29 May 2012
Dear Homefront,
Happy Memorial Day! (even though it's a day late) Mine was pretty laid back. I read in a soft chair from the church foyer while Elder Eagar and some other Elders from the District played some b-ball. Then we did some cleaning for the apartment inspection we've got today. Speaking of the apartment, my address will be staying the same. It looks like I'll get to see six months in Hopewell! Unfortunately Elder Eagar won't get to celebrate with me. He's getting transferred. Elder Huntzinger is staying though and we're just going to duo the area. Too many Elders are leaving and not enough are coming in to keep us at three. Hopefully that'll change next transfer. The rest of the district is staying the same as well.
Things have been pretty quiet around here lately, as they usually are around holidays. It also doesn't help that most of the High Schools are starting to wind down and get ready for graduation. Work is going on however. This past week we were able to set Danielle, one of our investigators, with a baptismal date. She's tentatively set for June 9th. We've also been working hard at finding new investigators and we're thinking about starting to do more less-active work to help build the foundation here which will help us as we start teaching more people and bringing them to church.
Other than that, not too much is going on here in Hopewell. Oh, Elder Huntzinger has found himself in a mildly amusing predicament. (Well, at least I find it humorous. He doesn't.) Before his mission he was dating someone. He broke up with this girl in order to help him focus on getting ready for his mission, that is the only reason they broke up. They've been writing throughout his mission. This girl decided she wanted to serve a mission as well so she sent her papers in and got her call ... to the Virginia Richmond Mission Spanish Speaking. Elder Huntzinger has been a little on edge because of this and Elder Eagar saw fit to tease him about it every once-in-a-while. Thankfully, Elder Huntzinger is safe. There are few Spanish areas and even fewer Hermana areas, and only one in our zone. Neither of those Hermanas are training so she won't be in the Zone. It made me laugh to think about it and how I would feel if it had happened to me.
Oh well, I really do think that's all I have to report for now. I still love it here in Hopewell, and I'm still working hard. I love you all and hope all is well for you. Stay safe, stay strong.
With love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
044
21 May 2012
Dear Homefront,
I heard about the eclipse. Mama Fraser's dad is an avid astronomer and they told me they were going to drive down to southern Utah to get a better look at it. Just goes to show you the Murphy's law of whenever you leave a place, everything cool starts happening. Ah well. I'm about a good work.
As for my birthday, I don't need to hear anymore of that song. Somebody decided it would be a good idea to tell the brother in charge of the ward linger longer yesterday so I ended up with the whole ward singing. And then I got it again at our dinner appointment with the Johnsons. Yesterday was also entertaining for the fact that in an effort to conserve some of our miles, we decided to ride our bikes yesterday. Well, Mother Nature decided to teach us a lesson and halfway between appointments we got stuck in the rain! Thankfully it cleared up while we were in an appointment so we were able to dry out a little but I was exhausted and promptly fell asleep at bed time.
On Wednesday, we had a Zone Conference with us and the Midlothian Zone. It was really interesting that President Perry and the Assistants all trained mostly on finding new investigators. It really helped because that's what we're doing. We're building up our teaching pool right now.
All in all, this week has been a good one for us. I've set some goals to get a little healthier which included cutting back on the soda I drink. Instead (because I still don't think water has enough flavor), I've invested in a water enhancer called Mio which allows me to add as much or as little flavor as I want so that I can start weaning myself down. With this, I also plan to start carrying a water bottle in order to help me. Those multi-vitamins are helping as well. Thank you. I'm also starting to work out more. With any luck, I'll come home much healthier and stronger.
Well, I hope all is well with everyone. I'm still loving it here in Hopewell, though transfer calls come through next week. I hope I get to stay again.
I love you all. Stay safe.
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Dear Homefront,
I heard about the eclipse. Mama Fraser's dad is an avid astronomer and they told me they were going to drive down to southern Utah to get a better look at it. Just goes to show you the Murphy's law of whenever you leave a place, everything cool starts happening. Ah well. I'm about a good work.
As for my birthday, I don't need to hear anymore of that song. Somebody decided it would be a good idea to tell the brother in charge of the ward linger longer yesterday so I ended up with the whole ward singing. And then I got it again at our dinner appointment with the Johnsons. Yesterday was also entertaining for the fact that in an effort to conserve some of our miles, we decided to ride our bikes yesterday. Well, Mother Nature decided to teach us a lesson and halfway between appointments we got stuck in the rain! Thankfully it cleared up while we were in an appointment so we were able to dry out a little but I was exhausted and promptly fell asleep at bed time.
On Wednesday, we had a Zone Conference with us and the Midlothian Zone. It was really interesting that President Perry and the Assistants all trained mostly on finding new investigators. It really helped because that's what we're doing. We're building up our teaching pool right now.
All in all, this week has been a good one for us. I've set some goals to get a little healthier which included cutting back on the soda I drink. Instead (because I still don't think water has enough flavor), I've invested in a water enhancer called Mio which allows me to add as much or as little flavor as I want so that I can start weaning myself down. With this, I also plan to start carrying a water bottle in order to help me. Those multi-vitamins are helping as well. Thank you. I'm also starting to work out more. With any luck, I'll come home much healthier and stronger.
Well, I hope all is well with everyone. I'm still loving it here in Hopewell, though transfer calls come through next week. I hope I get to stay again.
I love you all. Stay safe.
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Monday, May 14, 2012
043
14 May 2012
My dear Homefront,
A very happy Mother's Day to all you matriarchs both in blood and in spirit. An inspired quote reads as thus: "Be nice to women. They represent half the population, and are mothers to the other half."
This past week has been a busy one. The work is starting to pick up again here in Hopewell and we've been very busy trying to find all of the potential we know the Lord has here in this portion of His vineyard. I honestly think we only had one day this week where we didn't teach a lesson, and I know that we were planting seeds all day everyday.
I haven't run into any ticks or snakes yet. Nor, thank heavens, bed bugs. But they're definitely out there, nasty little critters. Here's hoping I don't have any run ins with them, eh?
It's been pretty warm here this past week. Virginia seems to like to skip around their seasons. We seem to have already started summer, and the humidity's been up. The mosquitos have been annoying. There wasn't really enough of a frost last winter to kill them off so later in the summer is probably going to be miserable on that side. I'll do my best to avoid being eaten.
So, humorous mishap yesterday. Every Sunday, one of us will be picked up by the Stocks (our military relations senior couple) and taken to Ft. Lee while the other two will attend the Hopewell ward. After the meeting block, Brother Morgan (Ft. Lee 1st counselor) and his wife will drop off the one at the Hopewell meetinghouse. Well, this week was a little bit different. President Brandeberry is out of town on business so Elder Stock needed another priesthood holder to go with him to offer the sacrament to the soldiers who were just arriving that day, so he asked me to accompany him. He would then drop me off at the apartment where my companions should have been for lunch. This would've worked out because Elder Bradfield had accidentally left his backpack at our apartment at the end of an exchange and was going to come down to get it. Unfortunately there was a disconnect in communication so my companions ended up still waiting for me at the church like normal even though I would be nearly an hour later than normal ... oops. But it worked out so everything's fine.
Well, those are the major updates here on the Eastern Front. Hope all's well at home and everyone's staying safe.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
PS: Out of those names I know: Elders Orr (MTC), Trotter (MTC but not my district), Coburn (current Zone Leader), Rogers (current AP), and Smith (formerly in my district). I don't know who else has blogs.
Monday, May 7, 2012
042
7 May 2012
Dear Homefront,
This past week was one of the best weeks of my mission. There has been miracle after miracle here for us. I'm not exactly sure how to describe it, but I'm going to do my best.
But first, some questions to answer. I'll probably try to call around 4:30 (2:30 your time) because that seems like the optimum time for me to call. But I still need to hash out some details with my Elder Eagar and Elder Huntzinger, so we'll see. If I can't call then, I might call later in the evening around 8 o'clock (6 there). As for the bike, I haven't had any real problems thankfully, though it's not the best quality of bike I ever could have. I also haven't had to use it very often because so far I've been in areas that have a car, but we'll pull it out every once in a while, usually at least once a month on our car fast. For the most part I like it and it was a pretty good deal.
Now for the Mission Conference. This was the first time since President Perry has been the mission president that the entire mission gathered together in one place. So that's 200+ missionaries, and add on top of that all of the senior couples and senior sisters serving in the mission, all gathered in one chapel. The reason? Elder Russell M. Nelson, accompanied by Elder J. Jensen of the Presidency of the Seventy and Elder Lansing of the Seventy came to visit our mission. All of them spoke as did President and Sister Perry, Sister Lansing who was accompanying her husband, and the Stake President of the Richmond Stake. It was absolutely amazing to be taught from on high through these inspired servants of the Lord who addressed us. The Spirit was so strong there. Elder Nelson did two things that will be with me always, first, prior to the start of the meeting, he made provision for everyone in attendence to be personally greeted by him and shake his hand, and second, as he drew his address to a close, he invoked his office in offering an Apostolic Blessing upon us as the missionaries of the Virginia Richmond Mission. It was absolutely amazing.
Unfortunately I run short of time so I'll have to give word of the other miracles next week. I love you all. Please stay safe and happy.
With love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Saturday, May 5, 2012
041
30 April 2012
Dear Homefront,
Another slow week here in Hopewell. We decided to try to go see some of the further reaches of our area, places we don't normally go because they're so far out of the way. That brought very little success, so it really seemed more like scenic drives. Some good came out of it though. We were able to finally get one of our priest-age boys out on exchanges with us. He didn't get to see too much action, but we thankfully were able to do a little bit of teaching and finding.
Thank you for the prompt reply in finding those books. They will be an excellent augmentation to my studies to give me some deeper understanding on key aspects of the Gospel. And thank you for the CD's. I like what I got so far.
I can hardly wait for this upcoming weekend. We have a very special guest coming to visit the mission. Elder Nelson of the Twelve is coming to present a special devotional for our entire mission. 200+ missionaries as well as all the senior couples will be gathered together to hear from an Apostle of the Lord. It's going to be amazing. Other than that, I'm working hard and keeping strong. I love you all and hope you are safe an well.
With much love,
Elder John Y. Roberts
PS: Way ahead of you on figuring out what's on the PT tests.
PPS: Time for some photos... a scenic outlook of the Appomatox River at dusk, my district just before transfers, and Noah and us on the day of his baptism.
PPPS: The questions I had referred mostly to the blessings and responsibilities of Ephraim.
Dear Homefront,
Another slow week here in Hopewell. We decided to try to go see some of the further reaches of our area, places we don't normally go because they're so far out of the way. That brought very little success, so it really seemed more like scenic drives. Some good came out of it though. We were able to finally get one of our priest-age boys out on exchanges with us. He didn't get to see too much action, but we thankfully were able to do a little bit of teaching and finding.
Thank you for the prompt reply in finding those books. They will be an excellent augmentation to my studies to give me some deeper understanding on key aspects of the Gospel. And thank you for the CD's. I like what I got so far.
I can hardly wait for this upcoming weekend. We have a very special guest coming to visit the mission. Elder Nelson of the Twelve is coming to present a special devotional for our entire mission. 200+ missionaries as well as all the senior couples will be gathered together to hear from an Apostle of the Lord. It's going to be amazing. Other than that, I'm working hard and keeping strong. I love you all and hope you are safe an well.
With much love,
Elder John Y. Roberts
PS: Way ahead of you on figuring out what's on the PT tests.
PPS: Time for some photos... a scenic outlook of the Appomatox River at dusk, my district just before transfers, and Noah and us on the day of his baptism.
PPPS: The questions I had referred mostly to the blessings and responsibilities of Ephraim.
Monday, April 23, 2012
040
23 April 2012
Dear Homefront,
This past week was long and hard for the missionary work here. With Elder Johnson being sick and then wanting to say his goodbyes due to transfers, not much got done this week. Elder Huntzinger is really good though. He just came in and took maybe five minutes to unpack essentials then we went to work.
The transfer meeting was pretty good. We got a decent amount of new missionaries in this time around. We were cautioned once again to be careful in our cars (which I'm now driving (it feels good to be back behind the wheel)).
The bedbug problem seems to have died down a bit in our mission. At least, I haven't heard much about it. I personally haven't had a problem with them. I've known missionaries who have, but I thankfully haven't.
We have a couple new soldiers on post and we also recently got a couple more marines as well. One of the soldiers is actually a former VRM missionary. We got a good chuckle over that, especially that he had served in Petersburg which is about 10 minutes down the road from Hopewell.
That's really most of the updates from my side of things. Our entire district got shaken up by transfers. Only myself, Elder Eagar, and Elder Bradfield got to stay. Our Zone Leaders got "shotgunned" out so we have two brand new ones. We're still working on as hard as we can. I hope you all are safe and sound.
I love you all,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Dear Homefront,
This past week was long and hard for the missionary work here. With Elder Johnson being sick and then wanting to say his goodbyes due to transfers, not much got done this week. Elder Huntzinger is really good though. He just came in and took maybe five minutes to unpack essentials then we went to work.
The transfer meeting was pretty good. We got a decent amount of new missionaries in this time around. We were cautioned once again to be careful in our cars (which I'm now driving (it feels good to be back behind the wheel)).
The bedbug problem seems to have died down a bit in our mission. At least, I haven't heard much about it. I personally haven't had a problem with them. I've known missionaries who have, but I thankfully haven't.
We have a couple new soldiers on post and we also recently got a couple more marines as well. One of the soldiers is actually a former VRM missionary. We got a good chuckle over that, especially that he had served in Petersburg which is about 10 minutes down the road from Hopewell.
That's really most of the updates from my side of things. Our entire district got shaken up by transfers. Only myself, Elder Eagar, and Elder Bradfield got to stay. Our Zone Leaders got "shotgunned" out so we have two brand new ones. We're still working on as hard as we can. I hope you all are safe and sound.
I love you all,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Monday, April 16, 2012
039
16 April 2012
Dear Homefront,
Transfer time again in The VRM! I've managed to evade the ax once more and am privileged to be able to spend another six weeks in Hopewell. Elder Johnson wasn't so lucky, he's getting transferred back to Deep Creek, one of his former areas. Elder Eagar and I are getting a new companion, Elder Huntzinger. He was in my district when I first got out here so at least I know him. I'll see what I can do about stepping in front of Sister Perry as she goes mad with her camera at transfer meeting.
We had a baptism just yesterday. Noah decided to follow Sara and Phillip (his mom and step-dad) and join the Church. He's a funny little kid. Ten years old and way too smart for his own good. His hyperactivity kicked in during the baptismal service but everything managed to run smoothly enough. It was fun and really good.
Other than those, there aren't any real big highlights. I still love working with the soldiers at Ft. Lee and being able to go to their weekly FHE style activity. This past Saturday we played a fun dice game called Farkle and I managed to win back some of the honor I lost when I played Dominoes against Elder Stock.
I'm loving the work here in Virginia. I feel so much better and stronger than I ever have. I can barely believe I've been gone for over nine months now. At times it seems like just yesterday I was walking into the MTC in Provo. I'm a better man because of what I've learned here. You can include that into your lesson on repentance if you wish. Also, PMG has some excellent scriptures listed under repentance in lesson three, The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I hope everyone is safe and well. I love you all, and look forward to seeing you again.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
PS: I guess it could work for a b-day gift but President has given me permission to study and read from the old missionary reference library as well as the new one so I need some books. "A Marvelous Work and a Wonder" by LeGrande Richards, "The Great Apostasy" and "Articles of Faith" by James E. Talmage, and "Truth Restored" by Hinckley. Other than that, I'm not really sure what I would want... I guess more music would always be welcome. I can't think of anything specific right now, but I think I'd like something that's not specifically church. I know Walmart sells cd collections that are Christian music called the WOW collections. I actually think I'd really like some Celtic Women or Andre Rieu or possibly if you can find it the sound track to Les Miserables or Phantom of the Opera. I'd even be happy with some Disney or Marching Band music.
PPS: Did you ever talk to Patriarch Nuttal about what books he'd recommend for somebody who wants to learn about lineage?
PPPS: Just wanted to say I love you.
Dear Homefront,
Transfer time again in The VRM! I've managed to evade the ax once more and am privileged to be able to spend another six weeks in Hopewell. Elder Johnson wasn't so lucky, he's getting transferred back to Deep Creek, one of his former areas. Elder Eagar and I are getting a new companion, Elder Huntzinger. He was in my district when I first got out here so at least I know him. I'll see what I can do about stepping in front of Sister Perry as she goes mad with her camera at transfer meeting.
We had a baptism just yesterday. Noah decided to follow Sara and Phillip (his mom and step-dad) and join the Church. He's a funny little kid. Ten years old and way too smart for his own good. His hyperactivity kicked in during the baptismal service but everything managed to run smoothly enough. It was fun and really good.
Other than those, there aren't any real big highlights. I still love working with the soldiers at Ft. Lee and being able to go to their weekly FHE style activity. This past Saturday we played a fun dice game called Farkle and I managed to win back some of the honor I lost when I played Dominoes against Elder Stock.
I'm loving the work here in Virginia. I feel so much better and stronger than I ever have. I can barely believe I've been gone for over nine months now. At times it seems like just yesterday I was walking into the MTC in Provo. I'm a better man because of what I've learned here. You can include that into your lesson on repentance if you wish. Also, PMG has some excellent scriptures listed under repentance in lesson three, The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I hope everyone is safe and well. I love you all, and look forward to seeing you again.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
PS: I guess it could work for a b-day gift but President has given me permission to study and read from the old missionary reference library as well as the new one so I need some books. "A Marvelous Work and a Wonder" by LeGrande Richards, "The Great Apostasy" and "Articles of Faith" by James E. Talmage, and "Truth Restored" by Hinckley. Other than that, I'm not really sure what I would want... I guess more music would always be welcome. I can't think of anything specific right now, but I think I'd like something that's not specifically church. I know Walmart sells cd collections that are Christian music called the WOW collections. I actually think I'd really like some Celtic Women or Andre Rieu or possibly if you can find it the sound track to Les Miserables or Phantom of the Opera. I'd even be happy with some Disney or Marching Band music.
PPS: Did you ever talk to Patriarch Nuttal about what books he'd recommend for somebody who wants to learn about lineage?
PPPS: Just wanted to say I love you.
Monday, April 9, 2012
038
9 April 2012
Dear Homefront,
I heard about that Naval Jet. I'm not sure exactly what happened, but it seems to be one of the tender mercies of the Lord that nobody was killed. We don't have any planes that go in and out of Ft. Lee. Though we do have an artillery range and a drop zone for the airborne soldiers and helicopter training.
I really don't have too much to report this week. We spent a lot of time inside because Elder Johnson's been feeling sick most of the week. But our ward did have a fun Easter Social. Candy for the kids, BBQ for all, and an egg toss for the daring. I was in a suit so I didn't participate in that.
The Church put out a new push for the Easter weekend. Do you remember the vignettes that were released around Christmas time about the life of the Savior as written in the scriptures? They released another set about the atonement, death, and resurrection. They are really powerful. They can be found through links on mormon.org and lds.org as well as on facebook and youtube. The Church expected over 15 million hits just last weekend alone. I would highly suggest viewing them, and then sharing them. They are amazing.
That's really all I have. I hope everyone is staying safe and happy.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts.
Dear Homefront,
I heard about that Naval Jet. I'm not sure exactly what happened, but it seems to be one of the tender mercies of the Lord that nobody was killed. We don't have any planes that go in and out of Ft. Lee. Though we do have an artillery range and a drop zone for the airborne soldiers and helicopter training.
I really don't have too much to report this week. We spent a lot of time inside because Elder Johnson's been feeling sick most of the week. But our ward did have a fun Easter Social. Candy for the kids, BBQ for all, and an egg toss for the daring. I was in a suit so I didn't participate in that.
The Church put out a new push for the Easter weekend. Do you remember the vignettes that were released around Christmas time about the life of the Savior as written in the scriptures? They released another set about the atonement, death, and resurrection. They are really powerful. They can be found through links on mormon.org and lds.org as well as on facebook and youtube. The Church expected over 15 million hits just last weekend alone. I would highly suggest viewing them, and then sharing them. They are amazing.
That's really all I have. I hope everyone is staying safe and happy.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts.
Monday, April 2, 2012
037
2 April 2012
Dear Homefront,
First question. Is the Elder Smith's name Hyrum? If so, he's not just in my mission, he's in my district.
Conference was amazing. I loved the messages of hope and duty that our wonderful leaders brought us. And with so many of my friends entering the bonds of matrimony, I'm sure the messages of the family were much appreciated as well. I had a blessing of an opportunity to spend all but the priesthood session on base with the soldiers in the Ft. Lee Branch as it was my turn in the rotation. I can't really describe it, but there's just a special spirit that reigns in that place. We don't have a consecrated chapel, we worship in a space where the Chaplains make a theater, and where Muslims meet on Fridays for mosque. Our Branch President conducts interviews in a borrowed office, and our music is provided by a curious little character I like to call Private Boom-box. Yet there I see soldiers find their desire to grow, there in the most difficult of soil and they flourish. We've had so many recent ordinations it's almost unbelievable. Just yesterday, Darby our newest ordained priest blessed the sacrament for the first time. Many soldiers give up their "off post" passes, which are sometimes the only chance they'll get to leave the base while they're there for training, in order to go to church ... it's ... amazing. They do their duty, willingly and without shame. It's truly inspiring. In between the sessions yesterday, President Branderberry asked me to also instruct the brethren of the Melchizedek Priesthood on consecrating oil, and Hamilton, our most recently ordained elder, was able to perform that ceremony as well.
Hopewell is amazing. And I thank a loving Heavenly Father for allowing me this opportunity to serve here.
I love you all and hope you are all safe and well. Keep the fire of hope burning brightly.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
PS: Dad, it was either that one or a purple heart one. It just made me think of you. For more reasons than one. One of which is this. It's been a matter of serious reflection in my mind and I've taken the opportunity to take it before the Lord. I feel that I've gotten an affirmative answer. When I return home, I plan to pursue a contract with the Utah State ROTC and take a simultaneous enlistment with the Guard, all of which will help me through college and provide me a more stable financial base and allow me to graduate with less debt than I would have otherwise. I want to follow your path in the sense that I want to become airborne and air-assault certified (which fits into one of the requirements of the ROTC dictating I have a specialization in one of those or another field that they'd accept). Which is why the wings plaque made me think of you. I want you there when I do this. And if what I've heard is correct, then when I graduate jump school, you can be the one to pin my wings on my chest, and if that's true, Dad, I want that. I love you. Take care of Mom while I'm away.
Dear Mom,
I got your email this morning. And just in time, I was about to log off.
Yes, that will work. And it will save you putting un-needed money on for the months I don't spend very much.
Please tell Ava happy b-day for me.
If the person in the picture looks like me, it probably is me. As for the reason I don't mention it? I'm pretty sure I did talk about the Christmas Mission conference. Zone and district meeting are just more meetings, so that's why I don't usually bring those up. I like to tell you about the big things, because it feels like it did at school. You don't always remember every little detail, but those things that are most memorable are the things you most want to share.
I love you Mom. Glad you like the Turd-Bird. Thank you for buying those missionaries lunch. Coming from a missionary's perspective, they were very grateful.
~Elder John Y. Roberts
Dear Homefront,
First question. Is the Elder Smith's name Hyrum? If so, he's not just in my mission, he's in my district.
Conference was amazing. I loved the messages of hope and duty that our wonderful leaders brought us. And with so many of my friends entering the bonds of matrimony, I'm sure the messages of the family were much appreciated as well. I had a blessing of an opportunity to spend all but the priesthood session on base with the soldiers in the Ft. Lee Branch as it was my turn in the rotation. I can't really describe it, but there's just a special spirit that reigns in that place. We don't have a consecrated chapel, we worship in a space where the Chaplains make a theater, and where Muslims meet on Fridays for mosque. Our Branch President conducts interviews in a borrowed office, and our music is provided by a curious little character I like to call Private Boom-box. Yet there I see soldiers find their desire to grow, there in the most difficult of soil and they flourish. We've had so many recent ordinations it's almost unbelievable. Just yesterday, Darby our newest ordained priest blessed the sacrament for the first time. Many soldiers give up their "off post" passes, which are sometimes the only chance they'll get to leave the base while they're there for training, in order to go to church ... it's ... amazing. They do their duty, willingly and without shame. It's truly inspiring. In between the sessions yesterday, President Branderberry asked me to also instruct the brethren of the Melchizedek Priesthood on consecrating oil, and Hamilton, our most recently ordained elder, was able to perform that ceremony as well.
Hopewell is amazing. And I thank a loving Heavenly Father for allowing me this opportunity to serve here.
I love you all and hope you are all safe and well. Keep the fire of hope burning brightly.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
PS: Dad, it was either that one or a purple heart one. It just made me think of you. For more reasons than one. One of which is this. It's been a matter of serious reflection in my mind and I've taken the opportunity to take it before the Lord. I feel that I've gotten an affirmative answer. When I return home, I plan to pursue a contract with the Utah State ROTC and take a simultaneous enlistment with the Guard, all of which will help me through college and provide me a more stable financial base and allow me to graduate with less debt than I would have otherwise. I want to follow your path in the sense that I want to become airborne and air-assault certified (which fits into one of the requirements of the ROTC dictating I have a specialization in one of those or another field that they'd accept). Which is why the wings plaque made me think of you. I want you there when I do this. And if what I've heard is correct, then when I graduate jump school, you can be the one to pin my wings on my chest, and if that's true, Dad, I want that. I love you. Take care of Mom while I'm away.
Dear Mom,
I got your email this morning. And just in time, I was about to log off.
Yes, that will work. And it will save you putting un-needed money on for the months I don't spend very much.
Please tell Ava happy b-day for me.
If the person in the picture looks like me, it probably is me. As for the reason I don't mention it? I'm pretty sure I did talk about the Christmas Mission conference. Zone and district meeting are just more meetings, so that's why I don't usually bring those up. I like to tell you about the big things, because it feels like it did at school. You don't always remember every little detail, but those things that are most memorable are the things you most want to share.
I love you Mom. Glad you like the Turd-Bird. Thank you for buying those missionaries lunch. Coming from a missionary's perspective, they were very grateful.
~Elder John Y. Roberts
Monday, March 26, 2012
036
26 March 2012
Dear Homefront,
This has been a full week for us the Elders of Hopewell. With the mission’s Leadership Training meeting going on and our District Leader's companion being gone for that, Elder Bradfield decided to do a full set of exchanges. On each day, a different one of us went over to Colonial Heights to work with him. It made for a lot of hard work and interesting times and I finally got to make use of my driving certification. Elder Eagar has been on bike for most of his mission so he hasn't gotten a Virginia driver's license yet which meant that when Elder Johnson went to Colonial Heights, I became the designated driver.
This week has been crazy for another reason. We've just been receiving referrals like mad. Both from HQ sources like mormon.org and from the people we talk to. Which has really helped to expand our teaching pool and to give us more to work with. I have a feeling that Hopewell will continue to grow until it "shall blossom as the rose" like the prophecy about the Lamanites, given in the Book of Mormon.
Lately I've been studying from "Jesus the Christ" by James E. Talmage, as well as "A Marvelous Work and a Wonder" by LeGrand Richards. Both of them have been just a blast of doctrine that have helped me so much gain a deeper understanding of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as well as an amazing understanding of the Restoration of the Gospel. I would highly recommend these two books.
All's well in Hopewell. I hope you're all safe and sound.
With love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
PS: Mom, could you please get me some contact information for Patriarch Nutall? Or speak with him and ask him for some recommendations of books he would use for people who had questions about lineage? Please and thank you.
Dear Homefront,
This has been a full week for us the Elders of Hopewell. With the mission’s Leadership Training meeting going on and our District Leader's companion being gone for that, Elder Bradfield decided to do a full set of exchanges. On each day, a different one of us went over to Colonial Heights to work with him. It made for a lot of hard work and interesting times and I finally got to make use of my driving certification. Elder Eagar has been on bike for most of his mission so he hasn't gotten a Virginia driver's license yet which meant that when Elder Johnson went to Colonial Heights, I became the designated driver.
This week has been crazy for another reason. We've just been receiving referrals like mad. Both from HQ sources like mormon.org and from the people we talk to. Which has really helped to expand our teaching pool and to give us more to work with. I have a feeling that Hopewell will continue to grow until it "shall blossom as the rose" like the prophecy about the Lamanites, given in the Book of Mormon.
Lately I've been studying from "Jesus the Christ" by James E. Talmage, as well as "A Marvelous Work and a Wonder" by LeGrand Richards. Both of them have been just a blast of doctrine that have helped me so much gain a deeper understanding of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as well as an amazing understanding of the Restoration of the Gospel. I would highly recommend these two books.
All's well in Hopewell. I hope you're all safe and sound.
With love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
PS: Mom, could you please get me some contact information for Patriarch Nutall? Or speak with him and ask him for some recommendations of books he would use for people who had questions about lineage? Please and thank you.
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