Elder Peterson Week 25

Last Friday, after district council, we started our second exchange for the transfer. I went to Bridge City with Elder Gale and Elder Fisher took my spot in Port Arthur. Elder Gale and I went to help a very nice lady move. It wasn't bad at all, cause she was moving within her apartment complex. Brother Williams, from our ward, showed up to help as well. I almost got crushed carrying a couch up some stairs, but thankfully I survived. It's a good thing I'm built like a pro wrestler, it made everything go by very quick. Eventually I was just carrying everyone else on my back while they held stuff, so very convenient. 

After the service we went and knocked on a couple doors and set up some appointments. The next morning we went biking around in the disgustingly cold morning. We talked to a really nice guy and we were able to share our testimonies with him. He seemed pretty interested in meeting again. Then around lunch time we ended the exchange back at our apartment.

It was a great time, I enjoy working with Elder Gale, he's a very hardworking kid and he is very obedient. Important qualities a lot of people lack in.

This weekend we also had stake conference, which went awesome. Saturday night Elders Gale, Fisher, Child, and I got a ride to the stake center in Beaumont with the Carters, an awesome family in our ward. The conference was really good, President and Sister Larkin spoke. So did Elder Curtis, the church's historian. I also got to see Maecy, a friend from when I went to BYU last summer. She actually had put her papers in and she got called to serve in the Orlando, Florida mission speaking spanish. I'm pretty sure that's the same one as Matthew, so that's cool! I also got to talk to her a little bit after the Sunday session, so I got to wish her luck. All of us Twin City ward missionaries sang in the choir for the Sunday session. I have no idea how well I did, but people were saying we sounded good. So I guess I didn't do too bad. The conference was great and I got to learn a lot about the history of the Beaumont Stake. 

Elder Child and I have not had a lesson in a while. The first one in about a week was Friday I think. We went and taught Manuel about our purpose on Earth and how we can have true joy in this life. We also brought him a large print Book of Mormon. We re-commited him to read the scriptures. He told us all he really does all day is watch tv, so he really has no excuse. We didn't say that exactly, but we made that point. He said that now he can read the print, he will read with his wife. PLEASE Manuel. Please.

It hasn't been very discouraging for me that we haven't had much success lately. I can't speak for Elder Child though. We have been pressing forward and doing our best to meet with people. A lot of people are changing their work schedules, not answering their door or phone, or they're in jail. Sad. What's been really nice though is that I can once again confidently say that I am working hard. I'm sharing my testimony, I'm approaching rather unaproachable people, and I am praying A LOT. In the end, that stuff is just about all I can do. I'm watching and praying for opportunities to teach or serve people and I know that they'll come eventually. I have been serving a mission for 6 months now. It feels like just last week that I entered the MTC. I have learned more about the Gospel than I ever knew. My testimony has increased tenfold and my faith is up there as well. I don't share this to brag, but as Alma said: "I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy." (Alma 29:9) I have done my best to be an instrument in the hands of God and I feel that I have. I know that greater things await and that through these trials I am simply being refined. My knowledge and testimony of the Gospel is going to increase and I will become a greater instrument. This work truly is of God and I know that good things can be done, even through a skinny kid from Idaho. For now, I work hard and have patience. Tomorrow the Lord "will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, yea, a marvelous work and a wonder." Have faith, and press foward.

Have a great week, I pray for y'all

-Elder Peterson

1) A horse I taught in desperation. He's a good guy. I named him Caballo.

 2) I forgot to mention TLC. Elder Child did good and afterwards we went to Buc'ees

Mamma Mia

Owyhee High Schools first Drama production was the musical Mama Mia and we wanted to go watch it. Rylee did try out for it and when she didn't make it I was pretty impressed with how mature she was about it. She was bummed but she got over it pretty quick and was excited to go watch the play. Avynlea, Rylee and I met Tayci and Ashlee Olsen and Ella and Abby Eaton at the High School and sat with each other. We had so much fun with our friends watching the play and after it was over the girls asked if we could all go get ice cream. Myself, Abby and Ashlee were all down for that and so we left the High School and met back up at Reed's Dairy for Ice Cream. It was a really fun night and I was so happy to be out with my girls and my friends.

Avynlea, Rylee, Ella, Elizabeth, Abby, Ashlee and Tayci 

Basketball season is winding up and that means Avynlea's Junior year cheer season is winding up. It makes me sad that I don't have much time before she graduates and most likely will not do college cheer, so even if I am not wanting to leave the house I will always go to watch her cheer because I know that time is going to move fast. She had a couple of Basketball games that she was cheering at on Feb 21 and 24 ad I was happy to go and watch. The game is fun to watch but Avynlea is even more fun to watch and I will never get tired of watching her cheer.

I was washing and cutting some strawberries on the 24th that I bought at Fred Meyer and I pulled one out and found a feather stuck to it. It grossed me out so much that I had to put it down and walk away. I took a picture and sent it to my family to get their opinion on if it was still safe to eat the berries and they all agreed that as long as they were rinsed good it was not a big deal.

On February 25th Owyhee was playing in the Districts Tournament and Rylee, Kefford, Avynlea and I went to go watch the game. Avynlea is not a fan of Owyhee because it is her schools, Meridian Highs,  rival but she was good to come and watch the game and support Rylee who does attend Owyhee. It was a good game that they played against Eagle but Owyhee ultimately won the Districts Championship which was exiting. I sent info about the game to Ryker and since it was a lot to type out I am going to copy and paste what I wrote to him about the game..

At the districts championship game,it was Eagle and Owyhee playing for the win and the Eagle student section started it by saying "Rocky's Reject's", so Owyhee says "We beat Rocky" to which Eagle says "We beat Owyhee" (referring to the last time they played against each other I would assume) so Owyhee retaliates by saying "We beat Meridian" (Again assuming because Meridian beat Eagle in their last match up). I don't remember if they stopped at this point or if Eagle said "Let's play Football '' referring to how bad Owyhee's football season was. I know it was said at some point I just can't remember when it was said. Kefford didn't get to the game until halftime because it was a Baker day and so at the end of the game he thought it unnecessary for the Owyhee student section to chant "We beat Eagle '' when they won. I told him that Eagle started it clear at the beginning of the game by chanting "Rocky's Rejects" and he said oh ok, hahaha. 

 

Elder Peterson Week 24

	Feb 22, 2022, 2:40 PM

This past week has been pretty good. We haven't had an actual lesson in over a week. We schedule some and then they fall-through, kind of like my last couple of weeks in Broadway.

Maybe that means I'm leaving...

I wouldn't mind staying for a third transfer in Port Arthur, I enjoy conversing with the people over here. They all understand the importance of continuing to learn about Christ and building a relationship with Him. Now we just need them to understand that we know how to help them do that 

We haven't had any lessons with non-members, but we visited an inactive member last week. Tiffani is super nice and she agreed to let us share a message with her. Our visit was mostly getting to know her and just talking about life, but it was still cool. She lives with a respectable man (married? Idk) who is not a member but is interested enough that he said he might come to church. Tiffani told us she was definitely coming to church, but we did not see her yesterday, pretty disappointing. We'll just keep bugging her until she actually does come. We have another meeting set up for this Friday and she said that she'll feed us too. Good deal.

On Thursday the Assitants to the President, Elders Jones and Horner, did a blitz with us and then stayed at our apartment for the night. It was because they had a lot of traveling to do, so they stayed at our place for convenience. 

Elder Jones and I went and knocked on a bunch of people's doors, people we used to talk to. We knocked on a glass door at one house (the main door was open inside) and this MASSIVE dog went crazy. It was jumping on the door and snarling/barking at us with slobber going everywhere. I'm pretty sure its eyes were red too. It was stressful enough like that, but then the beast jumped on the door AND IT OPENED! I quickly shoved the door back shut and leaned against it to keep it shut. Finally, the owner came and took the dog to its kennel. That dog was a bear, I'm not even kidding. We talked to the guy (great conversation) and then Elder Jones and I laughed as we walked away. We basically almost died.

I was telling my mom this and she told me to stop messing with animals. 

I'll think about it.

This Sunday is stake conference and we missionaries are singing in the choir. Boo.

I'm super grateful for the help I've received from the Lord this past week. It could have been super discouraging to not have any lessons, but I've been feeling just fine. I can confidently say that we've been working hard and that we are doing what we can. Because of that, the only negative emotion I'm feeling is a little sadness that the people we talk to aren't progressing. I know the Lord sees our efforts and blesses us for them. As Elder Christofferson said "True manhood" I'd say true discipleship, "is not always measured by the fruits of one’s labors but by the labors themselves—by one’s striving." 

I'm grateful for my loving Father in Heaven and for the love that comes from my family and friends.

Have a good week. Read your scriptures!

-Elder Peterson 

1) Sister Amen took us to a buffet

2) Kenedy and I (she's 22 now!!!!!)

3) Nice picture of the distant refinery

Happy 22nd Birthday Kenedy!

The night before Kenedy's 22nd birthday her friends McKoy and Cassie took her out for dinner to Texas Roadhouse to celebrate. They had to do it the night before because they both were busy the night of her birthday. Kenedy had fun and enjoyed being out with two of her good friends.

On her birthday she went snowboarding with her friend Braxton, she had a blast and now wants to go snowboarding all of the time. 

I sent Kenedy a birthday package and I think she loved all of her gifts. It's sad that we couldn't be there with her to celebrate but I hope she knows how much we love her and we sent her text messages and I had Instagram stories posted for her as well.

5 things I love about Kenedy

1) I love that Kenedy loves her family and wants to be with us. I love that she takes time to call and check in and she is really good about making sure to connect with all of us. 

2) I love that Kenedy made the decision to go through the Temple. I know her life will be blessed because of it and it makes me so happy that she recognizes the value in being an endowed member. She loves wearing her garments and loves being able to go back to the Temple. I am excited for when she comes home next so we can go together.

3)Kenedy is so beautiful but she also has a beautiful heart which is so important. She is kind and really tries hard to do the right things. She is quick to apologize and make things right if she might have accidentally hurt someones feelings. 

4) Kenedy has such a cute fashion style and I love the outfits she wears. I like to ask her for style advice because she is on top of the trends and it is fun to go to the stores with her.

5) Kenedy is just a fun person. She knows how to make life a party and I love having her around. When she is home she wants us to play games and hang out together and I love that so much. She is one of my favorite people and I love her so much!

 

Elder Peterson Week 23

The days are starting to go by a lot faster. It feels like last zone conference was a week ago.

          Elder Child and I pulled up to Elder Nemelka flying a drone around recording all of us missionaries. So I made sure to give it a good stare down. President and Sister Larkin talked about faith and how we help people see that faith isn't simply believing, that it is action as well. Elder Rascon showed up as well and talked for a while. He testified of our importance in the gathering of Israel. He's a very powerful speaker, so it was great to hear from him. Towards the end Elder Jones called on me from the stand to say the closing prayer. Apparently he forgot to ask me earlier, oh well. I did it anyway. It's funny how I still get really nervous standing up there. I've been approaching strangers and starting a conversation about Jesus Christ for the last 5 months and I get shakey knees when I get called to speak or pray in front of fellow missionaries. Pretty fun...

Our lunch was really good pulled pork sandwiches. After the meeting I went and talked to Elders Paulsen and Frogley. I miss them (and Webb and Bowers) a lot. Elder Frogley and I are convinced we'll be companions again. We work too well together to not be companions. Dream team guys. Dream team.

          Last night Elder Child and I were walking around Port Arthur, looking for people to talk to. We ended up talking with two people. Julie was the first. We found her digging through some garbage. We approached and started some small talk. Eventually I asked if we could pray with her. She agreed and after we prayed I asked her if she was familiar with the Book of Mormon. She said she was, and that she had actually read it before (I doubt, but that's okay). I asked her if she had a copy, she said no, so I gave her a Book of Mormon and Bible. We talked for a little more after that. Elder Child tried to get her background, but once she said she was from space we finished up and let her go on her way. The other contact was a spanish woman. She knew a little bit of English and since I know a little spanish, we communicated just fine. I told her who we are and that we could have the spanish missionaries come visit sometime and she said that would be great. We left and called the Spanish Elders and then I realized we had not gotten her name. Whoops. They'll figure it out.

          We were supposed to have a lesson with Ebony last week, but something pretty cool happened. We showed up and she said she was just about to go give snacks and water to the homeless camp near her house. I was pretty surprised, that's a really cool thing to do. I asked if we could help and she said yes! We followed her there and handed out some treats to a couple people. There wasn't a lot of people there, but the ones who were received them with a ton of gratitude. Then Ebony offered a prayer and said something very nice things. We gave her the invitation to read the Book of Mormon once again and told her how important it is. Once again she agreed to read it, so we'll say. I'm praying for her.

          2 Nephi 31:20 has been on my mind a lot recently. It is a very good scripture:

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." 

          I love the concept of hope. We may not have perfect knowledge of all things, but we can hope for good things to come. And if we have the faith and hope of good things to come, should we not love our fellow men (and in turn, our God) by helping them receive the same faith and hope? The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for all of God's children. As members of the restored church, it is our duty and privilge to bring others to the fold of God. In order to do this, we must strengthen our own spirituality through studying the words of the prophets (both ancient and modern) and enduring to the end. We cannot share with others the things we have not yet received. Therefore, we must study the scriptures and increase our knowledge and testimony of the Savior and the Gospel. This isn't just the job of us full-time missionaries. The gathering of Israel involves all of God's children. We all have the responsibility to build and share our testimonies. I know that in doing so we will be blessed beyond measure, and others around us will be as well.

          Thank you for letting me soapbox to ya'll. I know this Gospel is true, and I have gained this knowledge by "feasting upon the word of Christ." I pray you all will seek to share and obtain your own testimonies by following Nephi's counsel in this scripture.

          Until next week!

-Elder Peterson 

1) Steelers house

2) Our cars to help us remember our "drive" to do missionary work 

3) Elder Frog and I

Valentine's Day

Rylee wanted a new pair of Nike Blazers for her birthday so Kefford had me take her to the mall to try a couple on so she knew what they would look like. Mallory still has a discount to Nike because of her sister who works there and she is good to share it with us so we were just trying on and not buying. after Rylee tried the first pair on I noticed that the shoes matched her sweater perfectly, so matchy, matchy.

Avynlea and Kenedy sent pictures of themselves to our group chat with their Angels/Devils on their shoulders. I sent the pictures to Ryker in my weekly email to him and he sent back his own picture with his Angel/Devil on his shoulder.

For Valentines I made the chocolate Oreo truffles that my family loves and this year I also ordered Valentine Cookies for all of them with their names on them. I also got some for Ryker, his companion and Kenedy. I sent their packages about a week ago with the cookies and other Valentine treats. 

Instead of doing a Valentine Dinner this year I switched it up and made a special Valentine breakfast for my family. I made waffles and hash-browns and had cut up strawberries and orange juice for them. I decorated the bar and had their treats and card waiting for them as they sat down to be served their special breakfast.

I had to go and teach dance after the girls left for school but as soon as classes were over I came home and Kefford, who did not have to work that day, and I went out to eat. We thought it would be easier to get into a restaurant on Valentines Day for lunch instead of dinner. Our first choice was the Cheesecake Factory but when I called they already had an hour wait so our next choice was Goodwood Barbecue and when I called them they did not have any wait time. We ate lunch and then went to Twisted Sugar a cookie and mixed sodas place because I had gift cards from Natalie Hope who gave them to me to thank me for doing her hair for Prom. Kefford got two cookies and I got a cookie and some Hot Chocolate.

When we got back I found a Valentine on my porch for me from my friend Katie Williams. It was super sweet and I felt very loved. Kefford gave me a fidget ring and a new Little Mermaid wallet for Valentines Day which I was super excited about.

Rylee came home with a rose that her friend Tayci bought for her. One of the school clubs were selling them for a fundraiser and it was sweet of Tayci to send one to Rylee. Her brother Preston bought them for her and so it had his name on it as the sender which was pretty funny. Rylee knew who it was from though and really appreciated the kind gesture

 

Rylee Goes to Sweethearts

Rylee has been in Student Council this year and Student Council put together a girls ask guys Sweethearts dance. Because she is in StuCo Rylee was supposed to go to the dance to show support, she was also on the clean up committee. She is not old enough to date so she couldn't ask a guy, I don't think she would have wanted to anyway but who knows, she does I guess. Rylee instead went with friends. 

She was super casual about it and decided to wear her white dress with her back converse and I offered to do her hair and makeup but she politely declined. 

I was driving her and Ella to meet their group in Eagle for pictures. I would have liked to have stayed to watch the picture taking but I had to drop them off and get back to pick up Kefford so we could get to Nampa for the Cheer Competition. 

top picture: Ella, Liv, Maddie, Addi, Ella and Rylee

Their group pictures turned out cute and I was happy to see them when Rylee sent them to me.

She and Ella took some pictures together and then Addi got in one with them.

The dance ended up being pretty boring for Rylee and Ella so Ella's Mom picked them up and they hung out at Ella's for about an hour. They then had to go back to the High School to clean up after the dance and then they were driven to the Stake dance where Rylee met up with her friend Taylee and had loads more fun then she did at the Sweethearts dance.

State Cheer Competition

The week after we got back from Disneyland was State Week for Avynlea and her cheer team. They only qualified for state in one event which was sad but given how the year has gone not surprising unfortunately. SO they had a couple of practices so they could polish their Pom routine and one of the practices was Disney day. The girls were to come to the practice dressed as a Disney Character. Avynlea dressed as Cinderella and she looked super cute. In the pictures she is on the end on the right.

They were using our mats at the State Competition and the kids had to take them to the Idaho Center to help unload and get them rolled out. A picture was taken of all the kids after they got the mats laid out and Avynlea is on the floor second from the left.

Kefford and I went Saturday night to the Idaho Center to watch Avynlea perform in her Pom routine. I thought she did amazing and I thought the entire team looked great. It was the best I have ever seen them perform this routine and I was super proud of them all. After they competed we got some pictures with Avynlea and then Kefford and I left to go across the street to Walmart for a little bit to wait for awards. I just didn't want to sit through another competition watching all of the other teams perform, I have seen them all before and if Avynlea wasn't performing then I didn't need to be there.

Of course I brought Avynlea's "Fathead" with me and we had fun using it for a prop in some of our photos.

Avynlea and Natalie

Avynlea, Natalie and Paige

We got back in time for awards and Meridian did not place in their Pom routine which was a bummer. After it was all done I saw Avynlea hugging Tayci who was pulled up from JV to compete in the Varsity Show routine. I quickly ran over and had them pose for a picture for me.

I have said it before and I will say it again that I am so proud of Avynlea and how she held herself this. year in cheer. It was a really hard year for her and for the entire team but Avynlea has grown as a leader, as a teammate, as a friend and gave the girls someone to look up to and emulate. She was the best choice for Captain this year and really stepped up to the plate and did an amazing job. She made my mama heart so proud. The top picture below is the entire team and their coaches after the State championships. Avy is in the bottom row three people in from the right. And in the bottom picture it is a picture of the team before they hit the mat to do their routine. Avynlea is on the left and she is leading her team in a team prayer. I love that Avynlea is not afraid to let her Faith show and that here sh his being another great leader for her team. When Kenedy was cheering in High School she was the one to say the team prayer and I love so much that Avynlea is following in her footsteps and doing the same.

 

Elder Peterson Week 22

Last Tuesday we were invited to dinner at the Olvera's. We had to wait about an hour for them to finish making the meal, not that I am in any way complaining. Their 5 little girls were running around, literally doing cartwheels around the room, as we waited. It was very funny actually, one of their girls, I think her name was Vanessa, kept asking for our number. I had shown her the stickers I have on my tag and she immediately became glued to my side. She had all 6 of us missionaries write our names in her journal and then she started begging for me to put our number in her journal. I eventually took it and pretended to write it. She looked at it and then started begging me again. I said "I did write it dow- oh... you're not 8 yet, right? Yeah, you have to be at least 8 to see the missionaries' phone number." She scrunched up her face at me and then stopped asking . Also, the dinner was amazing. Jalapeño poppers and lamb chops. Very very good.

          We had two more lessons with Dallas this past week. Both of which went incredibly well. Tristan showed up for the second one and they both were asking amazing questions. As we answered their questions and taught them about the Restoration and the Plan of Salvation they seemed to get more and more excited. They said the stuff we taught makes sense and that they want to keep learning more. They promised to make greater effort to read the Book of Mormon and come to church. Tristan said he wasn't going to come to church, 9 am is too early for him ,  but Dallas wants to. He didn't actually make it to church yesterday, because he wasn't feeling good (sure) but we gave him the zoom link and he said he'll watch. We'll see if he actually did next time we see him.

     A couple days ago Elder Child and I were walking around Lamar College, just to be outside trying to talk to people. We came across this group of people who had a couple animals they were letting people hold since it was homecoming week for the college, or something like that. But we got to hold a snake, baby gator, and bearded dragon. It was pretty cool. I've been waiting this whole time to be able to hold a gator and it finally happened. Sweet. Pictures below.

     I finished reading Jesus the Christ yesterday! It is a very good book that I recommend it to all who haven't read it. I've learned so much about the life of Christ and all the good works he did. The book also talks about revelation of the Second Coming of Christ, which is also very interesting. My testimony of the Savior's love for each of us has grown so much. Not just from that book, though it was a huge boost, but also just from being a representative of Jesus. Being a missionary is hard, there are a lot of expectations and disappointments. But boy is there a lot of blessings! You learn so much about Christ when you dedicate everyday to testifying of Him and loving others as He did. I've talked about it before, but I've grown to love all the people in Texas, especially the ones who threaten me and yell at me . The joy that comes from sharing the gospel with others is indescribable and I'm excited to further develop my ability to serve others. 

     I hope you're all doing well, I pray for you!

-Elder Peterson 

1) Snake

2) Gator

3) Bearded Dragon 

4) Sunset

5) Big Boat