050

2 July 2012

Dear Homefront,

 

Happy Independence Day!  We get to have a no proselyting day on the 4th and we've been given permission to go see a fireworks show.  They have one at Ft. Lee so we might go there.  Maybe we'll go visit Petersburg National Battlefield or the museums on post.

 

This past week has been crazy, and not really even in a good way.  There've been some extremes in the weather here lately going from a heat index of 115 to sudden tornado warnings and freak thunderstorms.  My 72-hour kit is fine, just a little unorganized right now ... I need to fix that.

 

We've done a little bit of tracting here and there in between the heat advisories and storms, but we haven't really seen much success from that.  President Perry sent out a statement that he feels that every companionship can baptize by the end of the month.  It's going to take a miracle, but it wouldn't be the first time I've seen miracles happen so I guess it's possible.  We'll just have to exercise all the faith we've got, and work.

 

It does feel odd to think that I've been gone for nearly a year.  In ways, it still feels like I left yesterday.  I guess to most people back home, it feels like a right old year ;)  And it's insane that Elder Yashko is almost home!  Please ask Cindy to tell him that he'd better not be getting trunky.  A lot of people are home or almost home now--it's strange to think about.

 

Other than all of that, not much has really changed since last week.  We're just holding on and doing our best to work hard.

 

I hope all is well on the Homefront.  I love you all.

-Elder John Y. Roberts

 

PS:  Items for the care package

My vial for consecrated oil broke quite a while ago and I kept forgetting to tell you. I could really use a new one.

On that note, my knife also just up and disappeared.  I've searched high and low for it but I still can't find it.  I could use a new one if you can remember the style I liked.

 

And the last thing I wanted to ask is if you'd ever used that Think Geek certificate?  If not, I wouldn't mind either the watch or some other random useful items.

049

25 June 2012

Dear Homefront,

 

The weather here has been weird lately.  It started off with a huge heat spike, triple digits a couple times, and the humidity just making it worse.  Then (I'd blame it on the sudden heat influx) we've had a couple freak storms that have just dumped buckets of rain.  The storms were nice reprieves for a moment, but in the end just made it worse because the humidity just spiked higher.  But thankfully we were able to not get soaked, the storms almost always seemed to subside just as we were leaving wherever we were and would hold back for almost our whole journey.  By the way the weather's been going, it's looking like hurricane season might be a rough one this year.

 

Other than that, not much has been going on.  Due to our lack of investigators that we can see during the week (Saturdays and Sundays are fine because we've got four investigators out on Ft. Lee), we've been reduced to tracting.  The heat's been making that a fun experience, but don't worry, we've been staying hydrated and careful.  The biggest problem is that we have yet to really have very much success.  We've run into some nice people, and some not so nice people, but no interested people.  But we'll keep working because that's all we can do.

 

On Thursday we got a nice break from tracting, we helped a family in the ward move.  That was an interesting experience.  A lot of their furniture was heavy.  At least it felt heavier than it should have.  But that also took longer than we expected it to.  A 2-3 hour project ended up taking us all day, but they are happily settled into their new place so that's what truly matters right?

 

Saturday was the Branch Activity like usual.  That was fun as always.  We had pulled pork sandwiches, along with the usual junk-food treats they put out for the soldiers, yum.  Then on Sunday it was Branch Conference so the Stake Presidency came to visit, and as if they all knew, almost every soldier came, including many that we haven't seen in a long time.  I couldn't tell you how the actual service went because it was my week at Hopewell so my ride came and collected me right as breakfast ended.

 

I'm doing my best to remain upbeat here in the middle of some mild tribulation.  I love you all and hope that all is well at home.

 

With love,

-Elder John Y. Roberts

048

18 June 2012

Dear Homefront,

 

Happy Fathers-day to all Fathers, Grandfathers, Expecting Fathers, and Father Figures.

 

This week's highlights include some good acts of service which have left my companion and me very sore, but highly satisfied.

 

On Monday we started an exchange with our District Leader.  Elder Bradfield came to Hopewell with me and Elder Huntzinger went to Colonial Heights with his companion.  It was enjoyable even though it didn't feel like we got very much done.  Almost every appointment we had that day fell through, but we did our best to stay busy.

 

Then we were able to help the Maynes take a couple trees out of their back yard which was both an enjoyable act of service as well as a very good work-out.  Once we took down the two trees, we cut them up and split the wood so Brother Maynes could give it to some of the ward members that have fireplaces or wood-burning furnaces.  Splitting wood worked some muscles that I haven't used much lately so that was good to get down and dirty a little.

 

The next day was mostly taken up helping one of our members move.  Some of that was some heavy lifting, but we were just glad to help.  They're still going to be living in the ward, but they haven't been able to close on the other apartment yet so they're staying with family over in Petersburg for a couple weeks.

 

On Saturday we had the branch activity which is always good.  We had Hawaiian Haystacks.  The Castle family had us over for dinner.  Their kids are a hoot.

 

It was my week to go to church on post.  We had a wonderful service and during Sunday school, I was able to sit down with our two newest investigators and lead a very good discussion.  I always love it out there, the spirit is always just so strong.  Though we were sad to say goodbye to our Sunday school teacher.  He graduates this week, along with about four or so others.

 

Then this morning, our district got to go up and help out at the Bishop's Storehouse in Chester.  They got in a truck-load this morning so we were sorting out pallets and stacking boxes up on the shelves.  Another great work-out which has left me rather sore, but it's alright.  It'll make me stronger in the long run.  And the Storehouse manager was really happy.  With our help, they were able to finish in only about three and a half hours instead of it taking all day like it normally does.

 

Well, that's pretty much it on my side of things.  Hope you all are well, I love you all.

 

With love,

-Elder John Y. Roberts

047

11 June 2012

Dear Homefront,

 

This week has been a little longer than most, with both ups and downs.  It's been difficult because we don't have too many people to teach, and of our three investigators one of them is in the Ft. Lee branch so we can only see them maybe twice a week.

 

But we've also seen miracles, and many of the Lord's tender mercies.  Elder Huntzinger and I have decided to try a new approach with the ward.  One of service and providing strength.  We've started to visit members as we're out and about, and offer to provide them service.  So far, we've painted a hallway, put in a toilet, tilled a garden, moved a family, and put together some furiture, and this week we're going to chop down a couple trees and help repair a work shed.  The hope is that as we serve, it will build the members' trust of us and their desire to also serve and help us in our missionary work.  We got the idea from Preach My Gospel under the section "Go About Doing Good".  We've also put up flyers in public places offering free service, no fruits from that yet, but we're hoping.

 

Another big highlight from this past week was actually a zone service project.  On Saturday our zone (20 or so missionaries) helped with the James River Clean-up which is a big anual project where citizens go and help to clear away trash and the like from the James.  There were some pretty interesting items found but the award for the most outlandish item went to our Hermanas (spanish speaking sister missionaries), because they found and rescued a kitten who was tangled in a bush.

 

Other than that, we're just doing our best to build up our teaching pool here.  I hope all is well on your side of things.  Thank you Dad for the care package.  Stay safe and well.

 

With much love,

-Elder John Y. Roberts

046

4 June 2012

Dear Homefront,

Well this week has been hectic but good.  The first half of the week was us getting ready for apartment inspections and letting Elder Eagar pack and say his goodbyes.  Thursday was Transfer Meeting and we got the same speeches we usually get about safety including the tape by Elder Holland about automobile safety.  Speaking of cars, Saturday we got to swap out our car.  Elder Tolman, our Car Czar wants to put all of the mission's 4-wheel drive cars up in the northern areas where they're more likely to get snow so we got to drive up to Richmond and give away our lovely Subaru and come home with one of the boats - er - Malibus.  After that, we had the branch activity.  Sloppy Joes on the menu, yum.  And Sunday it was my turn to go to Ft. Lee (figuring how that was going to work was an event (more later)).  The spirit at that fast and testimony meeting nearly knocked me flat.  It was absolutly amazing.

As for my earlier comment, now that we've lost our third companion, covering Ft. Lee is much more difficult.  It used to be that one of us would go with the Stocks in the morning and the others would go to Hopewell like normal.  But now we both have to go with the Stocks and we have to rely on loving members to pick one of us up and go to Hopewell.  After a bit of a scramble Saturday afternoon, we were able to find Elder Huntzinger a ride.  We're going to be meeting with the branch presidency on Thursday so hopefully we'll be able to figure out a more stable plan of action.

This week, I've also been doing a lot of pondering on both the atonement and the tender mercies of the Lord.  These two topics are infinitely different and yet eternally connected.  The atonement is probably the largest and most well known of all the Lord's tender mercies but there are so many we see each and every day, most that we don't even ever realize because we're so used to them.  But when you sit back and take a moment to ponder on them you find that we are truly dependant on the Lord.  Without His hand, none of this life would work ... None of it would matter.  It's His love and His mercy that make this life both possible and worthwhile.  I am so grateful for the Lord and His many tender mercies.  As the hymn goes, "I stand all amazed ... confused at the grace which so fully He proffers me."

I hope you all are well and safe, and that you may find joy in even the smallest of the Lord's tender mercies.

With love, always,

-Elder John Y. Roberts

PS:  Yes Mother, I got the package, sorry for not mentioning it.  The cake was good though being the men that we are we baked it and then ate it all right before bed-time.  We slept pretty well.

045

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

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

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.

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

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.