreciate that he was worried about me. That I am not just a back thought in his mind. You can also let Carolyn know that I am working on her letter. Speaking of which, I have not yet received the package. Hopefully it will come in the next few days.
It was a difficult week here in Cabot. It was harder than usual to find people to talk to. Trying to contact our very few investigators was even more impossible. However, we were able to talk with Travis briefly. They have been crazy busy this week. The adversary has stepped up his game and is now attacking us directly. There is greater temptation to be disobedient and idle. To just give up. Our mission President was at church on Sunday and we were telling him about our struggles. He quietly listened and after a brief moment of silence said, "Things will get better." Just a simple truth. I know that it will get better. Maybe not right now. But that is where patience comes in. Patience is more than just enduring. It is enduring well. Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious. I could definitely work on my patience. I know that things will work out and it will require a lot of work on my part. But I will not have to do it alone.
Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.
-D&C 24:8
I love you all until the ends of the earth!
Elder Price
I am glad to see that good things are happening at home. I remember this time of year waiting for school to end and summer to begin. Looking forward to the BBQ's and camping. Here in Arkansas I am NOT looking forward to summer. It is all ready getting hot enough as it is. The weather hasn't been all that bad. Just lots of small rain storms. You can tell Alex that I am doing okay. I appreciate that he was worried about me. That I am not just a back thought in his mind. You can also let Carolyn know that I am working on her letter. Speaking of which, I have not yet received the package. Hopefully it will come in the next few days.
It was a difficult week here in Cabot. It was harder than usual to find people to talk to. Trying to contact our very few investigators was even more impossible. However, we were able to talk with Travis briefly. They have been crazy busy this week. The adversary has stepped up his game and is now attacking us directly. There is greater temptation to be disobedient and idle. To just give up. Our mission President was at church on Sunday and we were telling him about our struggles. He quietly listened and after a brief moment of silence said, "Things will get better." Just a simple truth. I know that it will get better. Maybe not right now. But that is where patience comes in. Patience is more than just enduring. It is enduring well. Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious. I could definitely work on my patience. I know that things will work out and it will require a lot of work on my part. But I will not have to do it alone.
Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days.
-D&C 24:8
I love you all until the ends of the earth!
Elder Price
(5/18) Weekly Email
What's up! (aside from the rain)
Things are happening here in Arkansas! There are going to be some major changes within the next two to three weeks due to iPads. The meeting is already scheduled. Its happening. Transfers were also this week. A few changes going on there. But most importantly are the changes happening within Cabot itself. I get excited just thinking about it right now. So much to talk to about I can't find a good place to start.
Here seems like a good place :P
Anyways...
There has been a whole mess of rain going on here. The ground is so saturated there are puddles everywhere. We have received two flash flood warnings within the past week alone (one of which woke me up at 3am). Even more rain is to be expected throughout this week as well. Hopefully there won't be any tornadoes.
While the weather is miserable, the work is not. Things are starting to pick up more in Cabot and I am so thankful for that. Now that college is out Vivint is in full swing. We received four referrals from Vivint salesmen that have some good potential. We have not been able to contact all of them yet, but we're working on it. these referrals show promise. Travis and Shelby were out of town this past week so we didn't get to teach them more. Now they are back and able to be taught.
In more exciting news, I did not get transferred! After six months of being in Cabot, I get to spend another six weeks here. Maybe one day I'll leave. It is now official that we will be getting iPads. Next week we will have a meeting that the whole mission will attend where Elder Zwick of the the Seventy will instruct us on the changes being made. I will post more information on the subject as it is received.
Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.
-3 Nephi 9:14
Elder Price
Here seems like a good place :P
Anyways...
There has been a whole mess of rain going on here. The ground is so saturated there are puddles everywhere. We have received two flash flood warnings within the past week alone (one of which woke me up at 3am). Even more rain is to be expected throughout this week as well. Hopefully there won't be any tornadoes.
While the weather is miserable, the work is not. Things are starting to pick up more in Cabot and I am so thankful for that. Now that college is out Vivint is in full swing. We received four referrals from Vivint salesmen that have some good potential. We have not been able to contact all of them yet, but we're working on it. these referrals show promise. Travis and Shelby were out of town this past week so we didn't get to teach them more. Now they are back and able to be taught.
In more exciting news, I did not get transferred! After six months of being in Cabot, I get to spend another six weeks here. Maybe one day I'll leave. It is now official that we will be getting iPads. Next week we will have a meeting that the whole mission will attend where Elder Zwick of the the Seventy will instruct us on the changes being made. I will post more information on the subject as it is received.
Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.
-3 Nephi 9:14
Elder Price
(5/11) Investigators!!
Things might actually start picking up here in Cabot. This week we were blessed to begin teaching Travis and Shelby, a young couple here in town. The way we were introduced is quite interesting. The Sunday before last they showed up to sacrament meeting and I was sitting there listening to the testimonies thinking, "Who the heck are they?" After the meeting we went over to meet them but got stopped by another guy I didn't recognize. It turned out to be Travis' dad, who was recently baptized in St George, Utah. He was here in Arkansas visiting and brought Travis and Shelby along with him to church. That Tuesday we went with our Bishop and taught them about the restoration and it went really well. We also got an interesting refferal from one of the members. She got a new neighbor who claimed to be mormon but is not actually baptized. We will be jumping on that one real quick.
In other news, my companion made a cheesecake and I dry cleaned my pants.
I hope things continue to improve and to see the work climb out of the abyss.
And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me.
-Alma 36:29
Elder Price
In other news, my companion made a cheesecake and I dry cleaned my pants.
I hope things continue to improve and to see the work climb out of the abyss.
And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me.
-Alma 36:29
Elder Price
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| Said cheesecake... |
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| ...and said pants. |
(5/4) Cabot Problems
As far as numbers go, this may have been the worst week of my entire mission. Aside from contacting a few refferals that didn't go anywhere, we taught only one lesson. No new investigators, no members out with us, no dates, nothing. (That one lesson was more of a religious debate on the Book of Mormon so doesn't count for much) Missionary work is HARD!! Although the days are long and the work is both spiritually and physically exhausting, it is well worth it in the end. The experiences and opportunities I have had these past eight months have been one of a kind that I could not have by any other means. I wouldn't give this up for the world.
A few interesting and random events occurred throughout the week adding some variety to things. While on exchanges I talked with a lady that has had contact with the church, knows about the book of mormon, and even attended church a few times with her friends. She totally blew us off. And when we asked if we could say a prayer with her she said, "Not really. I'd rather finish smoking this cigarette and I have to leave soon." REALLY?! Denying even a prayer. Wow. A few days ago some people drove up in a car and asked us if we belonged to the Church of Christ. We told them we did not. Then they asked if the Church of Christ believed in the Book of Mormon at all. Anyone that knows a little about the Church of Christ know that they are strictly the Bible and only the Bible (and they are not too fond of mormons). Our ward mission leader was telling us off a group of people called 'Book of Mormon Christians' that believe the Book of Mormon is true, but want nothing to do with the LDS church. Maybe we met some of those. We also talked with a lady that states she was possessed at one time and had a thing for mexicans. These are just the kinds of people I have to deal with here in Cabot.
Hopefully things start picking up here. Otherwise this place is getting closed.
And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some.
-Alma 26:30
Elder Price
A few interesting and random events occurred throughout the week adding some variety to things. While on exchanges I talked with a lady that has had contact with the church, knows about the book of mormon, and even attended church a few times with her friends. She totally blew us off. And when we asked if we could say a prayer with her she said, "Not really. I'd rather finish smoking this cigarette and I have to leave soon." REALLY?! Denying even a prayer. Wow. A few days ago some people drove up in a car and asked us if we belonged to the Church of Christ. We told them we did not. Then they asked if the Church of Christ believed in the Book of Mormon at all. Anyone that knows a little about the Church of Christ know that they are strictly the Bible and only the Bible (and they are not too fond of mormons). Our ward mission leader was telling us off a group of people called 'Book of Mormon Christians' that believe the Book of Mormon is true, but want nothing to do with the LDS church. Maybe we met some of those. We also talked with a lady that states she was possessed at one time and had a thing for mexicans. These are just the kinds of people I have to deal with here in Cabot.
Hopefully things start picking up here. Otherwise this place is getting closed.
And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some.
-Alma 26:30
Elder Price
(4/27) Weekly Email
How's life going for everyone NOT in Arkansas?
A mission is definitely one of the hardest things I will ever do in my life. Especially with what is going on right now. I can really relate to Mormon when he is in charge of the Nephite armies. Behold, I had led them, notwithstanding their wickedness I had led them many times to battle, and had loved them, according to the love of God which was in me, with all my heart; and my soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for them; nevertheless, it was without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts. (Mormon 3:12)
Despite the pride and the hardness of the hearts of these people, I will continue to love them and pray for them and to do the work I have been called to. Like Mormon, sometimes it is without faith.
We did manage to find a new investigator. That was reason to celebrate! It was, however, short lived. We have been unable to get back in contact and continue teaching. Our recent convert, Arturo, is doing better. The ward has really been involved in taking care of him making sure he has food and water, that his ankle is taken care of, just visiting. It has been good for the ward. A lot of the members are complacent and idle in the work of the Lord. Maybe not having missionaries in the area for a while will push them into action. I truly feel Cabot is going to be closed. But we won't find out for another three weeks. So until then its still work work work.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
-Isaiah 41:13
Elder Price
A mission is definitely one of the hardest things I will ever do in my life. Especially with what is going on right now. I can really relate to Mormon when he is in charge of the Nephite armies. Behold, I had led them, notwithstanding their wickedness I had led them many times to battle, and had loved them, according to the love of God which was in me, with all my heart; and my soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for them; nevertheless, it was without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts. (Mormon 3:12)
Despite the pride and the hardness of the hearts of these people, I will continue to love them and pray for them and to do the work I have been called to. Like Mormon, sometimes it is without faith.
We did manage to find a new investigator. That was reason to celebrate! It was, however, short lived. We have been unable to get back in contact and continue teaching. Our recent convert, Arturo, is doing better. The ward has really been involved in taking care of him making sure he has food and water, that his ankle is taken care of, just visiting. It has been good for the ward. A lot of the members are complacent and idle in the work of the Lord. Maybe not having missionaries in the area for a while will push them into action. I truly feel Cabot is going to be closed. But we won't find out for another three weeks. So until then its still work work work.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
-Isaiah 41:13
Elder Price
(4/20) No Subject...
Y'ello!
I wouldn't mind being in Italy right now. You seem to be having a real fun time seeing all sorts of awesome stuff. It has been a while since I have been able to see some mountains, or even a decent sized hill. I hope you have lots of stories to tell at some point about this adventure.
Anyways, things are interesting here in Cabot. We have almost zero investigators and can't find new ones for the life of us. It is quite possible the area will be closed. It has been weeks since I have taught a solid lesson. Also the person that got baptized a few weeks ago is now in the hospital. He had a seizure in the church bathroom and broke his ankle. So that is how things are going around here. There isn't much to tell about the baptism. Honestly, it came out of nowhere for me. The week before was general conference and transfers, so things were crazy. After that I was just like, "oh yeah. We have a baptism this Saturday." I had completely forgot about it. So it was planned three days in advance and miraculously turned out.
There really isn't anything to write about for this week.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you; And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.
-D&C 78:17-18
Elder Price
I wouldn't mind being in Italy right now. You seem to be having a real fun time seeing all sorts of awesome stuff. It has been a while since I have been able to see some mountains, or even a decent sized hill. I hope you have lots of stories to tell at some point about this adventure.
Anyways, things are interesting here in Cabot. We have almost zero investigators and can't find new ones for the life of us. It is quite possible the area will be closed. It has been weeks since I have taught a solid lesson. Also the person that got baptized a few weeks ago is now in the hospital. He had a seizure in the church bathroom and broke his ankle. So that is how things are going around here. There isn't much to tell about the baptism. Honestly, it came out of nowhere for me. The week before was general conference and transfers, so things were crazy. After that I was just like, "oh yeah. We have a baptism this Saturday." I had completely forgot about it. So it was planned three days in advance and miraculously turned out.
There really isn't anything to write about for this week.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you; And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.
-D&C 78:17-18
Elder Price
(4/13) No Subject...
'Sup peoples!
Seems like y'all have been having a fun time in Italy! As much as I would love to eat delicious food, take pictures with naked statues, and explore the architecture of Rome, I would much rather be serving the Lord. I hope to hear more about it later. One thing that has been on my mind, is what's happening with my bros? Its been a while since I heard anything about them.
My new companion is pretty sweet. Elder Spencer has been out a year and half, so is pretty seasoned, and we have similar personality traits. I feel we will get along just fine. Also he is from San Diego. I have yet to have a companion that is from Utah (quite ironic). This area is kind of suffering right now. Cabot is not a very religious town despite the number of churches. People really don't see the need for the restored Gospel, and they won't let us show them the need. But we did have a baptism this week. His name is Arturo and he has a good desire to learn more about the Gospel. Me and Elder Farnsworth found him a while back and he had been given a Book of Mormon by a member. Arturo was interested and invited us back over. He actually started reading before our next appointment. Other than that, things have been slow. Not much to talk about.
So I end my email with a scripture,
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
- John 14:27
Elder Price
Seems like y'all have been having a fun time in Italy! As much as I would love to eat delicious food, take pictures with naked statues, and explore the architecture of Rome, I would much rather be serving the Lord. I hope to hear more about it later. One thing that has been on my mind, is what's happening with my bros? Its been a while since I heard anything about them.
My new companion is pretty sweet. Elder Spencer has been out a year and half, so is pretty seasoned, and we have similar personality traits. I feel we will get along just fine. Also he is from San Diego. I have yet to have a companion that is from Utah (quite ironic). This area is kind of suffering right now. Cabot is not a very religious town despite the number of churches. People really don't see the need for the restored Gospel, and they won't let us show them the need. But we did have a baptism this week. His name is Arturo and he has a good desire to learn more about the Gospel. Me and Elder Farnsworth found him a while back and he had been given a Book of Mormon by a member. Arturo was interested and invited us back over. He actually started reading before our next appointment. Other than that, things have been slow. Not much to talk about.
So I end my email with a scripture,
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
- John 14:27
Elder Price
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| Arturo |
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| Elder Spencer and I |
(3/30) Repentance
How's my favorite people?
Well, it was my birthday last Saturday. There was not a whole lot of excitement. I did celebrate by making cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Sweet gooey cinnamon rolls make me very happy! Thank you for the package and all that it contained. You don't know just how much I loved those hand written notes with all the encouraging and uplifting words. You did make quite a good point. Lately I have been a little pessimistic and discouraged. So I repented and have made it my goal to look for those tiny miracles and blessings each and every day. I also plan to start sharing more of my experiences on a mission, spiritual or otherwise. But that started yesterday, so I don't much to go on for this week.
I did have a revelatory experience at church again. This past transfer has been difficult. The Lord has been putting me through some refining fire and I have not been taking it so well. I have been resisting the changes God wants me to make. Many a time I feel inadequate; that I am not living to what is expected of me. As y'all mentioned in your email this past Sunday was fast and testimony meeting. So I fasted that God would give me guidance and direction. As people got up to bear their testimonies I was bombarded with the spirit. God was working through those people to tell me what I needed to hear. One particular lady was talking about being an instrument in the Lord's hands. I need to give up myself and let the Lord work through me.
Another person talked about how sometimes we don't feel like we deserve all that God gives us. We do not live up to the blessings we receive. God gives us so much simply because He loves us. I know God loves me and that He loves each and every one of his children personally. I cannot fully comprehend the affection of God. How can he still show so much love even when I repeatedly mess up and turn away from Him? Despite how many times we fall short He is there to forgive. I have learned so much about repentance on my mission. It really does bring us joy and moves us closer to our Savior.
Repentance is all about change and I will be doing a lot of it. Another change I am making to my weekly email is to end it with a scripture. Got to get to get into the Spirit of the South and put scriptures on everything! This week has to do with repentance:
Mosiah 26:30
Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.
I love y'all so much and hope you recognize how much each one of you means to me. As a missionary, a representative of Christ, I invite you to repent. As your son serving in Arkansas, I invite you to seek the blessings that come from gaining forgiveness from the Lord.
Have a blessed day!
Elder Price
Well, it was my birthday last Saturday. There was not a whole lot of excitement. I did celebrate by making cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Sweet gooey cinnamon rolls make me very happy! Thank you for the package and all that it contained. You don't know just how much I loved those hand written notes with all the encouraging and uplifting words. You did make quite a good point. Lately I have been a little pessimistic and discouraged. So I repented and have made it my goal to look for those tiny miracles and blessings each and every day. I also plan to start sharing more of my experiences on a mission, spiritual or otherwise. But that started yesterday, so I don't much to go on for this week.
I did have a revelatory experience at church again. This past transfer has been difficult. The Lord has been putting me through some refining fire and I have not been taking it so well. I have been resisting the changes God wants me to make. Many a time I feel inadequate; that I am not living to what is expected of me. As y'all mentioned in your email this past Sunday was fast and testimony meeting. So I fasted that God would give me guidance and direction. As people got up to bear their testimonies I was bombarded with the spirit. God was working through those people to tell me what I needed to hear. One particular lady was talking about being an instrument in the Lord's hands. I need to give up myself and let the Lord work through me.
Another person talked about how sometimes we don't feel like we deserve all that God gives us. We do not live up to the blessings we receive. God gives us so much simply because He loves us. I know God loves me and that He loves each and every one of his children personally. I cannot fully comprehend the affection of God. How can he still show so much love even when I repeatedly mess up and turn away from Him? Despite how many times we fall short He is there to forgive. I have learned so much about repentance on my mission. It really does bring us joy and moves us closer to our Savior.
Repentance is all about change and I will be doing a lot of it. Another change I am making to my weekly email is to end it with a scripture. Got to get to get into the Spirit of the South and put scriptures on everything! This week has to do with repentance:
Mosiah 26:30
Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.
I love y'all so much and hope you recognize how much each one of you means to me. As a missionary, a representative of Christ, I invite you to repent. As your son serving in Arkansas, I invite you to seek the blessings that come from gaining forgiveness from the Lord.
Have a blessed day!
Elder Price
(3/23) Stuff
How y'all doing?
Can I just say, it feels great to have p-day. As you all know last week I went to the temple so I didn't get to have a p-day. I have come to realize that the time we get each Monday to prepare for the week and to relax a bit is quite necessary and divinely appointed. Without that, a missionary may hit the wall of exhaustion. That is what happened this past week.
It was just my luck that the week I go to the temple and miss that p-day, we have a very busy week. With a zone meeting, exchanges, investigators dropping us, and accountability to our goals, things were quite eventful. It was go go go and I didn't get a break. So on Saturday I crashed into that wall. I was done. I had no desire to do missionary work, no desire to study, no desire to speak to anyone, no desire to do anything. There was no depression, no despair or anxiety, no feelings of sorrow or homesickness. Just nothing. Now before any one starts freaking out (mom in particular), I got over it. And it was all thanks to the restored Church of Jesus Christ.
That Sunday morning, as soon as I entered the chapel, I felt better. A peace and comfort came over and throughout the meeting those feelings stayed. We always teach our investigators that church helps throughout the week by giving us a spiritual recharge. That actually happens! I have a testimony that this is the true and living church founded on the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I am interested to see how this week turns out. I will get to experience how lame birthdays are on a mission. Just teasing =P I am really looking forward to that package. Speaking of such things, I sent out my package with the ipod and other stuff. Be looking for it.
I love y'all and hope y'all have a blessed week!
Elder Price
Can I just say, it feels great to have p-day. As you all know last week I went to the temple so I didn't get to have a p-day. I have come to realize that the time we get each Monday to prepare for the week and to relax a bit is quite necessary and divinely appointed. Without that, a missionary may hit the wall of exhaustion. That is what happened this past week.
It was just my luck that the week I go to the temple and miss that p-day, we have a very busy week. With a zone meeting, exchanges, investigators dropping us, and accountability to our goals, things were quite eventful. It was go go go and I didn't get a break. So on Saturday I crashed into that wall. I was done. I had no desire to do missionary work, no desire to study, no desire to speak to anyone, no desire to do anything. There was no depression, no despair or anxiety, no feelings of sorrow or homesickness. Just nothing. Now before any one starts freaking out (mom in particular), I got over it. And it was all thanks to the restored Church of Jesus Christ.
That Sunday morning, as soon as I entered the chapel, I felt better. A peace and comfort came over and throughout the meeting those feelings stayed. We always teach our investigators that church helps throughout the week by giving us a spiritual recharge. That actually happens! I have a testimony that this is the true and living church founded on the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I am interested to see how this week turns out. I will get to experience how lame birthdays are on a mission. Just teasing =P I am really looking forward to that package. Speaking of such things, I sent out my package with the ipod and other stuff. Be looking for it.
I love y'all and hope y'all have a blessed week!
Elder Price
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| The Memphis Temple! |
(3/15) No Subject...
I hope y'all are not freaking out and think I died because you didn't get an email on Monday. The reason you get it on Tuesday is because yesterday I didn't get the chance. I spent the whole time driving to and from the temple. Yep, I got to go to the Memphis, Tennessee temple because my birthday is this month. The drive to get there is almost three hours so I spent the whole day in a car. But it was a great experience. I just love the feeling of being in the temple. Its so comfortable and peaceful. Almost like my heavenly home.
Time to answer questions. I did get my package with my glasses and...other things. (vitamins? for reelz?!) It was quite a surprise. As for my birthday, I could use some more ties. I really don't have a lot of variety right now. Maybe a GPS. I would love to get a handwritten note from each of my family members. That would be awesome. Birthdays on a mission just aren't that exciting. In answer to dad's question, I have seen my testimony become a lot more real. Its an actual part of me. Without going into details I can say that it has gotten stronger a larger. it encompasses more and more gospel principles each week. And it will continue to grow.
As far as this past week went, it was a week. On Friday and Saturday we spent the whole time finding. Lots of walking and knocking. It was miserable considering all the hard hearted people we met. That's Cabot for ya. After a three and half hour go of finding with absolutely no success, Elder Farnsworth had to take a break. so we went back to our apartment and ate home made ice cream for a while.
There is also going to be a lot of changes happening in this mission. On Wednesday we had a big meeting about some of those changes. One of them was stricter obedience. Any musical instruments, card games, board games, unapproved electronic devices. etc. are not allowed. We were invited to send such items home. So I will be sending home the ipod along with other random stuff. (However, CD's are still allowed as long as the music is approved. Note that Disney music is NOT approved) These new guidelines for obedience were in preparation for the even bigger news. President Wakolo received an email that this mission will start using ipad minis starting in May. The ipads are finally happening!
Hope y'all have a blessed week!
Elder Price
Time to answer questions. I did get my package with my glasses and...other things. (vitamins? for reelz?!) It was quite a surprise. As for my birthday, I could use some more ties. I really don't have a lot of variety right now. Maybe a GPS. I would love to get a handwritten note from each of my family members. That would be awesome. Birthdays on a mission just aren't that exciting. In answer to dad's question, I have seen my testimony become a lot more real. Its an actual part of me. Without going into details I can say that it has gotten stronger a larger. it encompasses more and more gospel principles each week. And it will continue to grow.
As far as this past week went, it was a week. On Friday and Saturday we spent the whole time finding. Lots of walking and knocking. It was miserable considering all the hard hearted people we met. That's Cabot for ya. After a three and half hour go of finding with absolutely no success, Elder Farnsworth had to take a break. so we went back to our apartment and ate home made ice cream for a while.
There is also going to be a lot of changes happening in this mission. On Wednesday we had a big meeting about some of those changes. One of them was stricter obedience. Any musical instruments, card games, board games, unapproved electronic devices. etc. are not allowed. We were invited to send such items home. So I will be sending home the ipod along with other random stuff. (However, CD's are still allowed as long as the music is approved. Note that Disney music is NOT approved) These new guidelines for obedience were in preparation for the even bigger news. President Wakolo received an email that this mission will start using ipad minis starting in May. The ipads are finally happening!
Hope y'all have a blessed week!
Elder Price
(3/9) No Subject...
Not much happened this week. Except for a lot of snow and rain. On Wednesday, it was very wet and even colder. And we still went out proselyting. Later in the evening, though, the weather got even worse. Arkansas is subject to a horrid form of precipitation know as sleet. A combination of rain with snow and ice makes it really suck. By that time we were advised to return to our apartment, and there we were to stay. The lockdown extended on through Thursday and the morning of Friday. It was miserable.
As missionaries, we devote our life to preaching the gospel. Take that away and we have nothing. I don't think I've ever been more bored in my life. I felt like a prisoner in my own apartment! All my focus was spent on trying to pass the time and finding something to do. One of those included making ice cream. What better thing to do when its freezing cold than making delicious frozen dairy products. We had the time and the ingredients so we though, "why not?" We made three different flavors: chocolate, oreo, and peppermint. They turned out awesome! It was some of the best ice cream I've had on my mission.
Another thing we did to pass the time was a make a puzzle that was laying around the apartment. That only took us three hours. The rest of our lockdown was spent melting our minds with too much scripture study. After reading the King Follet Sermon followed by the books of Moses and of Abraham, I had to take a break for a while.
Eventually the lockdown was lifted and we could go out. Missionary work continued as normal. Lots of walking and appointments falling through with no one wanting to talk to us. However, I did quite enjoy Sunday. There were some really good talks given about scripture study and overcoming doubt. The youthspeaker gave one of the best youth talks I have heard. It was a good 11 minutes and she didn't just read straight from the talk. It also had lots of good scriptures and quotes from a myriad of sources. The presentation of the material was well given and you could tell it was pure testimony. I also got to help pass the sacrament, which I haven't done in years. That was a great experience now that I have a greater understanding and appreciation of the sacrament and what it means.
I am glad to hear things are going well. I wish I could have been their for the honorable return of my Sister sister. Keep reading the scriptures and living the gospel!
Elder Price
As missionaries, we devote our life to preaching the gospel. Take that away and we have nothing. I don't think I've ever been more bored in my life. I felt like a prisoner in my own apartment! All my focus was spent on trying to pass the time and finding something to do. One of those included making ice cream. What better thing to do when its freezing cold than making delicious frozen dairy products. We had the time and the ingredients so we though, "why not?" We made three different flavors: chocolate, oreo, and peppermint. They turned out awesome! It was some of the best ice cream I've had on my mission.
Another thing we did to pass the time was a make a puzzle that was laying around the apartment. That only took us three hours. The rest of our lockdown was spent melting our minds with too much scripture study. After reading the King Follet Sermon followed by the books of Moses and of Abraham, I had to take a break for a while.
Eventually the lockdown was lifted and we could go out. Missionary work continued as normal. Lots of walking and appointments falling through with no one wanting to talk to us. However, I did quite enjoy Sunday. There were some really good talks given about scripture study and overcoming doubt. The youthspeaker gave one of the best youth talks I have heard. It was a good 11 minutes and she didn't just read straight from the talk. It also had lots of good scriptures and quotes from a myriad of sources. The presentation of the material was well given and you could tell it was pure testimony. I also got to help pass the sacrament, which I haven't done in years. That was a great experience now that I have a greater understanding and appreciation of the sacrament and what it means.
I am glad to hear things are going well. I wish I could have been their for the honorable return of my Sister sister. Keep reading the scriptures and living the gospel!
Elder Price
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| Ice cream... |
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| ...and a missionary appropriate puzzle! |
(3/2) Emails
I don't even know where to begin. This week has definitely been an adventure.
On Monday we were snowed in and had to hang out at the church all day. It got really crazy with all the other missionaries there. We had the Zone leaders, a companionship from a neighboring district, and half of my district there. (The church is normally the p-day hang out spot for this area). The time was spent playing card games and volleyball. That was the only day the weather was bad. The rest of the week was still cold but no more snow.
Now for some adventures in tracting. This week no one wanted to talk to us (surprise there). Just like any other week. There was one particular man who really didn't want to talk to us. I went up and knocked on the door and nothing happened. So I rang the doorbell. Then this guy with a Dallas beard and tattoos bursts out of the door cussing and screaming at us. A few more railing rants later he went in and slammed the door behind him. As we were walking off he opened the door again and yelled out a few more cursings. That was not a very good day.
This week also marked my six month of being on a mission. As tradition I got to burn a tie, which honestly is not as exciting as one would think (until I brought out the bug spray). I realize that i am 25% complete with my mission and that is a lot. But I can't help looking ahead and seeing how far I still have to go. These next few weeks are going to be hard with Sorella Price coming home. Since I was absent at her departure I guess I must be absent at her arrival back home.
Thank you for the wonderful emails received this week. I love to hear from my bros and all that is going on in their lives.
Alex- I hope you are not giving mom too much trouble with the home schooling. I know that writing is difficult. I struggle with it even now. But I know that you can do it. I love all the things you write me in the cards. Sometimes I wish to be there and offer my help, and it is difficult to see you struggle and I can't do anything about it. I know that I won't always be able to be there, yet I know that God is watching over you for me.
Jacob- It is quite funny you mention majora's mask. Just this week my companion was talking about how difficult it is. (Don't ask how the conversation turned to Legend of Zelda.) I remember those BYU pow-wows and how much I hated them. The homework is the worst. Mom and Dad had to almost force me to get it done. I hope to continue to hear all the fun things you are up to.
Brent- I was quite surprised to see an email from you. As an incentive to keep you writing, my response to you is for that email address.
Carolyn- (for when she gets back) I expect to continue getting emails from you. It doesn't have to be every week, but i would greatly appreciate it. I want to hear your adventures integrating back into normal life.
I love y'all and anticipate the events of the future.
Elder Price
On Monday we were snowed in and had to hang out at the church all day. It got really crazy with all the other missionaries there. We had the Zone leaders, a companionship from a neighboring district, and half of my district there. (The church is normally the p-day hang out spot for this area). The time was spent playing card games and volleyball. That was the only day the weather was bad. The rest of the week was still cold but no more snow.
Now for some adventures in tracting. This week no one wanted to talk to us (surprise there). Just like any other week. There was one particular man who really didn't want to talk to us. I went up and knocked on the door and nothing happened. So I rang the doorbell. Then this guy with a Dallas beard and tattoos bursts out of the door cussing and screaming at us. A few more railing rants later he went in and slammed the door behind him. As we were walking off he opened the door again and yelled out a few more cursings. That was not a very good day.
This week also marked my six month of being on a mission. As tradition I got to burn a tie, which honestly is not as exciting as one would think (until I brought out the bug spray). I realize that i am 25% complete with my mission and that is a lot. But I can't help looking ahead and seeing how far I still have to go. These next few weeks are going to be hard with Sorella Price coming home. Since I was absent at her departure I guess I must be absent at her arrival back home.
Thank you for the wonderful emails received this week. I love to hear from my bros and all that is going on in their lives.
Alex- I hope you are not giving mom too much trouble with the home schooling. I know that writing is difficult. I struggle with it even now. But I know that you can do it. I love all the things you write me in the cards. Sometimes I wish to be there and offer my help, and it is difficult to see you struggle and I can't do anything about it. I know that I won't always be able to be there, yet I know that God is watching over you for me.
Jacob- It is quite funny you mention majora's mask. Just this week my companion was talking about how difficult it is. (Don't ask how the conversation turned to Legend of Zelda.) I remember those BYU pow-wows and how much I hated them. The homework is the worst. Mom and Dad had to almost force me to get it done. I hope to continue to hear all the fun things you are up to.
Brent- I was quite surprised to see an email from you. As an incentive to keep you writing, my response to you is for that email address.
Carolyn- (for when she gets back) I expect to continue getting emails from you. It doesn't have to be every week, but i would greatly appreciate it. I want to hear your adventures integrating back into normal life.
I love y'all and anticipate the events of the future.
Elder Price
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| I made a lemon cream pie! |
 |
| Look at the snow! |
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| Our ward mission leader nick-named his dog after Elder Farnsworth |
(2/23) No Subject...
Hey Y'all!!
This past week has been pretty crappy. Winter has officially hit Arkansas. Remember last email how I said the roads were icy? You saw the pictures of everything covered in white "snow". We actually were not supposed to even leave our apartment that day. Apparently the zone sent out a text to everyone telling them to stay inside and not go out on the roads. We did not get that text. It wasn't until about 4:00 that we learned about our disobedience. Some other missionaries in the district texted us saying, "We're bored. Are we allowed to leave our apartments yet?" Me and Elder Farnsworth just looked at each other. "We weren't allowed to leave?" Not wanting to be further disobedient we went back to our apartment and made ice cream and pie. Yep.
The weather has been cold and icy all week which really sucks because we had to give our car to the sisters. Lots of cold nights walking and shivering with no one to talk to. Our investigators have continued to slowly drop off the face of the planet with very few new ones to work with. That's just how my mission has been so far. It is very hard and requires a lot of me. But the experiences I have gained and the increase of knowledge and testimony is totally worth it.
It is weird to think that Sorella Price is finishing up her mission right as I am just hitting my 6 month mark. (yeah, I get to burn a tie!) I am interested to hear all the tales of readjusting to life. I am looking forward to getting my glasses back. I am not sure how long my backup pair is going to last. I really enjoyed the Valentines package with all the delicious treats and snack foods. The plush dog thoroughly surprised me. I was not expecting that.
I hope you get the moisture you need. maybe Arkansas can share (its actually snowing right now). Talk to you in a week!
Elder Price
This past week has been pretty crappy. Winter has officially hit Arkansas. Remember last email how I said the roads were icy? You saw the pictures of everything covered in white "snow". We actually were not supposed to even leave our apartment that day. Apparently the zone sent out a text to everyone telling them to stay inside and not go out on the roads. We did not get that text. It wasn't until about 4:00 that we learned about our disobedience. Some other missionaries in the district texted us saying, "We're bored. Are we allowed to leave our apartments yet?" Me and Elder Farnsworth just looked at each other. "We weren't allowed to leave?" Not wanting to be further disobedient we went back to our apartment and made ice cream and pie. Yep.
The weather has been cold and icy all week which really sucks because we had to give our car to the sisters. Lots of cold nights walking and shivering with no one to talk to. Our investigators have continued to slowly drop off the face of the planet with very few new ones to work with. That's just how my mission has been so far. It is very hard and requires a lot of me. But the experiences I have gained and the increase of knowledge and testimony is totally worth it.
It is weird to think that Sorella Price is finishing up her mission right as I am just hitting my 6 month mark. (yeah, I get to burn a tie!) I am interested to hear all the tales of readjusting to life. I am looking forward to getting my glasses back. I am not sure how long my backup pair is going to last. I really enjoyed the Valentines package with all the delicious treats and snack foods. The plush dog thoroughly surprised me. I was not expecting that.
I hope you get the moisture you need. maybe Arkansas can share (its actually snowing right now). Talk to you in a week!
Elder Price
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