Thursday, December 11, 2014
April 15, 2011
Today I've been a set apart missionary for 2 years. Wow time flies. I can't believe I'll be returning home in 4 days. Things have been great! My last week so far has been one of the best! In week 1 and week 2 of this transfer we baptized Nio and Sione and after that we've really struggled to find Tongans to teach. We fasted and prayed and last week we found 5 new investigators! It's been great. I was afraid to leave the area without anyone for Elder Neiufi to teach, but the Lord has blessed us. This week I went to the temple 2 times! Once on Wed. with all the departing missionaries and once on Thurs. - we took Nio, Huhare and Jesse to do baptisms for the dead for their first time. It was a great experience, and it's always so good to be in the temple. It's hard to believe that I'm going home so soon, and the past few weeks I've just felt so grateful for the opportunity I've had to serve the Lord in the Bay Area. I have loved my mission! It is truly a miracle to see the hearts of people change as they come unto Christ. It has been a sacred privilege to serve the Lord full time for 2 years.
Letter to Home - March 28, 2011
Hey Family,
We had another crazy week. The whole mess with Sione Fisi'iahe reached it's climax and it is finally over. This is how it played out. We had a lesson with him this past week, and the high councilman over missionary work in the Stake came to the lesson. We were planning on setting a clear expectation to Sione that he couldn't get baptized on the 26th (this past weekend - the date that the members set for him). We usually teach him ion English, but since the high counselor was there they taught in English. As they taught I sensed that something was wrong. The high counselor was very pushy, and told Sione that he could be baptized on hte 26th. Elder Neiufi tried to stop it, but was trying to respect his Elders (another culture thing). So at the end of the lesson Elder Neiufi was in tears, because of the frustration. We called President Wade again, and told him the situation. President told us that we will not baptize anyone that doesn't have a testimony. So he told us to tell the Stake and Ward leaders that Sione would not be getting baptized until we as missionaries felt that he was ready - then President Wade would interview him. He told us to be very bold and straight forward with them, and to put all of the weight of the situation on his shoulders. So that's what we did. Sione's felowshipper - Folau Alusa yelled at Elder Neiufi on the phone, and I talked to the high counselor over missionary work (Bro. Afu) and he yelled at me for 10 minutes straight. It is hard doing the right thing, then being persecuted by people who are supposed to be on your side! So you wouldn't believe what they did! They had the San Jose missionaries interview him, and baptize him this weekend on the 26th - the day that they set for him. We found out the day before the baptism, and called President Wade. He was on the phone all day with priesthood leaders, and with the San Jose mission President trying to stop the baptism. But I guess that President Jackson (the SJ mission pres.) interviewed Sione and felt it was ok for him to be baptized. The person who baptized him was Jesse Taufa - a recent convert of 2 months from our ward (an innocent bystander). He told us that as he baptized him, he didn't feel right, and doesn't feel like Sione has a testimony. So what happened, happened. We talked with President Wade for a long time yesterday, and he ensured us that we did was the right thing. He told us that he would fight with us til' the end! I love President Wade. It's just hard because some of the members are mad at us, and blame us for what happened. Folau Alusa (the fellowshipper) said that me and Elder Neiufi have an evil spirit in us, and when we saw him at church on Sunday he told us that "no dirty hands can stop this work from going forward!" This whole situation is crazy! I have never seen anything like it, but we are glad that it's over, and valuable lessons have been learned. It's just been a really hard week.
So we are still looking for investigators. We are planning on gaining the trust of our ward this week.
Zone Conference was this week and it was great. I love learning from President and Sister Wade. I'm going to miss them.
I got a letter from Savanna Williams this week, and she told me that Lauren Hill is getting married?!! I was pretty surprised! Do you know any details? She also updated me on a lot of other people back home and I was pretty surprised... So much changes in 2 years!
Well family I love you! I hope that you have a great week!
-Elder Cook
We had another crazy week. The whole mess with Sione Fisi'iahe reached it's climax and it is finally over. This is how it played out. We had a lesson with him this past week, and the high councilman over missionary work in the Stake came to the lesson. We were planning on setting a clear expectation to Sione that he couldn't get baptized on the 26th (this past weekend - the date that the members set for him). We usually teach him ion English, but since the high counselor was there they taught in English. As they taught I sensed that something was wrong. The high counselor was very pushy, and told Sione that he could be baptized on hte 26th. Elder Neiufi tried to stop it, but was trying to respect his Elders (another culture thing). So at the end of the lesson Elder Neiufi was in tears, because of the frustration. We called President Wade again, and told him the situation. President told us that we will not baptize anyone that doesn't have a testimony. So he told us to tell the Stake and Ward leaders that Sione would not be getting baptized until we as missionaries felt that he was ready - then President Wade would interview him. He told us to be very bold and straight forward with them, and to put all of the weight of the situation on his shoulders. So that's what we did. Sione's felowshipper - Folau Alusa yelled at Elder Neiufi on the phone, and I talked to the high counselor over missionary work (Bro. Afu) and he yelled at me for 10 minutes straight. It is hard doing the right thing, then being persecuted by people who are supposed to be on your side! So you wouldn't believe what they did! They had the San Jose missionaries interview him, and baptize him this weekend on the 26th - the day that they set for him. We found out the day before the baptism, and called President Wade. He was on the phone all day with priesthood leaders, and with the San Jose mission President trying to stop the baptism. But I guess that President Jackson (the SJ mission pres.) interviewed Sione and felt it was ok for him to be baptized. The person who baptized him was Jesse Taufa - a recent convert of 2 months from our ward (an innocent bystander). He told us that as he baptized him, he didn't feel right, and doesn't feel like Sione has a testimony. So what happened, happened. We talked with President Wade for a long time yesterday, and he ensured us that we did was the right thing. He told us that he would fight with us til' the end! I love President Wade. It's just hard because some of the members are mad at us, and blame us for what happened. Folau Alusa (the fellowshipper) said that me and Elder Neiufi have an evil spirit in us, and when we saw him at church on Sunday he told us that "no dirty hands can stop this work from going forward!" This whole situation is crazy! I have never seen anything like it, but we are glad that it's over, and valuable lessons have been learned. It's just been a really hard week.
So we are still looking for investigators. We are planning on gaining the trust of our ward this week.
Zone Conference was this week and it was great. I love learning from President and Sister Wade. I'm going to miss them.
I got a letter from Savanna Williams this week, and she told me that Lauren Hill is getting married?!! I was pretty surprised! Do you know any details? She also updated me on a lot of other people back home and I was pretty surprised... So much changes in 2 years!
Well family I love you! I hope that you have a great week!
-Elder Cook
March 26, 2011
Things have got ridiculous with Sione Fisi'iahe. We've been teaching him the past 2 weeks and he doesn't believe what we teach. He wants to be baptized into the church, but believes that he's already been baptized for the remission of his sins. As we taught him he told us not to ask him any questions. I felt like he just wanted to get through the lessons so he could be baptized. He loves the church and the members but doesn't believe our doctrine. As we tried to teach him the spirit just wasn't there. So the whole time we were teaching him he thought he was going to be baptized on March 26th (the date the members set) but we talked and worked with President Wade very closely and he made it clear that we don't baptize anyone that doesn't believe the doctrine and have a testimony - and I agree 100%. SO anyway we knew he wasn't going to make his date and we wanted to keep teaching him and preparing him to be baptized, maybe next month or in May - whenever he humbled himself to let us teach him. But things got really messy and even the stake got involved. Members got really mad that the wasn't going to be baptized by the date that they set for him, and you wouldn't believe what they did. Two days ago they had him interviewed by San Jose mission missionaries and today he was baptized in the San Jose mission! I couldn't believe it. President Wade tried to stop it, but somehow it went through. Jesse Taufa - one of the recent converts in the ward was the one that baptized him and he told us tonight at our lesson with him that he didn't want to. He felt that Sione didn't have a testimony either. So that's that.
Letter to Home - March 21, 2011
Hey Family,
Wow, this week has been a little crazy. Things are going good. The highlight was definitely Sione Tongamoa's baptism. It was neat because a recent covert (his main fellowshipper - Huhane Vatuvei) was the one who baptized him. Sione is a huge guy, and when he went down, he almost didn't come back up! But it was a really good service. This on was 100% in Tongan, so I didn't understand anything, but definitely enjoyed the spirit there. Sione is a very humble man. I remember the first time Elder Neiufi and I talked to him on the street, and invited him to learn more. The very first time we ever talked to him, I remember having a feeling so intense - one that I rarely feel. It was a feeling of excitement. I don't know why I had it, because as we talked with him, he told us that he was Methodist and that he was never going to change, but from that very first time - because of the feeling I had - I knew this man was going to be baptized. The second time we met with him we brought Huhane (the recent convert who baptized him), and he invited Sione to church. Sione agreed, came to church, felt the spirit, and the rest is history!
We are know trying to find more people to teach. It has been a hard week. I'm doing my best to be focused and finish my mission strong. I've been a little stressed out about everything, and it makes me feel bad, because I want to be focused for the rest my mission. It is also frustrating when I feel like no one understands me, and half the time I have no idea what anyone is saying. But there are things to be learned! I love my mission and it's hard to even think that it's almost all over.
We have also had a hard week with one of our investigators - Sione Fisi'iahe. He is the Pentecostal preacher that the members finally are letting us teach. We have a big problem though. He believes that he has already been baptized for the remission of sins and just wants to be baptized to join the church. He doesn't believe in the restoration or the nature of God, and a whole bunch of other important doctrine. He is in his 80's and feels like 20 year old boys cant teach him. It's tough because the ward is expecting him to be baptized this weekend, but I will not baptize anyone that doesn't have a testimony. The members keep telling us - "just baptize him now and teach him later!" The Tongan culture is so different. All they care about is that we baptize the Pentecostal Preacher. So we are going to do the best we can. Elder Neiufi is afraid that Sione won't want to change his views, then he wont be baptized, then the members will be mad and not trust us. Tongan wards are different than the English wards, because in an English ward we can just go and find investigators through our own efforts, but in the Tongan wards, the way that we have investigators is through the members (except Sione Tongamoa - he was a miracle!). If you want people to teach the members have to trust you. They are so involved in missionary work - which is great! but its hard to help them understand why someone who wants to be baptized, but is not ready, can't until they have a testimony.
So that's the scoop. It was a rough week, but just like any trial in life, it is an opportunity to build faith. Life is great! We have Zone Conference this week, and it will be my last. Its crazy...
Another great thing that happened this week was I got a letter from Veronica - my convert in Walnut Creek (my last area). She is doing so good! She is taking 2 institute classes and is loving it! One of them is a mission prep class, and she is planning on serving a mission! There is nothing that makes me more happy than to hear that those I taught are still going strong.
Well family I love you! Hope you have another great week!
Love, Elder Cook
Wow, this week has been a little crazy. Things are going good. The highlight was definitely Sione Tongamoa's baptism. It was neat because a recent covert (his main fellowshipper - Huhane Vatuvei) was the one who baptized him. Sione is a huge guy, and when he went down, he almost didn't come back up! But it was a really good service. This on was 100% in Tongan, so I didn't understand anything, but definitely enjoyed the spirit there. Sione is a very humble man. I remember the first time Elder Neiufi and I talked to him on the street, and invited him to learn more. The very first time we ever talked to him, I remember having a feeling so intense - one that I rarely feel. It was a feeling of excitement. I don't know why I had it, because as we talked with him, he told us that he was Methodist and that he was never going to change, but from that very first time - because of the feeling I had - I knew this man was going to be baptized. The second time we met with him we brought Huhane (the recent convert who baptized him), and he invited Sione to church. Sione agreed, came to church, felt the spirit, and the rest is history!
We are know trying to find more people to teach. It has been a hard week. I'm doing my best to be focused and finish my mission strong. I've been a little stressed out about everything, and it makes me feel bad, because I want to be focused for the rest my mission. It is also frustrating when I feel like no one understands me, and half the time I have no idea what anyone is saying. But there are things to be learned! I love my mission and it's hard to even think that it's almost all over.
We have also had a hard week with one of our investigators - Sione Fisi'iahe. He is the Pentecostal preacher that the members finally are letting us teach. We have a big problem though. He believes that he has already been baptized for the remission of sins and just wants to be baptized to join the church. He doesn't believe in the restoration or the nature of God, and a whole bunch of other important doctrine. He is in his 80's and feels like 20 year old boys cant teach him. It's tough because the ward is expecting him to be baptized this weekend, but I will not baptize anyone that doesn't have a testimony. The members keep telling us - "just baptize him now and teach him later!" The Tongan culture is so different. All they care about is that we baptize the Pentecostal Preacher. So we are going to do the best we can. Elder Neiufi is afraid that Sione won't want to change his views, then he wont be baptized, then the members will be mad and not trust us. Tongan wards are different than the English wards, because in an English ward we can just go and find investigators through our own efforts, but in the Tongan wards, the way that we have investigators is through the members (except Sione Tongamoa - he was a miracle!). If you want people to teach the members have to trust you. They are so involved in missionary work - which is great! but its hard to help them understand why someone who wants to be baptized, but is not ready, can't until they have a testimony.
So that's the scoop. It was a rough week, but just like any trial in life, it is an opportunity to build faith. Life is great! We have Zone Conference this week, and it will be my last. Its crazy...
Another great thing that happened this week was I got a letter from Veronica - my convert in Walnut Creek (my last area). She is doing so good! She is taking 2 institute classes and is loving it! One of them is a mission prep class, and she is planning on serving a mission! There is nothing that makes me more happy than to hear that those I taught are still going strong.
Well family I love you! Hope you have another great week!
Love, Elder Cook
March 18, 2011
It is a rainy Friday afternoon and E. Neiufi is sick in bed, so I thought I'd catch up a bit with my journal. Things are going well. We have a crazy experience lately with an investigator. His name is Sione Fisi'iahe. He used to be a Pentacost minister. His friend - Folau Alus, has been fellowshipping him and bringing him to church for probably the past 6 weeks. We found out a few weeks ago that Folau and some other members began teaching him the lessons, and they even set a baptism date for him! Tongan members are amazing missionaries but sometimes they take it way too far. We asked Folau if we could teach him, but he kept telling us he would let us know when he is ready. Last week Folau and Bishop wanted to set up a baptism interview for him - without us teaching him at all! It was ridiculous. So we called President Wade. He was pretty ticked! He said "I promise you that that man will not get baptized unless you teach him", and then he said "They have as much authority to baptize as a Catholic Priest to baptize him without my authorization!" It was pretty funny. So President talked to Bishop and after that there were no problems.
Letter to Home - March 14, 2011
Hey Family!
Well we had a great week! Everything is fine from the tsunami. We got a call from President Wade at 6 in the morning, telling us to tell our zone to stay away from the coast, and to be on call, just in case anything happened. And nothing did. They did evacuate some of the cities along the coast though, but all is well.
Nio's baptism was so good! It was my first Tongan baptism, and even though I only understood half of what they were saying (some people spoke English, and some spoke Tongan), it was one of the most spiritual baptisms that I have been to. It was eat because Elder Neiufi baptized him, and it was his first time to ever baptize anyone. Nio has really changed his life around. There was so much support from the ward. The room was packed! After the baptism we had a Tongan feast! There was soooo much food. I am really trying hard not to get chubby, but I'm beginning to think that it is impossible. Last night we ate at our bishops house, and I ate so much. My poor stomach was about to pop! I was planning on being done, but then Sis Mapa (bishops wife) looked at me an said "Whats da madda Elda, we just getting started!" She made me eat more, and then gave me a huge bowl of ice cream with a brownie! I wanted to die.
After Nio's baptism - Later that night, we went to Concord for Dan Parupia's baptism! I taught Dan when I was in Concord, and I got to go back to see his baptism. It was a good night.
Guess what happened today! So I have been teaching Elder Neiufi how to drive, and he has been doing really good. Tomorrow is his driving test, so he has been driving all day today to help him prepare. Today when we were pulling out of the grocery store parking lot, a car backed into us! It was a pretty bad collision, and our poor car doesn't look very good. It was a first experience for us both! We haven't been having very good car luck lately.
Well, things continue to go great! Sione is all ready to be baptized this weekend! Then next weekend (Mar 26) we have another baptism! That one member is finally letting us teach his friend - the one that he already set a baptism date with! It took awhile, but after President Wade got involved we didn't have anymore problems. I love you so much family!
-Elder Cook
-I got a letter from Kesley Elsholz this week and she is going on a mission! She got her call to go to Minnesota!
And tacos sound great.
Well we had a great week! Everything is fine from the tsunami. We got a call from President Wade at 6 in the morning, telling us to tell our zone to stay away from the coast, and to be on call, just in case anything happened. And nothing did. They did evacuate some of the cities along the coast though, but all is well.
Nio's baptism was so good! It was my first Tongan baptism, and even though I only understood half of what they were saying (some people spoke English, and some spoke Tongan), it was one of the most spiritual baptisms that I have been to. It was eat because Elder Neiufi baptized him, and it was his first time to ever baptize anyone. Nio has really changed his life around. There was so much support from the ward. The room was packed! After the baptism we had a Tongan feast! There was soooo much food. I am really trying hard not to get chubby, but I'm beginning to think that it is impossible. Last night we ate at our bishops house, and I ate so much. My poor stomach was about to pop! I was planning on being done, but then Sis Mapa (bishops wife) looked at me an said "Whats da madda Elda, we just getting started!" She made me eat more, and then gave me a huge bowl of ice cream with a brownie! I wanted to die.
After Nio's baptism - Later that night, we went to Concord for Dan Parupia's baptism! I taught Dan when I was in Concord, and I got to go back to see his baptism. It was a good night.
Guess what happened today! So I have been teaching Elder Neiufi how to drive, and he has been doing really good. Tomorrow is his driving test, so he has been driving all day today to help him prepare. Today when we were pulling out of the grocery store parking lot, a car backed into us! It was a pretty bad collision, and our poor car doesn't look very good. It was a first experience for us both! We haven't been having very good car luck lately.
Well, things continue to go great! Sione is all ready to be baptized this weekend! Then next weekend (Mar 26) we have another baptism! That one member is finally letting us teach his friend - the one that he already set a baptism date with! It took awhile, but after President Wade got involved we didn't have anymore problems. I love you so much family!
-Elder Cook
-I got a letter from Kesley Elsholz this week and she is going on a mission! She got her call to go to Minnesota!
And tacos sound great.
March 13, 2011
We had an amazing weekend. On Sat. Nio Fale'ofa was baptized. It was cool because E. Neiufi baptized him and it was his first time ever baptizing someone. It was one of the most spiritual baptisms I've ever been to. Even though half of it was in Tongan I've never felt the spirit as strong at a baptism. It was packed too! It was right after a ward conference training so everyone just came to the baptism. Then after there was "an eating". It was a Tongan feast. Nio is awesome. He bore a powerful testimony after his baptism. Then that night, Pita Moala (our YSA ward mission leader) drove us to Concord to go to Dan Parupia's baptism. Me and E. Wickel began teaching Dan in Jan. He had been coming to church with his girlfriend - Carly Boegner for a while before we started teaching him. At FHE one night I saw Carly sitting on a couch at the institute building and I had a very strong impression to go over, introduce myself, and ask her about her friend that she had been bringing to church. I did and we talked for a while and made plans for her to introduce us to him the next Sunday. On Sunday we met him, set up a lesson, and began teaching him! The spirit is real! Dan's background is Islam so it was a big deal that he got baptized!
March 8, 2011
Well, here we go! I'm starting my last transfer of my mission. It is hard to believe. It has been a roller coaster of emotions, and I can't believe it's almost over. We got transfer calls on Saturday and me and E. Neiufi are both staying! I was really glad. E. Neiufi is a great companion and I'm glad that I'm ending my mission with him. We have a baptism coming up this weekend! Nio Fale'ofa will be baptized on March. 12th. He is solid. He has really turned his life around and is truly converted! On Sunday after gospel principles class he talked to us for a few minutes. He bore his testimony and broke down in tears. It was humbling to see a huge tough Tongan guy bear a sincere testimony. Nio is awesome and is so excited to be baptized. Today we found a new investigator. Her name is Loleta Liu. She is Vika Liu's sister-in-law! I know Vika from the Pittsburg 1st ward. I baptized Tui - Vika's niece. It was a good 1st lesson. We had some good lessons today with less active people, then taught Sione tonight at the Lata's house. It was a good day. I noticed today that I'm getting chubby again. We ate L and L Hawaiian BBQ again for dinner. Members feed us L and L probably twice a week and it's making me fat!
Letter to Home - March 7, 2011
Hi Family! Ma lo e la lei!
Wow, we had a great week! First off...we got transfer calls last Saturday and I will be ending my mission with the Tongan people! Me and Elder Neiufi are both staying. I am so happy that Elder Neiufi stayed and will be my last companion. He's the best!
So we had MIRACLE yesterday! Brenda and her boyfriend both came to church! We couldn't believe it! Leone (her boyfriend) said that he wants to take things one step at a time, and they stayed for all 3 hours! It was the perfect testimony meeting for Brenda! All of the testimonies had to do with overcoming opposition and trial through the Atonement. Wow, it was so good.
We have seen miracles with our investigator Nio Fale'ofa. He is going to be baptized this weekend!!! His faith has grown so much. On Sunday after gospel principles class we had a short lesson with him. He bore his testimony to us and just cried. He told us how he knows that the church is true, and wants to have a better life. I love the Tongan people! They are so in tune with the spirit, and you will never find a more loving people. It was neat to see a huge Tongan guy (probably 3 times my size!) break down in tears and humbly bear his testimony. He so excited to be baptized and start his new life!
Sione Tongamoa is also doing great! He hasn't smoked for over a week! We stopped by him yesterday and he told us that it is a miracle that he hasn't even thought about smoking, or had a desire to smoke! He has been smoking almost all of his life, and is finally getting rid of it!
We are also working with a woman in the singles ward who has been ready to be baptized forever, but is having the hardest time trying to stop smoking. Her name is Christine, and she is one of the most sincere people that I have ever taught. Smoking is Satan's tool! It kills people physically and spiritually! She just has this one last hurdle to overcome before she is baptized, and we are doing all we can to help her build her faith to overcome it.
Wow, it sounds like things are going well back home! A lot of exciting things are happening. I have feeling that a lot of things have changed since I left. I cant believe that Kenna is getting ready to graduate! I still haven't digested the thought that Tyson is really getting married! I couldn't believe the engagement pictures! They look great together and Kayla is beautiful. I am excited to meet her (I'm going to have a sister in law?!). This week was a little rough on the emotional side, realizing that this is the last transfer of my mission. I am still in denial that its almost over. I have entertained the thought of asking President if I could extend, but I wouldn't miss Tyson's wedding for the world! I am excited to work harder than ever for the last 6 weeks with the Tongan people! I love you family!
-Elder Cook
Wow, we had a great week! First off...we got transfer calls last Saturday and I will be ending my mission with the Tongan people! Me and Elder Neiufi are both staying. I am so happy that Elder Neiufi stayed and will be my last companion. He's the best!
So we had MIRACLE yesterday! Brenda and her boyfriend both came to church! We couldn't believe it! Leone (her boyfriend) said that he wants to take things one step at a time, and they stayed for all 3 hours! It was the perfect testimony meeting for Brenda! All of the testimonies had to do with overcoming opposition and trial through the Atonement. Wow, it was so good.
We have seen miracles with our investigator Nio Fale'ofa. He is going to be baptized this weekend!!! His faith has grown so much. On Sunday after gospel principles class we had a short lesson with him. He bore his testimony to us and just cried. He told us how he knows that the church is true, and wants to have a better life. I love the Tongan people! They are so in tune with the spirit, and you will never find a more loving people. It was neat to see a huge Tongan guy (probably 3 times my size!) break down in tears and humbly bear his testimony. He so excited to be baptized and start his new life!
Sione Tongamoa is also doing great! He hasn't smoked for over a week! We stopped by him yesterday and he told us that it is a miracle that he hasn't even thought about smoking, or had a desire to smoke! He has been smoking almost all of his life, and is finally getting rid of it!
We are also working with a woman in the singles ward who has been ready to be baptized forever, but is having the hardest time trying to stop smoking. Her name is Christine, and she is one of the most sincere people that I have ever taught. Smoking is Satan's tool! It kills people physically and spiritually! She just has this one last hurdle to overcome before she is baptized, and we are doing all we can to help her build her faith to overcome it.
Wow, it sounds like things are going well back home! A lot of exciting things are happening. I have feeling that a lot of things have changed since I left. I cant believe that Kenna is getting ready to graduate! I still haven't digested the thought that Tyson is really getting married! I couldn't believe the engagement pictures! They look great together and Kayla is beautiful. I am excited to meet her (I'm going to have a sister in law?!). This week was a little rough on the emotional side, realizing that this is the last transfer of my mission. I am still in denial that its almost over. I have entertained the thought of asking President if I could extend, but I wouldn't miss Tyson's wedding for the world! I am excited to work harder than ever for the last 6 weeks with the Tongan people! I love you family!
-Elder Cook
March 4, 2011
I can't believe how the time flies! Things continue to go well. I am sure eating a lot in the Tongan program - Tongans love to eat, and they love to make skinny white boys eat! I won't be surprised if I go home a bit chubby, but I'm really trying hard not to. There is an elementary school down the street from our apartment, and I try to go running at a little track they have there at least 2 times a week. So all is well. We taught Leti Pasi this week and there were 2 members at her house (some friends of hers from the Peninsula 1st ward) that sat in on the lesson. One of the members - Bro. Fanua was the boy in The Other Side of Heaven movie that Elder Groberg rose from the dead! He is the real deal though. He's the one that fell from the mango tree as a child and died then through the faith of his family and Elder Groberg (Kolipoki) he was brought to life! Pretty cool. But Leti is doing pretty good. She hasn't been reading the BoM very well, but she likes what she's learning. We had to push Sione Tongamoa's date back to Mar. 19th because we caught him smoking. We drove up to his house and he was sitting on the porch smoking. When he saw us he tried to hide it! We talked about it, and he is still good. We reset his date, and so far he's been clean for 1 week!
Letter to Home - February 28, 2011
Hey Family!
So things are going good. So my suit will work if it has pin stripes? It is in perfect condition (as to my standards), but it does have pin stripes. I will be glad if it works, because I really don't need a new suit.
So all is well, but this week was a little rough. We lost 2 investigators - one of them being Brenda. We weren't able to contact her this whole week, even though we stopped by literally everyday. Calling her doesn't work because her boyfriend answers the phone, and then hangs up on us. So finally at the end of the week (on Saturday), we stopped by and her boyfriend answered the door. He told us that he is not going to change, and that Brenda is not interested either. He told us not to come by anymore. It's really hard, because we know Brenda's boyfriend is the only thing holding her back. She is in a really rough situation, and I think that she is scared of Leone (her boyfriend). It doesn't help that she is expecting, and has no where else to go (both of her parents have passed away). We are still trying to get in contact with her, because I want to hear it from her, not Leone. She has a lot of friends that are members, so we are going to keep trying through them.
Then we also lost another investigator, because she just feels comfortable at her church, and isn't willing to keep commitments.
Then to top off the week, we drove by our amazing prepared investigator - Sione Tongamoa - on Wed. (he had a baptism date for Mar. 12th), and we found him sitting outside on his chair smoking! When he saw us he hid his cigarette and hoped that we didn't see! We went up to him, and talked to him about it. He was honest with us, and told us that he is still struggling with it. Investigators have to be clean from any addiction for 3 weeks before they get baptized, so we had to push back his date to Mar. 19th. He only smokes like every other day. He is doing good, and is still excited to be baptized.
So it was just one of those weeks, but all is well. This is the Lords work, and I know that when we have faith and enthusiasm, the miracles flow! We did find one new investigator this week, but he doesn't speak English, so I just sat and smiled at him while Elder Neiufi taught.
We had 2 great lessons with our investigator Nio Fale'ofa this week. He is so excited to be baptized in two weeks! His faith has really grown and he loves meeting with us. He lives in Palo Alto - which is out of the mission and like a 30 minute drive from the church in San Mateo (where we teach him), but he makes the sacrifice twice a week to meet with us and learn the gospel. Also for church, the only member who can give him a ride, has to be to church 1 hour early for a meeting. So Nio has to get up at 6 am every Sunday to be picked up around 7 am so they can be at the church by 8 am. Then he has to wait an hour until church starts at 9 am. He has great desires and says that its all worth it!
I still love being in the Tongan program, and I'm still trying to understand more of their culture... I have noticed that no matter what I say (to my companion, members, my zone...) they always agree with me, even if its wrong! I think its due a little to the language barrier, and they just say yes, but they say yes to everything! If I walked up to any member at church and asked them if I could have their tie, no joke, any member would take off their tie and give it to me. They are very generous. I don't know if you've ever heard, but they say that being a missionary in a Tongan ward is the only paid ministry in the church! Members give us money for no reason all the time (even though they are not supposed to). Seriously I've been given over $100 since I've been here. If you don't accept their money they get mad (just like if you don't eat their food!) But we just donate a lot of it to fast offerings. Something else that is crazy is that Tongans are the best member missionaries, but sometimes they take it to far! There is a family that is teaching an investigator on their own! They wont hand him over yet. They even set a baptism date for him! It is pretty ridiculous, but whatever. Hopefully we are going to start teaching him this week, if they let us.
The weather here has been pretty cold this week. When I say cold I mean around 50 degrees. San Mateo is further south than San Francisco, and doesn't have the fog - which I am very grateful for!
Elder Neiufi says that he doesn't want anything from Utah, except for a "nice Utah Mormon girl!" But seriously I really don't need a package! I know that you love me, and I'm grateful for all the stuff that you've sent, and if you feel like sending something I love letters!
Well family I love you! It was so good to hear that Gaylynn in doing well. Tell her that I love her, and that they are in my prayers. Love you!
-Elder Cook
So things are going good. So my suit will work if it has pin stripes? It is in perfect condition (as to my standards), but it does have pin stripes. I will be glad if it works, because I really don't need a new suit.
So all is well, but this week was a little rough. We lost 2 investigators - one of them being Brenda. We weren't able to contact her this whole week, even though we stopped by literally everyday. Calling her doesn't work because her boyfriend answers the phone, and then hangs up on us. So finally at the end of the week (on Saturday), we stopped by and her boyfriend answered the door. He told us that he is not going to change, and that Brenda is not interested either. He told us not to come by anymore. It's really hard, because we know Brenda's boyfriend is the only thing holding her back. She is in a really rough situation, and I think that she is scared of Leone (her boyfriend). It doesn't help that she is expecting, and has no where else to go (both of her parents have passed away). We are still trying to get in contact with her, because I want to hear it from her, not Leone. She has a lot of friends that are members, so we are going to keep trying through them.
Then we also lost another investigator, because she just feels comfortable at her church, and isn't willing to keep commitments.
Then to top off the week, we drove by our amazing prepared investigator - Sione Tongamoa - on Wed. (he had a baptism date for Mar. 12th), and we found him sitting outside on his chair smoking! When he saw us he hid his cigarette and hoped that we didn't see! We went up to him, and talked to him about it. He was honest with us, and told us that he is still struggling with it. Investigators have to be clean from any addiction for 3 weeks before they get baptized, so we had to push back his date to Mar. 19th. He only smokes like every other day. He is doing good, and is still excited to be baptized.
So it was just one of those weeks, but all is well. This is the Lords work, and I know that when we have faith and enthusiasm, the miracles flow! We did find one new investigator this week, but he doesn't speak English, so I just sat and smiled at him while Elder Neiufi taught.
We had 2 great lessons with our investigator Nio Fale'ofa this week. He is so excited to be baptized in two weeks! His faith has really grown and he loves meeting with us. He lives in Palo Alto - which is out of the mission and like a 30 minute drive from the church in San Mateo (where we teach him), but he makes the sacrifice twice a week to meet with us and learn the gospel. Also for church, the only member who can give him a ride, has to be to church 1 hour early for a meeting. So Nio has to get up at 6 am every Sunday to be picked up around 7 am so they can be at the church by 8 am. Then he has to wait an hour until church starts at 9 am. He has great desires and says that its all worth it!
I still love being in the Tongan program, and I'm still trying to understand more of their culture... I have noticed that no matter what I say (to my companion, members, my zone...) they always agree with me, even if its wrong! I think its due a little to the language barrier, and they just say yes, but they say yes to everything! If I walked up to any member at church and asked them if I could have their tie, no joke, any member would take off their tie and give it to me. They are very generous. I don't know if you've ever heard, but they say that being a missionary in a Tongan ward is the only paid ministry in the church! Members give us money for no reason all the time (even though they are not supposed to). Seriously I've been given over $100 since I've been here. If you don't accept their money they get mad (just like if you don't eat their food!) But we just donate a lot of it to fast offerings. Something else that is crazy is that Tongans are the best member missionaries, but sometimes they take it to far! There is a family that is teaching an investigator on their own! They wont hand him over yet. They even set a baptism date for him! It is pretty ridiculous, but whatever. Hopefully we are going to start teaching him this week, if they let us.
The weather here has been pretty cold this week. When I say cold I mean around 50 degrees. San Mateo is further south than San Francisco, and doesn't have the fog - which I am very grateful for!
Elder Neiufi says that he doesn't want anything from Utah, except for a "nice Utah Mormon girl!" But seriously I really don't need a package! I know that you love me, and I'm grateful for all the stuff that you've sent, and if you feel like sending something I love letters!
Well family I love you! It was so good to hear that Gaylynn in doing well. Tell her that I love her, and that they are in my prayers. Love you!
-Elder Cook
Letter to Home - February 21, 2011
Hi family!
Sorry for not answering the suit question last week. Both of my suits are pin stripped - but are both still in great condition! The only time we were hem is when we have meetings, at church or at the temple, so they are both still good.
So we had a really good week! One of the recent converts in the ward -Sesi Taufa, is on fire! He has such a desire to do missionary work! He found us 2 new investigators this week, and they are both pretty good. We are excited to teach them this week. Sione Tongamoa and Nio Fale'ofa are doing so good! They are both preparing to be baptized on March 12th. Brenda is doing alright. She has a lot of worldly pressures and we are just praying that she will have the courage to make the right decisions. She can be kind of flaky at times, but when we have the opportunity to teach her, her faith really grows. We took Sione to the Temple Visitors Center this past week and he loved it! This week was also 1 out of the 3 times in a year that we get to do a temple session! I love going to the Oakland Temple - it is one of my favorites! Also this week on Saturday we got to go to the temple with Veronica Domiguez - one of the converts from my last area, to do baptisms for the dead. We rode BART from Millbrae to Oakland. It was my first time riding BART underneath the Bay! It was fun. Veronica really enjoyed the temple.
Last night was the Why I Believe fireside that is held once a month. Usually it is held up at Temple Hill in Oakland, but they just started a San Francisco Why I Believe on our side of the Bay. Last night was the 2nd one, and President asked me to conduct it. It was a little scary, I've never conduced a meeting so big. One of the converts that bore there testimony went way over the time limit and was just rambling on, so President asked me to get up and tell them to wrap it up. The convert was a little Chinese guy (who was already nervous because he speaks in broken English), and I stood up and whispered in his ear that he needs to wrap it up. He paused and said, "Oh...I am so embarrassed! In the name of Jesus Christ Amen!" Then he quickly returned to his seat. I felt so bad. I felt like the bad guy. but it was a good experience. Zoe Rookard - someone me and Elder Kesler taught while I was in San Francisco bore her testimony, and she did an amazing job! It is always good to see those that you've taught have a strong testimony.
So I see Elder Williams all the time on P-days. Hes doing good. They are doing pretty well in the city. it is defiantly one of the hardest areas in the mission, but they have a few baptisms coming up! I know Elder Williams companion very well I used to be his district leader when I was in Pittsburg last year, and he can be challenging. The mission teaches you patience!
Well family I love you! Thank you so much for the Valentines Day package! I loved it! Elder Neiufi really liked the rice crispies!
Love you!
-Elder Cook
Sorry for not answering the suit question last week. Both of my suits are pin stripped - but are both still in great condition! The only time we were hem is when we have meetings, at church or at the temple, so they are both still good.
So we had a really good week! One of the recent converts in the ward -Sesi Taufa, is on fire! He has such a desire to do missionary work! He found us 2 new investigators this week, and they are both pretty good. We are excited to teach them this week. Sione Tongamoa and Nio Fale'ofa are doing so good! They are both preparing to be baptized on March 12th. Brenda is doing alright. She has a lot of worldly pressures and we are just praying that she will have the courage to make the right decisions. She can be kind of flaky at times, but when we have the opportunity to teach her, her faith really grows. We took Sione to the Temple Visitors Center this past week and he loved it! This week was also 1 out of the 3 times in a year that we get to do a temple session! I love going to the Oakland Temple - it is one of my favorites! Also this week on Saturday we got to go to the temple with Veronica Domiguez - one of the converts from my last area, to do baptisms for the dead. We rode BART from Millbrae to Oakland. It was my first time riding BART underneath the Bay! It was fun. Veronica really enjoyed the temple.
Last night was the Why I Believe fireside that is held once a month. Usually it is held up at Temple Hill in Oakland, but they just started a San Francisco Why I Believe on our side of the Bay. Last night was the 2nd one, and President asked me to conduct it. It was a little scary, I've never conduced a meeting so big. One of the converts that bore there testimony went way over the time limit and was just rambling on, so President asked me to get up and tell them to wrap it up. The convert was a little Chinese guy (who was already nervous because he speaks in broken English), and I stood up and whispered in his ear that he needs to wrap it up. He paused and said, "Oh...I am so embarrassed! In the name of Jesus Christ Amen!" Then he quickly returned to his seat. I felt so bad. I felt like the bad guy. but it was a good experience. Zoe Rookard - someone me and Elder Kesler taught while I was in San Francisco bore her testimony, and she did an amazing job! It is always good to see those that you've taught have a strong testimony.
So I see Elder Williams all the time on P-days. Hes doing good. They are doing pretty well in the city. it is defiantly one of the hardest areas in the mission, but they have a few baptisms coming up! I know Elder Williams companion very well I used to be his district leader when I was in Pittsburg last year, and he can be challenging. The mission teaches you patience!
Well family I love you! Thank you so much for the Valentines Day package! I loved it! Elder Neiufi really liked the rice crispies!
Love you!
-Elder Cook
February 19, 2011
Things have been going well. This week it has been raining non-stop! Today we didn't have plans until the evening and we got a call from E. Wickel around 12:00 pm. He asked if we were doing anything at 2:30 pm because Veronica was going to the temple for the first time to do baptisms for the dead. So me and E. Neiufi took BART to Oakland and went to the temple with Veronica. It was good. I felt really bad because we were super late - BART took a little longer than we expected. But it was good. We have had a lot of good things happen lately. Our recent convert Jesse Taufa referred us to two people this week in Redwood City and we've begun teaching them - Leti Pasi and Anthony. Also last week, Meisi, a member in the YSA ward introduced us to Marta - a woman that she is a caregiver to. Marta is white, but we taught her the first lesson then passed her off to the English Elders. Marta is golden! She lives in a handicap home for people with special needs (she is in a wheelchair, but is mentally healthy) . During our lesson we needed a 3rd male, so a guy named Kerry that lives there (who is not mentally healthy) sat in. He is hilarious! We said we were going to pray, so he runs out of the room and comes back with a lit Virgin Mary candle and a stick of burning incense! It was funny. Meisi was embarrassed.
Letter to Home - February 14, 2011
Hey Family!
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! I totally forgot that it was Valentines day until this morning. I love you all! I know that I truly have the best family, and I'm grateful for all the love and support that I receive. I am so grateful that we all share a love for the gospel. I couldn't think of any other ideal situation, than my family being active members of the church. I am so grateful for the thoughts and the prayers that you have for my investigators. We have seen miracles this week, and I know it is because of faith. We had a great lesson with Brenda this week. We took her uncle with us to help us teach her. His name is Huhane and he was just baptized less than a month ago. She is really feeling the spirit, but is in a rough situation. She loves what she is learning, but she also loves her gangster boyfriend. She wishes that he would be interested and come to church, but hes not right now. We told her at our lesson that she would have to move out or get married before her baptism, and she said she would work on it. She really has a desire to get baptized!
We also had a great lesson with Sione! We even moved his baptism up a week because he is doing so good! We taught him the word of wisdom yesterday for the first time, and he told us that he already stopped smoking a week ago! They have to be smoke free for 3 weeks before they can get baptized, so we moved it up a week, because he is already a week ahead! He came to church yesterday and LOVED it!
We also set another baptism date for one of our investigators - Nio Fale'ofa. He is supper prepared, and didn't hesitate to say yes when we invited him. Brenda, Sione and Nio are all scheduled to be baptized on March 12th!
So this past week on Wed, Thur, and Fri, we had a leadership conference in Walnut Creek from 9 am-4 pm. It was along week! It was a total of around 7 hours of driving within the 3 days, but it was really worth it! Bro. Tracy Watson, who is the director of proselyting, trained us. He taught us A LOT! He is going to change the way that our mission works, as we begin to apply his training. He helped us to see that EVERYTHING we teach needs to be focused on the Doctrine of Christ and his atonement. As me and Elder Neiufi have applied what we've learned so far, we have seen miracles! It is amazing how powerful the simpleness of the gospel is. Its all about inviting and helping people gain and strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ, which will lead them to repent. As they make those changes in their life they will be prepared to receive the ordinance of baptism. After baptism we are cleansed by the Holy Ghost and as we continue to have faith and repent each day, He will guide us as we endure. Bro. Watson taught us that if we teach anything more than faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost, then we are not "built upon his rock".
We teach the commandments to help people strengthen their faith and repent. We teach the plan of salvation to help people understand the importance of the atonement. It really made me think about how I teach.
Well family, we have to go! Members are here to pick us up and take us to the city. We are going to run around in the city today!
Love you!
-Elder Cook
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! I totally forgot that it was Valentines day until this morning. I love you all! I know that I truly have the best family, and I'm grateful for all the love and support that I receive. I am so grateful that we all share a love for the gospel. I couldn't think of any other ideal situation, than my family being active members of the church. I am so grateful for the thoughts and the prayers that you have for my investigators. We have seen miracles this week, and I know it is because of faith. We had a great lesson with Brenda this week. We took her uncle with us to help us teach her. His name is Huhane and he was just baptized less than a month ago. She is really feeling the spirit, but is in a rough situation. She loves what she is learning, but she also loves her gangster boyfriend. She wishes that he would be interested and come to church, but hes not right now. We told her at our lesson that she would have to move out or get married before her baptism, and she said she would work on it. She really has a desire to get baptized!
We also had a great lesson with Sione! We even moved his baptism up a week because he is doing so good! We taught him the word of wisdom yesterday for the first time, and he told us that he already stopped smoking a week ago! They have to be smoke free for 3 weeks before they can get baptized, so we moved it up a week, because he is already a week ahead! He came to church yesterday and LOVED it!
We also set another baptism date for one of our investigators - Nio Fale'ofa. He is supper prepared, and didn't hesitate to say yes when we invited him. Brenda, Sione and Nio are all scheduled to be baptized on March 12th!
So this past week on Wed, Thur, and Fri, we had a leadership conference in Walnut Creek from 9 am-4 pm. It was along week! It was a total of around 7 hours of driving within the 3 days, but it was really worth it! Bro. Tracy Watson, who is the director of proselyting, trained us. He taught us A LOT! He is going to change the way that our mission works, as we begin to apply his training. He helped us to see that EVERYTHING we teach needs to be focused on the Doctrine of Christ and his atonement. As me and Elder Neiufi have applied what we've learned so far, we have seen miracles! It is amazing how powerful the simpleness of the gospel is. Its all about inviting and helping people gain and strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ, which will lead them to repent. As they make those changes in their life they will be prepared to receive the ordinance of baptism. After baptism we are cleansed by the Holy Ghost and as we continue to have faith and repent each day, He will guide us as we endure. Bro. Watson taught us that if we teach anything more than faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost, then we are not "built upon his rock".
We teach the commandments to help people strengthen their faith and repent. We teach the plan of salvation to help people understand the importance of the atonement. It really made me think about how I teach.
Well family, we have to go! Members are here to pick us up and take us to the city. We are going to run around in the city today!
Love you!
-Elder Cook
February 9, 2011
Well things are still going pretty good. I'm still getting used to being the only white person in the ward. It's really fun being in the Tongan program. E. Neiufi is a really hard worker and he's teaching me a lot. He is even teaching me a little bit of Tongan. I can count to 10, say the name of our church, ask people what their name is, where they are from, and things like that. The Tongan members are great! They are very kind, and they know how to do missionary work. They are really good at fellowshipping investigators. We've been teaching Sione Tongamoa (the guy we found by talking to him on the street) and he already knows a lot of people in the ward (all the Tongans in the Bay Area seem to know each other). We had a great lesson with him last night, and set a baptism date for him on the 19th of March. He is great! He really wants to make changes in his life, and loves and understands the scriptures very well! So today was our first day of another 3 day leadership conference. This time Bro. Tracy Watson came to train us. He is the "Director of Proselyting" and was a primary author of Preach My Gospel.
Letter to Home - February 7, 2011
Hi Family!
Wow, sounds like exciting things are happening! I am really glad to hear that things with Matt and Jalena are getting better. It has been awhile since the "incident", but some things just take patience. I'm happy that things are working out! And, wow, I still don't believe that Tyson is engaged. I hope that everything goes well with he wedding plans!
So this week was really good! It was great, even though it was one of those weeks were it seemed that almost every appointment that we had cancelled on us. The Polynesian people are a lot more laid back, and appointments seem to cancel a lot more in the Tongan program. Tongans have the attitude of "we get there when we get there." I don't think we've ever been on time to a teaching appointment!
This week we found 2 new amazing investigators! One is from a part member family, and the other is a friend of a recent convert.
We are teaching a man named Sione Tongamao. He is 55 years old, and loves what he is learning. He is the one that me and Elder Neiufi just found by talking to him on the street. (But if you are Tongan and living in the Bay Area, you know every Tongan living here - so pretty much he knows everyone in the ward already.) He has always been around the Mormon church, and known about it. All that it took was him to feel the spirit! He was sick this past week so we weren't able to teach him, but he is doing well.
We are also teaching a young woman in our singles ward. Her name is Brenda Vanisi. She has had a really hard life. Both of her parents have passed away and she feels alone. She is pregnant and is living with her boyfriend right now. Her boyfriend (Leone) is in a Tongan gang, and is always high on something! Brenda loves what she is learning, and the comfort that comes from the plan of salvation. She has some changes to make, but has the faith and willingness to make those changes. I love how the gospel can change our lives! I've seen it time and time again. The atonement is real, and has the power to change our hearts and heal us. This week we set a baptismal date with Brenda for March 12th. She really wants to be baptized, but first needs to move out of her boyfriends house, which is hard, because she has no where else to go. We are praying for a miracle that the Lord will somehow provide a way for her to find a place, so she can be baptized on her date.
So this week, I went on exchanges once again with the assistants in Oakland. I've been a ZL for awhile and always go to Oakland on exchanges, so it almost seems like Oakland is one of my areas! I know a lot of the members and investigators there, and its always fun to go and see how everything has been progressing in there area since that last time I've been there. We always talk crazy people there. They always tell us "do you know where you boys are? You are in one of the most roughest neighborhoods in the United States!" But people really respect the missionaries in the ghettos of Oakland. It is a really fun area to work in! This is not meant to be a racist comment, but it is so hard to find a white person in West Oakland! But I learned a lot on exchanges this week. I've noticed lately how powerful it can be when we teach the simple and basic truths of the gospel in a short, clear way. I've noticed that we don't have to take 10 minutes to deeply explain a principle, but instead bear a short powerful testimony that the spirit can testify to, then invite the individual to act, and to change.
This week we have a 3 day leadership conference in Walnut Creek from 9 am to 4 pm. It will be a crazy week! Bro. Watson (I forgot his first name) is coming to train us. He is the head of proselyting in the missionary department. He is one of the main authors of Preach My Gospel. He is also the one who hired President Wade, when he worked for the church. So it will be a really exciting meeting.
So things are going well. Me and my companion are the only ones that live in our apartment, and it is one of the nicest apartments that I have had so far. I wonder if the way I talk is changing, just because I have to talk in simple terms all the time to my comp, my zone and the ward. I've learned how to count to 10 in Tongan, how to say the alphabet, how to say our church's name, and simple phrases like "what is your name" or "where are you from". I can pick out a few words here and there when people are talking, but overall I'm still lost. I'm getting used to being the only white person in the ward. Yesterday we had a Stake meeting with the Stake Leaders, the Bishops, the Ward Mission Leaders and President Wade. Me and President were the only white people, and the only ones that had no idea what was being said! And the food that Tongans eat is meat! They eat a lot of roots like taro (its like a very starchy potato - its really nasty). The food is pretty nasty, but a lot of the Tongans here eat more Americanized food like steak and stuff.
Well family I love you! I hope that you have a great week!
-Elder Cook
Wow, sounds like exciting things are happening! I am really glad to hear that things with Matt and Jalena are getting better. It has been awhile since the "incident", but some things just take patience. I'm happy that things are working out! And, wow, I still don't believe that Tyson is engaged. I hope that everything goes well with he wedding plans!
So this week was really good! It was great, even though it was one of those weeks were it seemed that almost every appointment that we had cancelled on us. The Polynesian people are a lot more laid back, and appointments seem to cancel a lot more in the Tongan program. Tongans have the attitude of "we get there when we get there." I don't think we've ever been on time to a teaching appointment!
This week we found 2 new amazing investigators! One is from a part member family, and the other is a friend of a recent convert.
We are teaching a man named Sione Tongamao. He is 55 years old, and loves what he is learning. He is the one that me and Elder Neiufi just found by talking to him on the street. (But if you are Tongan and living in the Bay Area, you know every Tongan living here - so pretty much he knows everyone in the ward already.) He has always been around the Mormon church, and known about it. All that it took was him to feel the spirit! He was sick this past week so we weren't able to teach him, but he is doing well.
We are also teaching a young woman in our singles ward. Her name is Brenda Vanisi. She has had a really hard life. Both of her parents have passed away and she feels alone. She is pregnant and is living with her boyfriend right now. Her boyfriend (Leone) is in a Tongan gang, and is always high on something! Brenda loves what she is learning, and the comfort that comes from the plan of salvation. She has some changes to make, but has the faith and willingness to make those changes. I love how the gospel can change our lives! I've seen it time and time again. The atonement is real, and has the power to change our hearts and heal us. This week we set a baptismal date with Brenda for March 12th. She really wants to be baptized, but first needs to move out of her boyfriends house, which is hard, because she has no where else to go. We are praying for a miracle that the Lord will somehow provide a way for her to find a place, so she can be baptized on her date.
So this week, I went on exchanges once again with the assistants in Oakland. I've been a ZL for awhile and always go to Oakland on exchanges, so it almost seems like Oakland is one of my areas! I know a lot of the members and investigators there, and its always fun to go and see how everything has been progressing in there area since that last time I've been there. We always talk crazy people there. They always tell us "do you know where you boys are? You are in one of the most roughest neighborhoods in the United States!" But people really respect the missionaries in the ghettos of Oakland. It is a really fun area to work in! This is not meant to be a racist comment, but it is so hard to find a white person in West Oakland! But I learned a lot on exchanges this week. I've noticed lately how powerful it can be when we teach the simple and basic truths of the gospel in a short, clear way. I've noticed that we don't have to take 10 minutes to deeply explain a principle, but instead bear a short powerful testimony that the spirit can testify to, then invite the individual to act, and to change.
This week we have a 3 day leadership conference in Walnut Creek from 9 am to 4 pm. It will be a crazy week! Bro. Watson (I forgot his first name) is coming to train us. He is the head of proselyting in the missionary department. He is one of the main authors of Preach My Gospel. He is also the one who hired President Wade, when he worked for the church. So it will be a really exciting meeting.
So things are going well. Me and my companion are the only ones that live in our apartment, and it is one of the nicest apartments that I have had so far. I wonder if the way I talk is changing, just because I have to talk in simple terms all the time to my comp, my zone and the ward. I've learned how to count to 10 in Tongan, how to say the alphabet, how to say our church's name, and simple phrases like "what is your name" or "where are you from". I can pick out a few words here and there when people are talking, but overall I'm still lost. I'm getting used to being the only white person in the ward. Yesterday we had a Stake meeting with the Stake Leaders, the Bishops, the Ward Mission Leaders and President Wade. Me and President were the only white people, and the only ones that had no idea what was being said! And the food that Tongans eat is meat! They eat a lot of roots like taro (its like a very starchy potato - its really nasty). The food is pretty nasty, but a lot of the Tongans here eat more Americanized food like steak and stuff.
Well family I love you! I hope that you have a great week!
-Elder Cook
February 1, 2011
Wow, a lot of things have happened this week! I love the Tongan program so far! All of my fears are gone. My companion - Elder Neiufi is the best. He is one of the hardest working companions that I've ever had, and he is super hilarious! His English is pretty good, but there are still a lot of things that he doesn't understand. For example, we were teaching a less active member and after reading Ether 12:4 I asked them how faith in Christ has been an "anchor" in their life. Elder Neiufi thought I said how has faith in Christ caused "anger" in your life. He was surprised and tried to tie anger into faith. He said something like "I know when we have faith it can be hard and sometimes makes us angry..." It was funny. But he is great. He is helping me learn a little bit of Tongan. Obviously I'm not going to be fluent in 3 months, but I hope to understand a bit. We've already seen miracles! Last week (my 1st week here) we found 5 new investigators! One is named Sione Tongamoa. We found him on the street and started to talk with him. He didn't seem super interested, but said we could come back. 2 days later we came back and brought Huhane - an awesome recent convert. We walked up to him (he sits on a chair on the corner of the street all night long) and the first thing he said to us was "You guys know that I'm a Methodist, I told you I already have a church".
Letter to Home - January 31, 2011
Hey Family!
Wow, what a week! I got to my new area on Tuesday. It sure is weird being on this side of the Bay again! So I cover the Peninsula 2nd and the Peninsula 4th wards. The 2nd ward is a Tongan family ward, and the 4th ward is a Tongan singles ward. It has been quite the culture shock, but I love it! We live in San Mateo, and spend most of the time working here as well. I have the best companion ever! His name is Elder Neiufi - from Tonga. He speaks English pretty well and has been out for 1 year (we were both trained in San Ramon!). We mostly teach our lessons in English, because most of the members can speak English pretty well, but church is all in Tongan! Well, yesterday was the Stake Conference, so we didn't go to regular church, but Elder Neiufi says that the family ward is in Tongan, but most of the singles ward services are in English. So that is good. But yesterday was Stake Conference, and it was a broadcast. Elder Packard and President Eyring spoke, but I couldn't understand a word that they said, because it was all in Tongan! Elder Neiufi is helping me to learn a little bit of Tongan every morning for our language study. Obviously I'm not going to become fluent in 3 months, but I hope to be able to begin to understand what people are saying to me, and become familiar with the language. Elder Neiufi is super funny, and is helping me become adjusted to things. We are the Zone Leaders of the Tongan Zone which consists of only 6 missionaries! It is the smallest Zone in our mission! I am the only white person i our whole Zone! Everyone else is Polynesian. Its fun.
But I really love this area so far. The Tongan members are probably the best members of the church! President Wade always says - "When I get to the celestial kingdom and I'm surrounded by the Tongan people, I will know that I'm in the right place!" They are so loving and willing to do missionary work! We don't knock doors in the Tongan program - all of our finding efforts are through the members. Another crazy thing is that the Stake boundaries (and our ward boundary) go outside of the mission boundary! So we have permission to leave the mission, as long as we are in our stake boundary (which goes clear down to San Jose!) Yesterday Stake Conference was in Menlo Park - which is not in our mission.
So me and Elder Neiufi have seen miracles already! Our second day together we met a Tongan man on the street named Sione Tongamoa. We started talking to him, and he was a little standoffish. We asked if we could come back and share a message that would help him come closer to God. He agreed, and told us that he sits on the street coroner that we were talking to him on, every night. So a few nights later we went by, and brought Huhane - a recent convert who knows Sione. (the crazy thing about he Tongan program is that everyone literally knows everyone! The whole ward is seriously related some how). We walked up to him, and the first thing that he told us was, "I told you guys that I am Methodist!" My awesome little Tongan comp. (and when I say little I mean just short - my companion is huge! His biceps are as big as my thighs!! So I feel pretty safe) smiled at him, and began to teach. We bore our testimonies to him, and promised him blessings. His attitude immediately changed, and he told us that he felt happy. The spirit touched him, and he wants to learn more. Huhane invited him to church and yesterday he came to Stake Conference and loved it! Then we taught him later Sunday night for the first time, and he is golden! We invited him to be baptized and he said yes. Wow, it was an amazing lesson! (and we taught in English!)
It is fun being the only white person in the ward! The members are very nice, and feed me too much! I may come home a little chubby! Me and Elder Neiufi are working on being more united in our teaching. He is pretty well at speaking English, but has a long way to go! We were teaching a lesson to a less active member about faith, and I asked them how faith in Christ has been an "anchor" in their life. Elder Neiufi thought I asked how faith in Christ has caused "anger" in their life! He was surprised, and tried to back track and tie anger into faith! He said something like "I know that when we exercise faith it can be hard, and sometimes we get angry...." Wow, it was funny. Also, Elder Neiufi is working on getting a California drivers licence. He has a permit, but hasn't been able to practice yet, because he hasn't had a companion with a California drivers licence. So since I have a Cal. drivers license he has been able to start driving! Wow, now I know how you felt mom and dad, when you taught me how to drive! It is his first time driving in the USA. In Tonga there are no free ways or stop lights, so it is quite different! It has been fun teaching him how to drive!
So things are going really well! I love the Tongan program so far! I still can't believe that I got transferred here, but I am grateful for this experience to stretch, and learn new things!
I love you family!
-Elder Cook
Wow, what a week! I got to my new area on Tuesday. It sure is weird being on this side of the Bay again! So I cover the Peninsula 2nd and the Peninsula 4th wards. The 2nd ward is a Tongan family ward, and the 4th ward is a Tongan singles ward. It has been quite the culture shock, but I love it! We live in San Mateo, and spend most of the time working here as well. I have the best companion ever! His name is Elder Neiufi - from Tonga. He speaks English pretty well and has been out for 1 year (we were both trained in San Ramon!). We mostly teach our lessons in English, because most of the members can speak English pretty well, but church is all in Tongan! Well, yesterday was the Stake Conference, so we didn't go to regular church, but Elder Neiufi says that the family ward is in Tongan, but most of the singles ward services are in English. So that is good. But yesterday was Stake Conference, and it was a broadcast. Elder Packard and President Eyring spoke, but I couldn't understand a word that they said, because it was all in Tongan! Elder Neiufi is helping me to learn a little bit of Tongan every morning for our language study. Obviously I'm not going to become fluent in 3 months, but I hope to be able to begin to understand what people are saying to me, and become familiar with the language. Elder Neiufi is super funny, and is helping me become adjusted to things. We are the Zone Leaders of the Tongan Zone which consists of only 6 missionaries! It is the smallest Zone in our mission! I am the only white person i our whole Zone! Everyone else is Polynesian. Its fun.
But I really love this area so far. The Tongan members are probably the best members of the church! President Wade always says - "When I get to the celestial kingdom and I'm surrounded by the Tongan people, I will know that I'm in the right place!" They are so loving and willing to do missionary work! We don't knock doors in the Tongan program - all of our finding efforts are through the members. Another crazy thing is that the Stake boundaries (and our ward boundary) go outside of the mission boundary! So we have permission to leave the mission, as long as we are in our stake boundary (which goes clear down to San Jose!) Yesterday Stake Conference was in Menlo Park - which is not in our mission.
So me and Elder Neiufi have seen miracles already! Our second day together we met a Tongan man on the street named Sione Tongamoa. We started talking to him, and he was a little standoffish. We asked if we could come back and share a message that would help him come closer to God. He agreed, and told us that he sits on the street coroner that we were talking to him on, every night. So a few nights later we went by, and brought Huhane - a recent convert who knows Sione. (the crazy thing about he Tongan program is that everyone literally knows everyone! The whole ward is seriously related some how). We walked up to him, and the first thing that he told us was, "I told you guys that I am Methodist!" My awesome little Tongan comp. (and when I say little I mean just short - my companion is huge! His biceps are as big as my thighs!! So I feel pretty safe) smiled at him, and began to teach. We bore our testimonies to him, and promised him blessings. His attitude immediately changed, and he told us that he felt happy. The spirit touched him, and he wants to learn more. Huhane invited him to church and yesterday he came to Stake Conference and loved it! Then we taught him later Sunday night for the first time, and he is golden! We invited him to be baptized and he said yes. Wow, it was an amazing lesson! (and we taught in English!)
It is fun being the only white person in the ward! The members are very nice, and feed me too much! I may come home a little chubby! Me and Elder Neiufi are working on being more united in our teaching. He is pretty well at speaking English, but has a long way to go! We were teaching a lesson to a less active member about faith, and I asked them how faith in Christ has been an "anchor" in their life. Elder Neiufi thought I asked how faith in Christ has caused "anger" in their life! He was surprised, and tried to back track and tie anger into faith! He said something like "I know that when we exercise faith it can be hard, and sometimes we get angry...." Wow, it was funny. Also, Elder Neiufi is working on getting a California drivers licence. He has a permit, but hasn't been able to practice yet, because he hasn't had a companion with a California drivers licence. So since I have a Cal. drivers license he has been able to start driving! Wow, now I know how you felt mom and dad, when you taught me how to drive! It is his first time driving in the USA. In Tonga there are no free ways or stop lights, so it is quite different! It has been fun teaching him how to drive!
So things are going really well! I love the Tongan program so far! I still can't believe that I got transferred here, but I am grateful for this experience to stretch, and learn new things!
I love you family!
-Elder Cook
January 25, 2011
Well, a few days ago, I got the most surprising transfer call of my mission. I thought for sure that I would get a call from President Wade on Sat. morning to release me from ZL, but the call never came. So, me and E. Wickel assumed we were staying together. So, the call came that night and I have been transferred to serve as the San Francisco East (Tongan Zone) ZL. We serve in the Peninsula 2nd and 4th wards. My comp. is E. Neiufi - from Tonga of course. So I have mixed feelings about it all. I'm excited for the new experience and a chance to learn and grow, but this is not how I expected to end my mission. It is a little frustrating being in a language program when you can't speak the language. I feel like I've finally acquired the skills to be an effective missionary and now I won't be able to use them to the fullest. But, I know that I'm here for a reason. I know I can work hard, learn, and help people come closer to God - the best I know how. Today was my first day and it was pretty good. E. Neiufi was trying to give me directions as we were driving, and he told me to make a left turn when it was illegal. I didn't see the sign either and we got pulled over and got a ticket. But we had an amazing lesson tonight with an investigator named Vickey. The spirit was there and we invited her to be baptized and she said yes!
Letter to Home - January 24, 2011
Wow, so many things to say, I dont even know where to start! First off...HOLY CRAP! Tyson is getting married!? Wow, thats wonderful! I just cant believe it. Im just glad that he is waiting before I come home. It will definatley be crazy, but I am happy for him. I cant wait to meet Kayla.
So next, thank you so much for the package with the shampoo! I love it! Tell Grandma that I love her. I ate the chocolate that night, and the pistachios were gone in less than 24 hours.
Alright, now for some pretty crazy news! This past Saturday we got transfer calls, and I was pretty sure that i was going to be released as a Zone Leader. Those getting released from a leadership position, get a call from President Wade on Saturday morning to be released, then everyone else find out where they are going that night. So I was expecting a call the whole day but it never came. So Me and Elder Wickel just assumed that we were staying together. The calls came that night and I am being transferred! I am going back to the Peninsula! This is the crazy news - I will be a Zone Leader over the San Francisco East Tongan Zone! So I will finish my mission serving in the Tongan program! I have mixed emotions. I wasn't expecting to finish my mission in a language program, but I am excited to serve with the Tongan people. Yesterday I enjoyed my last sacrament meeting in English! So that's the crazy news - this transfer call was the most surprising one I've ever received! So the wards I'll be serving in is the Peninsula 1st ward, and the San Francisco 4th ward (both Tongan wards). My companion will be Elder Neufi (Nay-oo-fee). It is sad leaving Concord, and Elder Wickel. We had 2 AMAZING transfers here, but I'm excited to be on the other side of the Bay again.
So this week went really well. We were able to teach the Santa-maria Family, and they are golden! She understands what we teach very well, and applies it well too. We were also able to teach Carly Bogners' boyfriend - Dan Parupia. He is from the middle east, and was raised as a Muslim. He is supper willing to learn. We taught him about the apostasy, and he loved it! He said that it all just makes sense! We also added another new investigator this week named Jason. He is Chinese, and is friends with a member in the Concord 2nd ward.
So Alexa and Veronica are doing great. They both started school at DVC today, and are both taking 2 institute classes! Veronica is so solid! She had a rough week this past week. She works for a dry cleaners that her mother owns, and this week she got fired by her own mother! Her mom is not happy with her being Mormon - it wasn't pretty. But Veronica has strong faith. Both Veronica and Alexa are planning on going to BYU-I next year!
So things are going well. Today we had a fun p day. We drove up Mt. Diablo, the highest peak in our mission, parked the car 3 miles from the summit, and ran the rest of the way! It was a blast. The view is AMAZING up there! You can see the whole entire mission! It was a clear day, so I could see all of the areas that I've served in, including the city! You could even see the golden gate bridge! It was fun. If we ever come and visit my mission, Mt. Diablo is defiantly on the list of things to see. After we are done emailing I've got to go pack up!
Well family I love you! I hope that you have a great week! Pray that the Tongans don't eat me!
-Elder Cook
So next, thank you so much for the package with the shampoo! I love it! Tell Grandma that I love her. I ate the chocolate that night, and the pistachios were gone in less than 24 hours.
Alright, now for some pretty crazy news! This past Saturday we got transfer calls, and I was pretty sure that i was going to be released as a Zone Leader. Those getting released from a leadership position, get a call from President Wade on Saturday morning to be released, then everyone else find out where they are going that night. So I was expecting a call the whole day but it never came. So Me and Elder Wickel just assumed that we were staying together. The calls came that night and I am being transferred! I am going back to the Peninsula! This is the crazy news - I will be a Zone Leader over the San Francisco East Tongan Zone! So I will finish my mission serving in the Tongan program! I have mixed emotions. I wasn't expecting to finish my mission in a language program, but I am excited to serve with the Tongan people. Yesterday I enjoyed my last sacrament meeting in English! So that's the crazy news - this transfer call was the most surprising one I've ever received! So the wards I'll be serving in is the Peninsula 1st ward, and the San Francisco 4th ward (both Tongan wards). My companion will be Elder Neufi (Nay-oo-fee). It is sad leaving Concord, and Elder Wickel. We had 2 AMAZING transfers here, but I'm excited to be on the other side of the Bay again.
So this week went really well. We were able to teach the Santa-maria Family, and they are golden! She understands what we teach very well, and applies it well too. We were also able to teach Carly Bogners' boyfriend - Dan Parupia. He is from the middle east, and was raised as a Muslim. He is supper willing to learn. We taught him about the apostasy, and he loved it! He said that it all just makes sense! We also added another new investigator this week named Jason. He is Chinese, and is friends with a member in the Concord 2nd ward.
So Alexa and Veronica are doing great. They both started school at DVC today, and are both taking 2 institute classes! Veronica is so solid! She had a rough week this past week. She works for a dry cleaners that her mother owns, and this week she got fired by her own mother! Her mom is not happy with her being Mormon - it wasn't pretty. But Veronica has strong faith. Both Veronica and Alexa are planning on going to BYU-I next year!
So things are going well. Today we had a fun p day. We drove up Mt. Diablo, the highest peak in our mission, parked the car 3 miles from the summit, and ran the rest of the way! It was a blast. The view is AMAZING up there! You can see the whole entire mission! It was a clear day, so I could see all of the areas that I've served in, including the city! You could even see the golden gate bridge! It was fun. If we ever come and visit my mission, Mt. Diablo is defiantly on the list of things to see. After we are done emailing I've got to go pack up!
Well family I love you! I hope that you have a great week! Pray that the Tongans don't eat me!
-Elder Cook
January 18, 2011
This transfer has definitely been unique. We switched wards with our roommates - so last transfer (when we were in CV1) we heard all about Concord 2nd ward's investigator's from our roommates. Then this transfer we switched so we are teaching our roommates former investigators and they are teaching ours. We also meet in the same church building so we see people we know from our old ward all the time! So last transfer we always heard of an investigator named Doug Adams that our roommates taught. He always had really odd questions that didn't seem very sincere. Now this transfer we've taught him a few times, and tonight was an intense lesson. Doug is a high school Bible teacher and "loves to bash in a nice way". He doesn't believe that you can receive answers from God by feelings. He reads anti material and asks us the strangest questions. We are not clear what his motive are. We've always taught the basics - praying to know the truth and receiving an answer through the BoM. Tonight he told us that he believes the BoM is inspired by the devil. We ask "Why do you want to meet with us then?!" He said because he likes to hear about our beliefs. We told him that our calling and purpose is to baptize and teach those who have that desire.
Letter to Home - January 17, 2011
So we had a really rough week. Things are still going great, but for some reason, almost every appointment with our investigators canceled this week! About mid week, things were going pretty bad. Me and Elder Wickel have a tradition of going to Cold Stone to get ice cream when we have a rough week. It always works! So we went to cold stone on Wed. in hopes of having a good weekend. Our weekend plans looked great, and things started to look up. We had 3 lessons with investigators scheduled for Saturday, and when it rolled around, they all three cancelled! We had a total of about 10 lessons fall through this week. We couldn't believe it! So it was a rough week, but all is well.
The amazing news is that Veronica got baptized!!!!!! After a very long week, it was a great way to end it. She is a miracle! Her and Alexa are basically best friends, and they both are planning on going to BYU-Idaho! The baptism was great. Me and Elder Wickel spoke, and Alexa said the closing prayer! She did such a good job! Before we met Alexa (less than 2 months ago) she had never prayed, and now she is saying prayers in front of a crowd of people! It was a great night. Veronica fits right into the ward and is loving it!
So our teaching pool has run a little dry, but we had a miracle yesterday! A girl in our ward (the singles ward) named Carly, brought her boyfriend to church, and he is really interested in learning more about the church. He has come to church a lot, and feels ready to learn more! We are teaching him for the first time tonight.
So things are going well. We have an awesome investigator in the Concord 2nd ward named Bill Fisher. He is 43 and is a recovering alcoholic. We've taught him for about 5 weeks, and he is really progressing. He talks A LOT, and we have to change our teaching style to teach him, but he is LOVING the gospel. He has been to a lot of different churches, and he keeps asking, "Why do I feel so different at your church?" He keeps telling us that Mormons are a "different breed". He is afraid to get baptized, because he doesn't want to fail again - he was baptized in another church, but fell away, due to him addictions. So we continue to work with him. As far as our ward mission leader goes - he's doing better! The stake actually talked to him! It is a little awkward being around him (especially when we are encouraged to work so closely with him), but he is a great guy, and we haven't had a problem with him since!
The family that we are teaching was sick this week (one of the many cancellations), but we look forward to teaching them this week.
Well family I hope you have another great week! Thank you for sending shampoo! My hair is still falling out, and my bump is still the same size, but all is well! I love you all!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!
I hope that you have a wonderful 90th birthday! I wish I could be there to give you a big "grandma Cook kiss"! I have absolutely loved my mission so far! I have never had a better experience in my life! How lucky I am to have a wonderful family all in the gospel! I have truly come to know for myself that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the key to happiness. I have loved serving here in the Bay Area! When I was serving in San Francisco, we lived close to a huge Sees Candy factory! Whenever we drove by it I always thought about my little Grandma Cook, who makes far better chocolates than Sister See.
I hope that you enjoy your big birthday party! Happy Birthday!
-Love your favorite grandson (you know who I am)
The amazing news is that Veronica got baptized!!!!!! After a very long week, it was a great way to end it. She is a miracle! Her and Alexa are basically best friends, and they both are planning on going to BYU-Idaho! The baptism was great. Me and Elder Wickel spoke, and Alexa said the closing prayer! She did such a good job! Before we met Alexa (less than 2 months ago) she had never prayed, and now she is saying prayers in front of a crowd of people! It was a great night. Veronica fits right into the ward and is loving it!
So our teaching pool has run a little dry, but we had a miracle yesterday! A girl in our ward (the singles ward) named Carly, brought her boyfriend to church, and he is really interested in learning more about the church. He has come to church a lot, and feels ready to learn more! We are teaching him for the first time tonight.
So things are going well. We have an awesome investigator in the Concord 2nd ward named Bill Fisher. He is 43 and is a recovering alcoholic. We've taught him for about 5 weeks, and he is really progressing. He talks A LOT, and we have to change our teaching style to teach him, but he is LOVING the gospel. He has been to a lot of different churches, and he keeps asking, "Why do I feel so different at your church?" He keeps telling us that Mormons are a "different breed". He is afraid to get baptized, because he doesn't want to fail again - he was baptized in another church, but fell away, due to him addictions. So we continue to work with him. As far as our ward mission leader goes - he's doing better! The stake actually talked to him! It is a little awkward being around him (especially when we are encouraged to work so closely with him), but he is a great guy, and we haven't had a problem with him since!
The family that we are teaching was sick this week (one of the many cancellations), but we look forward to teaching them this week.
Well family I hope you have another great week! Thank you for sending shampoo! My hair is still falling out, and my bump is still the same size, but all is well! I love you all!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!
I hope that you have a wonderful 90th birthday! I wish I could be there to give you a big "grandma Cook kiss"! I have absolutely loved my mission so far! I have never had a better experience in my life! How lucky I am to have a wonderful family all in the gospel! I have truly come to know for myself that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the key to happiness. I have loved serving here in the Bay Area! When I was serving in San Francisco, we lived close to a huge Sees Candy factory! Whenever we drove by it I always thought about my little Grandma Cook, who makes far better chocolates than Sister See.
I hope that you enjoy your big birthday party! Happy Birthday!
-Love your favorite grandson (you know who I am)
January 17, 2011
So we had quite the rough week - all of our appointment seemed to fall through! ON Sat. last week, we had exchanges with the Danville Elders and E. Kershisnik came into my area. It was a frustrating exchange. All of our lessons cancelled! But all is well. The week ended with Veronica's baptism! It was great. We taught her for exactly 1 month. She is super prepared. Her and Alexa have become really good friends! Alexa said the closing prayer at Veronica's baptism. That alone was a miracle! Before we met Alexa (less than 2 months ago) she didn't even know how to pray! She wasn't even afraid to pray in front of 50 people! So it was great. Chris Vanhooven, aka Papas Fritas (Brianna Vanhooven's dad, but since Veronica now lives with the Vanhooven's she calls him dad) baptized her and a member of the ward - Giancarlo Santacruz confirmed her. Bro Weller - the Walnut Creek stake high counselor over missionary work, came to the baptism, then afterwards took us out to dinner. It was a good night. Now that Alexa and Veronica got baptized, our teaching pool has been a little dry. But yesterday at church, a member introduced us to her non member boyfriend who is interested in learning more! We have aa lesson with him later tonight.
Letter to Home - January 10, 2011
Hey Family!
Wow, this week was a great week! There have been so many miracles that I don't even know what to think! First off - thank you for the pictures! I LOVED them! It was good to put a face to Tyson's woman. I'm excited to meet her one day, if everything works out. And WOW, Kenna is beautiful! She is not the little sister that I left! And she goes to relief society too huh?! Wow, those pictures surprised me.
So we had a great week! We had a few lessons with Veronica this week, and she is solid! We found out for sure this week - shes been kicked out of her house and is living with the Vanhoven's in Lafayette. Her family has told her not to talk with them, and they have cut off all financial aid. She was planning on going to college in Oakland, but now she can't. The members that she is living with (the Vanhoven's - they are the ones who introduced her to the church),are AMAZING! They are helping her out so much. They are not only letting her live in their home, but they are going to pay for her college education at DVC (the local Jr. college). So we brought Alexa to one of our lessons with her this week, and they are both going to go to DVC together this semester, and take institute classes together! Then they plan to apply to BYU together next year! Everything is working out! It is a miracle to think that we met Veronica less than a month ago, and she has one of the strongest testimonies that I have ever seen! We took her to temple hill last night to the Why I Believe Fireside. It was a great night. So we are very excited for her baptism on Saturday! She can hardly wait!
I went on 24 hour exchanges with the assistants this week too. I went with Elder Reeves to Oakland. It is always fun spending a day in Oakland, doing missionary work. The Assistants cover West Oakland - which is probably one of the most ghetto areas in the united states! Its fun talking to people there. I always learn a lot from exchanges of how I can be better.
So this week we also found a family to teach! We were trying to contact a former investigator, but he had moved. Instead we talked to Sylvia Santa-Maria. She is from South America, but moved here when she was 5. She has 3 kids - a 10 year old, a 8 year old and a 4 year old. We had our first lesson with them on Sat. and they are supper receptive! Sylvia already has a lot of the same beliefs as we do, and really sees the importance of having a living prophet. The cool thing is, is that they live in our apartment building! They are the apartment right next to us. We share the same walls!
We have an exciting week planned so far for this week! We are taking Alexa to the temple to do baptisms for the dead for the first time, we have interviews with President, and Veronica's baptism! It will be a good week.
I'm trying lately to be more charitable and patient. It's almost funny - When the Lord blesses us and we are having success, we can't get comfortable for one second! The adversary is always working. Me and Elder Wickel have been butting heads a little lately - just a little. I love him, and he is one of my favorite companions, and we get along great, but I just need to focus on my Savior and have charity for my comp. I love the learning experiences that we have in life!
Well family, I love you, and hope that you have a great week! Thank you for getting those addresses for me!
-Elder Cook
Wow, this week was a great week! There have been so many miracles that I don't even know what to think! First off - thank you for the pictures! I LOVED them! It was good to put a face to Tyson's woman. I'm excited to meet her one day, if everything works out. And WOW, Kenna is beautiful! She is not the little sister that I left! And she goes to relief society too huh?! Wow, those pictures surprised me.
So we had a great week! We had a few lessons with Veronica this week, and she is solid! We found out for sure this week - shes been kicked out of her house and is living with the Vanhoven's in Lafayette. Her family has told her not to talk with them, and they have cut off all financial aid. She was planning on going to college in Oakland, but now she can't. The members that she is living with (the Vanhoven's - they are the ones who introduced her to the church),are AMAZING! They are helping her out so much. They are not only letting her live in their home, but they are going to pay for her college education at DVC (the local Jr. college). So we brought Alexa to one of our lessons with her this week, and they are both going to go to DVC together this semester, and take institute classes together! Then they plan to apply to BYU together next year! Everything is working out! It is a miracle to think that we met Veronica less than a month ago, and she has one of the strongest testimonies that I have ever seen! We took her to temple hill last night to the Why I Believe Fireside. It was a great night. So we are very excited for her baptism on Saturday! She can hardly wait!
I went on 24 hour exchanges with the assistants this week too. I went with Elder Reeves to Oakland. It is always fun spending a day in Oakland, doing missionary work. The Assistants cover West Oakland - which is probably one of the most ghetto areas in the united states! Its fun talking to people there. I always learn a lot from exchanges of how I can be better.
So this week we also found a family to teach! We were trying to contact a former investigator, but he had moved. Instead we talked to Sylvia Santa-Maria. She is from South America, but moved here when she was 5. She has 3 kids - a 10 year old, a 8 year old and a 4 year old. We had our first lesson with them on Sat. and they are supper receptive! Sylvia already has a lot of the same beliefs as we do, and really sees the importance of having a living prophet. The cool thing is, is that they live in our apartment building! They are the apartment right next to us. We share the same walls!
We have an exciting week planned so far for this week! We are taking Alexa to the temple to do baptisms for the dead for the first time, we have interviews with President, and Veronica's baptism! It will be a good week.
I'm trying lately to be more charitable and patient. It's almost funny - When the Lord blesses us and we are having success, we can't get comfortable for one second! The adversary is always working. Me and Elder Wickel have been butting heads a little lately - just a little. I love him, and he is one of my favorite companions, and we get along great, but I just need to focus on my Savior and have charity for my comp. I love the learning experiences that we have in life!
Well family, I love you, and hope that you have a great week! Thank you for getting those addresses for me!
-Elder Cook
January 8, 2011
Today was a great day. We started off with a lesson at 10:00 am with a family that we accidentally found! E. Wickel and E. Campbell tried to contact a former investigator on exchanges earlier this week - but he moved. Instead of talking to the former investigator they talked to Sylvia Santamaria. They set an appointment and this morning was our 1st lesson. It went really well. After our lesson with her we drove up to Lafayette to teach Veronica. She is doing so good! She has amazing faith. Her family has kicked her out of her house, cut off all financial aid, and told her not to talk to them. So she is living at the Vanhooven's full time. She is so excited to be baptized. At our lesson we talked about blessings of keeping the commandments. It was great because Alexa McCracken came to help us teach. Alexa and Veronica are 2 of the biggest miracles I've seen on my mission. They are really helping each other along, and supporting each other as they both learn. It was a great lesson. So things are going good. Last week we had our New Years Eve Party as a zone. President chose 5 movies and we voted on 2 to watch that night. Our zone watched Toy Story 3, and How to Train Your Dragon. It was a fun night.
Letter to Home - January 3, 2011
Hello family!
Today has already been an interesting day. This morning we went to a funeral of a member of our ward. Bro. Aikele (age 51) passed away last week. They still don't know why he died, they just found him on the couch. His wife is the relief society president in the ward. It was a good service, and it is always good to see the comfort that the knowledge of the gospel brings. It has also been neat to see the ward come together and support the Aikele's. We even had 3 of our investigators show up, and we didn't even tell them about it! I guess they just heard, and wanted to support the ward.
So last week was great! Alexa's baptism was so good! I had the opportunity to baptize her on Wednesday, and Elder Wickel confirmed her yesterday. Baptisms are always a great place to feel the spirit. Veronica (who is getting baptized on Jan 15th) was there, and her and Alexa have become pretty good friends. There stories are very similar. Veronica's friend who introduced her to the church, left yesterday for BYU-I, and so it was Veronica's first day at church yesterday by herself! She and Alexa have latched on to each other, and are learning together. We also got news yesterday, about Veronica's family. We knew that her mother was opposed to her getting baptized, but its even a little more than that. We are pretty sure that Veronica has been kicked out of her house, and is living with the Vanhoven's (her fellowshippers parents) in Lafayette. It is sad that her mom doesn't understand, and wont support her in her decision. Veronica's faith amazes me. She has felt the spirit, recognizes it, and is willing to do Gods will, even if it results in her being disowned from her family.
On new years eve, we had our zone movie night. It was fun, but always a little weird to be watching movies. Toy Story 3 was great, and so was How to Train Your Dragon. I cant decide what one i like more! We finished our movies by 9pm, so we could get home, plan, and be in bed by 10:30. It was a good new years.
So, things are going good. We had ZL council in Oakland last week, and it was good. We talked about the success and miracles that our mission has seen over the past year. In 2009 our mission had about 540 baptisms, and in 2010 we reached about 680. We talked about obedience and how we are blessed as we obey. I love being a missionary!
I love you family! Have a good week!
-Elder Cook
So, yes, I did get the bump checked, and Sis Heaton (the medical lady) wasn't worried about it, but is going to talk with the doctor about it just in case. So I am just waiting for the news! It doesn't hurt or bother me at all, it just looks funny to have a little bump poke out of the side of my head! Oh, is my special shampoo on the way?
Today has already been an interesting day. This morning we went to a funeral of a member of our ward. Bro. Aikele (age 51) passed away last week. They still don't know why he died, they just found him on the couch. His wife is the relief society president in the ward. It was a good service, and it is always good to see the comfort that the knowledge of the gospel brings. It has also been neat to see the ward come together and support the Aikele's. We even had 3 of our investigators show up, and we didn't even tell them about it! I guess they just heard, and wanted to support the ward.
So last week was great! Alexa's baptism was so good! I had the opportunity to baptize her on Wednesday, and Elder Wickel confirmed her yesterday. Baptisms are always a great place to feel the spirit. Veronica (who is getting baptized on Jan 15th) was there, and her and Alexa have become pretty good friends. There stories are very similar. Veronica's friend who introduced her to the church, left yesterday for BYU-I, and so it was Veronica's first day at church yesterday by herself! She and Alexa have latched on to each other, and are learning together. We also got news yesterday, about Veronica's family. We knew that her mother was opposed to her getting baptized, but its even a little more than that. We are pretty sure that Veronica has been kicked out of her house, and is living with the Vanhoven's (her fellowshippers parents) in Lafayette. It is sad that her mom doesn't understand, and wont support her in her decision. Veronica's faith amazes me. She has felt the spirit, recognizes it, and is willing to do Gods will, even if it results in her being disowned from her family.
On new years eve, we had our zone movie night. It was fun, but always a little weird to be watching movies. Toy Story 3 was great, and so was How to Train Your Dragon. I cant decide what one i like more! We finished our movies by 9pm, so we could get home, plan, and be in bed by 10:30. It was a good new years.
So, things are going good. We had ZL council in Oakland last week, and it was good. We talked about the success and miracles that our mission has seen over the past year. In 2009 our mission had about 540 baptisms, and in 2010 we reached about 680. We talked about obedience and how we are blessed as we obey. I love being a missionary!
I love you family! Have a good week!
-Elder Cook
So, yes, I did get the bump checked, and Sis Heaton (the medical lady) wasn't worried about it, but is going to talk with the doctor about it just in case. So I am just waiting for the news! It doesn't hurt or bother me at all, it just looks funny to have a little bump poke out of the side of my head! Oh, is my special shampoo on the way?
December 30, 2010
Yesterday was Alexa McCracken's baptism! It was a great baptism service. I had the opportunity to be the one to baptize her. It was a neat experience. It has been awesome to teacher her. It was a neat experience. It has been awesome to teach Alexa and to watch her change and grow in just a months time! It was neat to see the Lord work through Alexa's friend Brooke (who is currently on her mission in Germany) as she invited her to come to church with her. By that small and simple invitation came a miracle! Alexa is one of the most prepared investigators that I have ever taught!
Veronica (our other super amazingly prepared investigator) came to the baptism. (Veronica is going to be baptized on Jan 15) Veronica's friend (Brianna Vanhooven) who introduced her to the church is leaving for school in 3 days, but at the baptism last night, Veronica and Alexa really seemed to hit it off, and looks like they'll be great friends. They are both miracles! The first time we ever taught Veronica was on December 15th and she's scheduled for baptism on January 15th!
Veronica (our other super amazingly prepared investigator) came to the baptism. (Veronica is going to be baptized on Jan 15) Veronica's friend (Brianna Vanhooven) who introduced her to the church is leaving for school in 3 days, but at the baptism last night, Veronica and Alexa really seemed to hit it off, and looks like they'll be great friends. They are both miracles! The first time we ever taught Veronica was on December 15th and she's scheduled for baptism on January 15th!
Letter to Home - December 27, 2010
Hello Family!
Well I'm glad to hear that you had a wonderful Christmas, and it was really good to talk to you! We had a good Christmas. After our phone call, me and Elder Wickel made chocolate chip cookies, to give to some Elderly people who are alone on Christmas. After we made the cookies we went over to a family in the Concord 2nd ward (the Hill family), for Christmas dinner (but it was 1:00). I love the Hills. They are an older couple (in their 60's) but they had all their kids and grand kids over. they fed us an amazing Christmas feast! I was so full. I don't know if I've ever been as full! After the feast we went and delivered our cookies, and visited with older people in the ward. It was a good Christmas! The members here feed us sooooo much! our apartment is full of cookies and candy, and food! We also got a ton of socks this year! I love the Californian members.
Thank you for the package that you sent! I loved it. We are excited to listen to the conference talks.
So Alexa's baptism is in two days, and she is really excited! Out of all the people that I have ever taught she is defiantly one of the most prepared people! Veronica's baptism is also coming up, and she is just as prepared as Alexa! We started teaching Veronica on the 15th of December, and she is scheduled to be baptized on Jan 15th! She got scriptures (a quad) with her name engraved on it for Christmas! She came to church yesterday, and was so excited to show us!
So on New years eve, we are having a zone new years party. President picked 6 movies for us to vote on, and we get to watch 2. Our zone voted, and the winners are: Toy Story 3 and How to Train Your Dragon. So it will be fun. President just doesn't want us out on the street on new years eve night, because things can get pretty crazy!
So I have a favor to ask. Next week could you please email Seth, and Isaac's mission addresses to me? I feel like I need to write them. Also could you also email me Coach Allen's address? I would love to write him as well! Thank you!
Well family, i love you and hope that you have a happy new year!
-Elder Cook
Well I'm glad to hear that you had a wonderful Christmas, and it was really good to talk to you! We had a good Christmas. After our phone call, me and Elder Wickel made chocolate chip cookies, to give to some Elderly people who are alone on Christmas. After we made the cookies we went over to a family in the Concord 2nd ward (the Hill family), for Christmas dinner (but it was 1:00). I love the Hills. They are an older couple (in their 60's) but they had all their kids and grand kids over. they fed us an amazing Christmas feast! I was so full. I don't know if I've ever been as full! After the feast we went and delivered our cookies, and visited with older people in the ward. It was a good Christmas! The members here feed us sooooo much! our apartment is full of cookies and candy, and food! We also got a ton of socks this year! I love the Californian members.
Thank you for the package that you sent! I loved it. We are excited to listen to the conference talks.
So Alexa's baptism is in two days, and she is really excited! Out of all the people that I have ever taught she is defiantly one of the most prepared people! Veronica's baptism is also coming up, and she is just as prepared as Alexa! We started teaching Veronica on the 15th of December, and she is scheduled to be baptized on Jan 15th! She got scriptures (a quad) with her name engraved on it for Christmas! She came to church yesterday, and was so excited to show us!
So on New years eve, we are having a zone new years party. President picked 6 movies for us to vote on, and we get to watch 2. Our zone voted, and the winners are: Toy Story 3 and How to Train Your Dragon. So it will be fun. President just doesn't want us out on the street on new years eve night, because things can get pretty crazy!
So I have a favor to ask. Next week could you please email Seth, and Isaac's mission addresses to me? I feel like I need to write them. Also could you also email me Coach Allen's address? I would love to write him as well! Thank you!
Well family, i love you and hope that you have a happy new year!
-Elder Cook
December 27, 2010
I can't believe that another Christmas is over! It really flew by. For some reason, this year it didn't even seem like Christmas. It was good to talk to the family but also a little depressing. The next time I talk to them will be in person. I'm sad/nervous that my mission is almost over, but I still have plenty of time to work hard. So on Christmas morning me and Elder Wickel got up and went for a Christmas day run. It was great. It was super foggy! After the run we got ready for the day and E. Wickel made us all breakfast. It was the best breakfast ever! He made biscuits and gravy (which I didn't think that I liked) and it was amazing. We did our studies, then opened our presents from our families and a few gifts that the ward members gave us. Then we called home. After our calls we made cookies to deliver to people alone on Christmas. Then we ate Christmas dinner (@ 1:00 pm) at the Hill's. I love the Hill's. We teacher their friend Bill Fisher at their house twice a week. Sis. Hill is an excellent cook and we had a good time. After that we spent the rest of the day making visits.
December 24, 2010
Another Christmas Eve - and to be honest - it doesn't even feel like it! Christmas snuck up pretty fast this year. It has been a pretty fun/interesting day today. First we had our 3 hour weekly planning session. After that we went to Panda Express for lunch (weekly planning works up an appetite!). After lunch we stopped by a focus person in the YSA ward. His name is Paul and he has recently been reactivating A few weeks ago he told us that the church has really done a lot for him and that he's sticking with it. Today's visit was weird. We think he was under the influence. He went off on how the BoM is not true and how he doesn't believe any of it. It was not a good feeling. E. Wickel said to give him a few weeks and he'll change his mind. So we are going to continue to help him. Then tonight we ate dinner at the Robason's. Bro. Robason teaches our Gospel Principles class in the Concord 2nd ward. We were grateful for having us over but the whole dinner was pretty awkward. After dinner we played a "white elephant" game with the 5 of us there, and then after that they made us put elf hats on and took pictures of us to send to our families. It was a little bit weird. We were supposed to be in Lafayette (15 minutes away) at the Vanhooven's with Veronica at 6:30, b ut we weren't able to get out of the Robason's until 7:00. So we were really late to the Vanhooven's, but just in time to join them for their traditional Christmas Eve family sing along/story telling. It was fun. We could only stay for about 20 minutes because we had to meet Alexa at the institute at 8:00 for her baptismal interview. We had to walk out in the middle of their program (I felt really bad) and speed over to the institute. We were driving really fast, and almost went off the road when we took a turn too sharp, but all is well. (California has really turned me into a horrible driver). So Alexa passed her interview and is ready to be baptized!
December 23, 2010
Wow, things have been going great! We have really been seeing a lot of miracles. Our investigator Alexa McCracken is doing great and ready to be baptized next week. Her interview is set up for tomorrow night. The ward has done a really great job of fellowshipping her. We've also been teaching another super prepared investigator this past week and a half, named Veronica Dominguez. She is awesome. Her story is very similar to Alexa's - she was introduced to the church by her friend (Brianna Vanhooven who invited her to come to church), who is leaving soon (going to BYU-I), and her mom is also very opposed to her learning about the church. Veronica told us that the first time she came to church she felt a peace that she had never felt before. She has been super receptive. A few days ago we taught her while on exchanges (I was with Elder Hildabrandt in our area) and we invited her to be baptized. She said yes and began to cry. She was so happy! It was a great lesson. We teach her at the Vanhooven's house in Lafayette.
Posted by Laura at 6:12 PM
Posted by Laura at 6:12 PM
Letter to Home - December 20, 2010
Hi Family!
MERRY CHRISTMAS! We had another great week. A lot has happened this week, but first things first - Don't worry about my hair/bump. I didn't mean to worry you. I am feeling 100%. I haven't talked to anyone about it yet, but I promise that I will call Sis. Heaton today (the senior missionary over medical stuff). As far as my hair falling out - I have noticed throughout my whole mission that my hair has become thinner than usual (I think that it is normal) but lately when i wash my hair in the shower, I scrub my head then look at my hands and there is at least 12 hairs on each hand! Then during the day if I run my fingers through my hair, hairs will fall out (like 2 or 4 each time). So ya, I'm a little concerned, I really don't want to go bald, but I don't know what to do! It isn't falling out in chunks or anything like that, but yes, this past transfer has been a little more stressful than others. The Walnut Creek Zone has a lot more disobedient issues than the San Francisco Zone, so I've had to deal with those. But overall I'm fine! So that's the scoop. If you have any more questions (or advice to save my hair!) you can ask me on Christmas. I'm excited to talk to ya'll! I think I'll probably call around 12:00 pm your time. I cant believe that this is my last call home...
Well this week has been crazy! We are still serving in the Walnut creek 3rd ward (the singles ward), but this was our first week in our new family ward - the Concord 2nd ward. It is a great ward, but very, very different from Clayton Valley 1st. The ward struggles and needs a lot of help! Our ward mission leader was very upset that the missionaries in his ward, now have to share with another ward. He said, "Let's be honest, missionaries have basically been taken out of our ward. Zone Leaders don't proselyte. You are to busy doing other things." Instead of saying "welcome to the ward, we are happy to have you here" he shared his frustrations. He then asked us to call each of the auxiliaries and have them bring 5 names to ward council for the focus family program. We were shocked! We told him that it was his job as a Ward Mission Leader to do that. Then he got super upset and threatened to call President Wade on us! (Remember we had only known him up to this point for about 10 minutes!) He was mad at us for no reason. So that same night we had our monthly Stake Meeting with the Danville Stake President and President Wade in Danville. After the meeting we asked president Wade what he would say to a WML that asks us to call the auxiliaries for him. He said, "I would tell him that, that's his job!" We told president that that's exactly what we did and that Bro Goodwin (our WML) got very upset. President said, "Of course he got mad, you called him to repentance!" We then told him the rest of our experience, and President was infuriated! He called our Bishop and talked to him about Bro Goodwin (the WML). So our first week in the ward, me and Elder Wickel have rocked the boat a bit, but positive change in this ward need to start somewhere! We are going to continue to love and serve bro Goodwin, and the ward the best that we can. (Are you beginning to understand why I am loosing hair!?)
The singles ward is doing great! Alexa is a miracle! A HUGE miracle. I love teaching her, because it reminds me that this is the Lords work, and he prepares his children to receive the gospel - we just need to find them! I just think of how many "Alexa's" there are out there - ready to accept the truth. She is so happy with all that she is learning. This week we had a lesson, and she showed up at the institute building (that's where we teach her), in a hoodie and pajama pants. She said in a whisper - "I am sick. I called in sick to work, but I won't cancel my lesson!" We told her she should rest, but she insisted that we have our lesson! Shes amazing. She told her mom this week that she is getting baptized, and her mom didn't flip out! She was angry, but there is even a chance that her mom might show up to the baptism! Her baptism is next week on the 29th.
We are teaching a new investigator named Veronica Dominguez. She is almost just like Alexa! Her friend brought her to church (just like Alexa), and she loved it. She said that she is going through a hard time in life right now, but the first time she came to church, she felt a peace that she had never before felt. She loved it and wanted to learn more! MIRACLES! It reminds me when Christ said that his sheep are numbered, and they know his voice. The elect of the Lord feel and recognize the spirit. So a challenge is that Veronica's friend that introduced her to the church is leaving for college next week. Her fellowshipper is leaving (just like Alexa's did!). But Alexa is doing great, and making new friends, so I'm sure that Veronica will be fine too. We have a lesson with her on Tuesday and we are planning on setting a baptismal date with her!
So things are going well. I love being a missionary more than anything. I'm grateful for my wonderful family, and my wonderful parents that have always been a great example to me. I will always be grateful for the foundation that you have helped me lay, but something that I feel that I have gained on my mission is my very own personal testimony. I know without a doubt that Christ lives, that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that the Book of Mormon is true! Knowing these simple truths, and continuing to seek greater understanding of Gods plan for us, brings incomprehensible joy! I love my Savior and I am grateful for the peace, the purpose and the perspective that His gospel brings. I love you family!
-Elder Cook
MERRY CHRISTMAS! We had another great week. A lot has happened this week, but first things first - Don't worry about my hair/bump. I didn't mean to worry you. I am feeling 100%. I haven't talked to anyone about it yet, but I promise that I will call Sis. Heaton today (the senior missionary over medical stuff). As far as my hair falling out - I have noticed throughout my whole mission that my hair has become thinner than usual (I think that it is normal) but lately when i wash my hair in the shower, I scrub my head then look at my hands and there is at least 12 hairs on each hand! Then during the day if I run my fingers through my hair, hairs will fall out (like 2 or 4 each time). So ya, I'm a little concerned, I really don't want to go bald, but I don't know what to do! It isn't falling out in chunks or anything like that, but yes, this past transfer has been a little more stressful than others. The Walnut Creek Zone has a lot more disobedient issues than the San Francisco Zone, so I've had to deal with those. But overall I'm fine! So that's the scoop. If you have any more questions (or advice to save my hair!) you can ask me on Christmas. I'm excited to talk to ya'll! I think I'll probably call around 12:00 pm your time. I cant believe that this is my last call home...
Well this week has been crazy! We are still serving in the Walnut creek 3rd ward (the singles ward), but this was our first week in our new family ward - the Concord 2nd ward. It is a great ward, but very, very different from Clayton Valley 1st. The ward struggles and needs a lot of help! Our ward mission leader was very upset that the missionaries in his ward, now have to share with another ward. He said, "Let's be honest, missionaries have basically been taken out of our ward. Zone Leaders don't proselyte. You are to busy doing other things." Instead of saying "welcome to the ward, we are happy to have you here" he shared his frustrations. He then asked us to call each of the auxiliaries and have them bring 5 names to ward council for the focus family program. We were shocked! We told him that it was his job as a Ward Mission Leader to do that. Then he got super upset and threatened to call President Wade on us! (Remember we had only known him up to this point for about 10 minutes!) He was mad at us for no reason. So that same night we had our monthly Stake Meeting with the Danville Stake President and President Wade in Danville. After the meeting we asked president Wade what he would say to a WML that asks us to call the auxiliaries for him. He said, "I would tell him that, that's his job!" We told president that that's exactly what we did and that Bro Goodwin (our WML) got very upset. President said, "Of course he got mad, you called him to repentance!" We then told him the rest of our experience, and President was infuriated! He called our Bishop and talked to him about Bro Goodwin (the WML). So our first week in the ward, me and Elder Wickel have rocked the boat a bit, but positive change in this ward need to start somewhere! We are going to continue to love and serve bro Goodwin, and the ward the best that we can. (Are you beginning to understand why I am loosing hair!?)
The singles ward is doing great! Alexa is a miracle! A HUGE miracle. I love teaching her, because it reminds me that this is the Lords work, and he prepares his children to receive the gospel - we just need to find them! I just think of how many "Alexa's" there are out there - ready to accept the truth. She is so happy with all that she is learning. This week we had a lesson, and she showed up at the institute building (that's where we teach her), in a hoodie and pajama pants. She said in a whisper - "I am sick. I called in sick to work, but I won't cancel my lesson!" We told her she should rest, but she insisted that we have our lesson! Shes amazing. She told her mom this week that she is getting baptized, and her mom didn't flip out! She was angry, but there is even a chance that her mom might show up to the baptism! Her baptism is next week on the 29th.
We are teaching a new investigator named Veronica Dominguez. She is almost just like Alexa! Her friend brought her to church (just like Alexa), and she loved it. She said that she is going through a hard time in life right now, but the first time she came to church, she felt a peace that she had never before felt. She loved it and wanted to learn more! MIRACLES! It reminds me when Christ said that his sheep are numbered, and they know his voice. The elect of the Lord feel and recognize the spirit. So a challenge is that Veronica's friend that introduced her to the church is leaving for college next week. Her fellowshipper is leaving (just like Alexa's did!). But Alexa is doing great, and making new friends, so I'm sure that Veronica will be fine too. We have a lesson with her on Tuesday and we are planning on setting a baptismal date with her!
So things are going well. I love being a missionary more than anything. I'm grateful for my wonderful family, and my wonderful parents that have always been a great example to me. I will always be grateful for the foundation that you have helped me lay, but something that I feel that I have gained on my mission is my very own personal testimony. I know without a doubt that Christ lives, that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that the Book of Mormon is true! Knowing these simple truths, and continuing to seek greater understanding of Gods plan for us, brings incomprehensible joy! I love my Savior and I am grateful for the peace, the purpose and the perspective that His gospel brings. I love you family!
-Elder Cook
December 17, 2010
So transfers were this week and me and Elder Wickel are still together and we're still the ZL's but we switched wards with our roommates because of time conflicts when meeting times switch at the new year. So we are still covering the singles ward but not the Clayton Valley 1st. Instead we are in Concord 2nd. It was a hard switch. It was really hard leaving Lavon. When we told her, she stood on her doorstep and cried. It was the saddest thing I've ever seen. She told us we were like grandkids to her. It was hard to say goodbye, but we will see her again. So it has been a very interesting change. THe Concord 2nd ward is a lot different than CV1. The ward seems to struggle a little bit. We've already really butted heads with Bro. Goodwin our WML. He's upset because his ward now has to share missionaries with the singles ward. We asked him about the focus program in the ward (because we know it is struggling) and he asked us if we could make phone calls to the auxiliaries asking them to bring names to ward council. We were shocked! We felt uncomfortable doing that and told him that, that is the WML's responsibility. He was very upset and told us that we rejected an assignment and threatened to call President Wade on us. He wanted to set up a meeting with us to discuss things. So later the next day we sat down with Bro. Goodwin (who we only knew for 2 days now - not even enough time to screw up!). He was very standoffish and told us that "missionaries have been taken out of his ward". (He's upset that we cover 2 wards). The "meeting" got very heated and it made things worse. I was so angry and couldn't even make sense of Bro. Goodwin's fury. I'm pretty sure he felt my anger and I gave him dirty looks the whole meeting. So that same night we had our monthly meeting in Danville with the Danville stake leaders and President Wade. After the meeting we asked President Wade what he thought about our WML asking us to make phone calls to the auxiliary leaders for him. President said "What?! That's his job". We told President that that is what we told Bro. Goodwin and he got mad at us. President said "of course he got made, you called him to repentance!" We then told him about the meeting we had and what Bro. G said. President got so mad, and immediately pulled out his phone and said "Who is your Bishop and what is his number". He called Bishop Burr and talked to him.
Letter to Home - December 13, 2010
Hey Family!
So this week has been good. First things first - I didn't get transferred 100%. I'll still be the Walnut Creek Zone ZL, and cover the singles ward, but because of the new year, and the time changes - we had to switch family wards. So instead of covering the Clayton Valley first ward, we will cover the Concord 2nd ward. My companion is still Elder Wickel, and we still live in the same apartment (with the Christmas tree!). Even though I have only been in the Clayton Valley first ward for one transfer, I am really going to miss it! It is a great ward. We had our last "new member lesson" with Bill Scott last night, and it was sad to say good bye. It was also had to say bye to our other investigators - Lavon Starick, and the Satya family (the Hindu family from India). But we still have the singles ward so we still get to teach Alexa McCracken, is doing so good! Her friend left for her mission, and the members have taken her in! She is making a lot of new friends, and is loving it. We took her to Temple Hill, and went to the Visitors Center (we are so lucky to have a visitors center in our mission!). She loved it. She recently moved into a new place - in an apartment right behind the LDS institute building at DVC - it was perfect! While she was moving she asked her mom if she could watch her cat for her, and her mom texted her and said - "I will watch a Catholic cat, I will watch a Hindu cat, and I'll watch a non denominational cat, but i will not watch a cult cat!" Her mother is not pleased at all, about her decision to learn about our church. Alexa hasn't even told her that she is getting baptized, and doesn't plan on doing so until after she is baptized. Alexa has great faith, and has really strengthened my testimony as we've taught her.
Anson is doing alright. It is finals week this week, so he has been super busy with studying. Its fun to teach him, but there is a bit of a language barrier, because English is his 3rd language.
We met with one of our investigators in the singles ward this past week that we haven't been able to teach for over a month. Her name is Jina Choi - she is from Korea. She had a baptismal date before, she passed her baptismal interview and was all ready to be baptized, and then 3 days before the baptism she backed out, and said that she didn't feel ready. She has been avoiding us for the past couple weeks, but we finally were able to meet with her, and resolve some of her concerns. We are going to start at square one with her and go from there.
So this week we also had Zone Conference! it was great. It was held in Danville - on of the richest neighborhoods in the Bay Area, so the members there are loaded! The Danville Stake made a Christmas Dinner for us and it was AMAZING! They also had presents for the whole zone! We all got new tooth brushes, soap, tooth paste - stuff like that. Then after the dinner we had a Christmas devotional. Sister Wade was the speaker, and it was one of the best talks that I have ever heard.
I am sorry family, but I don't think that I'll be able to send anything home for Christmas this year. There is nothing to really send home that is worth sending home. I'll send home some pictures for sure.
So things are going great! Me and Elder Wickel are excited to be in a new ward!
I thought that I'd let you know - this transfer I have noticed that I am going bald! I don't know why, but my hair just started to fall out, and it wont grow back! Will you still love me if I come home with no hair? (Please delete this last paragraph when sending to family and friends - especially if you send it to Brandon!) Also do you remember the small bump / growth on the back of my head that the doctor looked at before I left? Well, it has grown, and is pretty big! You can see this huge bump stick out from the back of my head, and it looks pretty ridiculous! I might get it removed, or I just may wait until I get home...I'm going to talk to the mission medical lady about it.
I love you family!
-Elder Cook
ps - I will write Gma and Gpa Smith a letter today.
So this week has been good. First things first - I didn't get transferred 100%. I'll still be the Walnut Creek Zone ZL, and cover the singles ward, but because of the new year, and the time changes - we had to switch family wards. So instead of covering the Clayton Valley first ward, we will cover the Concord 2nd ward. My companion is still Elder Wickel, and we still live in the same apartment (with the Christmas tree!). Even though I have only been in the Clayton Valley first ward for one transfer, I am really going to miss it! It is a great ward. We had our last "new member lesson" with Bill Scott last night, and it was sad to say good bye. It was also had to say bye to our other investigators - Lavon Starick, and the Satya family (the Hindu family from India). But we still have the singles ward so we still get to teach Alexa McCracken, is doing so good! Her friend left for her mission, and the members have taken her in! She is making a lot of new friends, and is loving it. We took her to Temple Hill, and went to the Visitors Center (we are so lucky to have a visitors center in our mission!). She loved it. She recently moved into a new place - in an apartment right behind the LDS institute building at DVC - it was perfect! While she was moving she asked her mom if she could watch her cat for her, and her mom texted her and said - "I will watch a Catholic cat, I will watch a Hindu cat, and I'll watch a non denominational cat, but i will not watch a cult cat!" Her mother is not pleased at all, about her decision to learn about our church. Alexa hasn't even told her that she is getting baptized, and doesn't plan on doing so until after she is baptized. Alexa has great faith, and has really strengthened my testimony as we've taught her.
Anson is doing alright. It is finals week this week, so he has been super busy with studying. Its fun to teach him, but there is a bit of a language barrier, because English is his 3rd language.
We met with one of our investigators in the singles ward this past week that we haven't been able to teach for over a month. Her name is Jina Choi - she is from Korea. She had a baptismal date before, she passed her baptismal interview and was all ready to be baptized, and then 3 days before the baptism she backed out, and said that she didn't feel ready. She has been avoiding us for the past couple weeks, but we finally were able to meet with her, and resolve some of her concerns. We are going to start at square one with her and go from there.
So this week we also had Zone Conference! it was great. It was held in Danville - on of the richest neighborhoods in the Bay Area, so the members there are loaded! The Danville Stake made a Christmas Dinner for us and it was AMAZING! They also had presents for the whole zone! We all got new tooth brushes, soap, tooth paste - stuff like that. Then after the dinner we had a Christmas devotional. Sister Wade was the speaker, and it was one of the best talks that I have ever heard.
I am sorry family, but I don't think that I'll be able to send anything home for Christmas this year. There is nothing to really send home that is worth sending home. I'll send home some pictures for sure.
So things are going great! Me and Elder Wickel are excited to be in a new ward!
I thought that I'd let you know - this transfer I have noticed that I am going bald! I don't know why, but my hair just started to fall out, and it wont grow back! Will you still love me if I come home with no hair? (Please delete this last paragraph when sending to family and friends - especially if you send it to Brandon!) Also do you remember the small bump / growth on the back of my head that the doctor looked at before I left? Well, it has grown, and is pretty big! You can see this huge bump stick out from the back of my head, and it looks pretty ridiculous! I might get it removed, or I just may wait until I get home...I'm going to talk to the mission medical lady about it.
I love you family!
-Elder Cook
ps - I will write Gma and Gpa Smith a letter today.
December 7, 2010
Things have been pretty crazy lately. So on Sat. night we got a call from President telling us that there have been disobedient issues in our zone. One of our district leaders and members of his district have been playing board games in each other's apartment, haven't been studying, been sleeping in until 8 am and being lazy. So it was 9:30 pm and President told us to drive to their apartment, pick them up, and bring them to his office. We arrived in Oakland at 10:00 pm. President interviewed all 6 missionaries (and they weren't nice interviews - I have never seen President so made). We didn't leave Oakland until a quarter to 1 am. The next day was church (6 hours of it) and it was such a struggle to stay awake! Then that night was the First Presidency Christmas devotional, and I don't remember a thing that was said! On P-day we caught up on some sleep. Since that night we've been "baby sitting" Elder Dyches - an awesome missionary that just lacks motivation. So we've been in a trio the past few days. Today we had a great experience with Alexa - we took her to the V.C. Alex Leal and Brooke Nieman from the ward came with us (Brooke leaves for the MTC tomorrow!). Alexa is doing great, and is still solid for her baptism. She is still getting A LOT of opposition from her family and friends. She also just found out that she needs to move out of the place that she is living in Danville and at the end of January if she doesn't find a place she'll be homeless. So she's been looking, and she thinks she found a place.She wants to move in soon but needs someone to watch her cat. She asked her mom and her mom sent her a text (while we were at the temple visitor's center) and it said "I will watch a Catholic cat, I will watch a Hindu cat, I'll watch a non-denominational cat, but I will not watch a cult cat". Alexa isn't planning on telling her mom that she is getting baptized until after. She is doing great though and the members have been doing a great job at fellowshipping her.
Letter to Home - December 6, 2010
Hey Family!
Wow, alot has been on my mind lately, but when it all comes down to it, I just love being a missionary! For some reason, the past few weeks, I have loved my mission more than ever. I guess it finally has really sunk in, that this is the most important thing that I could ever do in my life, and I love doing it. I know that I am happy when I accept and follow what the Lord wants for me, and not what I want for myself. I trust and have faith that what the Lord wants for me, is the best thing for me.
So we had a great week! Alexa is a miracle investigator, prepared by the Lord! We had 2 great lessons with her this past week, and set a baptism date with her for Dec. 29th! She is so excited to be baptized! Her family is very opposed and so are her friends. She has even been fed anti literature, and is getting kicked out of her house, but she still hasn't faltered! Her faith has strengthened mine, and it is so neat to see the spirit work in her. You can even see a physical difference - her continence is brighter, and she is willing to follow the spirit that she feels. We have only taught her for 2 weeks now, but her faith and testimony is stronger that anyone that i have ever taught. her friend that introduced her to the church, is leaving for her mission this week, but she has been able to meet a lot of the members at church, and is being fellowshipped well.
The past few months have really strengthened my testimony that the Lord is preparing people to accept the truth. From teaching Matt, Zoe, Maddie, and Alxea it has added to my knowledge that this is the Lords work, and if I am obedient, faithful, and work hard He will trust me, and bless me with the opportunity to teach the elect.
We also had a miracle lesson with our investigator Anson Cheung. he is going to DVC and is from Hong Kong. He speaks English well, but there is still a bit of a language barrier. He has been taught for almost a year, and has been taught everything. This week we decided to review the plan of salvation, and help him understand more about where he came from. As we taught we really focused on teaching to his needs, and listening to the spirit to ask him inspired questions. At the end of the lesson he asked when the next baptism service would be. We thought that he wanted to see someone get baptized. There was a bit of confusion then we asked him "Did you want to see a baptism or did you mean you want to get baptized?" He was like "I want to get baptized!" We set a baptism date for Feb. 5th! He is going back to China from mid December to Jan. 21st, so we will have time to teach him for a few more weeks when he gets back. It was a great lesson. It brings so much peace and perspective to life when we simply know where we came from! And that's just a small piece of the Plan of Salvation! When we understand the plan God has for us, there is nothing that brings more happiness to life.
So this is the last week of the transfer. I don't know what is going to happen, but for some reason, I feel like I'm going to get released from being a ZL, and hopefully get to train a new missionary again! What ever my assignment is, I am excited to continue to be my best, improve everyday, and be worthy of all the miracles that the Lord desires to bless me with.
I was a little shocked to hear about G-mama Cook moving. I kind of suspected that her health was going downhill, because I haven't received a letter from her in forever! It will be weird not having her live in Lake Point, but I'm glad that she will love her new apartment. Tell her that her favorite grandson loves her.
Oh yea! Guess what we did last pday!? We went to a Christmas tree lot, and bought a live tree! We just thought it would be fun. I had never been to a tree lot before. The tree is about 6 feet tall, and its the really bushy kind! It was normally $60, but they gave it to us for $30 - the tree, the stand, and the tax - $30! It was a Christmas miracle. Some members gave us lights, and we bought $3 worth of ornaments at the dollar store! Its fun. We set it up in the front room of our apartment.
So things have never been better! We enjoyed the Christmas devotional last night. I love being a missionary during Christmas! I love you family and hope that you have another great week!
-Elder Cook
Wow, alot has been on my mind lately, but when it all comes down to it, I just love being a missionary! For some reason, the past few weeks, I have loved my mission more than ever. I guess it finally has really sunk in, that this is the most important thing that I could ever do in my life, and I love doing it. I know that I am happy when I accept and follow what the Lord wants for me, and not what I want for myself. I trust and have faith that what the Lord wants for me, is the best thing for me.
So we had a great week! Alexa is a miracle investigator, prepared by the Lord! We had 2 great lessons with her this past week, and set a baptism date with her for Dec. 29th! She is so excited to be baptized! Her family is very opposed and so are her friends. She has even been fed anti literature, and is getting kicked out of her house, but she still hasn't faltered! Her faith has strengthened mine, and it is so neat to see the spirit work in her. You can even see a physical difference - her continence is brighter, and she is willing to follow the spirit that she feels. We have only taught her for 2 weeks now, but her faith and testimony is stronger that anyone that i have ever taught. her friend that introduced her to the church, is leaving for her mission this week, but she has been able to meet a lot of the members at church, and is being fellowshipped well.
The past few months have really strengthened my testimony that the Lord is preparing people to accept the truth. From teaching Matt, Zoe, Maddie, and Alxea it has added to my knowledge that this is the Lords work, and if I am obedient, faithful, and work hard He will trust me, and bless me with the opportunity to teach the elect.
We also had a miracle lesson with our investigator Anson Cheung. he is going to DVC and is from Hong Kong. He speaks English well, but there is still a bit of a language barrier. He has been taught for almost a year, and has been taught everything. This week we decided to review the plan of salvation, and help him understand more about where he came from. As we taught we really focused on teaching to his needs, and listening to the spirit to ask him inspired questions. At the end of the lesson he asked when the next baptism service would be. We thought that he wanted to see someone get baptized. There was a bit of confusion then we asked him "Did you want to see a baptism or did you mean you want to get baptized?" He was like "I want to get baptized!" We set a baptism date for Feb. 5th! He is going back to China from mid December to Jan. 21st, so we will have time to teach him for a few more weeks when he gets back. It was a great lesson. It brings so much peace and perspective to life when we simply know where we came from! And that's just a small piece of the Plan of Salvation! When we understand the plan God has for us, there is nothing that brings more happiness to life.
So this is the last week of the transfer. I don't know what is going to happen, but for some reason, I feel like I'm going to get released from being a ZL, and hopefully get to train a new missionary again! What ever my assignment is, I am excited to continue to be my best, improve everyday, and be worthy of all the miracles that the Lord desires to bless me with.
I was a little shocked to hear about G-mama Cook moving. I kind of suspected that her health was going downhill, because I haven't received a letter from her in forever! It will be weird not having her live in Lake Point, but I'm glad that she will love her new apartment. Tell her that her favorite grandson loves her.
Oh yea! Guess what we did last pday!? We went to a Christmas tree lot, and bought a live tree! We just thought it would be fun. I had never been to a tree lot before. The tree is about 6 feet tall, and its the really bushy kind! It was normally $60, but they gave it to us for $30 - the tree, the stand, and the tax - $30! It was a Christmas miracle. Some members gave us lights, and we bought $3 worth of ornaments at the dollar store! Its fun. We set it up in the front room of our apartment.
So things have never been better! We enjoyed the Christmas devotional last night. I love being a missionary during Christmas! I love you family and hope that you have another great week!
-Elder Cook
December 3, 2010
Things are good. We've had a pretty good week so far. Yesterday we had another amazing lesson with our super prepared investigator Alexa. She has had great experiences with the BoM and believes it's true. Her family and friends have been really opposed to her learning about the church, but she is loving what she is learning and loves the spirit she feels. Yesterday she told us how she is already noticing the positive changes in her life. She feels she is more patient and happy. She pretty much bore her new-found testimony to us and I just couldn't stop smiling! We invited her to be baptized and set a date for Dec. 29, 2010. She is super excited and didn't hesitate to say yes. So yesterday was a great day. Today was a bit slower, but good. We did our weekly planning at the church, then after went to the Round Table Pizza next door for the lunch buffet. I ate way too much!
November 29, 2010
Yesterday was Bill Scott's baptism! He had been taught by a lot of missionaries and finally got baptized. He was found almost a year ago - 2 missionaries just started talking to him on the street. It took him a while, but he finally made it. Something that I've learned on my mission so far is to always give 100% no matter what. You may not see the effects of your effort or "the fruits of your labor" but as you try your best, you never know what positive effect you may have on someone's life. I always want to see an immediate result to my efforts, but sometimes that's not what the Lord's plan is. I know that if I do my best to be worthy and then follow the spirit I'll be the missionary/person that the Lord wants me to be and accomplish his plan in serving the people in my area. Bill has come a long way and it was the combined effort of a lot of people. Last night at his baptism, a lot of people came to support him. We had 4 of our investigators there - The Satya family (Ana, Soojay, and Mita) and Alexa. Elder Wickel baptized him and I confirmed him. The baptism was at 8:00 pm because he didn't get off work until 7:30 pm. The baptism ended up starting at 8:30 pm because Bill had a friend Antioch coming, but she ran out of gas, and didn't end up coming.
Letter to Home - November 29, 2010
Hey Family!
So we had a fantastic week! It went by so fast, that I hardly remembered what happened! The highlight was Bill Scott's baptism! He was baptized yesterday by Elder Wickel, and I had the opportunity to confirm him. Before he got baptized he had to meet with President Wade. On Wednesday, president came to our choir practice to see how everything was coming together, and then afterwards he met with Bill. (I'm so glad that our mission is small, and that we have quick access to our mission President). The main reason that President wanted to meet with Bill before his baptism was because our Bishop felt that Bill wanted to join the church for financial help. I new without a doubt that Bill was ready, and is a very sincere investigator - yes he is in a very bad financial problem, but he truly desires to do the right thing. So after the choir practice, President drove us over to Bills house for the interview, and before we walked up to Bills door, president said, "I hope I don't offend him, because I'm going to have to ask him some pretty hard questions about his situation". So as president interviewed him, we went tracting around his apartment. President called us when they were done, and we met him back in his car. The first thing that president said was "there is no reason why that man shouldn't be baptized!" President as well as me and Elder Wickel feel that Bill is very sincere. After the interview, President Wade took me and Elder Wickel out to lunch! It was fun to spend time with President. He has been a great positive influence in my life. So the only problem is, is that we don't feel like the Bishop has been convinced. But there was a great turnout to the baptism, there were a lot of people there to support Bill.
Another highlight of the week was our new investigator - Alexa McCracken. She is 20 years old, and going to our singles ward. Her co-worker, Brooke, who is a member of the ward (and a convert of 2 years) is leaving for a mission in 2 weeks (she is going to Germany), and she invited Alexa to come hear her speak at her farewell. So Alexa came, and loved it! We hunted her down after, and set up a time to teach her more. The first lesson that we had with her was AMAZING! We were actually on 24 hour exchanges, so I was with Elder Williams the whole day. (I tell you what - being a missionary with someone that you grew up with, and went to high school with is pretty weird! But we had a great day together.) So me and Elder Williams taught her the first lesson, and she loved it! We invited her to be baptized and she said yes! She is soaking everything up! In the first prayer that she has ever said she thanked Heavenly Father for Brooke introducing her to the gospel. She said it was just the right timing! If we are worthy, and willing the Lord will work through us to bring souls unto him! Alexa is soooo prepared, and this week we are planning on setting a baptism date for her, for the end of December!
This week we also sang at the Christmas event in Danville. it was a huge event! There were tons of people there, and we sang our hearts out. Members from the Danville ward, were there to pass out pamphlets and joy to the world DVDs. President Wade and his family came as well. it was a fun night.
For thanksgiving we spent the morning practicing for our performance. After the practice we went to a less active/part member family, and racked there leaves! It was fun! Then that night at 5:30 pm we ate Thanksgiving Dinner at the Nausin's house - a family in the Clayton Valley Ward. It was great! I have never had thanksgiving dinner so late at night!
So things are going great! I'm really loving this area now. The sad thing is, is that we are probably going to have to switch wards next transfer, because of the new year. The singles ward meeting time stays the same (10:00 am) but the Clayton Valley ward will switch from 1:00 pm to 9:00 am, so there will be a conflict. We will still cover the singles ward, but will probably be moved to another family ward. Its sad, but Ill serve my best in whatever position I am in! My companion, Elder Wickel is awesome too. We get along great, and he is defiantly one of my favorite companions.
Well Family i love you! I hope you have a great week!
-Elder Cook
I forgot to say THANK YOU for the package you sent! I LOVED it! It was the best package ever, because of the pumpkin bars! They were still really fresh, and the frosting shipped great! Thank you! And the shirt was huge! I wont be able to wear it because its to big, but my roommate, Elder Fessler (Elder Williams companion) might be able to wear it. I love you!
-Elder Cook
So we had a fantastic week! It went by so fast, that I hardly remembered what happened! The highlight was Bill Scott's baptism! He was baptized yesterday by Elder Wickel, and I had the opportunity to confirm him. Before he got baptized he had to meet with President Wade. On Wednesday, president came to our choir practice to see how everything was coming together, and then afterwards he met with Bill. (I'm so glad that our mission is small, and that we have quick access to our mission President). The main reason that President wanted to meet with Bill before his baptism was because our Bishop felt that Bill wanted to join the church for financial help. I new without a doubt that Bill was ready, and is a very sincere investigator - yes he is in a very bad financial problem, but he truly desires to do the right thing. So after the choir practice, President drove us over to Bills house for the interview, and before we walked up to Bills door, president said, "I hope I don't offend him, because I'm going to have to ask him some pretty hard questions about his situation". So as president interviewed him, we went tracting around his apartment. President called us when they were done, and we met him back in his car. The first thing that president said was "there is no reason why that man shouldn't be baptized!" President as well as me and Elder Wickel feel that Bill is very sincere. After the interview, President Wade took me and Elder Wickel out to lunch! It was fun to spend time with President. He has been a great positive influence in my life. So the only problem is, is that we don't feel like the Bishop has been convinced. But there was a great turnout to the baptism, there were a lot of people there to support Bill.
Another highlight of the week was our new investigator - Alexa McCracken. She is 20 years old, and going to our singles ward. Her co-worker, Brooke, who is a member of the ward (and a convert of 2 years) is leaving for a mission in 2 weeks (she is going to Germany), and she invited Alexa to come hear her speak at her farewell. So Alexa came, and loved it! We hunted her down after, and set up a time to teach her more. The first lesson that we had with her was AMAZING! We were actually on 24 hour exchanges, so I was with Elder Williams the whole day. (I tell you what - being a missionary with someone that you grew up with, and went to high school with is pretty weird! But we had a great day together.) So me and Elder Williams taught her the first lesson, and she loved it! We invited her to be baptized and she said yes! She is soaking everything up! In the first prayer that she has ever said she thanked Heavenly Father for Brooke introducing her to the gospel. She said it was just the right timing! If we are worthy, and willing the Lord will work through us to bring souls unto him! Alexa is soooo prepared, and this week we are planning on setting a baptism date for her, for the end of December!
This week we also sang at the Christmas event in Danville. it was a huge event! There were tons of people there, and we sang our hearts out. Members from the Danville ward, were there to pass out pamphlets and joy to the world DVDs. President Wade and his family came as well. it was a fun night.
For thanksgiving we spent the morning practicing for our performance. After the practice we went to a less active/part member family, and racked there leaves! It was fun! Then that night at 5:30 pm we ate Thanksgiving Dinner at the Nausin's house - a family in the Clayton Valley Ward. It was great! I have never had thanksgiving dinner so late at night!
So things are going great! I'm really loving this area now. The sad thing is, is that we are probably going to have to switch wards next transfer, because of the new year. The singles ward meeting time stays the same (10:00 am) but the Clayton Valley ward will switch from 1:00 pm to 9:00 am, so there will be a conflict. We will still cover the singles ward, but will probably be moved to another family ward. Its sad, but Ill serve my best in whatever position I am in! My companion, Elder Wickel is awesome too. We get along great, and he is defiantly one of my favorite companions.
Well Family i love you! I hope you have a great week!
-Elder Cook
I forgot to say THANK YOU for the package you sent! I LOVED it! It was the best package ever, because of the pumpkin bars! They were still really fresh, and the frosting shipped great! Thank you! And the shirt was huge! I wont be able to wear it because its to big, but my roommate, Elder Fessler (Elder Williams companion) might be able to wear it. I love you!
-Elder Cook
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