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
Monday, April 23, 2012
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.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
035
19 March 2012
Dear Homefront,
Happy St. Paddy's Day! And just in case my box doesn't arrive in time, Happy B-Day Paps. (side note on the box, the little red box (ornament inside) and the "humorous item" were both given to me by members in my last area and are for Mom. The brown paper bag with the pictures on it is Dad's B-Day present. The letters, I would like put with my other stuff just like the other box of letters I sent home a few months ago.)
This week has been long and hard, but really good at the same time. We set Tracy, one of our investigators, for baptism in April. She is really solid. Her Mother and sister, Amber, are both recent converts to the church and just a little while ago, Tracy told them that she wanted to join as well, so that's where we come in. Just a couple days ago, the youth in the Ward had a temple trip and Tracy went along with them and Sister Tukumouatu, whose husband was helping with the youth, took her to the visitors center there. She really enjoyed herself and she definitely felt the spirit.
Other fun highlights of the week include an Irish potato bar for the Ft. Lee branch activity on St. Patrick's, green cream soda to celebrate the great week, a long day of tracting on our "Car Fast" which led us to find a new investigating family, and Elder Johnson’s "Brazilian" birthday and the humor that came with that.
So, a little more information on that one. Elder Johnson's mother is full Brazilian so he applied for dual-citizenship. Something got messed up in the courts, so legally in the US, and also actually the day he was born, is in June. However, in Brazil, his birthday is legally in March. So in explaining this to Elder Stock, our Military Relations missionary, he replied "I wish I had two birthdays." So the next night, we bought a cake at dinnertime, and just before curfew, we went to Elder and Sister Stock's apartment. As soon as Elder Stock answered, we broke into a chorus of "Happy Birthday." Moral of the story? Be careful what you wish for, because you might just get it. ;)
Hope all's well on the homefront. I love and miss you all.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Dear Homefront,
Happy St. Paddy's Day! And just in case my box doesn't arrive in time, Happy B-Day Paps. (side note on the box, the little red box (ornament inside) and the "humorous item" were both given to me by members in my last area and are for Mom. The brown paper bag with the pictures on it is Dad's B-Day present. The letters, I would like put with my other stuff just like the other box of letters I sent home a few months ago.)
This week has been long and hard, but really good at the same time. We set Tracy, one of our investigators, for baptism in April. She is really solid. Her Mother and sister, Amber, are both recent converts to the church and just a little while ago, Tracy told them that she wanted to join as well, so that's where we come in. Just a couple days ago, the youth in the Ward had a temple trip and Tracy went along with them and Sister Tukumouatu, whose husband was helping with the youth, took her to the visitors center there. She really enjoyed herself and she definitely felt the spirit.
Other fun highlights of the week include an Irish potato bar for the Ft. Lee branch activity on St. Patrick's, green cream soda to celebrate the great week, a long day of tracting on our "Car Fast" which led us to find a new investigating family, and Elder Johnson’s "Brazilian" birthday and the humor that came with that.
So, a little more information on that one. Elder Johnson's mother is full Brazilian so he applied for dual-citizenship. Something got messed up in the courts, so legally in the US, and also actually the day he was born, is in June. However, in Brazil, his birthday is legally in March. So in explaining this to Elder Stock, our Military Relations missionary, he replied "I wish I had two birthdays." So the next night, we bought a cake at dinnertime, and just before curfew, we went to Elder and Sister Stock's apartment. As soon as Elder Stock answered, we broke into a chorus of "Happy Birthday." Moral of the story? Be careful what you wish for, because you might just get it. ;)
Hope all's well on the homefront. I love and miss you all.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Monday, March 12, 2012
034
12 March 2012
Dear Homefront,
The wedding and baptism last week were both a huge success. Then the 'hecticness' of transfers hit. Elder Rowberry scrambled to get everything packed, then Tuesday morning we finally hear back from President Perry. According to the transfer call Sunday evening, we were supposed to get Elder Biscocho (spelling?), but then President remembered that he's not American so he would have a really hard time getting on base. So it was up in the air all of Monday and it was looking like it might just be myself and Elder Johnson, since the mission was running short. But things worked out and we got a third elder, Elder Eagar, who was in my MTC district. It's great to be working with him again.
So this week has been pretty slow, mostly letting Elder Rowberry say goodbye to people and then Thursday was spent mostly waiting for Elder Eagar to arrive on the transfer van. But we got some good work done, visited as many people as we could. And I got my first chance to actually proselyte on base. Since it's a government installation, we can't actively proselyte until someone approaches us with questions. Well, Private Hill, a soldier there brought a non-member "battle-buddy" yesterday, who ... you guessed it, had questions! This led to us finding a golden investigator who wants to attend church as often as her duty schedule will allow and she wishes she had more time to read the Book of Mormon.
All's well in Hopewell! Though, outside of those highlights, not much has happened. The ward is taking good care of us on the dinner side of things, Elder Johnson has gotten me on a more regular work our schedule, and the Lord has blessed us.
Hope all of you are staying safe and well.
with much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
PS: Okay ... I'm sorry, but this computer is not recognizing that my memory card is attached so it's not letting me upload my pictures. I promise to bring my camera cable next time so hopefully you'll get pictures next week. No later.
Dear Homefront,
The wedding and baptism last week were both a huge success. Then the 'hecticness' of transfers hit. Elder Rowberry scrambled to get everything packed, then Tuesday morning we finally hear back from President Perry. According to the transfer call Sunday evening, we were supposed to get Elder Biscocho (spelling?), but then President remembered that he's not American so he would have a really hard time getting on base. So it was up in the air all of Monday and it was looking like it might just be myself and Elder Johnson, since the mission was running short. But things worked out and we got a third elder, Elder Eagar, who was in my MTC district. It's great to be working with him again.
So this week has been pretty slow, mostly letting Elder Rowberry say goodbye to people and then Thursday was spent mostly waiting for Elder Eagar to arrive on the transfer van. But we got some good work done, visited as many people as we could. And I got my first chance to actually proselyte on base. Since it's a government installation, we can't actively proselyte until someone approaches us with questions. Well, Private Hill, a soldier there brought a non-member "battle-buddy" yesterday, who ... you guessed it, had questions! This led to us finding a golden investigator who wants to attend church as often as her duty schedule will allow and she wishes she had more time to read the Book of Mormon.
All's well in Hopewell! Though, outside of those highlights, not much has happened. The ward is taking good care of us on the dinner side of things, Elder Johnson has gotten me on a more regular work our schedule, and the Lord has blessed us.
Hope all of you are staying safe and well.
with much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
PS: Okay ... I'm sorry, but this computer is not recognizing that my memory card is attached so it's not letting me upload my pictures. I promise to bring my camera cable next time so hopefully you'll get pictures next week. No later.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
033
5 March 2012
Dear Homefront,
This past week has been intense for us here in Hopewell. We had two separate trips to Richmond (only about 45 minutes a piece) on two separate days. One was so that I could get fully certified to drive mission vehicles. It wasn't too bad, I sat through some driving videos and took a quiz at the end. Most of the questions were common sense questions and they were all multiple choice. It was also a good experience for Elder Tolman (our new Car Czar) who was able to receive training from Elder LeBaron on how to administer the safety training to other missionaries. Yes, the LeBarons have now been released and the VRM got a new Car Czar and Housing Secretary--Elder and Sister Tolman. The LeBarons actually have some family in American Fork. I had a couple classes with one of their granddaughters. The other trip was because Elder Rowberry had an appointment to meet with President Perry.
This week was also hectic for the reasons that we were preparing Sarah and Phillip (two of our investigators) for not only baptism (which happened just yesterday) but also their marriage (which happened on Saturday). We're very proud of the two newest members of our Ward. (This computer is giving me grief so I won't be able to send the pictures this week, I'll get them out asap.)
Add to all of that the anticipation of transfer calls, it made for a long but very rewarding week. And the results are in. Elder Johnson and I are staying in Hopewell. Elder Rowberry is being sent to the Newport News 3rd Ward in Downtown Newport News. Elder Johnson and I may or may not be getting a third companion. We were supposed to until President Perry realized that the third person he was going to send us was actually trained in the mission by Elder Johnson. So now that's a little up in the air while we wait for President to get back to us.
I'm looking forward to another transfer here in Hopewell. I love the work, and I love the people.
I hope you are all staying safe and sane.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Dear Homefront,
This past week has been intense for us here in Hopewell. We had two separate trips to Richmond (only about 45 minutes a piece) on two separate days. One was so that I could get fully certified to drive mission vehicles. It wasn't too bad, I sat through some driving videos and took a quiz at the end. Most of the questions were common sense questions and they were all multiple choice. It was also a good experience for Elder Tolman (our new Car Czar) who was able to receive training from Elder LeBaron on how to administer the safety training to other missionaries. Yes, the LeBarons have now been released and the VRM got a new Car Czar and Housing Secretary--Elder and Sister Tolman. The LeBarons actually have some family in American Fork. I had a couple classes with one of their granddaughters. The other trip was because Elder Rowberry had an appointment to meet with President Perry.
This week was also hectic for the reasons that we were preparing Sarah and Phillip (two of our investigators) for not only baptism (which happened just yesterday) but also their marriage (which happened on Saturday). We're very proud of the two newest members of our Ward. (This computer is giving me grief so I won't be able to send the pictures this week, I'll get them out asap.)
Add to all of that the anticipation of transfer calls, it made for a long but very rewarding week. And the results are in. Elder Johnson and I are staying in Hopewell. Elder Rowberry is being sent to the Newport News 3rd Ward in Downtown Newport News. Elder Johnson and I may or may not be getting a third companion. We were supposed to until President Perry realized that the third person he was going to send us was actually trained in the mission by Elder Johnson. So now that's a little up in the air while we wait for President to get back to us.
I'm looking forward to another transfer here in Hopewell. I love the work, and I love the people.
I hope you are all staying safe and sane.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Monday, February 27, 2012
032
27 February 2012
Dear Homefront,
If postmarkings are to be trusted, letters and packages take about 3 or 4 days to get to me. I received both the Valentines day and the last package with the St Patricks day items.
This week looks like it will be a good one for us. Two of our investigators are making preparations to be married and to enter into the waters of baptism this upcoming Saturday. (more to follow)
The past week has been spent in a blur of trying to visit with former investigators, attempting to find out why they stopped investigating and to see if they would be interested in continuing their investigation; overhauling our Area Book (which is a record of investigators, members, and other information about our proselyting area) which was in need of some work; and a rather remarkable Stake conference.
This Stake Conference was a broadcast to our meetinghouse and included some choice speakers ... A General Officer of the Church, a member of the Seventy, a member of the Presiding Bishopric, and an Apostle of the Lord. Elder Richard G. Scott presided at this conference and spoke concerning the divine sanctity of Womanhood and how it applies to both the woman and the man who must uphold and protect her. He gave advice to all people of all ages of what they can do to protect this divine gift that our loving Heavenly Father has given to His daughters. It was a very spiritual experience and it was perfect because, after many weeks of not being able to make it to church, Sarah and Phillip (the investigators that are getting ready to be married) were there.
The Lord is mindful of each and every one of us. No matter what the concern, it's important to Him for the simple reason that it's important to us. He loves us with a perfect and impossibly simple love. He is our Father, we are His children.
May all of you find shelter from the trials and tribulations of this world in the hollow of the hand of He who gave all for us.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Dear Homefront,
If postmarkings are to be trusted, letters and packages take about 3 or 4 days to get to me. I received both the Valentines day and the last package with the St Patricks day items.
This week looks like it will be a good one for us. Two of our investigators are making preparations to be married and to enter into the waters of baptism this upcoming Saturday. (more to follow)
The past week has been spent in a blur of trying to visit with former investigators, attempting to find out why they stopped investigating and to see if they would be interested in continuing their investigation; overhauling our Area Book (which is a record of investigators, members, and other information about our proselyting area) which was in need of some work; and a rather remarkable Stake conference.
This Stake Conference was a broadcast to our meetinghouse and included some choice speakers ... A General Officer of the Church, a member of the Seventy, a member of the Presiding Bishopric, and an Apostle of the Lord. Elder Richard G. Scott presided at this conference and spoke concerning the divine sanctity of Womanhood and how it applies to both the woman and the man who must uphold and protect her. He gave advice to all people of all ages of what they can do to protect this divine gift that our loving Heavenly Father has given to His daughters. It was a very spiritual experience and it was perfect because, after many weeks of not being able to make it to church, Sarah and Phillip (the investigators that are getting ready to be married) were there.
The Lord is mindful of each and every one of us. No matter what the concern, it's important to Him for the simple reason that it's important to us. He loves us with a perfect and impossibly simple love. He is our Father, we are His children.
May all of you find shelter from the trials and tribulations of this world in the hollow of the hand of He who gave all for us.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
031
21 February 2012
Dear Homefront,
Well, it's Tuesday and I'm writing now because yesterday was President's Day.
This week, we got the first real snow we had all winter. Thankfully it started coming down Sunday afternoon so we were able to make it in before it really hit hard. We ended up with about 3-4 inches overall. Unfortunately for my companions (being from California, they were both much more excited for snow than I was) it warmed back up yesterday and today and now most of the snow has melted away.
The Branch Activity at Ft. Lee this past Saturday was rather enjoyable. They had Navajo Tacos and I ended up getting pulled into a game of Mexican Train Dominos with Elder Stock (the senior military relations missionary) and a couple of the soldiers. Elder Stock won by just a few points. Fun fact about Elder Stock, he is featured in
John Bytheway's book "Supersonic Saints." In fact, he is the only one in the book that is not actually "supersonic." He flew a helicopter in Viet Nam.
Other than that, this week has been pretty much more of the regular life of a missionary. We're still working our way through our records and trying to figure out who is who. We have a couple more investigators set with baptismal dates. We're hoping they stick with it. I love being out here. I love being able to share this wonderful message that has brought hope into my life. And the best part ... it doesn't end after the mission. This morning I was reading in the Ensign from an article by Elder M. Russell Ballard about how we can use technology (the internet in particular) to share the gospel. It was very interesting and it helped me gain a greater perspective.
I hope you are all safe and well. I love you all.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts.
Dear Homefront,
Well, it's Tuesday and I'm writing now because yesterday was President's Day.
This week, we got the first real snow we had all winter. Thankfully it started coming down Sunday afternoon so we were able to make it in before it really hit hard. We ended up with about 3-4 inches overall. Unfortunately for my companions (being from California, they were both much more excited for snow than I was) it warmed back up yesterday and today and now most of the snow has melted away.
The Branch Activity at Ft. Lee this past Saturday was rather enjoyable. They had Navajo Tacos and I ended up getting pulled into a game of Mexican Train Dominos with Elder Stock (the senior military relations missionary) and a couple of the soldiers. Elder Stock won by just a few points. Fun fact about Elder Stock, he is featured in
John Bytheway's book "Supersonic Saints." In fact, he is the only one in the book that is not actually "supersonic." He flew a helicopter in Viet Nam.
Other than that, this week has been pretty much more of the regular life of a missionary. We're still working our way through our records and trying to figure out who is who. We have a couple more investigators set with baptismal dates. We're hoping they stick with it. I love being out here. I love being able to share this wonderful message that has brought hope into my life. And the best part ... it doesn't end after the mission. This morning I was reading in the Ensign from an article by Elder M. Russell Ballard about how we can use technology (the internet in particular) to share the gospel. It was very interesting and it helped me gain a greater perspective.
I hope you are all safe and well. I love you all.
With much love,
-Elder John Y. Roberts.
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