26 September 2011
Dear Homefront,
So many questions make things difficult. Let's start with the simplest ones.
No, I did not get your mailed letter before I got transferred, but Elder Beardall said he would forward any letters that arrived there.
The transfer went well. One of the members in the Mechanicsville ward drove us to the meeting in his truck so I could pack luggage and my bike. Then everything got loaded up in the Assistant's truck and the luggage trailer and everybody that was going to the other side of the mission (me included) loaded into the transfer van, and we drove the two hours to the other meeting where I met my new companions, loaded my luggage in the trunk, and put my bike on their car's bike rack and drove to the apartment (well, more like small condo (I'll send pictures when I can)).
Address:
Elder John Y. Roberts
4917 Shallowford Circle
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
The baptism went great, and I assume the confirmation went well (for convert baptisms, they confirm them in sacrament meeting the next Sunday).
The new wards are great, though 5+ hours of church is a little much for me. Meetings from 9:30 when they have ward council and then one ward starts at 11 and the other at 1. There are also Sister Missionaries in the Salem ward, which helps us focus a little more on the YSA branch, but we still work together.
The apartment is a little cramped because we share it with another set of Elders so there are five of us in there. We all sleep in the same room so our beds don't even have frames, there's just five mattresses and one couch (for whoever) on the floor.
Today is Elder Farr's birthday, and to celebrate, a member of the YSA branch took us to Texas Roadhouse Saturday night and basically ordered us (he's a marine) to eat to our hearts content. When I said that I was going to go with a burger, he got on my case about how "we were at a STEAK house." He didn't let up until I ordered a steak (which I have to admit was absolutly delicious), and he wouldn't let us leave without ordering dessert. It kind of reminded me of Dad's family and how they will always tell you to get whatever you want and then will fork the bill without even letting you see it. And then the member totally threw Elder Farr under the bus. There, when it's your birthday, they bring out this saddle and make you sit in it. Then, yelling as loud as they can, they announce your birthday to the whole resturant. It was hilarious, and I wish I had taken my camera.
Well, that's the news so far. More to come later.
With love,
Elder Roberts
Monday, September 26, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
010
19 September 2011
Dear Homefront,
That is truly an amazing story, and one that the Lord had prepared to happen. And I have one of my own. We met an investigator who the Lord has truly prepared for the message. We got his information from our Bishop on Wednesday, and we were able to arrange a last minute meeting on Thursday evening. He welcomed us in and sat us down. Then he amazed us by pulling out a printed off copy of the first lesson as it is written in Preach My Gospel. He told us that he wanted to be baptized and that he wanted to go to the temple within a year, and that he wanted to start things off on his birthday. We were elated and asked "when is your birthday?" He replied, "the 20th of September." We were absolutly shocked and flabbergasted, but we pushed forward. We found that he has been attending on and off with a couple member friends for a couple years now and has already read the Book of Mormon through cover to cover. We've been able to meet with him every night since, and are ready to give him the final lesson tonight after dinner at the house of our bishopric's second counselor. Our Zone Leader performed his interview on Saturday, and stated of him that "he is a true disciple of Christ and is acting on the promptings of the spirit." He will enter the waters of baptism tomorrow evening, and be confirmed a member in sacrament meeting next Sunday. Since day one, Elder Beardall has told me that we would baptize this transfer. The transfer ends on Thursday.
And that's the amazing news. And now I have more news, news that I'm still not sure myself whether it's good or bad. Last night I recieved a call that I knew was coming. Elder Beardall has been asked to train another new missionary. So this means that I had a 99.999% chance of being transfered out of Mechanicsville, which saddens me greatly as I have seen great things come to this area in the short time I've served here, and have grown to love the members and the investigators we've been teaching. Last night, Elder Rickson - one of the Assistants to the President - confirmed that fact. I'm being transferred to the Virginia Beach Zone of the Mission where I will labor alongside Elders Narramore and Farr, the two zone leaders in that zone. I will be operating out of both the Salem Ward and the Tidewater YSA Branch (which means I get to have 6 hours of church each Sunday). I don't know yet what my new address will be, but I'll let you know in my next letter home. In regards to the letter you sent (and any other letters anyone may have sent), Elder Beardall has offered to forward any and all mail for me that he recieves after Thursday.
That's the news from the field. Hope all is well at home and that all are staying happy and safe.
With love,
Elder John Y. Roberts
Dear Homefront,
That is truly an amazing story, and one that the Lord had prepared to happen. And I have one of my own. We met an investigator who the Lord has truly prepared for the message. We got his information from our Bishop on Wednesday, and we were able to arrange a last minute meeting on Thursday evening. He welcomed us in and sat us down. Then he amazed us by pulling out a printed off copy of the first lesson as it is written in Preach My Gospel. He told us that he wanted to be baptized and that he wanted to go to the temple within a year, and that he wanted to start things off on his birthday. We were elated and asked "when is your birthday?" He replied, "the 20th of September." We were absolutly shocked and flabbergasted, but we pushed forward. We found that he has been attending on and off with a couple member friends for a couple years now and has already read the Book of Mormon through cover to cover. We've been able to meet with him every night since, and are ready to give him the final lesson tonight after dinner at the house of our bishopric's second counselor. Our Zone Leader performed his interview on Saturday, and stated of him that "he is a true disciple of Christ and is acting on the promptings of the spirit." He will enter the waters of baptism tomorrow evening, and be confirmed a member in sacrament meeting next Sunday. Since day one, Elder Beardall has told me that we would baptize this transfer. The transfer ends on Thursday.
And that's the amazing news. And now I have more news, news that I'm still not sure myself whether it's good or bad. Last night I recieved a call that I knew was coming. Elder Beardall has been asked to train another new missionary. So this means that I had a 99.999% chance of being transfered out of Mechanicsville, which saddens me greatly as I have seen great things come to this area in the short time I've served here, and have grown to love the members and the investigators we've been teaching. Last night, Elder Rickson - one of the Assistants to the President - confirmed that fact. I'm being transferred to the Virginia Beach Zone of the Mission where I will labor alongside Elders Narramore and Farr, the two zone leaders in that zone. I will be operating out of both the Salem Ward and the Tidewater YSA Branch (which means I get to have 6 hours of church each Sunday). I don't know yet what my new address will be, but I'll let you know in my next letter home. In regards to the letter you sent (and any other letters anyone may have sent), Elder Beardall has offered to forward any and all mail for me that he recieves after Thursday.
That's the news from the field. Hope all is well at home and that all are staying happy and safe.
With love,
Elder John Y. Roberts
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
009
13 September 2011
Dear Homefront,
First of all, Happy Birthday to Nik. Pitty he had to work sick.
I'll remember to keep an eye/ear out for Elder Andreason. If I meet him, I'll be sure to introduce myself.
As for Dad's hand - that's my pop. Always toughing things out and never tending to his own wounds like he should. He and Jerry will be in my prayers, and I hope all goes well with them and they make full recoveries.
Now that is quite the number - 54 missionaries from our stake alone. I'm proud of the other young people like me that have made the decision to serve their Lord and proclaim his word. And I have some spiritually uplifting thoughts of my own:
Yesterday was our Mission Conference. We had a special guest speaker, which usually doesn't happen. This speaker was Elder Evans, a member of the seventy who is currently assigned as one of the executive officers over the missionary department.
He spoke a great deal about the fundementals of Preach My Gospel, and about the new curriculum being taught at the MTC. He also spoke about a missionary's duty and roles. Our true purpose is to live, and help others live, by the doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He also gave some warnings and counsel. Too many missionaries focus so much on Christ (which in and of itself is basically a good thing) that, unfortunately, the principle of a loving Heavenly Father is almost completely overlooked, which is one of the most crucial pieces in our message. If God didn't love us, why would he reach out to us through prophets? Or why would he have even sent Jesus Christ to atone for us as he did? We need to remember that God is our Heavenly Father, and that he LOVES us. The other warning is that too often, missionaries will focus on the numbers associated with convert baptisms. Baptisms are a wonderful thing and are very good. But there is no way to count the other lives we can change. As representatives of Jesus Christ, and as missionaries of his restored gospel, we must also be effectively involved in what President Monson has referred to as "the Rescue". We must help to strengthen the members, especially those who are inactive or less-active. Our duty is to invite all, members and non, to follow Christ and come closer to their loving Heavenly Father.
That is what I was able to learn from hearing an inspired servant of the Lord. I hope to be able to learn much more before my mission is through.
With love,
Elder Roberts
PS: I would really love copies of the two Grand Nationals (semi-finals) performances I was part of. I would also like to make sure I have a picture of both AF my senior year and a picture of LP the year I worked with them (one where they have their hats on). If you can find one, I would also really like a copy of LP's regional performance ... I know those tapes and pictures can get expensive, so I don't expect them. But if we can afford it, those are the ones I would really like.
Dear Homefront,
First of all, Happy Birthday to Nik. Pitty he had to work sick.
I'll remember to keep an eye/ear out for Elder Andreason. If I meet him, I'll be sure to introduce myself.
As for Dad's hand - that's my pop. Always toughing things out and never tending to his own wounds like he should. He and Jerry will be in my prayers, and I hope all goes well with them and they make full recoveries.
Now that is quite the number - 54 missionaries from our stake alone. I'm proud of the other young people like me that have made the decision to serve their Lord and proclaim his word. And I have some spiritually uplifting thoughts of my own:
Yesterday was our Mission Conference. We had a special guest speaker, which usually doesn't happen. This speaker was Elder Evans, a member of the seventy who is currently assigned as one of the executive officers over the missionary department.
He spoke a great deal about the fundementals of Preach My Gospel, and about the new curriculum being taught at the MTC. He also spoke about a missionary's duty and roles. Our true purpose is to live, and help others live, by the doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He also gave some warnings and counsel. Too many missionaries focus so much on Christ (which in and of itself is basically a good thing) that, unfortunately, the principle of a loving Heavenly Father is almost completely overlooked, which is one of the most crucial pieces in our message. If God didn't love us, why would he reach out to us through prophets? Or why would he have even sent Jesus Christ to atone for us as he did? We need to remember that God is our Heavenly Father, and that he LOVES us. The other warning is that too often, missionaries will focus on the numbers associated with convert baptisms. Baptisms are a wonderful thing and are very good. But there is no way to count the other lives we can change. As representatives of Jesus Christ, and as missionaries of his restored gospel, we must also be effectively involved in what President Monson has referred to as "the Rescue". We must help to strengthen the members, especially those who are inactive or less-active. Our duty is to invite all, members and non, to follow Christ and come closer to their loving Heavenly Father.
That is what I was able to learn from hearing an inspired servant of the Lord. I hope to be able to learn much more before my mission is through.
With love,
Elder Roberts
PS: I would really love copies of the two Grand Nationals (semi-finals) performances I was part of. I would also like to make sure I have a picture of both AF my senior year and a picture of LP the year I worked with them (one where they have their hats on). If you can find one, I would also really like a copy of LP's regional performance ... I know those tapes and pictures can get expensive, so I don't expect them. But if we can afford it, those are the ones I would really like.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
008
06 September 2011
Dear Homefront,
Both today and next week I am and will be writing on Tuesday due to Labor Day (libraries were closed) and Mission Conference.
I got Dad's letter and the other packages safely, thank you, though Dad's spelling is still atrocious so I had to pull out the Urimum and Thumim to translate.
I'm sorry to hear about the rough patches that are hitting home ... I really hope everything works out alright. Though I'm glad to know my room is still the extra storage room ;). Please keep me updated.
I'm going to get my license today - finally got the letter of housing from Elder LeBaron, our fleet coordinator, and the letter from the DMV about what I needed to bring.
Last week I had a fun experience. We were in Richmond for a Zone P-day gathering, and myself, my companion and another companionship from our district got permission to visit the Musuem of the Confederacy. I confess that I did get a souvenir - a painting which I still have yet to decide whether to keep with me or to ship home. I also purchased some bike equipment (a bike tool and repair kit).
A couple days ago, I had a sleepless night and just about had a heart attack after reading a letter I got. Another one of my friends is engaged. This makes two weddings that I'm missing which saddens me even though I'm missing them for good reasons.
Not much is happening by way of work, but Elder Beardall keeps telling me that we're going to baptize this transfer (only 2 weeks left so we better hurry). We do feel really strong about this investigator we've been teaching. Josh, he's a senior in high school, has a member girlfriend, and is all around a great guy. He's been willing to come to church and live the life thus far, so he's basically a dry-mormon. I'll let you know how things are going when the work picks up a little more.
Love and prayers from the field,
Elder Roberts
P.S. I'd wait until after transfer calls to see whether or not to send the protien powder so I know whether or not I'll still be in the same place.
Dear Homefront,
Both today and next week I am and will be writing on Tuesday due to Labor Day (libraries were closed) and Mission Conference.
I got Dad's letter and the other packages safely, thank you, though Dad's spelling is still atrocious so I had to pull out the Urimum and Thumim to translate.
I'm sorry to hear about the rough patches that are hitting home ... I really hope everything works out alright. Though I'm glad to know my room is still the extra storage room ;). Please keep me updated.
I'm going to get my license today - finally got the letter of housing from Elder LeBaron, our fleet coordinator, and the letter from the DMV about what I needed to bring.
Last week I had a fun experience. We were in Richmond for a Zone P-day gathering, and myself, my companion and another companionship from our district got permission to visit the Musuem of the Confederacy. I confess that I did get a souvenir - a painting which I still have yet to decide whether to keep with me or to ship home. I also purchased some bike equipment (a bike tool and repair kit).
A couple days ago, I had a sleepless night and just about had a heart attack after reading a letter I got. Another one of my friends is engaged. This makes two weddings that I'm missing which saddens me even though I'm missing them for good reasons.
Not much is happening by way of work, but Elder Beardall keeps telling me that we're going to baptize this transfer (only 2 weeks left so we better hurry). We do feel really strong about this investigator we've been teaching. Josh, he's a senior in high school, has a member girlfriend, and is all around a great guy. He's been willing to come to church and live the life thus far, so he's basically a dry-mormon. I'll let you know how things are going when the work picks up a little more.
Love and prayers from the field,
Elder Roberts
P.S. I'd wait until after transfer calls to see whether or not to send the protien powder so I know whether or not I'll still be in the same place.
Monday, August 29, 2011
007
29 August 2011
Dear Homefront,
Here is my official declaration of personal safety and survival of both the earthquake and the hurricane - both of which were my first.
There was no damage to my appartment, my personal belongings or our mission vehicle. We were asked to stay in our apartments all day Saturday, and we didn't have anything but scriptures or napping to do. It was a long day. The only damage Elder Beardall and I had was that a limb of a tree broke off and fell against our front door. We were lucky - there was a family in the ward that had a tree fall into their house, breaking through the roof and an upstairs wall. There are many other service opportunities around.
As for the earthquake, it came while we were driving to an appointment. We were stopped at a light, and at first I thought it was just the car having trouble. Then I realized that we weren't the only thing shaking. It was actually kind of funny to us.
I also have some other good news, I am now in the process of buying a bike. I'm buying it through the mission from a missionary who recently went home. It is black and silver with a lock, fenders, new tires, air pump, forward and rear lights, helmet, leg band, and bike frame mounts for all of the above. Total cost: $150. It's a Treck Alpha 4 series 28 speed bike - usually valued around $400-600.
As for the goody box, I recently recieved one from my companion's mother (I'll be sending a nice thank you letter for that), but goody boxes and care packages are always welcome. My companion is a little health crazy so there's not too many good snack items around the apartment.
Other than all of that, the work is proceeding as normal. Service to our fellow man and inviting others to come unto Christ.
Love,
Elder Roberts
PS: Could you please send me that small yellow zippered tool kit I had? Just thinking about it, I've wished that I had it a couple times. I think I last saw it on the mantle.
Dear Homefront,
Here is my official declaration of personal safety and survival of both the earthquake and the hurricane - both of which were my first.
There was no damage to my appartment, my personal belongings or our mission vehicle. We were asked to stay in our apartments all day Saturday, and we didn't have anything but scriptures or napping to do. It was a long day. The only damage Elder Beardall and I had was that a limb of a tree broke off and fell against our front door. We were lucky - there was a family in the ward that had a tree fall into their house, breaking through the roof and an upstairs wall. There are many other service opportunities around.
As for the earthquake, it came while we were driving to an appointment. We were stopped at a light, and at first I thought it was just the car having trouble. Then I realized that we weren't the only thing shaking. It was actually kind of funny to us.
I also have some other good news, I am now in the process of buying a bike. I'm buying it through the mission from a missionary who recently went home. It is black and silver with a lock, fenders, new tires, air pump, forward and rear lights, helmet, leg band, and bike frame mounts for all of the above. Total cost: $150. It's a Treck Alpha 4 series 28 speed bike - usually valued around $400-600.
As for the goody box, I recently recieved one from my companion's mother (I'll be sending a nice thank you letter for that), but goody boxes and care packages are always welcome. My companion is a little health crazy so there's not too many good snack items around the apartment.
Other than all of that, the work is proceeding as normal. Service to our fellow man and inviting others to come unto Christ.
Love,
Elder Roberts
PS: Could you please send me that small yellow zippered tool kit I had? Just thinking about it, I've wished that I had it a couple times. I think I last saw it on the mantle.
Friday, August 26, 2011
storm update
All of our missionaries who are south of Richmond have been evacuated inland with the exception of Jamestown, Williamsberg, and New Kent which are all far enough inland that they will be safe. The ones who have been moved are bunking mostly with other missionaries, some at the mission home, a few at members' homes. They will probably remain there for the weekend. The storm is supposed to reach us sometime tomorrow (Saturday) night. We expect lots of wind, rain and some downed trees and maybe some flooding here in Richmond and the surrounding and more inland areas. It looks like the coast is going to get pounded, and mandatory evacuations are happening in many of those areas right now. We moved the missionaries early so they would not be caught in the long lines of traffic headed north. The missionary department in Salt Lake has been in close communication with us here and everything that can be done has been done to ensure the safety of the missionaries.
Everyone has been instructed to have extra water and food on hand and to stay inside during the storm. I am expecting all of your missionaries to come through safe and sound.
We invite everyone's prayers on behalf of the people all up and down the east coast and in the Bahamas where so much damage has already been done.
Kind regards,
Sister Perry
Everyone has been instructed to have extra water and food on hand and to stay inside during the storm. I am expecting all of your missionaries to come through safe and sound.
We invite everyone's prayers on behalf of the people all up and down the east coast and in the Bahamas where so much damage has already been done.
Kind regards,
Sister Perry
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
earthquake update
23 August 2011
Dear Parents,
Sorry for the delay with this message, your e-mail addresses had not been updated on our emergency list so it took me a little time to collect all your addresses. Below is a message I sent out to everyone after the earthquake today. I have added you to the list, but you may also want to check out the facebook page that I keep with pictures of our missionaries. It is a page just for pictures. We don't do much communicating on it as we don't have time. And we ask that you please don't post personal information including last names especially of our investigators or recent converts for privacy reasons. Also, we ask that you not use the information on the page to put together E-mail lists of missionary parents etc., as our church leaders have asked us to refrain from doing so. Information on the internet can so quickly get into the wrong hands or be used in ways that are inappropriate so we ask you to please respect our efforts at privacy. If problems arise from it's use we will have to take it down.
We also use this page to update parents when things happen such as the earthquake today or the hurricane that could be headed our way (you have probably been following the news -- it's never boring here!). We find that it works almost better than our E-mail list. The page can be found by searching for Virginia Sara Perry. It is named that so that there is no confusion that it is not a church affiliated page - just a personal one I keep updated with pictures from transfers, mission conferences, and incoming and outgoing missionaries. Send us a friend request and we'll get you on board.
Thanks for all you do to support your missionary -- we love them all!
Kind regards,
Sister Perry
-------------------
Hi Everyone,
Just a little update on the earthquaking in Virginia. President and I were in the middle of a Zone Conference in Newport News this afternoon when the earth started to move! Now I have to admit that President is a great speaker and teacher but really!!
Thankfully it was a big rumble and not much more. We have little damage in Virginia at least as far as we can tell and all of our missionaries are safe. The phone lines, cell and otherwise, have been completely jammed so communication has been slower than normal. I hear there was a little damage up in the DC area to some historical buildings and a pipe broken in the Pentagon. The epicenter was near Louisa, halfway between Richmond and Charlottesville - but I personally talked to Elder Stoddard and his companion in Louisa and they were calm and happy, although a little shaken (just a little joke there). He said they haven't been back to their apartment yet but will let us know if anything is amiss. I have heard on the news that some tremors were felt as far north as Canada - wow! Evidently it was one that spread out quite a ways even though it wasn't too severe. We are very grateful that everyone seems fine.
So, all is well, all is well.
Kind regards,
Sister Perry
Dear Parents,
Sorry for the delay with this message, your e-mail addresses had not been updated on our emergency list so it took me a little time to collect all your addresses. Below is a message I sent out to everyone after the earthquake today. I have added you to the list, but you may also want to check out the facebook page that I keep with pictures of our missionaries. It is a page just for pictures. We don't do much communicating on it as we don't have time. And we ask that you please don't post personal information including last names especially of our investigators or recent converts for privacy reasons. Also, we ask that you not use the information on the page to put together E-mail lists of missionary parents etc., as our church leaders have asked us to refrain from doing so. Information on the internet can so quickly get into the wrong hands or be used in ways that are inappropriate so we ask you to please respect our efforts at privacy. If problems arise from it's use we will have to take it down.
We also use this page to update parents when things happen such as the earthquake today or the hurricane that could be headed our way (you have probably been following the news -- it's never boring here!). We find that it works almost better than our E-mail list. The page can be found by searching for Virginia Sara Perry. It is named that so that there is no confusion that it is not a church affiliated page - just a personal one I keep updated with pictures from transfers, mission conferences, and incoming and outgoing missionaries. Send us a friend request and we'll get you on board.
Thanks for all you do to support your missionary -- we love them all!
Kind regards,
Sister Perry
-------------------
Hi Everyone,
Just a little update on the earthquaking in Virginia. President and I were in the middle of a Zone Conference in Newport News this afternoon when the earth started to move! Now I have to admit that President is a great speaker and teacher but really!!
Thankfully it was a big rumble and not much more. We have little damage in Virginia at least as far as we can tell and all of our missionaries are safe. The phone lines, cell and otherwise, have been completely jammed so communication has been slower than normal. I hear there was a little damage up in the DC area to some historical buildings and a pipe broken in the Pentagon. The epicenter was near Louisa, halfway between Richmond and Charlottesville - but I personally talked to Elder Stoddard and his companion in Louisa and they were calm and happy, although a little shaken (just a little joke there). He said they haven't been back to their apartment yet but will let us know if anything is amiss. I have heard on the news that some tremors were felt as far north as Canada - wow! Evidently it was one that spread out quite a ways even though it wasn't too severe. We are very grateful that everyone seems fine.
So, all is well, all is well.
Kind regards,
Sister Perry
Monday, August 22, 2011
006
22 August 2011
Dear Mom,
So many questions. I'll start with the simplest.
No, I don't have a bike yet. But Elder Beardall and I spoke with Elder LeBaron and we'll probably go to the mission office sometime this week to get a bike rack for our car and look at a bike he has there that he thinks should fit me (cost $150). If it does and is comfortable, I'll probably get it. If not, then the WalMart here had a fairly large selection.
Church was good, though the appointment we had right before church fell through so we were stuck at the meeting house an hour early with nothing to do. There wasn't a ward counsel or anything because both the Bishop and 2nd counselor are out of town.
Elder Beardall is a good man. He's kind and caring in his duties as a trainer and a district leader. I enjoy working with him. He's very personable which is helpful because I'm actually quiet out here so he takes most of the talking unless I feel the spirit and speak up.
Are we busy? Sometimes. We're having a hard time finding people to teach so it's difficult because we're doing a lot of searching through the area book and trying to contact former investigators and potential investigators. We've also done a lot of contacting less active members or part-member families. Other than that, we've done quite a bit of knocking on doors and trying to talk to people on the street. On Saturday we went to the local mall and just tried to talk to as many people as we could.
It's good to hear that Dad's back working. I'll bet he's glad to have something to do. I'm glad that things seem to be going well at home. All's well (if a little slow) here.
With love,
Elder Roberts
Dear Mom,
So many questions. I'll start with the simplest.
No, I don't have a bike yet. But Elder Beardall and I spoke with Elder LeBaron and we'll probably go to the mission office sometime this week to get a bike rack for our car and look at a bike he has there that he thinks should fit me (cost $150). If it does and is comfortable, I'll probably get it. If not, then the WalMart here had a fairly large selection.
Church was good, though the appointment we had right before church fell through so we were stuck at the meeting house an hour early with nothing to do. There wasn't a ward counsel or anything because both the Bishop and 2nd counselor are out of town.
Elder Beardall is a good man. He's kind and caring in his duties as a trainer and a district leader. I enjoy working with him. He's very personable which is helpful because I'm actually quiet out here so he takes most of the talking unless I feel the spirit and speak up.
Are we busy? Sometimes. We're having a hard time finding people to teach so it's difficult because we're doing a lot of searching through the area book and trying to contact former investigators and potential investigators. We've also done a lot of contacting less active members or part-member families. Other than that, we've done quite a bit of knocking on doors and trying to talk to people on the street. On Saturday we went to the local mall and just tried to talk to as many people as we could.
It's good to hear that Dad's back working. I'll bet he's glad to have something to do. I'm glad that things seem to be going well at home. All's well (if a little slow) here.
With love,
Elder Roberts
Monday, August 15, 2011
005
15 August 2011
Dear Homefront,
The new address is:
9624 Hanover Crossing Rd. Apt. H
Mechanicsville VA, 23116
Transfers are every six weeks, so if you plan to send something to me (letter, package, etc), don't send it on week five until you know whether I'm moving or staying in one place.
It's a small, but comfortable appartment. Large enough that four elders could share it comfortably. But it's just Elder Beardall and me right now. It has a full kitchen, two bedrooms (only one has beds), a split bathroom (shower and toilet on one side, sink on the other with a door in between), a couch and two desks.
The flights went fine, I slept through part of one and spoke with another elder through most of the other. I didn't get much opportunity to proselyte at the airport or on the flights. President and Sister Perry met us at the airport along with the two Assistants. President and Sister Perry are very open and carring. President doesn't impose any additional rules specific to the mission. He leaves it up to the missionaries to interpret and follow the rules and guidlines found in the white handbook. The two Assistants are funny, and good missionaries. We loaded up everything in a trailer and drove back to the mission home wich is a comfortable cottage capable of hosting up to twenty missionaries at once. There, we were served dinner (Sister Perry is an amazing cook!), and were interviewed by the President.
The next morning, we went to a stake center and had a transfer meeting during which we met our trainers. Mine is Elder Beardall. He's from Rexburg, ID, and has been in the field for about nine months. He has a lot of responsibilities. He's a District Leader and my trainer, and we were "shotgunned." That's where two elders who have never served in a particular area get assigned to that area. We're serving in the Mechanicsville area, and working with the ward of the same name. Mostly we've been getting settled in and getting to know the ward and the area the past couple days, but we'll begin working full out very soon. The ward members here are so strong and helpful. They want to help us in any way they can, and they also love to feed us (of the next 18 days, we have 17 members signed up to feed us dinner. It's absolutly unheard of!). We do have a car, but we also have a mileage limit for each month, so I'm going to be calling the "car czar" Elder LeBaron (the senior missionary in charge of the mission fleet of cars and bikes) fairly soon about buying a used bike from the mission home, and if that doesn't yield results there's a WalMart fairly close by.
That's all I have to write thus far. P-Day is on Monday mission wide so that's when you can expect e-mails from here until I come home.
I love you all,
Elder Roberts
PS: Could you please send me that small green knife you kept? Then I may have you send me some extra supplies for my 72-hour kit. It depends on the selection they have at WalMart. Also, I forgot to grab my camera today, but next week I'll try to see if I can upload pictures and send them home. If I can't, I'll have them printed at a WalMart and mail copies home.
Dear Homefront,
The new address is:
9624 Hanover Crossing Rd. Apt. H
Mechanicsville VA, 23116
Transfers are every six weeks, so if you plan to send something to me (letter, package, etc), don't send it on week five until you know whether I'm moving or staying in one place.
It's a small, but comfortable appartment. Large enough that four elders could share it comfortably. But it's just Elder Beardall and me right now. It has a full kitchen, two bedrooms (only one has beds), a split bathroom (shower and toilet on one side, sink on the other with a door in between), a couch and two desks.
The flights went fine, I slept through part of one and spoke with another elder through most of the other. I didn't get much opportunity to proselyte at the airport or on the flights. President and Sister Perry met us at the airport along with the two Assistants. President and Sister Perry are very open and carring. President doesn't impose any additional rules specific to the mission. He leaves it up to the missionaries to interpret and follow the rules and guidlines found in the white handbook. The two Assistants are funny, and good missionaries. We loaded up everything in a trailer and drove back to the mission home wich is a comfortable cottage capable of hosting up to twenty missionaries at once. There, we were served dinner (Sister Perry is an amazing cook!), and were interviewed by the President.
The next morning, we went to a stake center and had a transfer meeting during which we met our trainers. Mine is Elder Beardall. He's from Rexburg, ID, and has been in the field for about nine months. He has a lot of responsibilities. He's a District Leader and my trainer, and we were "shotgunned." That's where two elders who have never served in a particular area get assigned to that area. We're serving in the Mechanicsville area, and working with the ward of the same name. Mostly we've been getting settled in and getting to know the ward and the area the past couple days, but we'll begin working full out very soon. The ward members here are so strong and helpful. They want to help us in any way they can, and they also love to feed us (of the next 18 days, we have 17 members signed up to feed us dinner. It's absolutly unheard of!). We do have a car, but we also have a mileage limit for each month, so I'm going to be calling the "car czar" Elder LeBaron (the senior missionary in charge of the mission fleet of cars and bikes) fairly soon about buying a used bike from the mission home, and if that doesn't yield results there's a WalMart fairly close by.
That's all I have to write thus far. P-Day is on Monday mission wide so that's when you can expect e-mails from here until I come home.
I love you all,
Elder Roberts
PS: Could you please send me that small green knife you kept? Then I may have you send me some extra supplies for my 72-hour kit. It depends on the selection they have at WalMart. Also, I forgot to grab my camera today, but next week I'll try to see if I can upload pictures and send them home. If I can't, I'll have them printed at a WalMart and mail copies home.
a note
Hi Beardall and Roberts families,
Your sons spent the evening in our home. They are both brand new to this area and are excited to be here and to help our ward in any way that they can. They both bore wonderful testimonies to our family. Elder Beardall said a beautiful prayer (I wish you could have heard it). We are so impressed with both of them and are grateful to have them in our ward. Thank-you for raising such fine young men. We know you miss them. Hope you enjoy the pictures.
Love,
the Burton family
Your sons spent the evening in our home. They are both brand new to this area and are excited to be here and to help our ward in any way that they can. They both bore wonderful testimonies to our family. Elder Beardall said a beautiful prayer (I wish you could have heard it). We are so impressed with both of them and are grateful to have them in our ward. Thank-you for raising such fine young men. We know you miss them. Hope you enjoy the pictures.
Love,
the Burton family
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