9 January 2012
Dear Homefront,
The falling trees would be clearing out some land for Ma and Pops (the two members that have us over on P-Days). We just go into the forest with chain-saws and cut down whatever is in our way. Most of the trees are saplings or small cedars so they just fall right beside us as we go through. Then whatever is big enough to be used for firewood is loaded into the back of the truck and what isn't is piled up to be burned at a later date.
This week, I got to go on exchanges with my District Leader, Elder Parry. That was an adventure, because as we were out tracting, we ran into ..... A cross dresser! I was mildly scarred, and afraid.
Well, not much else exciting happened this week. More tree cutting, more horse stall cleaning. Not enough teaching, but we're working on that.
Hope everybody's well and safe,
With love,
Elder John Y. Roberts
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
024
2 January 2012
Dear Homefront,
New Years was insane. We ran into people that were already plastered by 3 in the afternoon ... But we survived, and now nobody has the excuse of the stress of the holidays. I've just been really tired lately but I've been pushing through. In the country, since there's not too much work for us, we do a lot of service. Like cutting down (and almost getting crushed by) trees for people who are trying to clear out their lands, and mucking out horse stalls, helping people put in kitchen cupboards, and any other random jobs people could use help with.
There's not really much else going on right now, hopefully with the new year, the work will pick up so that I can have something to share.
I hope you are all well and safe. Welcome to 2012, and go AF Marching Band!
With love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Dear Homefront,
New Years was insane. We ran into people that were already plastered by 3 in the afternoon ... But we survived, and now nobody has the excuse of the stress of the holidays. I've just been really tired lately but I've been pushing through. In the country, since there's not too much work for us, we do a lot of service. Like cutting down (and almost getting crushed by) trees for people who are trying to clear out their lands, and mucking out horse stalls, helping people put in kitchen cupboards, and any other random jobs people could use help with.
There's not really much else going on right now, hopefully with the new year, the work will pick up so that I can have something to share.
I hope you are all well and safe. Welcome to 2012, and go AF Marching Band!
With love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
023
26 December 2011
Dear Homefront,
Well, the festivities are done, and the world is already returning to its same frantic and irreverent pace. But that's where the Gospel comes in, we bear the message that helps people keep the spirit that reigns at Christmas all year round.
Christmas was an interesting experience here in Burkeville. We were invited to two different Christmas Eve parties and then we spent Christmas day with the Trents and their family. Too many people in their small house ... it was fun.
I don't really have anything new to report this week. The work is good.
Well, that's all for now.
With love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Dear Homefront,
Well, the festivities are done, and the world is already returning to its same frantic and irreverent pace. But that's where the Gospel comes in, we bear the message that helps people keep the spirit that reigns at Christmas all year round.
Christmas was an interesting experience here in Burkeville. We were invited to two different Christmas Eve parties and then we spent Christmas day with the Trents and their family. Too many people in their small house ... it was fun.
I don't really have anything new to report this week. The work is good.
Well, that's all for now.
With love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Monday, December 19, 2011
022
19 December 2011
Dear Homefront,
Here it is, my new address:
620 South Main
Apt B8
Blackstone, VA 23824
This last week I sent home some packages. The one that is addressed to myself, I would ask that it is just put in my room. It's most of the letters I've recieved since being out and they were just taking up way too much room so this practice of sending them home may become a regular thing.
The other package is my old camera. I got a new one that is a lot slimmer and quite a bit nicer while still being cost effective (getting it was a whole pile of drama though (more later). Feel free to use it if you wish, but I kept my memory card so you'll need to get a new one. The new backpack I had my eye on however I did not get. The price I remembered seeing was for the smaller one that didn't even have as much room as the one I have now.
Now then, the drama involved in getting my new camera ... So we were at WalMart and I decided to get a camera there just while we were getting our weekly groceries, a good idea I thought. So Elder McElhany (who was also being transferred and thereby didn't really care what was bought) went with me over to the Electronics department and I weighed my options and picked out the Sony Cybershot and everything seemed to go smoothly. We met back up with the rest of the other Elders and we left. In the car, I decided to get a look at my new camera so I cut the professional looking sealing sticker and opened up the box ... Wherein I found a beat up and 10 year old looking Canon brick ... Needless to say, I was less than pleased. We were nearly back to the apartment so we took our groceries in and put them away. Then we went back to WalMart, where I got to wait for the corporate slowness to take place. I waited in line at the customer service desk, then they had to call a manager in to Customer Service, then the manager walked me back to the photo/electronics, then the manager and one of the photo workers went back up to customer service asking me to wait there, then the photo worker came back and said the manager would just be a minute, she then pulled out a new camera and opened it up so that we could verify that it was correct this time, then after 20 minutes of waiting, a new manager came back, and after I explained the situation once again, refunded the original purchase and rung me out again so ... all in all, it took nearly an hour to complete the whole process. But I finally have a new camera and I like it a lot.
Then after stressing most the day, I got to celebrate my last Monday in Tidewater YSA by joining the branch for their FHE activity. On the agenda that evening was to take a tour of the USS Albany, a fast attack submarine that was in port at the time, (unfortunately no pictures were allowed on the Naval Base or on the sub) but that was very interesting and rather enjoyable.
And now I'm in the Burkeville branch ... out in the boonies ... We cover a handful of small towns of mostly farmers, laborers, and hunters. There are lots of long winding roads through the woods and lots of open land. There are also a lot of military personnel here as well due to us being so close to Fort Pickett, one of the largest Virginia National Guard bases. I also might get to see a tank or two while I'm here. On one of the main roads which drives right between the fort proper and the artillery ranges, there are five "Tank Crossing" areas.
Elder Eborn knows the area and the people pretty well and has been here for almost 9 months. He's a pretty old missionary and will be going home in April. He's really laid back and likes to laugh and have a good time. He's a bit of a jock and loves both football and basketball.
Well, I think that's it for now ... oh yeah ... MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
With love,
Elder John Y. Roberts
PS: No, I haven't been able to write Bishop, however the missionary department is supposed to keep him and President Welch updated on my whereabouts and well-being. I got both the bishopric's card and the ward care package. Please give them my thanks.
Dear Homefront,
Here it is, my new address:
620 South Main
Apt B8
Blackstone, VA 23824
This last week I sent home some packages. The one that is addressed to myself, I would ask that it is just put in my room. It's most of the letters I've recieved since being out and they were just taking up way too much room so this practice of sending them home may become a regular thing.
The other package is my old camera. I got a new one that is a lot slimmer and quite a bit nicer while still being cost effective (getting it was a whole pile of drama though (more later). Feel free to use it if you wish, but I kept my memory card so you'll need to get a new one. The new backpack I had my eye on however I did not get. The price I remembered seeing was for the smaller one that didn't even have as much room as the one I have now.
Now then, the drama involved in getting my new camera ... So we were at WalMart and I decided to get a camera there just while we were getting our weekly groceries, a good idea I thought. So Elder McElhany (who was also being transferred and thereby didn't really care what was bought) went with me over to the Electronics department and I weighed my options and picked out the Sony Cybershot and everything seemed to go smoothly. We met back up with the rest of the other Elders and we left. In the car, I decided to get a look at my new camera so I cut the professional looking sealing sticker and opened up the box ... Wherein I found a beat up and 10 year old looking Canon brick ... Needless to say, I was less than pleased. We were nearly back to the apartment so we took our groceries in and put them away. Then we went back to WalMart, where I got to wait for the corporate slowness to take place. I waited in line at the customer service desk, then they had to call a manager in to Customer Service, then the manager walked me back to the photo/electronics, then the manager and one of the photo workers went back up to customer service asking me to wait there, then the photo worker came back and said the manager would just be a minute, she then pulled out a new camera and opened it up so that we could verify that it was correct this time, then after 20 minutes of waiting, a new manager came back, and after I explained the situation once again, refunded the original purchase and rung me out again so ... all in all, it took nearly an hour to complete the whole process. But I finally have a new camera and I like it a lot.
Then after stressing most the day, I got to celebrate my last Monday in Tidewater YSA by joining the branch for their FHE activity. On the agenda that evening was to take a tour of the USS Albany, a fast attack submarine that was in port at the time, (unfortunately no pictures were allowed on the Naval Base or on the sub) but that was very interesting and rather enjoyable.
And now I'm in the Burkeville branch ... out in the boonies ... We cover a handful of small towns of mostly farmers, laborers, and hunters. There are lots of long winding roads through the woods and lots of open land. There are also a lot of military personnel here as well due to us being so close to Fort Pickett, one of the largest Virginia National Guard bases. I also might get to see a tank or two while I'm here. On one of the main roads which drives right between the fort proper and the artillery ranges, there are five "Tank Crossing" areas.
Elder Eborn knows the area and the people pretty well and has been here for almost 9 months. He's a pretty old missionary and will be going home in April. He's really laid back and likes to laugh and have a good time. He's a bit of a jock and loves both football and basketball.
Well, I think that's it for now ... oh yeah ... MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
With love,
Elder John Y. Roberts
PS: No, I haven't been able to write Bishop, however the missionary department is supposed to keep him and President Welch updated on my whereabouts and well-being. I got both the bishopric's card and the ward care package. Please give them my thanks.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
021
12 December 2011
Dear Homefront,
Transfer calls came in last night. This Thursday I'll be moving from Virginia Beach back up to the Richmond area. I'll be proselyting in Burkeville which is just north of Midlothian with my new companion Elder Eborn. I'll figure out my new address by next Monday so I can send it in my next e-mail. I'm really sad to see Virginia Beach go and I'll miss working in a singles branch, but the church is true, even in Midlothian (or so I've heard).
This past week was really good. I thoroughly enjoyed the Stake Christmas Cantata that we had last night, even though my transfer call came right in the middle of it. Thankfully I was sitting on the back row because we were running late from our last appointment that evening, so I was able to slip out and answer it. We also had an amazing zone meeting. President Lamborne (our stake president) attended and gave a training on Revelation through Council. Then my companions gave a training on faith and the role it plays in missionary work. At the end, we had a zone wide prayer for specific investigators who we felt could be baptized before the end of the year. The spirit was so strong there. I loved it.
Other than that, the week has been pretty hectic. Our teaching pool's been pretty small here so we've been doing a lot of referral seeking and visiting with less active members and recent converts. We've been working hard and having fun in the work of the Lord.
I love you all, and hope you're all well and safe.
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Thanks Mom. I'll let you know what I do about the camera and backpack.
I almost forgot. The Christmas call! As far as I understand, I'll be allowed a 40-45 minute call. Still no clue on what time of day. I'll let you know as soon as I do.
Dear Homefront,
Transfer calls came in last night. This Thursday I'll be moving from Virginia Beach back up to the Richmond area. I'll be proselyting in Burkeville which is just north of Midlothian with my new companion Elder Eborn. I'll figure out my new address by next Monday so I can send it in my next e-mail. I'm really sad to see Virginia Beach go and I'll miss working in a singles branch, but the church is true, even in Midlothian (or so I've heard).
This past week was really good. I thoroughly enjoyed the Stake Christmas Cantata that we had last night, even though my transfer call came right in the middle of it. Thankfully I was sitting on the back row because we were running late from our last appointment that evening, so I was able to slip out and answer it. We also had an amazing zone meeting. President Lamborne (our stake president) attended and gave a training on Revelation through Council. Then my companions gave a training on faith and the role it plays in missionary work. At the end, we had a zone wide prayer for specific investigators who we felt could be baptized before the end of the year. The spirit was so strong there. I loved it.
Other than that, the week has been pretty hectic. Our teaching pool's been pretty small here so we've been doing a lot of referral seeking and visiting with less active members and recent converts. We've been working hard and having fun in the work of the Lord.
I love you all, and hope you're all well and safe.
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Thanks Mom. I'll let you know what I do about the camera and backpack.
I almost forgot. The Christmas call! As far as I understand, I'll be allowed a 40-45 minute call. Still no clue on what time of day. I'll let you know as soon as I do.
Monday, December 5, 2011
020
5 December 2011
Dear Homefront,
Leadership was amazing. The spirit was so strong there. Four days of trainings prepared by President and Sister Perry as well as Elders Cook and Wheelock the two assistants, compounded by roughly fifty missionaries all having opportunity to share their insights and feelings in counsel. As well as amazingly good food to boot. ;) I think my favorite parts were Sister Perry's training on the importance of the Book of Mormon and President's training on the Missionary Purpose.
Following returning to my proselyting area, I had the opportunity also to watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional broadcast. My heart was warmed by President Monson's sincere urge to remember the true meaning of Christmas and his usage of classic literature to help his point. My spirit was touched by President Eyring's heartfelt testimony of the divinity of the Savior. And my soul was filled with joy with President Uchtdorf's humorous account of how he caught the living room curtains on fire as a child.
All of this, has made for one spiritually exhausting week. However, it has forged into my heart and soul a newfound dedication and has armed me with a keener insight as to my duties as a missionary and what I need to do, in order to not only become a better missionary, but throughout my life.
I hope all of you are well and safe. Continue to pray for missionary miracles, your faithful prayers keep the work moving forward.
I love you all,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
PS: I've gotten fairly good about using my debit card (and by extention my MSF card) as little as possible. So I think I shoud be good for a little bit on funds. I don't really have any big purchases in mind for the near future. About the only things I'm thinking about getting would be a new backpack (the one I got at the MTC is good, but it's just too simple and I have no real way to carry my scriptures, PMG and still have room to organize and carry other proselyting supplies. There were some pretty good yet inexpensive ones at a sporting goods store here locally as well as I could check out Walmart and see what they could offer. Counsel?
I know I haven't sent too many pictures, and I think it stems from the fact that I haven't really been taking pictures ... The main reason being that my camera is just awkward to carry with me. Especially when I'm not carrying my backpack (and even when I am). I've been looking around at Walmart (when any of the other elders want to print off a picture or two and they have some pretty compact ones that I've been looking at for under $100, possibly cheaper with Christmas sales coming up (it's up to you, though. Looking back, I should have made a push for a smaller one before my mission, but there were other, more pertinent things that I was worrying about then.) Maybe I should get one and that way I'll be more likely to actually have it with me and try to take more pictures.
Dear Homefront,
Leadership was amazing. The spirit was so strong there. Four days of trainings prepared by President and Sister Perry as well as Elders Cook and Wheelock the two assistants, compounded by roughly fifty missionaries all having opportunity to share their insights and feelings in counsel. As well as amazingly good food to boot. ;) I think my favorite parts were Sister Perry's training on the importance of the Book of Mormon and President's training on the Missionary Purpose.
Following returning to my proselyting area, I had the opportunity also to watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional broadcast. My heart was warmed by President Monson's sincere urge to remember the true meaning of Christmas and his usage of classic literature to help his point. My spirit was touched by President Eyring's heartfelt testimony of the divinity of the Savior. And my soul was filled with joy with President Uchtdorf's humorous account of how he caught the living room curtains on fire as a child.
All of this, has made for one spiritually exhausting week. However, it has forged into my heart and soul a newfound dedication and has armed me with a keener insight as to my duties as a missionary and what I need to do, in order to not only become a better missionary, but throughout my life.
I hope all of you are well and safe. Continue to pray for missionary miracles, your faithful prayers keep the work moving forward.
I love you all,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
PS: I've gotten fairly good about using my debit card (and by extention my MSF card) as little as possible. So I think I shoud be good for a little bit on funds. I don't really have any big purchases in mind for the near future. About the only things I'm thinking about getting would be a new backpack (the one I got at the MTC is good, but it's just too simple and I have no real way to carry my scriptures, PMG and still have room to organize and carry other proselyting supplies. There were some pretty good yet inexpensive ones at a sporting goods store here locally as well as I could check out Walmart and see what they could offer. Counsel?
I know I haven't sent too many pictures, and I think it stems from the fact that I haven't really been taking pictures ... The main reason being that my camera is just awkward to carry with me. Especially when I'm not carrying my backpack (and even when I am). I've been looking around at Walmart (when any of the other elders want to print off a picture or two and they have some pretty compact ones that I've been looking at for under $100, possibly cheaper with Christmas sales coming up (it's up to you, though. Looking back, I should have made a push for a smaller one before my mission, but there were other, more pertinent things that I was worrying about then.) Maybe I should get one and that way I'll be more likely to actually have it with me and try to take more pictures.
Monday, November 28, 2011
019
28 November 2011
Dear Homefront,
Virginia Beach is on FIRE!!! The Virginia Beach zone (the one I'm in) had 11 baptisms this past month. This is a fertile land for the gospel.
Thanksgiving was good. President Perry gave permission for any missionaries that wanted to play in their wards' Turkey Bowls as long as it was flag or touch only, no tackle. So we went out in the morning and played some football. Salem (the ward we're in) had challenged the Kempsville ward (whose missionaries share our apartment) and we all went out and had some fun. Salem won. Then the Denhoff family (Bro. Denhoff is the second counselor in the bishopric) invited us over for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Other than that, Thanksgiving was deemed a Non-Proselyting day so we just rested at the apartment, played some chess and Monopoly DEAL and just had some fun.
The next two days were really ... I'm not sure how to describe it. We did a triple exchange. Elder Narramore and Elder Mecham (Spanish district leader) went out to Eastern Shore, Elder Farr went with Elder Walker (Elder Mecham's companion) and did Spanish work in Pembroke, and I stayed in Salem and had one of the Kempsville elders, Elder Rickson work with me on bikes. Needless to say, I was very sore by the end. But it went well and we had some great lessons.
Now I'm really looking forward to this week. For four days I get to go up to Richmond and receive leadership training from the Assistants and President Perry. It's going to be really good and I'll probably have a lot to write about next week.
Hope you're all well and safe. Love you all.
-Elder John Y. Roberts.
PS: I like high cam because you can see the forms but multi cam is cool too. All of my DVD's are downstairs (at least they should be) because I thought there were some that some of the family would still like to watch while I was gone but I wrote my name on them. And yes, I got the package. Dad does know that I do get fed and don't need half the kitchen right? I did like the apron though. Very amusing and fun.
Dear Homefront,
Virginia Beach is on FIRE!!! The Virginia Beach zone (the one I'm in) had 11 baptisms this past month. This is a fertile land for the gospel.
Thanksgiving was good. President Perry gave permission for any missionaries that wanted to play in their wards' Turkey Bowls as long as it was flag or touch only, no tackle. So we went out in the morning and played some football. Salem (the ward we're in) had challenged the Kempsville ward (whose missionaries share our apartment) and we all went out and had some fun. Salem won. Then the Denhoff family (Bro. Denhoff is the second counselor in the bishopric) invited us over for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Other than that, Thanksgiving was deemed a Non-Proselyting day so we just rested at the apartment, played some chess and Monopoly DEAL and just had some fun.
The next two days were really ... I'm not sure how to describe it. We did a triple exchange. Elder Narramore and Elder Mecham (Spanish district leader) went out to Eastern Shore, Elder Farr went with Elder Walker (Elder Mecham's companion) and did Spanish work in Pembroke, and I stayed in Salem and had one of the Kempsville elders, Elder Rickson work with me on bikes. Needless to say, I was very sore by the end. But it went well and we had some great lessons.
Now I'm really looking forward to this week. For four days I get to go up to Richmond and receive leadership training from the Assistants and President Perry. It's going to be really good and I'll probably have a lot to write about next week.
Hope you're all well and safe. Love you all.
-Elder John Y. Roberts.
PS: I like high cam because you can see the forms but multi cam is cool too. All of my DVD's are downstairs (at least they should be) because I thought there were some that some of the family would still like to watch while I was gone but I wrote my name on them. And yes, I got the package. Dad does know that I do get fed and don't need half the kitchen right? I did like the apron though. Very amusing and fun.
Monday, November 21, 2011
018
21 November 2011
Dear Homefront,
This week has been a little on the slow side for me, but still very good. We're mostly just trying to turn the potential this area has into a teaching pool of investigators. It's hard work, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
Virginia is so beautiful this time of year. The trees have literally exploded with a rainbow of reds and golds and oranges. The days are crisp and clear with the cool of the changing seasons. The sea rocks gently when I catch a glimpse of it as we drive to our appointments, with majestic battleships and other naval vessels going to and fro from the numerous installations.
I love it here. I love this work. I love being able to watch as the sanctifying atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ takes hold in peoples' lives and causes mighty changes. I love being "about the work of Him that sent me." I can't do justice with words how I feel as I look about me and marvel at the many beauties of God's creations and at how His hand manifests itself all around me.
I'm grateful to those who never gave up on me, who believed in me enough to get me to where I am today. I'm grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who trusts me with this great task, this marvelous work. I'm grateful that I have this opportunity to serve my Lord and Master, my God and Creator. I love this work, and all that it entails.
I hope and pray that you all have a wonderful day of Thanksgiving. I love you all.
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Dear Homefront,
This week has been a little on the slow side for me, but still very good. We're mostly just trying to turn the potential this area has into a teaching pool of investigators. It's hard work, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
Virginia is so beautiful this time of year. The trees have literally exploded with a rainbow of reds and golds and oranges. The days are crisp and clear with the cool of the changing seasons. The sea rocks gently when I catch a glimpse of it as we drive to our appointments, with majestic battleships and other naval vessels going to and fro from the numerous installations.
I love it here. I love this work. I love being able to watch as the sanctifying atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ takes hold in peoples' lives and causes mighty changes. I love being "about the work of Him that sent me." I can't do justice with words how I feel as I look about me and marvel at the many beauties of God's creations and at how His hand manifests itself all around me.
I'm grateful to those who never gave up on me, who believed in me enough to get me to where I am today. I'm grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who trusts me with this great task, this marvelous work. I'm grateful that I have this opportunity to serve my Lord and Master, my God and Creator. I love this work, and all that it entails.
I hope and pray that you all have a wonderful day of Thanksgiving. I love you all.
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Monday, November 14, 2011
017
Dear Homefront,
Happy Birthday Mother. And Happy Veterans Day Dad.
Well, the work here has slowed down considerably. We've baptized almost all of our investigators. I guess we'll just have to go out and find some more.
So, This past week has been very interesting ... I've had my first experience with a Baptist service. One of Elder Narramore's former investigators passed away and we recieved permission to attend the funeral, it was in a Baptist church and presided over by a Baptist Reverend. Their way of worship is ... I guess 'different' would be the best word I can use. Not necessarily in a bad way just different than what I'm used to. However the family was very kind to us and one of the missionaries that had been teaching this man at the time of his passing was asked to speak. The program also included a special thanks to "The Church of Latter Day Saints." They missed the 'Jesus Christ' part, but it was nice none-the-less.
Then later that night, two recent converts in the ward got married. They had begged and begged and permission had been granted for the missionaries who had been a part of their conversions to attend as long as they could make it back to their own areas that night. It was a nice ceremony on the beach with the Bishop presiding and then they had their reception in the gym of the meetinghouse. So that day was long and hectic.
So, I'm sorry that I really don't have much to write about. Not a whole lot happened this week other than those two happenings. I'm alive and well so I'm not going to complain. All of the weight I've gained has been in muscle and my clothes all fit fine, if not better as I've built up just a little around my chest and shoulders.
I recently found out that Elder Farr's mother makes "mission rings." They're plain band rings which are laser engraved with the name of the mission that either you (or our near and dear missionary) are serving in. She has a website with details at mymissionring.com.
Well, that's all for now. I love you all.
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Happy Birthday Mother. And Happy Veterans Day Dad.
Well, the work here has slowed down considerably. We've baptized almost all of our investigators. I guess we'll just have to go out and find some more.
So, This past week has been very interesting ... I've had my first experience with a Baptist service. One of Elder Narramore's former investigators passed away and we recieved permission to attend the funeral, it was in a Baptist church and presided over by a Baptist Reverend. Their way of worship is ... I guess 'different' would be the best word I can use. Not necessarily in a bad way just different than what I'm used to. However the family was very kind to us and one of the missionaries that had been teaching this man at the time of his passing was asked to speak. The program also included a special thanks to "The Church of Latter Day Saints." They missed the 'Jesus Christ' part, but it was nice none-the-less.
Then later that night, two recent converts in the ward got married. They had begged and begged and permission had been granted for the missionaries who had been a part of their conversions to attend as long as they could make it back to their own areas that night. It was a nice ceremony on the beach with the Bishop presiding and then they had their reception in the gym of the meetinghouse. So that day was long and hectic.
So, I'm sorry that I really don't have much to write about. Not a whole lot happened this week other than those two happenings. I'm alive and well so I'm not going to complain. All of the weight I've gained has been in muscle and my clothes all fit fine, if not better as I've built up just a little around my chest and shoulders.
I recently found out that Elder Farr's mother makes "mission rings." They're plain band rings which are laser engraved with the name of the mission that either you (or our near and dear missionary) are serving in. She has a website with details at mymissionring.com.
Well, that's all for now. I love you all.
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Monday, November 7, 2011
016
07 November 2011
Dear Homefront,
So, I have some exciting news I'll start off with. I got to baptise someone! I was able to perform the baptism for Kris, our most recent convert, on Saturday. I was so excited when I was asked to do it. (I attached a picture, the other picture I attached is another of our recent converts, Nicole). Then, last night I got to attend the CES broadcast where President Packer spoke. He's looking quite healthy, and he was able to stand through his whole address. All of this has led to quite the spiritual high.
With the new transfer cycle, the other companionship that shares our apartment became a trio so there are now six of us living here. Our bedroom is quite literally a sea of beds, with five beds and a couch. I volunteered to take the couch. But there are two aisles, one from the door to our closet, and another from the door to the door of our bathroom. The apartment isn't all uncomfortable though. We got rid of our desks, and accepted an offer to take a dining room set of a large table and 7 chairs off of the hands of some members who were moving. So that has become our new meal and study area. Also we got some new couches from a member who needed to make room for their new couches, so our apartment is quite comfortable and cozy.
The work is slowly grinding to a stand-still right now. We have baptised almost all of our investigators, so now we need to go and find some new ones. It's amazing. I'm so happy to see all of these people come into the fold. I love working here in Virginia, this truly is where the Lord needed me and where I needed to be.
I love you all, and hope that you are all safe and well. Keep strong, stay busy, help the missionaries in your area in any way you can. Look for missionary opportunities.
With love,
Elder John Y. Roberts
PS: CD's I took: 4 Jon Schmidt, Phantom Regiment, Beethovens Moonlight, MoTab 'Called to Serve', Celtic Hymns, and my two bagpipe cds.
The only hoodies I had planned to keep were my grey dragon one, and my brown Shakespeare one. But thank you for the hoodie and the slippers.
We only buy what we need, don't buy junk, have members feed us every once in a while when we can, and live off of burritos, rice, ramen, and other cheap fast and easy (and we try to be healthy as well) dishes. Yet somehow, I've gained weight (I'm now at 170), I think it's muscle starting to build finally.
As for what you could include ... I'm really wanting a slightly larger musical selection, songs get old fast when you can't change it up. Anything by MoTab would be great, but if you can find it, I'd love either 'Spirit of America' or 'Showtime' by them. Also, any good instrumentals by Motzart, or Bach ... really any of the 'classical' composers. Umm ... Really anything would be nice - candy, small entertainment items, more mail supplies ... yeah, I guess just anything you want to send. If I can't use it, I'll either find someone who can or I'll send it back.
Love you.
Dear Homefront,
So, I have some exciting news I'll start off with. I got to baptise someone! I was able to perform the baptism for Kris, our most recent convert, on Saturday. I was so excited when I was asked to do it. (I attached a picture, the other picture I attached is another of our recent converts, Nicole). Then, last night I got to attend the CES broadcast where President Packer spoke. He's looking quite healthy, and he was able to stand through his whole address. All of this has led to quite the spiritual high.
With the new transfer cycle, the other companionship that shares our apartment became a trio so there are now six of us living here. Our bedroom is quite literally a sea of beds, with five beds and a couch. I volunteered to take the couch. But there are two aisles, one from the door to our closet, and another from the door to the door of our bathroom. The apartment isn't all uncomfortable though. We got rid of our desks, and accepted an offer to take a dining room set of a large table and 7 chairs off of the hands of some members who were moving. So that has become our new meal and study area. Also we got some new couches from a member who needed to make room for their new couches, so our apartment is quite comfortable and cozy.
The work is slowly grinding to a stand-still right now. We have baptised almost all of our investigators, so now we need to go and find some new ones. It's amazing. I'm so happy to see all of these people come into the fold. I love working here in Virginia, this truly is where the Lord needed me and where I needed to be.
I love you all, and hope that you are all safe and well. Keep strong, stay busy, help the missionaries in your area in any way you can. Look for missionary opportunities.
With love,
Elder John Y. Roberts
PS: CD's I took: 4 Jon Schmidt, Phantom Regiment, Beethovens Moonlight, MoTab 'Called to Serve', Celtic Hymns, and my two bagpipe cds.
The only hoodies I had planned to keep were my grey dragon one, and my brown Shakespeare one. But thank you for the hoodie and the slippers.
We only buy what we need, don't buy junk, have members feed us every once in a while when we can, and live off of burritos, rice, ramen, and other cheap fast and easy (and we try to be healthy as well) dishes. Yet somehow, I've gained weight (I'm now at 170), I think it's muscle starting to build finally.
As for what you could include ... I'm really wanting a slightly larger musical selection, songs get old fast when you can't change it up. Anything by MoTab would be great, but if you can find it, I'd love either 'Spirit of America' or 'Showtime' by them. Also, any good instrumentals by Motzart, or Bach ... really any of the 'classical' composers. Umm ... Really anything would be nice - candy, small entertainment items, more mail supplies ... yeah, I guess just anything you want to send. If I can't use it, I'll either find someone who can or I'll send it back.
Love you.
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