035

19 March 2012

Dear Homefront,

Happy St. Paddy's Day! And just in case my box doesn't arrive in time, Happy B-Day Paps. (side note on the box, the little red box (ornament inside) and the "humorous item" were both given to me by members in my last area and are for Mom. The brown paper bag with the pictures on it is Dad's B-Day present. The letters, I would like put with my other stuff just like the other box of letters I sent home a few months ago.)
This week has been long and hard, but really good at the same time. We set Tracy, one of our investigators, for baptism in April. She is really solid. Her Mother and sister, Amber, are both recent converts to the church and just a little while ago, Tracy told them that she wanted to join as well, so that's where we come in. Just a couple days ago, the youth in the Ward had a temple trip and Tracy went along with them and Sister Tukumouatu, whose husband was helping with the youth, took her to the visitors center there. She really enjoyed herself and she definitely felt the spirit.

Other fun highlights of the week include an Irish potato bar for the Ft. Lee branch activity on St. Patrick's, green cream soda to celebrate the great week, a long day of tracting on our "Car Fast" which led us to find a new investigating family, and Elder Johnson’s "Brazilian" birthday and the humor that came with that.

So, a little more information on that one. Elder Johnson's mother is full Brazilian so he applied for dual-citizenship. Something got messed up in the courts, so legally in the US, and also actually the day he was born, is in June. However, in Brazil, his birthday is legally in March. So in explaining this to Elder Stock, our Military Relations missionary, he replied "I wish I had two birthdays." So the next night, we bought a cake at dinnertime, and just before curfew, we went to Elder and Sister Stock's apartment. As soon as Elder Stock answered, we broke into a chorus of "Happy Birthday." Moral of the story? Be careful what you wish for, because you might just get it. ;)

Hope all's well on the homefront. I love and miss you all.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts

034

12 March 2012

Dear Homefront,

The wedding and baptism last week were both a huge success. Then the 'hecticness' of transfers hit. Elder Rowberry scrambled to get everything packed, then Tuesday morning we finally hear back from President Perry. According to the transfer call Sunday evening, we were supposed to get Elder Biscocho (spelling?), but then President remembered that he's not American so he would have a really hard time getting on base. So it was up in the air all of Monday and it was looking like it might just be myself and Elder Johnson, since the mission was running short. But things worked out and we got a third elder, Elder Eagar, who was in my MTC district. It's great to be working with him again.

So this week has been pretty slow, mostly letting Elder Rowberry say goodbye to people and then Thursday was spent mostly waiting for Elder Eagar to arrive on the transfer van. But we got some good work done, visited as many people as we could. And I got my first chance to actually proselyte on base. Since it's a government installation, we can't actively proselyte until someone approaches us with questions. Well, Private Hill, a soldier there brought a non-member "battle-buddy" yesterday, who ... you guessed it, had questions! This led to us finding a golden investigator who wants to attend church as often as her duty schedule will allow and she wishes she had more time to read the Book of Mormon.

All's well in Hopewell! Though, outside of those highlights, not much has happened. The ward is taking good care of us on the dinner side of things, Elder Johnson has gotten me on a more regular work our schedule, and the Lord has blessed us.

Hope all of you are staying safe and well.
with much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts

PS: Okay ... I'm sorry, but this computer is not recognizing that my memory card is attached so it's not letting me upload my pictures. I promise to bring my camera cable next time so hopefully you'll get pictures next week. No later.

033

5 March 2012

Dear Homefront,

This past week has been intense for us here in Hopewell. We had two separate trips to Richmond (only about 45 minutes a piece) on two separate days. One was so that I could get fully certified to drive mission vehicles. It wasn't too bad, I sat through some driving videos and took a quiz at the end. Most of the questions were common sense questions and they were all multiple choice. It was also a good experience for Elder Tolman (our new Car Czar) who was able to receive training from Elder LeBaron on how to administer the safety training to other missionaries. Yes, the LeBarons have now been released and the VRM got a new Car Czar and Housing Secretary--Elder and Sister Tolman. The LeBarons actually have some family in American Fork. I had a couple classes with one of their granddaughters. The other trip was because Elder Rowberry had an appointment to meet with President Perry.

This week was also hectic for the reasons that we were preparing Sarah and Phillip (two of our investigators) for not only baptism (which happened just yesterday) but also their marriage (which happened on Saturday). We're very proud of the two newest members of our Ward. (This computer is giving me grief so I won't be able to send the pictures this week, I'll get them out asap.)

Add to all of that the anticipation of transfer calls, it made for a long but very rewarding week. And the results are in. Elder Johnson and I are staying in Hopewell. Elder Rowberry is being sent to the Newport News 3rd Ward in Downtown Newport News. Elder Johnson and I may or may not be getting a third companion. We were supposed to until President Perry realized that the third person he was going to send us was actually trained in the mission by Elder Johnson. So now that's a little up in the air while we wait for President to get back to us.

I'm looking forward to another transfer here in Hopewell. I love the work, and I love the people.

I hope you are all staying safe and sane.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts

032

27 February 2012

Dear Homefront,

If postmarkings are to be trusted, letters and packages take about 3 or 4 days to get to me. I received both the Valentines day and the last package with the St Patricks day items.

This week looks like it will be a good one for us. Two of our investigators are making preparations to be married and to enter into the waters of baptism this upcoming Saturday. (more to follow)

The past week has been spent in a blur of trying to visit with former investigators, attempting to find out why they stopped investigating and to see if they would be interested in continuing their investigation; overhauling our Area Book (which is a record of investigators, members, and other information about our proselyting area) which was in need of some work; and a rather remarkable Stake conference.

This Stake Conference was a broadcast to our meetinghouse and included some choice speakers ... A General Officer of the Church, a member of the Seventy, a member of the Presiding Bishopric, and an Apostle of the Lord. Elder Richard G. Scott presided at this conference and spoke concerning the divine sanctity of Womanhood and how it applies to both the woman and the man who must uphold and protect her. He gave advice to all people of all ages of what they can do to protect this divine gift that our loving Heavenly Father has given to His daughters. It was a very spiritual experience and it was perfect because, after many weeks of not being able to make it to church, Sarah and Phillip (the investigators that are getting ready to be married) were there.

The Lord is mindful of each and every one of us. No matter what the concern, it's important to Him for the simple reason that it's important to us. He loves us with a perfect and impossibly simple love. He is our Father, we are His children.

May all of you find shelter from the trials and tribulations of this world in the hollow of the hand of He who gave all for us.

With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts

031

21 February 2012

Dear Homefront,

Well, it's Tuesday and I'm writing now because yesterday was President's Day.

This week, we got the first real snow we had all winter. Thankfully it started coming down Sunday afternoon so we were able to make it in before it really hit hard. We ended up with about 3-4 inches overall. Unfortunately for my companions (being from California, they were both much more excited for snow than I was) it warmed back up yesterday and today and now most of the snow has melted away.

The Branch Activity at Ft. Lee this past Saturday was rather enjoyable. They had Navajo Tacos and I ended up getting pulled into a game of Mexican Train Dominos with Elder Stock (the senior military relations missionary) and a couple of the soldiers. Elder Stock won by just a few points. Fun fact about Elder Stock, he is featured in
John Bytheway's book "Supersonic Saints." In fact, he is the only one in the book that is not actually "supersonic." He flew a helicopter in Viet Nam.

Other than that, this week has been pretty much more of the regular life of a missionary. We're still working our way through our records and trying to figure out who is who. We have a couple more investigators set with baptismal dates. We're hoping they stick with it. I love being out here. I love being able to share this wonderful message that has brought hope into my life. And the best part ... it doesn't end after the mission. This morning I was reading in the Ensign from an article by Elder M. Russell Ballard about how we can use technology (the internet in particular) to share the gospel. It was very interesting and it helped me gain a greater perspective.

I hope you are all safe and well. I love you all.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts.

030

13 February 2012

Dear Homefront,

Happy Valentine's Day (tomorrow)! And while I'm at it (since I know that not all of my followers are happily in relationships) Happy Singles Awareness Day!

Hopewell has been good to us this week, well, mostly good. Winter is finally here. It's gotten rather cold lately and we've even had a couple flurries. But we'll survive (though I think I'll invest in a set of thermals and some earmuffs). Ft. Lee has also picked up some activity as well. Now that the holidays are over, there are more soldiers being sent out to train. Last Saturday was the largest group we've had at the activity since I've been here. We had plenty of snacks (as usual) and the Stocks (the senior "military relations" missionary couple) used the story of Johnny Lingo to illustrate how to get an "eight cow wife."

Elder Johnson and Elder Roweberry also had a very interesting time this week. They partook in a challenge at a local restaurant called the Courthouse Cafe. The challenge is 3 eggs, a side of home fries (potatoes), a 16oz steak, and 3 BA pancakes, and you have to eat it in under 30 minutes. I played it safe, and just got a regular meal. But it was funny. The cook came out and asked "Where are the hungry souls that are gonna try my challenge?" The next time he came back, he brought a "good friend," his 5-gallon bucket to "keep his floors clean." Then he brought the food (pictures to come). Each plate was the size of a pizza pan. They both failed and earned a place on the "wall of shame."

Other than that, the work is pretty much the same as always. A constant push to try to find new investigators. Currently we have three people we're teaching that have a baptismal date. Megan, Sarah, and Philip. I love working here and with these people. I feel better each and every day, knowing that even if I don't see the fruit of my labors, that I am helping people, just by being here.
I hope you all are well and safe. I love you all.
-Elder John Y. Roberts

029

6 February 2012

Dear Homefront,

Just in case my new address didn't make it out, here it is again,

4550 Jefferson Pointe Lane
Apt 8
Prince George VA 23875

The attached picture is of me and my new companions. Elders Johnson (on the left) and Roweberry (on the right).

Hopewell is amazing. I love it so much here. So far, the work is a little slow but that's nothing new to me so I'll keep working. I'm loving being able to work on base as well as my normal proselyting efforts. The spirit just feels so strong in this area, I feel like there's a vast amount of potential just waiting to be tapped.

Both of my companions are from California. Elder Johnson worked as a carny at Knotsberry Farm and Elder Roweberry is just a regular guy doing his best. We all have some similarities and some differences and we're able to get along fairly well.

So far on my mission, I've served in four areas, four districts, and four zones.
Mechanicsville, Mechanicsville District, Richmond Zone;
Salem A/Tidewater YSA, Kempsville District, Virginia Beach Zone;
Burkeville, Buckingham District, Midlothian Zone;
Hopewell, Colonial Heights District, Chesterfield Zone.

Lately, our work has consisted of working our way through the ward roster to try to get to know everybody. The result has been that most of the people we don't already know have moved. But some of the people that have moved in seem at least a little interested, so we'll keep working.

It's finally gotten cold around here. It's rare now that we'll leave the appartment without jackets. The warm winter was nice, but now we're paying for it.

I got a new set of scriptures and a new backpack (don't worry, the scriptures were free and the backpack was covered under some christmas money I received from some loving aunts, uncles, and other relations). The scriptures are a set of the military pocket sized ones that have the red cover. I'm currently working on building a small box (cardboard and duct tape) to keep them in so that they don't get crushed in my backpack. The backpack cost me $60 and I got it when some members at the military branch took us to the PX (on base store for anything that isn't food) and it's a black, military style backpack. It's very similar to the backpack I was looking at in the sporting goods store in VA Beach but for 1/4 the price. I'm happy.

I hope every one of you is well and safe. I love you.
-Elder John Y. Roberts

028

30 January 2012

Dear Homefront,

So, to begin my letter today, some background on how a mission is hierarched. (Note: The numbers given apply mostly to the Virginia Richmond Mission but the same basic structure exists in every mission.)

Most missions have anywhere from 100-200 missionaries at any given time. The mission is governed by the Mission President, his two counselors (who live within the mission boundaries), their wives, and the Assistants to the President (also called AP's who are two regular full-time missionaries).
The mission is divided into Zones, containing usually 20-30ish missionaries. Two missionaries are called to be Zone Leaders (ZL's, they are companions) to guide the zone and help the missionaries therein.
Each zone usually has 4-6 Districts, led by a single District Leader (DL).
Each District usually has about 3-4 Areas, and each area has a single companionship or trio who cover and work with a single, or sometimes two, wards/branches which is what the area is named for.

My new area is Hopewell. Which is in the Colonial Heights District. In the Chesterfield Zone. In the Virginia Richmond Mission. This is my fourth area and coincidentally, my fourth zone.

My companions are Elders Johnson and Roweberry, (I'll get pictures soon) both of whom are from California. We cover the Hopewell Family Ward as well as the Fort Lee Military Branch. We have a car (the only areas in this mission that are on bikes are all in "down-town" ish areas like in the heart of Norfolk or Richmond), however, to save on miles any Elders can choose to walk or ride their bikes for a day or so. Also, once a month the mission has a "Car Fast" where everybody goes a day without their car and focuses on finding new investigators rather than setting teaching appointments.

To be honest, I don't know how the Hopewell Ward is because I pulled the lucky draw to start off the weekly rotation of which of us attends the on base branch at Ft. Lee. Every week, one of us will go to Ft. Lee with either Elder and Sister Stock (the military relations missionaries assigned there) or with President Branderbarry (the Branch President). The on base branch is amazing, and shows true dedication because those at Ft. Lee are usually in training and are working from 4 am until 10 pm so Sunday is really one of the only days they get to rest. Also, it's interesting because almost a third of those attending are non-members who attend because they are acting as a "battle buddy" escort for the member who wants to attend the service. Unfortunately, due to Federal Policy we can't proselyte on base and must wait for them to approach us at either the service or at the Saturday branch activity for us to teach them.

I'll be able to tell you more as I actually get to know the area and the ward, but that's what I have for now. I'm safe and happy and so far I really enjoy both this new area and both of my companions.

I hope everyone is safe and well.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts

027

23 January 2012

Dear Homefront,

Well, it's transfer time once again here in the VRM and I'm getting transferred. I'll be serving in the Hopewell Ward and as part of that, I get to work with the Fort Lee Army/Military Personnel LDS branch! I'm excited for that.

This past week was interesting. We had a Zone Preparation Day of playing dodgeball and basketball as a zone. Elder Eborn and I took Leonard, one of our less active members with us and he enjoyed himself. Unfortunately, that trip killed our mileage for the month, and then we had three nights where we had something at or near the church so we did a lot of walking and talking and tracting around Crewe (the town where the church is), which isn't very large so by the end of the week, we were running out of effective things to do there.

One day though, you would've thought we were either coming under attack or going into martial law. Apparently there were some people either going to or from Fort Picket so there was a huge convoy of humvees and the airspace was full of both attack and transport helicopters and aircraft.

We had interviews with President Perry this week as well. It was really good to see him and to be able to speak with him. He is an amazing leader. He told me that when he reads my weekly reports to him, he has to remind himself (and finds himself amazed at the fact) that I'm only 19, which makes me feel really good. I love working with him and I'm so glad that he'll be my Mission President for nearly my whole mission.

Well, there's not really anything else to say about what happened this week. I hope everyone is safe and happy. I'll get you my new address as soon as I can.

With love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts

026

16 January 2012

Dear Homefront,

I got a slew of packages and letters this week ... All but one of them much belated Christmas gifts. I'd like to take this time to say thank you to all those who sent them. That one contained the exciting news of yet another engagement (and by extension a marriage that I'll miss), this one of Brian and Ellie.

On Wednesday this week, I went on exchanges with our Zone Leaders and it made me realize something. As much as I love the country and the beauty it has, my personality is better suited to the city (or at least a suburban setting). And I was reminded again why I love Singles Wards. Oh well, I go where I'm sent because I'm needed there (at least that's the theory). No, there's only one branch here in Burkeville. The only place I've had two was in VA Beach. Missionaries will be asked to help out in one way or more almost every week, especially in smaller congregations, usually helping with the sacrament. I have yet to teach a class, but I have spoken in sacrament meetings. That's another thing that's odd about Burkeville, due to such a small active membership, they don't have a second hour Sunday School class, just Sacrament and Priesthood/Auxilliary meetings.

This week seemed to be mostly consumed in more service. Cutting down trees, chopping it into firewood, stacking firewood, mucking out horse-stalls, clearing land, etc., until it got too cold to do much of anything. It looks like our good weather luck has run out in Virginia and winter has finally hit, still no snow though, just cold.

My clothing is holding up just fine, I've had to sew a fallen hem on a pair of my slacks and mend a very small hole on one of my shirt-tails but other than that, not much wear and tear (which seems surprising, but good at the same time).

A couple days ago, you would've thought we were getting invaded though. There was a huge convoy of Humvees that rolled through town headed towards Fort Pickett. Apparently there are a couple regiments of Marines and a contingent of Canadians that are all training there right now. Apparently it's the largest Urban Assault Training course on the East Coast. The air has been full of helo's and there've been jeeps roaming the streets lately. Still yet to see any tanks, but oh well, I guess you can't have everything.

I hope everything's going well and everyone's safe.
I love you all.
-Elder John Y. Roberts

PS: No, I havent had my suits cleaned yet but I really don't wear them that often. Church and meetings. It might have to wait until I get transferred again. I have yet to see a cleaners around here.