HOLY COW I JUST GOT TRANSFER NEWS!!!!!!! I just found out that I am staying in med hat as a zone leader and training a new zone leader as well. I am way excited. First off I’m staying in a way sweet area and second I’m training a new zone leader. So ya I’m way excited and I’ve heard some good things about my new comp. Now I just hope that I end up dieing here.
So transfer calls came and my comp is going to Cardston to train a new missionary and I’m training a new zone leader! Cool eh? So I’m excited to be staying in this area and I really hope I get to die off here.
Ok so there is my transfer news now on to bigger and more important stuff like telling you with a tear in my eye that both of our baptisms fell through for this weekend. One of them was an 80-year-old lady and she called up after she came to conference Sunday morning and told me that it was just to physically hard for her to keep coming and to be baptized. I tried talking to her and trying to get her to change her mind but there was no chance. It was really sad. The other one was a 23 year old girl who has kidney failure and its actually a choice of life and death for her to be baptized because she has some tubes that are connected to her heart and if water gets in those tubes they will get infected and she will die. So she has more or less just put it off for a little while so she can really consider if she will take that chance and to be baptized. The hardest thing to try to explain to someone and to show them is how heavenly father would never allow anything bad to happen to them if they were really willing to follow him and be baptized. She really is in need of some heartfelt prayers from everyone. So there is the sad news for the week but hey I’m still out here teaching and doing the Lords work so life is good. I’ll just keep smiling and pressing on.
This last week we were getting ready to go up to Calgary for our monthly zone leader meeting and just before we leave we get a phone call from the assistants saying that ZLC has been canceled so don't come up. We also kind of found out that it was canceled because of big disobedience stuff that had just come to Presidents attention and so he needed to take care of that. So we didn't get to go up there and I was pretty sad about that actually cuz I love going and seeing all my friends up there but maybe they will do it this weekend. A few days latter we actually found out what big disobedience thing could have happened to have canceled ZLC and we found out that A LOT of missionaries have been going to casinos and gambling. So I would think that that is a very good reason why President would cancel that meeting. But wow how crazy is that, missionaries going to casinos? I would have never thought something like that would have happened. I’ve heard about a lot of things that missionaries have done but never so many and something so stupid. We there were about 4 Zone Leaders that got moved down to junior companion for this next transfer so there is a very good chance that they were part of that as well. Once again wow, its really crazy and scary to see really how hard Satan is working on every one of us. It’s sad to see missionaries doing things like this while serving the lord.
Moving on now, I was looking forward to general conference so much and the day before (Friday) I ended up getting way sick and so all through Saturday sessions I was not well and so I just fell asleep. Sunday was a lot better but I really wish I had been able to hear Saturday’s as well. I LOVED elder Holland's talk. Oh my gosh he is such a powerful speaker I just love him. He’s kind of scary sometimes but man is he good. It’s just so cool to see an Apostle of God testify so strongly of the Book of Mormon and the church. Ok random little blurb: I started reading the book Jesus the Christ like two weeks ago and now every night I read 10 pages and wow is it good! I’ve heard so many missionaries and people say how hard it is to understand and to get through but man I love this book. Granted the first 3-4 chapters were pretty tough and he does use a lot of big words but for the most part if your paying attention you can tell what he is trying to say. But ya just thought you would like to know, and I’m still going strong with the D&C countdown:) how are you doing with it? This is the first time that I have read all the way through it and there are some pretty interesting things in there.
I’ve noticed that my emails have gotten to be really long lately. So sorry if it makes replying or reading them hard but there is always so much stuff happening and I want you to know all of it.
I really hope that my new comp can sing so I don't have to do a solo for you:)
So I’m really glad that you had a fun weekend with Justin and Liz and were able to spend some time with them. I’m so sorry to hear about Jordan and losing his job. I really hope things will turn around for him soon. Remember I pray for the family every night before I go to bed so I really hope that they have been working in some way or another.
Well I had probably better get going but I love you and can't wait to hear from you next week.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
letter 09/29/09
I have a couple cool stories for you. So I'll do those first and then I'll go and answer some stuff from your email.
So yesterday my comp was sick and we had three really important appointments we couldn't cancel. So I took my comp over to a members house and then picked up their son and he was my companion for the day and it was so much fun. We had three amazing appointments and I just want to tell you how much I love the people up here. I'm sorry to say this but I don't think I can handle coming home yet. I think I might ask President if I can extend for one more transfer. I just love the people that much up here. OK, so just kidding, I wont ask to extend but I hope you do understand how hard it really will be for me to come home with these amazing people I’m teaching as well as the members.
I would have to say this is my favorite area of my mission. OK, so I said that I had a few stories for you so you better strap yourself to the chair or something cuz they are just that great. So I’m not sure if I have told you but we have two baptisms on the 10th of October and I am so excited and I really hope that I get to stay to see them happen. One of them is an 80-year-old lady who is so sweet and she has been through a lot in order to get baptized so I really hope it does go through. The other is a 23-year-old girl who has been on dialysis for the past two years and she has tubes in her chest that run straight to her heart and if they get wet she will die. We have been on the phone with doctors in the area and with our mission president to find our what there is to do for her. I just hope that she has the chance to be baptized. I would feel so horrible if she couldn't. I really think my heart would break if she didn’t get that chance.
Yesterday we had an appointment with one of our investigators named Ashley. Her 15-year-old sister and her whole family has been baptized but she never got to before they went inactive. Yesterday when we had our appointment we taught her about the kingdoms of glory and then asked her what she would do to get to the top one. She answered and said "anything". So I asked if she had gotten an answer to her prayers and she said she thought so and then she explained exactly what she felt, and do you know what she felt? THE SPIRIT! She did have her prayers answered and so I told her and her mom, who was sitting in on the lesson, that now that you have had that witness from our Father in Heaven you need to be baptized. And in order to do that since she is not 18 she has to have permission from her mom and dad so I’m just praying my guts out that her mom and dad will let her be baptized. She is also one of the investigators that I have such a love for. Just seeing the hard life she has been living and then to see her want to do what is right and be baptized is so amazing and I have such admiration to her. I hope I will be here to see her baptized as well.
The next appointment was with a lady who we have taught for quite a while and never really gotten anywhere. Last night we were teaching about the fourth article of faith and we were just going to go over the first two and leave baptism and the Holy Ghost for next time. While reading it to her the part about baptism just jumped out of the page at me and I knew I needed to talk about it. That’s when the spirit literally took over. I have no idea what was even said by me, or the spirit, all I remember is finally talking about a right or a wrong way to baptize and she told how she was baptized into the catholic church so it was by sprinkling and then she said I don’t really know why all these different churches baptize differently. I asked if we could read when Christ was baptized and I pointed out how he was baptized by immersion and her eyes just lit up and she was so shocked that she had never caught that before. I asked her, if she found out through prayer if all that we had taught was true would she be baptized by immersion into our church and she said "yes, ya I think I really would do that". Then it hit me to ask her if she already knew if it was true. So I asked her and she said ya I believe everything you have taught me so far. Come to find out she hasn't prayed about it yet so I challenged her to pray right after we left and that she would get an answer to her prayers and when she did would she be baptized and she said yes. So those are my two amazing stories for you and I think it took like forever to tell them so my bad but I wanted you to know everything that happened.
Well I’m very sorry but I think I have used up all my time telling you about my amazing stories but I do love you and can't wait to see you in 11 weeks. Wow that is crazy:)
I will gladly take your challenge and I will sing at least one more time before I come home. I really hope that my new comp can sing so I don't have to do a solo for you. I sure do love ya.
Talk to you again next week. Oh and next week is transfers so I will be emailing on Tuesday so please let everyone know.
Love Elder Joshua Pehrson
So yesterday my comp was sick and we had three really important appointments we couldn't cancel. So I took my comp over to a members house and then picked up their son and he was my companion for the day and it was so much fun. We had three amazing appointments and I just want to tell you how much I love the people up here. I'm sorry to say this but I don't think I can handle coming home yet. I think I might ask President if I can extend for one more transfer. I just love the people that much up here. OK, so just kidding, I wont ask to extend but I hope you do understand how hard it really will be for me to come home with these amazing people I’m teaching as well as the members.
I would have to say this is my favorite area of my mission. OK, so I said that I had a few stories for you so you better strap yourself to the chair or something cuz they are just that great. So I’m not sure if I have told you but we have two baptisms on the 10th of October and I am so excited and I really hope that I get to stay to see them happen. One of them is an 80-year-old lady who is so sweet and she has been through a lot in order to get baptized so I really hope it does go through. The other is a 23-year-old girl who has been on dialysis for the past two years and she has tubes in her chest that run straight to her heart and if they get wet she will die. We have been on the phone with doctors in the area and with our mission president to find our what there is to do for her. I just hope that she has the chance to be baptized. I would feel so horrible if she couldn't. I really think my heart would break if she didn’t get that chance.
Yesterday we had an appointment with one of our investigators named Ashley. Her 15-year-old sister and her whole family has been baptized but she never got to before they went inactive. Yesterday when we had our appointment we taught her about the kingdoms of glory and then asked her what she would do to get to the top one. She answered and said "anything". So I asked if she had gotten an answer to her prayers and she said she thought so and then she explained exactly what she felt, and do you know what she felt? THE SPIRIT! She did have her prayers answered and so I told her and her mom, who was sitting in on the lesson, that now that you have had that witness from our Father in Heaven you need to be baptized. And in order to do that since she is not 18 she has to have permission from her mom and dad so I’m just praying my guts out that her mom and dad will let her be baptized. She is also one of the investigators that I have such a love for. Just seeing the hard life she has been living and then to see her want to do what is right and be baptized is so amazing and I have such admiration to her. I hope I will be here to see her baptized as well.
The next appointment was with a lady who we have taught for quite a while and never really gotten anywhere. Last night we were teaching about the fourth article of faith and we were just going to go over the first two and leave baptism and the Holy Ghost for next time. While reading it to her the part about baptism just jumped out of the page at me and I knew I needed to talk about it. That’s when the spirit literally took over. I have no idea what was even said by me, or the spirit, all I remember is finally talking about a right or a wrong way to baptize and she told how she was baptized into the catholic church so it was by sprinkling and then she said I don’t really know why all these different churches baptize differently. I asked if we could read when Christ was baptized and I pointed out how he was baptized by immersion and her eyes just lit up and she was so shocked that she had never caught that before. I asked her, if she found out through prayer if all that we had taught was true would she be baptized by immersion into our church and she said "yes, ya I think I really would do that". Then it hit me to ask her if she already knew if it was true. So I asked her and she said ya I believe everything you have taught me so far. Come to find out she hasn't prayed about it yet so I challenged her to pray right after we left and that she would get an answer to her prayers and when she did would she be baptized and she said yes. So those are my two amazing stories for you and I think it took like forever to tell them so my bad but I wanted you to know everything that happened.
Well I’m very sorry but I think I have used up all my time telling you about my amazing stories but I do love you and can't wait to see you in 11 weeks. Wow that is crazy:)
I will gladly take your challenge and I will sing at least one more time before I come home. I really hope that my new comp can sing so I don't have to do a solo for you. I sure do love ya.
Talk to you again next week. Oh and next week is transfers so I will be emailing on Tuesday so please let everyone know.
Love Elder Joshua Pehrson
letter 09/23/09
Hello everyone! Wow I’m not sure why but this week has seemed to me to be really long. I've been told that’s the way it gets when you get to the end it slows way down and then speeds up right at the very end. Ah that is so weird to think that I am so close to home right now. And my comp and I counted this morning and we have 87 days left and like 35 of those days are either p-day, Sunday, transfers, or meetings where we don't get a lot of actual missionary work done. So I’m down into the 50-somethin days of missionary work left. It is so sad but I can't wait at the same time. I don't think I’ve had more of a bittersweet feeling in my life than right now. Lucky for me we are working really hard so I don't have a lot of time to be thinking about home or things like that. This last week we had the assistants to the pres stay with us and go on exchanges and one of them is going home this transfer and his comp still has 6 months after I go home but anyways we talked for a long time about trunky stuff and it was actually a really fun night I enjoyed having time to spend with them. I will really miss the one that leaves this transfer. I met him all the way back when I was in let bridge and we have stayed in contact for most of the time since. Wow I didn't realize how much I had actually written already sorry but things get so exciting up here and I just keep going and going.
So onto something cool that happened this week. So since we are zone leaders we meet with the stake pres every other week and this last weekend was stake conference and a few weeks ago he gave us an assignment to do a training during the Saturday priesthood leadership meeting. So my comp and I got to prepare training for all the ward mission leaders and bishops in the stake. I was pretty excited but kind of scared at the same time. Come to find out the day this training was going to happen my comp gets sick and literally has no voice at all. So guess who gets to address all the bishops and ward mission leaders in THE STAKE!! Ya you got it me. All by my lil lonesome. But man was if fun we/I talked about some stuff from Preach My Gospel and working with the members and ward council and one of the Bishops pipes up and tries to tell me that Preach My Gospel teaches to do something different and in a very loving way I told him no that wasn't right and set him on the right course:) it really made me upset though because what he was trying to say is, its not their responsibility to have meetings with the missionaries and do missionary work. I get really testy when ward leaders try to not fulfill their calling and put it all on us. After the meeting the missionaries that serve in the ward with that bishop were so happy and excited that I explained it, and in front of other people who held his same calling and who agreed with what I was saying. I kind of felt bad after hearing that but I guess at the same time I kind of needed to say it so that he really understood what he was called to do as well. I talked for about 20 min and it just flew by and I still had stuff to talk to them about but didn't have the time. I wonder what will happen when I get home and for my welcome home talk they tell me to talk for 5-7 min. ha ha ok I know that probably wont happen but it would still be kind of funny cuz someone would get the shaft cuz I’m don’t want to stop until I get done with my talk and experiences I’ve had over the last 2 years.
So this last week we also had a way cool experience with a referral that we taught. So last Wednesday after p-day was all over we went and taught this 25ish year old girl for the first time. Its really sad she is a little over weight and is having kidney failure so she is on dialysis 5 days a week. So anyways we are in the teaching appointment (and keep in mind this is the first time we have even met this girl. as I’m teaching about the restoration and about the story of Joseph Smith, I could tell that she was really feeling the spirit and she was on the edge of her seat. we have been asked by our new president that when we see an investigator feeling the spirit to extend a baptismal date to her. so I asked her what she was feeling and she described the spirit exactly and so I asked her if she would be baptized on the 10th of October and she said yes. I am so stoked and I really hope that everything goes through with this one. I’ve had a fair amount recently that have fallen through and not happened so I really hope this one does. We also have another baptism set for the same day in the family ward I cover. She is the sweetest little old lady you will ever meet. Her name is Norma and she is 82 years old and is set on getting baptized. So we’re going to let her:)
Ok time to finish this novel of an email. But before I do I just wanted to ask, why the freak heck did the girls write on the dango windows:) do you know which of the laurels it was? and what exactly did they write? and what did you tell them about the hornet on the side? which leads me to the next question, did you actually take all the other decals off? I told you it would be fine with me but I never heard if you did so just wondering.
I will talk to you next week.
So onto something cool that happened this week. So since we are zone leaders we meet with the stake pres every other week and this last weekend was stake conference and a few weeks ago he gave us an assignment to do a training during the Saturday priesthood leadership meeting. So my comp and I got to prepare training for all the ward mission leaders and bishops in the stake. I was pretty excited but kind of scared at the same time. Come to find out the day this training was going to happen my comp gets sick and literally has no voice at all. So guess who gets to address all the bishops and ward mission leaders in THE STAKE!! Ya you got it me. All by my lil lonesome. But man was if fun we/I talked about some stuff from Preach My Gospel and working with the members and ward council and one of the Bishops pipes up and tries to tell me that Preach My Gospel teaches to do something different and in a very loving way I told him no that wasn't right and set him on the right course:) it really made me upset though because what he was trying to say is, its not their responsibility to have meetings with the missionaries and do missionary work. I get really testy when ward leaders try to not fulfill their calling and put it all on us. After the meeting the missionaries that serve in the ward with that bishop were so happy and excited that I explained it, and in front of other people who held his same calling and who agreed with what I was saying. I kind of felt bad after hearing that but I guess at the same time I kind of needed to say it so that he really understood what he was called to do as well. I talked for about 20 min and it just flew by and I still had stuff to talk to them about but didn't have the time. I wonder what will happen when I get home and for my welcome home talk they tell me to talk for 5-7 min. ha ha ok I know that probably wont happen but it would still be kind of funny cuz someone would get the shaft cuz I’m don’t want to stop until I get done with my talk and experiences I’ve had over the last 2 years.
So this last week we also had a way cool experience with a referral that we taught. So last Wednesday after p-day was all over we went and taught this 25ish year old girl for the first time. Its really sad she is a little over weight and is having kidney failure so she is on dialysis 5 days a week. So anyways we are in the teaching appointment (and keep in mind this is the first time we have even met this girl. as I’m teaching about the restoration and about the story of Joseph Smith, I could tell that she was really feeling the spirit and she was on the edge of her seat. we have been asked by our new president that when we see an investigator feeling the spirit to extend a baptismal date to her. so I asked her what she was feeling and she described the spirit exactly and so I asked her if she would be baptized on the 10th of October and she said yes. I am so stoked and I really hope that everything goes through with this one. I’ve had a fair amount recently that have fallen through and not happened so I really hope this one does. We also have another baptism set for the same day in the family ward I cover. She is the sweetest little old lady you will ever meet. Her name is Norma and she is 82 years old and is set on getting baptized. So we’re going to let her:)
Ok time to finish this novel of an email. But before I do I just wanted to ask, why the freak heck did the girls write on the dango windows:) do you know which of the laurels it was? and what exactly did they write? and what did you tell them about the hornet on the side? which leads me to the next question, did you actually take all the other decals off? I told you it would be fine with me but I never heard if you did so just wondering.
I will talk to you next week.
letter 09/16/09
Hey how’s it goin everyone?
Wow for some reason this week kind of went by slow so I’m so glad to be able to email now. Even thought this week went by slow it was still a really good week and there was a lot goin on as well.
This last Friday we had mission tour in Lethbridge. I love going back to let bridge I miss it so much it got to be one of my favoritest places in the mission. We had a member of the 70 come for the tour and he asked that all the zone leaders and district leaders who would be attending would meet with him for a special meeting before it all started. It was pretty cool being able to sit on the front row (because he told me too) and listen to a general authority speak to us and try his hardest to understand us as leaders in the mission. It was way cool. He talked mostly on how to be a good leader and what qualities good leaders posses. After that we had our freaking long mission tour but it was really good and helpful.
Now fast-forwarding to Sunday. I can't remember if I told you about the new investigator that we have so I’m going to tell you about it again. So last Sunday we went to church and a family brought their nonmember cousin with them and we talked after sacrament and she said that everyone else in her family are members but less active and she wants to be able to be taught and baptized. We were so excited but anyways we had been talking with the family all this last week and finding out that she has a really ruff home life. Her dad served a mission and her parents were sealed in the temple but now they spend most of their paycheck on smokes and drinking. They have even been getting their children into it by supplying it for them. So anyways you get the picture. I really don't think I have had a love for any investigator like I have for her. There is just something there inside her and I want to be able to help her have a better life and I know that the gospel can do that for her. We met for the first time this Sunday after church and it was really good. We kind of had to go at a slower pace just so she understands everything we are teaching her. I haven't asked this before that I can remember but will you please pray for her and for her family to allow her to keep meeting with us. Her name is Ashley Brandham. She is 15 and the most sincere girl I think I have ever met. I made a special promise with heavenly father this week that if I did certain things I would be able to see her baptized before I go home. On that note I talked to my mission president, who is awesome, and I expressed my desire to finish my mission here in this area. He said with a smile thanks for letting me know and I think we can work that out. So I’m hoping that I do get to stay here for the last little bit. If I do it will make this my longest area but 4 weeks. So if you want to throw that in your prayer as well that I get to stay I would really like that.
Ok, well now on to what’s happening back home. That will be cool for you to go watch Matt play. Who are they playing in flagstaff? Ok so now that you’ve seen the size of their team and the speed how do you honestly think I will match up with them when I get home and work my butt off? I really hope I get in and can have my dream come true and to play college football.
Well this week has been really different with the weather we are having a week of high 20's and up to 30 or 31 degrees. That’s like summer weather here. The weather has almost been like a month behind but oh well I’m good with that. All the leaves though are changing colors and starting to fall. I love it fall is my favorite time of the year.
Well I had better get going but I do love you so much and can't wait to talk to you next week.
Working Hard with no Regrets
Wow for some reason this week kind of went by slow so I’m so glad to be able to email now. Even thought this week went by slow it was still a really good week and there was a lot goin on as well.
This last Friday we had mission tour in Lethbridge. I love going back to let bridge I miss it so much it got to be one of my favoritest places in the mission. We had a member of the 70 come for the tour and he asked that all the zone leaders and district leaders who would be attending would meet with him for a special meeting before it all started. It was pretty cool being able to sit on the front row (because he told me too) and listen to a general authority speak to us and try his hardest to understand us as leaders in the mission. It was way cool. He talked mostly on how to be a good leader and what qualities good leaders posses. After that we had our freaking long mission tour but it was really good and helpful.
Now fast-forwarding to Sunday. I can't remember if I told you about the new investigator that we have so I’m going to tell you about it again. So last Sunday we went to church and a family brought their nonmember cousin with them and we talked after sacrament and she said that everyone else in her family are members but less active and she wants to be able to be taught and baptized. We were so excited but anyways we had been talking with the family all this last week and finding out that she has a really ruff home life. Her dad served a mission and her parents were sealed in the temple but now they spend most of their paycheck on smokes and drinking. They have even been getting their children into it by supplying it for them. So anyways you get the picture. I really don't think I have had a love for any investigator like I have for her. There is just something there inside her and I want to be able to help her have a better life and I know that the gospel can do that for her. We met for the first time this Sunday after church and it was really good. We kind of had to go at a slower pace just so she understands everything we are teaching her. I haven't asked this before that I can remember but will you please pray for her and for her family to allow her to keep meeting with us. Her name is Ashley Brandham. She is 15 and the most sincere girl I think I have ever met. I made a special promise with heavenly father this week that if I did certain things I would be able to see her baptized before I go home. On that note I talked to my mission president, who is awesome, and I expressed my desire to finish my mission here in this area. He said with a smile thanks for letting me know and I think we can work that out. So I’m hoping that I do get to stay here for the last little bit. If I do it will make this my longest area but 4 weeks. So if you want to throw that in your prayer as well that I get to stay I would really like that.
Ok, well now on to what’s happening back home. That will be cool for you to go watch Matt play. Who are they playing in flagstaff? Ok so now that you’ve seen the size of their team and the speed how do you honestly think I will match up with them when I get home and work my butt off? I really hope I get in and can have my dream come true and to play college football.
Well this week has been really different with the weather we are having a week of high 20's and up to 30 or 31 degrees. That’s like summer weather here. The weather has almost been like a month behind but oh well I’m good with that. All the leaves though are changing colors and starting to fall. I love it fall is my favorite time of the year.
Well I had better get going but I do love you so much and can't wait to talk to you next week.
Working Hard with no Regrets
letter 09/09/09
Nothing really new up here in the great wild north other than the fact that it is starting to feel like fall weather and I am so excited for that. I absolutely love the fall. The leaves are already starting to change colors and starting to fall off the trees.
We did however have interviews this last Monday with The President and I told him at the end of my interview that I haven't had a long area on my mission yet and that this was possibly my favorite area so far and that if I could I would like to finish my mission here. OK, first off that is really weird thinking that I just asked to stay in the area until I go home. It just makes it that much more real and the fact that I will eventually be back in Vegas some day in the very near future. So anyways he says thank you for letting me know your feelings and your desires and he smiles and says I think we could work something out. So I am really hoping that the keeps me here for the last 3ish months left. That would make my last area my longest and possibly best area of my mission. There are some amazing people here in Medicine Hat. I really am looking forward to coming back up here when I get home and being able to see everyone and not be a missionary.
Ya I would agree that it is such a cool story that Nick from Dr. Matt’s would remember me. I miss nick he was such a great guy and so nice to me. (I’m kind of surprised that he still remembers me so well. I guess I made a good impression:) it also makes me wonder who else remembers me from work. It’s just cool to be remembered I think.
I’m glad to hear that Jordan and Nicki had such a great time down there with you and dad. I can't wait to see Hadley and William. I’m way excited for that but at the same time I’m kind of scared because that is something that we can't even think about is interacting or playing with kids on the mission and I’m kind of worried that its going to be way awkward for me when I get home and then their first memories of me being home aren't going to be really special to them.
I have a question did you hear about the BYU game? Holy cow how cool is that? Beating the number three-ranked team in the nation right off the bat. I hope they can actually keep it up this season though and not choke like last season.
Oh I almost forgot to tell you a funny story from this week. We had Zone Leader Conference this last weekend up in Calgary and so all the zone leaders in the mission were there as well as the assistants and president. We had a sleep over like last time and I’m not sure if I told this to you or not but last time we had a few wrestling matches before going to bed. If you can picture this, a big living room with 20+ single mattresses as our beds and as our padding. So last month it was just kind of whoever wanted to wrestle wrestled but this month we had actual arranged matches it was so much fun. You would be proud to know that so far I am 3-0 but my first one was a little scary I almost lost and you know that is so not acceptable from me. Anyways the whole conference was way fun and we got to help make some pretty big changes again. I also realized during these conferences that I’m someone who likes to be heard and I like to talk. I don't know if you saw that when I was home but its definitely who I am now.
Well I had better be going as well but I love you and can't wait to talk to you again next week.
Love Elder Joshua Pehrson
P.S. working hard with no regrets
We did however have interviews this last Monday with The President and I told him at the end of my interview that I haven't had a long area on my mission yet and that this was possibly my favorite area so far and that if I could I would like to finish my mission here. OK, first off that is really weird thinking that I just asked to stay in the area until I go home. It just makes it that much more real and the fact that I will eventually be back in Vegas some day in the very near future. So anyways he says thank you for letting me know your feelings and your desires and he smiles and says I think we could work something out. So I am really hoping that the keeps me here for the last 3ish months left. That would make my last area my longest and possibly best area of my mission. There are some amazing people here in Medicine Hat. I really am looking forward to coming back up here when I get home and being able to see everyone and not be a missionary.
Ya I would agree that it is such a cool story that Nick from Dr. Matt’s would remember me. I miss nick he was such a great guy and so nice to me. (I’m kind of surprised that he still remembers me so well. I guess I made a good impression:) it also makes me wonder who else remembers me from work. It’s just cool to be remembered I think.
I’m glad to hear that Jordan and Nicki had such a great time down there with you and dad. I can't wait to see Hadley and William. I’m way excited for that but at the same time I’m kind of scared because that is something that we can't even think about is interacting or playing with kids on the mission and I’m kind of worried that its going to be way awkward for me when I get home and then their first memories of me being home aren't going to be really special to them.
I have a question did you hear about the BYU game? Holy cow how cool is that? Beating the number three-ranked team in the nation right off the bat. I hope they can actually keep it up this season though and not choke like last season.
Oh I almost forgot to tell you a funny story from this week. We had Zone Leader Conference this last weekend up in Calgary and so all the zone leaders in the mission were there as well as the assistants and president. We had a sleep over like last time and I’m not sure if I told this to you or not but last time we had a few wrestling matches before going to bed. If you can picture this, a big living room with 20+ single mattresses as our beds and as our padding. So last month it was just kind of whoever wanted to wrestle wrestled but this month we had actual arranged matches it was so much fun. You would be proud to know that so far I am 3-0 but my first one was a little scary I almost lost and you know that is so not acceptable from me. Anyways the whole conference was way fun and we got to help make some pretty big changes again. I also realized during these conferences that I’m someone who likes to be heard and I like to talk. I don't know if you saw that when I was home but its definitely who I am now.
Well I had better be going as well but I love you and can't wait to talk to you again next week.
Love Elder Joshua Pehrson
P.S. working hard with no regrets
letter 09/02/09
Dear Friends From The Land Down Under!
No wait, that’s Australia.
Just a short note to all. I love and miss you all but I guess December 18th is coming up very fast. And yes I did just say the 18th that is the new date I’m flying home on.
Sounds like everyone at home are having their struggles. You bet I will be praying for and with you all about the things you are seeking. One thing that I do know is that someone loves us and knows exactly how it is we are feeling and even though we haven't received answers yet, don't quit trying. I read a talk this morning by David A Bednar called “Seek Learning By Faith”. In it, it talked about the word faith as in a sense being an action verb and use faith by doing something. It talked about Joseph Smith in the grove and how he used faith as a verb when asking, "what is to be done? What church should I join?...." it was a really good talk and maybe it could be something that would help you out in getting answers to your prayers.
See you in another 108 days:) ha-ha
Love Elder Joshua Pehrson
P.S. Working hard with no regrets
No wait, that’s Australia.
Just a short note to all. I love and miss you all but I guess December 18th is coming up very fast. And yes I did just say the 18th that is the new date I’m flying home on.
Sounds like everyone at home are having their struggles. You bet I will be praying for and with you all about the things you are seeking. One thing that I do know is that someone loves us and knows exactly how it is we are feeling and even though we haven't received answers yet, don't quit trying. I read a talk this morning by David A Bednar called “Seek Learning By Faith”. In it, it talked about the word faith as in a sense being an action verb and use faith by doing something. It talked about Joseph Smith in the grove and how he used faith as a verb when asking, "what is to be done? What church should I join?...." it was a really good talk and maybe it could be something that would help you out in getting answers to your prayers.
See you in another 108 days:) ha-ha
Love Elder Joshua Pehrson
P.S. Working hard with no regrets
letter 08-26-09
Wow i don't know why but that was one of my favorite emails from you in a really long time so thank you so much.
OK I'll talk about some new things and then I'll answer some of your questions from your email.
so i know that i told you last week i will be flying home on the 19th right? well that isn't happening anymore, the tickets were almost 600 dollars a missionary. so instead we are flying home on the 18th! just the one day difference cut the price in more than half. I'm kinda sad about it but happy at the same time. i know its just one day but it would have been nice to be out the full 2 years(to the day). but like i said its one day and I'm sorry but i don't think i will be doing any amazing missionary work the day before i go home anyways. but just so you know and can make plans for when i get home.
with the beginning of this transfer came some exciting news. we got three new zone leaders and one of them is a missionary that came out with me. that means that 9 of the 10 missionaries that i came out with have been called as zone leaders. president Priday told us when we first came into the mission that he hadn't seen a group of missionaries like us before. he knew some great things were going to come from us and what do ya know. we have had more zone leaders from our transfer than any i have ever seen. i think it would be fun to hear what all the other missionaries say when they see us all go home and they have to replace so many of us.
I got a letter from grandma and grandpa Olsen this last week and in it they gave me two names and addresses of really good friends of theirs that live in med hat so i called up one of them and talked to her, she was kinda shocked but way nice and I'm planning on stopping by both of them this next week.
I think this area I'm serving in has some of the best members i have had in my mission. there are so many that are just so awesome. this very might be the first area that will make me cry when i leave. hopefully its not until December when i leave:)
OK I'll talk about some new things and then I'll answer some of your questions from your email.
so i know that i told you last week i will be flying home on the 19th right? well that isn't happening anymore, the tickets were almost 600 dollars a missionary. so instead we are flying home on the 18th! just the one day difference cut the price in more than half. I'm kinda sad about it but happy at the same time. i know its just one day but it would have been nice to be out the full 2 years(to the day). but like i said its one day and I'm sorry but i don't think i will be doing any amazing missionary work the day before i go home anyways. but just so you know and can make plans for when i get home.
with the beginning of this transfer came some exciting news. we got three new zone leaders and one of them is a missionary that came out with me. that means that 9 of the 10 missionaries that i came out with have been called as zone leaders. president Priday told us when we first came into the mission that he hadn't seen a group of missionaries like us before. he knew some great things were going to come from us and what do ya know. we have had more zone leaders from our transfer than any i have ever seen. i think it would be fun to hear what all the other missionaries say when they see us all go home and they have to replace so many of us.
I got a letter from grandma and grandpa Olsen this last week and in it they gave me two names and addresses of really good friends of theirs that live in med hat so i called up one of them and talked to her, she was kinda shocked but way nice and I'm planning on stopping by both of them this next week.
I think this area I'm serving in has some of the best members i have had in my mission. there are so many that are just so awesome. this very might be the first area that will make me cry when i leave. hopefully its not until December when i leave:)
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