Elder Peterson Week 33

How's the weather over there? We've got 70s with 75-95% humidity pretty consistently. It's alright though, I'm getting used to it (not really).

Last week Elder Mangan and I met with a woman named Audra Rodriguez. She was referred to our Bishop by a guy at a car dealership and Bishop Dinsdale referred her to us. We sat down to get to know her for a minute and has a super great discussion. She said she believes that Jesus Christ is real, but she doesn't know much about him. We shared a couple scriptures and basically told her we can help her learn. She also expressed concern with scriptures and how it's hard for her to understand them. We can help with that too! We asked her to read 3 Nephi 11:10-12 (I think) to get a good start on who the Savior is. We are super excited to meet with her again and learn about Christ together. 

We also did a lot of service this past week. We (and other Elders) helped a lady do some yard work in her jungle of a backyard. We had to clear out her yard and then we just took a couple weed wackers and made it look waaaay better. We and some other Elders also helped a woman in our ward, Sister Lerdo, clean out her garage. It was pretty gross, it smelled not too great and there were more roaches than I've probably ever seen, along with other bugs I can't identify. It was a good time though, we cleared out a ton of junk. In this part of Texas you can throw your garbage on the grass space between the curb and the sidewalk and it will get picked up. No can or bag even needed (makes the streets smell awful sometimes). So we threw all the trash on this little section by the curb and filled it up very quickly. After being there for a couple hours we told her we had to go, but that we'd love to help finish up some other day. Hopefully she lets us help again!

In missions where phones or ipads are used we have an app called areabook. All the files and information that used to go on the physical areabooks (those 5 pound binders the missionaries used to lug around) is now digital and way easier to use. Unfortunately, with technology comes new problems. Like your areabook not recognizing you're in a new area and failing to sync, or instead of sending someone's information to the correct missionaries it will send it to no where (this is rare though). In our case, we have no area. Since Elder Mangan and I are technically opening an area, the app has to draw new boundaries, give us stewardship in the ward, give us the teaching records of people in our area, etc. Areabook I'd being stubborn and has decided to take its sweet time with the process, so we have been basically starting from scratch. Eventually (Hopefully within the week) it will update and then everything will be fine, but until then we are pretty much using the spirit to guide us. The situation isn't as bad as I make it seem, but it's slightly annoying. The Great news is that we've been able to meet with people anyway, which is a tender mercy for me because I really enjoy talking about the Gospel with people. 

So even though this past week has been a bit hectic (I forgot to mention we moved into our own apartment finally), the work of the Lord continues.

Hurrah for Israel!

If any of you have any questions or I forgot to write about something you are curious about, feel free to email me!

I hope y'all have a great week! 

-Elder Peterson

 1. A chicken from a BBQ place.

2. We had a leak last week. Luckily it got fixed very quickly.

3. A nice, classic Texan sign.

4. The missionaries on the left in this picture are from the Texas Houston SOUTH Mission. It was funny to see them at that bowling alley, so we got a picture.

Sunday Walk

 My friend Stephenie sent me a text saying she just saw Avynlea working at Sodalicious and took a picture of her to send to me. She hasn't met Avynlea before but has seen pictures and she recognized her when she pulled up through the drive through to get a drink during Avynlea's shift. She said she asked her what her last name was and then if she was my daughter and when Avynlea said yes she got really excited and had to take a picture. Avynlea said she felt really awkward but se looks super cute in the picture. I found it extra funny because I was just there with Kefford and hour before buying a gift card and cookie to give to Stephanie on Monday for her birthday. 

I finished the Mermaid quilt I started a couple of months ago and it turned out so cute. I had it professionally quilted at JK Quilts and the pattern I picked had mermaid tails, tridents and bubbles so the quilting looks so cute and adds more fun to the overall design. I picked a dark navy minky material for the backing and it is so soft and cozy. Doing the binding took me a bit longer then I would have liked but I got it done and all by hand...I feel pretty accomplished that I now have two quilts made by me. 

Sunday evening the weather was really nice so Kefford and I along with Rylee and Avynlea went for a Sunday walk. It was fun being with the girls and I loved that the weather was so nice.

Elder Peterson Week 32

On Tuesday I pretty much assumed I was leaving the area, so we went and said bye to some people. When the transfer board came out that night my assumptions were confirmed, I was headed out. That made Wednesday another day of goodbyes. We went to the soup kitchen that morning and had a good time there, I once again had crazy people yelling at me for simply doing what I was told, which is always fun. But I'm gonna miss going there, it was good service. We later went with some other Elders to say goodbye to the Fontanozas, McHughs, and Jeters. Great families, I'm really gonna miss that ward. 

Wednesday was also filled with packing and figuring out what to take and what to leave. Luckily I didn't have too much junk, so I was able to keep most of it. I did have to leave some though. 

Thursday was transfer day and I sat in a car for probably a total of 5 hours that day. Not particularly fun, though I do like road trips. I got to see some friends, like Elders Webb and Westover, so that made the day better. I met Elder Mangan, my new companion, and we headed home. Our area is directly neighboring the one I was trained in, Broadway. So it's kinda fun to be back. The area is the one Elder Frogley started in, so there's stuff he left behind all over the place.

The work since transfers has been less than ideal. I'm currently living in an apartment with another set of Elders (for now, we get our own soon), and it seems to me like there's a little too much downtime around here. We've all spent way too much time in the apartment, which I'm not a fan of. So this next week I might have to push my companion and myself out the door sometimes, which is fine. I've got no problem doing so.

Despite that, and it's not as bad as I may have made it seem, we have talked to some great people. Our area is huge and covers a ton of neighborhoods and apartments, so it's not hard to find places to go. The people are also pretty nice as well, so far. They at least understand basic principles of the Gospel, something the people in Port Arthur seemed to struggle with, so I have high hopes for my time here. 

Easter Sunday was awesome! The talks given at church were fantastic and I felt the spirit very strongly throughout the meeting, despite the elderly man snoring right next to me. Sunday school was just as good, I love talking and learning about the Resurrection of the Savior. There's so much symbolism in everything, which helps us understand even more. I love these words from the Book of Mormon in Mosiah 16:

   "8 But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.

   9 He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death."

I've always loved the phrase "the grave hath no victory." Jesus Christ conquered death and in turn has made it so that we all will do the same. Yes, we will eventually die, but because of Him, it is not permanent. Because of Him, we cannot be held in the bands of death, for He has broken them. Our Savior suffered all that mankind will experience and then was crucified on the cross. Simply because He loves the Father and because He loves us. Then he rose from the dead and became a perfect, glorified being, just as we may some day become. 

Easter is a wonderful time to remember these truths (and many others), but we should always have them in our hearts. Take time every day, every hour, to remember Jesus Christ's love for us. Because of Him, we can change.

Because of Him, the grave hath no victory.

Because of Him, we can have everlasting happiness.

He is the light and the life of the world, and I testify that it is only through His light and the life He gives us that we can find everlasting peace and happiness. I am forever grateful for my Savior's love and I know that He lives.

I'm excited for what this transfer has to offer, and I wish you all a safe and enjoyable week.

-Elder Peterson 

That's Elder Mangan

Those are the Fontanozas 

That's the mission office, never been there before

That's a model home with no access to the garage

Those are delicious eggs that Elder Hunter made for breakfast

Happy Easter

Easter was a little bit disappointing for me this year, only because I wanted to get an Easter picture of all of us at home after church but we were in such a hurry to get to the Farm for lunch that I forgot to get a picture. ugh

Rylee got up first and came down to her Easter basket, I got new dresses for all of my girls, needy'a was sent Rexburg with her easter stuff and Rylee and Avynlea found theirs in their Baskets. 

Rylee let me take pictures of her inspecting her Easter Basket but Avynlea was not so much into the idea of pictures...she didn't like me taking pictures at all, so I stopped.

I got Kefford and Ruler new ties for Easter, Ryker's was sent about a week ago in the hopes it would arrive by Easter. It did and he opened it early, it didn't surprise me, this boy never liked waiting to open his presents. He said he opened it and just glanced through so he can really open it on Easter.

I got a picture of Rylee all dressed and ready for church with her Easter Basket but never was able to get one of Avynlea...bummer.

At church Avynlea gave a talk and she did a really great job, I sent out the link to my family so they could watch and a lot of them did which was fun. Kenedy took a couple pictures of Avynlea while she was speaking so I at least have those. She looked beautiful and gave a really good talk

After church we hurried home to change and then headed out to the farm for Easter lunch.  Most everyone was there minus Kylie's family and Dustin's family so it was nice to see and hang out with everyone.

Later that night the pickle jar was on the counter because the girls had just eaten pickles I think and Kefford told Avynlea and Rylee he would pay $5 to whomever would drink the pickle juice. There was easily at least 2 cups of juice in the jar and Rylee decided to take on the challenge. She drank as much as c=she could before she started to feel really sick and had to quit. She didn't finish it all but Kefford thought her efforts were still worthy of getting paid the $5. It might be a long while before she is willing to eat a pickle again.

Annoying Siblings

April 5th: When Heather was in town we went shopping a lot, it was fun. One of the places we went to was Seagull Book to look for some church books we have been wanting to get. They have a modest clothing line in their store and we spotted some pretty cute items. The ladies at the checkout told us that the next day they were celebrating their 35th anniversary and would give us 35 percent off one item if we came back in. We were game and went back the next day. I got the sweater and skirt I was eyeing the day before and Heather got a shirt for Mom. Heather wanted to see me try on the outfit I got and I did put them on for her real quick but I took some pictures of me wearing the clothes for Sunday and sent them to her because I had my hair done and makeup done and felt cuter.

April 8th: I was driving away from the house when I spotted Kefford cleaning my Traverse, I took a picture to send to Heather and Ashleigh because we like to joke about me being a Lady of Leisure and I was actually just joking with Heather that this Lady of Leisure needed her Husband to detail her car for her. I found it pretty funny when I saw him actually detailing my car and got the picture.

April 10th: We like to sit with the Heslop's at church because their Dad is on the stand and can't sit with them and we love them and like to feel helpful sitting with them. They bring their drawing boards with them and like to draw and write funny things. My girls also like to write and draw funny things using the Heslops  "boogie boards" and Avynlea wrote this fun little story.

April 11th: It's been an interesting dynamic having just Rylee and Avynlea home with us. They like to annoy each other and tonight Avynlea was laying on the couch and rather than sitting on a different couch that had more room Rylee opted to sit on the couch right next to Avynlea. Avynlea didn't want her that close to her and rather then her moving she put her feet in Rylee's face which prompted Rylee to be even more annoying to her. Those two. They pretend to be annoyed but they really enjoy pushing each others buttons and I just sit and watch...and take pictures

 

Elder Peterson Week 31

Blare - Noun

A loud harsh or strident noise.

Now you know.

This week has gone very fast and VERY slow. It was fun though. On Tuesday we went with Elders Masaki and Heiner to do some service at the Olvera's. We got to their house and there was a giant pile of gravel/dirt. He had 3 shovels, but only one of them was a regular shovel, but we made em work. I got a nasty blister on my hand, because I haven't used a shovel in half a year, but it was worth it. I can't believe how much I enjoyed it, I didn't realize I had missed manual labor so much. We shoveled for about 2 hours, and then we had to go for a lesson. Brother Olvera said they won't need our help again, that we did a great job. That honestly kinda stinks, I really want to shovel some more. Doing service like that is such a mental reset for me, I pray daily for opportunities like that. Later that night they brought us a ton of pizza for dinner, we were very grateful for that.

On Wednesday I went to my 4th TLC. It was super fun and I really enjoyed seeing Elder Paulsen again. Lunch was great (Elder Paulsen wasn't impressed), Jason's Deli. After Lunch and after TLC we all hung around and chatted for a while. I got to talk to a lot of missionaries I haven't seen in a while. Hermana Steffensen, for example, was fun to talk to. She finally gave me the recipe for her red velvet cookies and I am SO EXCITED to have it. Probably the best (most unhealthy) cookies I've ever had. The first time I had them was back in September. I asked her for the recipe and she wouldn't give it to me. I eventually convinced her to give it to me before she leaves. 6 months later, I got it, She goes home next week. I'm scared for when everyone from my first zone have left... that will be sad. I've made a lot of awesome friends...

Anyway, on the way home we stopped by a John Deere and I got myself a nice hat. We passed 3 on the way to TLC and I needed the hat after seeing that many. It's a sweet hat, very comfortable. Ultimately, Wednesday was a very good day.

Yesterday was my last sacrament meeting with the Twin City ward. Probably. Transfers are weird this time, we find out what happens tomorrow, and then actual transfers are on Thursday. I've been here in Port Arthur for almost 4 months, so I assume I'm going somewhere else. But, the meeting was very interesting. Bishop McAllen was released and Bishop Fruge was called in his stead. So that was cool, Bishop Fruge is going to be awesome for this ward. He's a very Christlike man. 

After church we had a great discussion with Dameris. We talked about faith and I kind threw several scriptures at him, I might have overwhelmed him a bit . Great scriptures though: Hebrews 11:1, James 2:20 Alma 32:21, and Ether 12:6. Faith. He's been going through a trial of faith, so we bore testimony and encouraged him to keep exercising faith and trust in God. We told him that while we may not always understand the things God does, we can trust that he knows what he's doing. Ah, I should've shared 2 Nephi 2:24 for that... oh well. Anyway, God knows what he's doing, so as long as we have faith in Him we will slowly learn why He does certain things and how challenges will eventually lift us up.

"But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things."

(2 Nephi 2:24)

I hope your week was good as well! I'll let y'all know what happens this Thursday in my next weekly email. 

Until then, stay faithful!

-Elder Peterson

So apparently the pictures never line up with my descriptions, so I'll do this:

The family with 3 kids is the Williams.

The family with 2 kids is the Barkers.

I love those families.

The one where I'm wearing a trash bag is Elder Dyreng giving me a haircut (he did a good job).

The two people, Robert and Lisa Turner, are two great people I've taught (or tried to) here in PA. 

The heel click is just too good to not put in here.

And the shades are Brother and Sister Olvera's little girl's. I stole 'em and tried them on. I don't think they suit me.

Cheer Banquet

 Monday April 4th was the cheer banquet for the end of the season. It was at the High School and I went with Avynlea and we sat with Amy and Paige Little and Diana and Natalie Juarez. Kefford came a little later to be there for awards, I ate dinner before hand because I did not want to pay $20 to eat Chick-fil-a nuggets and macaroni and cheese which is what they were serving. Cheerleaders got to eat free so Avynlea  was able to eat. At the end of the night they had a bunch of nuggets leftover so I took a plate home for Rylee.

The first award they handed out was the Academic Scholars Award. The cheerleaders who had 3.5 GPA and above were presented with this award and honestly I was surprised that more cheerleaders did not get the award. Avynlea did though for her third year in a row and I was pretty proud of her.

The next and final award for Varsity were their Varsity letters for the girls who have not earned them yet and the bars for the girls to put on their letters if they already had one. Avynlea got the bars to put on her letter and then we got a picture of all the Varsity kids with their awards.

That was it for awards. In the past they have done specialty awards like when Avy won Flyer of the year last year and fun awards but not this year. The Head Coach was kind of forced to quit by the other coaches and she was not going to put anymore into this year then she had to. It was a  bummer that it had to end this way but hopefully we will get a great new head coach and next year will be the best year yet.

After the Awards Avynlea got up with her Co-Captains to talk about the team, the coaches and the year. Avynlea did a great job speaking and we bought all of the captains blue heart sunglasses out of pocket as a thank you for their hard work which she gave to them after she gave the Coaches the tumblers we had made for them as well as the same sunglasses. We even got pairs for the 3 JV Captains. After the speeches the event was over and we could take pictures and then head home.

We got a picture with all of the Captains from both teams...

Avynlea wanted a picture with her stunt group...Anthony, Avynlea, Paige and Annie

Avynkea and her cheer besties...Natalie and Paige

These pictures were ones we tried to take but people kept photobombing so these are the photobombed pictures..

Avynlea, Annie and Katie...

And then finally a picture of Avynlea with her coaches...Monet, Chris, Avy, Kara and Amanda

When we got home I remembered to get a picture of Avynlea with her awards. I am so proud of Avynlea for all of her hard work this past year. It has not been an easy year but she has grown as a leader, a cheerleader, a friend and a person. She has been knocked down a lot but has always gotten herself back up and I am proud of how she has risen above the mud that others tried to throw at her. She is a queen and acted like one, I just love her and her example.

Elder Peterson Week 30

I have just about completely lost inspiration for the subjects of these emails. This is my last idea, a random word. 

Discarnate - adjective

1. Having no physical body or form

Now you know.

Anyway, this past week was a good one, I think. I can't ever remember anything. 

Highlight (besides conference) was probably my interview with President Larkin. I asked him a couple questions and I'm very satisfied with the answers he offered. One of them was personal, so I'm glad I got an answer. While we waited for our turns with President, we chatted with Sister Larkin. She brought out a little white board and gave us a little challenge. To draw the Plan of Salvation on it. 

(Side note, I just figured out that I can change the text color... neat)

She had a bunch of different colored markers, so each of us missionaries (there were 5 of us in the "waiting room") took turns drawing out each step in the Plan of Salvation. It was pretty fun, and we are all satisfied with the end result. I'll put a picture if it at the bottom. And if any of you have any questions or comments about either the drawing itself or the Plan of Salvation, please don't hesitate to write me an email. I love getting emails or letters from people, especially when I get to apply what I've learned as a missionary in my response. Ask away!

Now, as for General Conference...

Awesome.

I'm gonna share a couple notes I made and why I liked them.

1) Elder Anderson: "We don't eradicate evil with more evil." 

I'm not sure if that is a direct quote or not, my notes aren't very specific. But the idea alone is very profound. We were all taught as children that "two wrongs don't make a right." From what I understood, that's kind of the concept here. The only thing that can "eradicate" the influence of the devil is the everlasting Light of Christ. Seek to have it and then seek to spread it, we need to share the Light that is within us all!

2) Elder Ballard: I liked two things specifically from his talk. I mean, the whole thing was awesome, but these stood out to me. One, that parents have a vital role in preparing youth to serve missions. Missionary work was talked about so much in this conference, I think they're trying to make me feel special. On this note I'd like to thank my parents and all of my family for helping me prepare to serve a mission. I've never been more grateful for the way I was raised. Not a day goes by that I don't at some point think "what would Dad do here..." or "what would Mom expect me to do..." I thank my Father in Heaven for my parents and family and the influence they've been, and continue to be, every day. I don't know where I'd be without them.

The second thing Elder Ballard mentioned is that we aren't released from activity in the church when we are released from our missions. Now, I know that's a ways down the road for me, but it's often on my mind. What kind of person do I want to be when I return home? Above all, I want to remain a missionary! I want to be able to boldly invite others to come unto Christ in all that I do. This got me thinking that if I want to be like that, I better start now! I need to be a better missionary. A disciple of Christ that shares the glad message of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all of God's children (Write me to learn more ). 

3) President Nelson: I loved the 5 points of spiritual momentum that he shared.

1. Get on the Covenant path and stay there

2. Discover the joy of daily repentance

3. Learn about God and how He works

4. Seek and expect miracles

5. End conflicts in your personal life

Every single one of us can work on each of these points. As we do these things, we will find do much more joy in life. It is worth noting though, as President Nelson also did, that following these steps doesn't mean an end to the troubles of life. These steps are intended to give us "Spiritual Momentum" so we can push through the troubles. I'm very grateful for the Prophet's counsel, and I invite all of you to follow these 5 steps and watch the blessings pour from heaven.

There's not much more to add from this past week. We were approached by a crazy guy. First time on my mission I had put my hand on someone's shoulder to keep them back. He had nasty breath and no personal space. Fun fun. 

I hope y'all enjoy this next week, I hope I do to!

-Elder Peterson

1) Cinnamon roles for conference (provided by Sister Barker)

2) A cool picture of the Savior I really like

3) The Plan of Salvation we drew (it starts on the top left and goes around counter-clockwise)