Elder Peterson Week 89

Our friend Donald has been progressing so well, it has been awesome. He wants to get baptized, but since he is on parole the process takes a while longer, unfortunately. We're going to continue having studies with him, we're hoping that he'll be able to get baptized this year. We'll see. We had a lesson with him and his friend Ray yesterday. Ray is also progressing well, but he isn't so sure about baptism yet. He's in the same situation as Donald though, so he wouldn't be able to be baptized yet anyway. So we'll continue to help them develop their testimonies so when they are able to, they won't want to waste anymore time.

            We finally got a hold of Robyn on Sunday because she showed up to church. Here's the problem though, she is way too busy. So she says. I would like to make it clear that it is absolutely impossible to be too busy to keep commandments and follow Jesus Christ. You all know that, but you would be surprised by how many people don't understand that. Even among us! We had to explain to her that if she thinks she is too busy and won't be able to answer our calls, then we're going to stop reaching out for a while. I think it's a good thing this happened though. I don't believe that she was fully prepared for baptism. I'm afraid that she isn't developing a testimony and that she just likes having a bunch of good friends that will drive her around and help her with things. I don't know though, time will tell. I thought that we could find out by asking her, but she disappeared when church was over and we, as usual, can't get a hold of her. In case you are wondering, we also cannot contact her in person. She is almost always at the hospital and we can't get there. Besides, if she wanted to talk she would answer the phone. She said that she does see our calls. It's so frustrating and so sad. She's missing out on so many blessings and I don't think she even realizes that. 

            Elder Green and I had a funny spiritual experience yesterday. We decided to go to the top of our area, since we have never been up there yet. We found a neighborhood that looked pretty new and pretty nice. As we were taking a break in the car's AC, making some calls, I figured out that the car has it's own wifi. It only works right now because the car is new, so we get a short free trial with the wifi. Another Elder was quoting the movie Despicable Me the other day and for some reason that movie popped back into my head. I changed the name of the car's wifi to Vector, a character from that movie. 

Bear with me here.

We then got out and continued walking around the neighborhood. Then, I noticed a house that had a sign in the front yard. The sign said "Vector Security." I thought that it would be funny if that was some kind of sign from the spirit since I had that name on my mind. We were about to keep walking when I thought 'Only one way to find out.' We knocked on the door and a lady answered through the doorbell camera. She eventually opened the actual door and we talked with her for about 15 minutes. She ended up taking a copy of the Book of Mormon, really excited to read it, and we made an appointment to come back on Thursday to talk more about it and explain more about Joseph Smith and how Jesus Christ restored His church through that prophet. IT WAS AWESOME! We waked away and I went 'what just happened...' and we laughed as we got back to the car to head to a lesson. The Spirit works with us in strange ways, I guess. That's why you should never doubt a spiritual impression, no matter how strange it may seem. 

            On Saturday we got invited to go to the temple with some of our ward members for the Endowment of a convert in our area. We got permission from President and went with a couple other missionaries in the member's cars. It was so cool. I learned so much this time, just like every time. I get more and more every time I go. I feel so much joy as I learn more about the Gospel, I'm so excited to go again next week with the zone. I rode by Victor on the way there and he fell asleep on my shoulder on the way back, it was pretty funny. I also got a good picture of him after he destroyed me at rock, paper, scissors.

            It's been a good week, and exact obedience has proven to be the best way to be a missionary. The little things matter so much more than anyone thinks. It's hard to get yourself to do them sometimes, but we receive so many blessings from the Lord as we show him that we can be trusted. Not patting myself on the back, I'm just so grateful for the blessings that have been given to us. We have been having at least one lesson every day and it has been awesome. 

            Have a good week!

- Elder Peterson

- temple picture

- Victor after he destroyed me

- me being confused during our missionary coordination meeting 

- a dog begging Elder Simpson for food

- Gabriel Martinez and his family came up to see me. I met them a year ago in Pasadena. He also gave me a new Astros hat.

Avy's last day of High School, Ben's Graduation and Saratoga Springs Temple Open House

On Wednesday May 24th Avynlea had her last day of High School and I cannot believe she is graduating. I love Avynlea so much and will miss her when she leaves for College but know she will do great things and be a force for good in this world. 

For our Young Women class activity we asked Katie Williams if she would do woodworking with the girls. Katie is so good at creating and building things with wood and we were so happy she was willing to share her talent. The girls picked a jewelry holder to learn how to build and the end product turned out so good!

Alexa Lish, Lola Lindley, Eliza Lewis. Kate Williams and Piper Walker

Kennedy Christiansen

I found pictures o my phone of Rylee having a good time taking selfies. I like finding these photos

On Thursday May 25th I drove to Utah for Bens Graduation. Kefford had to work, Avynlea had to work and had plans and Rylee was still in school so I went by myself. I enjoyed being able to spend time with my family and on Monday, Memorial Day, I drove Holme with Mom in tow. She came with me to spend the week and be in Idaho for Avynlea's Graduation.

Mom, Kenedy, Heather, Emily, Elizabeth and Andrew all at Ben's Graduation

Proud of this kid and love him lots

Kenedy, Ben and Elizabeth

Elizabeth and Heather

Saturday night Emily got us reservations to your the newest Utah Temple the Saratoga Springs Temple. Before the Temple Tour we went to dinner and ate great food and ice cream. Its always a fun time when we get together!

Tyler, Kenedy, Emily, Matt, Ben, Mom, Heather, Elizabeth, Andrew and Isabelle

Being in the Temple was great, it is a beautiful Temple and I loved being able to see it.

Standing: Matt, Emily, Mom, Joshua, Leona, Kenedy, Ty and Andrew

Kneeling: Fredrick, Mallory, Amos, Elizabeth and Heather

Kenedy and Ty

Kenedy, Ty and Elizabeth

Mallory, Mom, Emily, Kenedy, Elizabeth and Heather           Emily, Elizabeth and Heather

Mallory, Leona, Mom, Emily, Kenedy, Elizabeth and Heather

Matt, Joshua, Ty, Amos, Andrew and Fredrick                         Amos and Fredrick

 

Elder Peterson Week 88

   I quote that for the subject because I've been thinking about obedience a lot lately. There's too many people that think finding loopholes is fine or that  occasional disobedience is fine. It is forgivable, but if we are to become like Jesus Christ our very nature must change and we must become strictly obedient to every commandment. The world tells us that we are weird and abnormal when we do this, but God's people are a peculiar people. Exodus 19:5 "Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine." Forget the flimsy trends of the world and put on the armor of God, walking with and as Jesus Christ. 

     We've had a very productive week, and I strongly believe that we had things to do because we've been tightening up on rules. Donald has been progressing very well and his friend has started joining in on lessons. Donald has committed to get baptized as well. Initially it was for the 3rd of June, but he's going to have some surgeries, so tonight we moved it to the 10th. They both came to church yesterday and loved it. Ray is pretty knowledgeable in the Bible, I was impressed with him during Sunday School. We also had our friend Danny show too. Which is awesome, because the guy is in a wheelchair (because he doesn't have feet anymore) and actually has an excuse that's almost valid. He came and loved it. It was great.

    We went out last night to do some finding and it turned into a strange night. We didn’t come across anyone who wanted to learn more about our message, but we did meet an old guy who seemed like he was going to bash us until he realized that we are christian. He also showed us the stitches on his hand from where a cat bit him. Hmm. 

     Then, later, we had this random guy on a go-kart pull up next to us as while we were walking and he started talking to us. 15 minutes later, we left. The dude was literally crazy. He was telling us that the bible we read from is wrong and that we need to get the bible that has a zipper. Some stuff about fish falling from the sky and that Jesus is 4 different races and that the United States actually has 100 states. Oh, and some stuff about bread made from corn. He said it’s all in the bible though. I asked where in the bible and he just kept rambling. It was actually pretty funny. These two dudes on horses trotted by while he was ranting and I just about pinched myself. I thought I must have been dreaming. Wacky stuff.

That's all I've got though... 

Y'all are awesome! Have a good week!

-Elder Peterson

Here's some pictures from our zoo trip today. Also a landfill that looks like a normal hill and really made me miss mountains.

Elevated Dance Spring Recital

Almost immediately after Seminary Graduation I had to go to Boise for the Elevated Dance Project Spring Recital. I had such a fun year with these kids and love them so much. I probably say this every year but the end of the dance year is so bitter sweet. I love watching them perform on stage to see how far they have come but I also know I won't be seeing most of these kids again and that makes me sad. 

This year the ballet was "A Mid-Summer Nights Dream" and my class were magical dancing trees. I wasn't thrilled with our assignment but the dance I choreographed rocked and the girls costumes were really pretty, I was also relieved that they didn't have nay weird head pieces, I was really nervous about that.

l-r: Kaylie, Italia, Scarlett, Blakeslee, Violet, Emily, Bethany, Decklyn, Angel, Elizabeth, Madeline and Simon

After the ballet my tiny tots class got to perform their dance and I ws so grateful they were first to go. They danced to "Rainbow Connection" and were so cute, I loved this group of littles and will miss the ones I won't have next year. 

l-r: Katherine, Aiden,Elizabeth, Arina, Laine, Poppy, Hayden, Ella and Madeline

After the tiny tots my Kinderfstars performed their tap-dance to "Great Balls of Fire". Their costumes were perfect and they did such a great job on stage, I couldn't have asked for better and I am so proud of all of these sweet dancers.

back row l-r: Kaylie, Italia, Scarlett, Madeline, Elizabeth, Simon and Bethany

bottom row l-r: Angel, Decklyn, Violet, Blakeslee and Emily

I loved having Simon in class this year, I have had his big sister Kate the past couple of years and it was fun to have Simon. He was a talker and talked a lot but loved giving me hugs and telling me I love you, such a sweet little angel of a boy.

I only had dances in the first recital and it was nice to be able to get done and leave without staying so late. Stephanie had to stay for the second show but we got a picture together before I left, I really love her and am so grateful for her and our friendship.

 

Seminary Graduation

Avynlea went Sturgeon fishing at Swan Lake with her friends Austin and Taylor. They caught a really big fish and it freaks me out a little looking at the picture of her and Austin holding it but Avynlea said it wasn't a big deal and that she had a lot of fun.

Joshua sent a picture of Amos using the gift Avynlea gave him for Christmas. I am glad he loves it and that he has such a big sand area to play with it in his backyard.

Saturday morning was Avynlea's seminary graduation. Our Bishop wasn't able to be there and so Kefford and I went up when it was the kids from our Ward getting their diplomas, I wasn't prepared for that but I was happy to be up there to give Avynlea a hug when she came across with her Diploma. 

I am super proud of Avynlea for her dedication of Seminary Attendance and for her willingness to participate and be a leader the years she was asked to lead. She is such an awesome example and is so good at sharing her light.

Rylee, Avynlea, Kefford and Elizabeth

Avynlea, Sadie and Madison

Rylee wanted a picture with Avynlea and of course they had to goof around for the pictures.

Avynlea and Rylee

Kefford then also had to do some silly pictures

Elizabeth, Avynlea and Kefford

After taking pictures outside we went back in and I got a picture of Avynlea with the other graduates form the Bainbridge Ward

Addy Bjorn, Avynlea and Kaitlyn Lindley

 

Graduation walk through at Chaparral

Thursday Avynlea and some of her classmates got to do a Graduation walk through at Chaparral Elementary School. I loved this when Kenedy was able to do it, Ryker wasn't able to because of covid so it was really exciting that Avynlea got to do this. Rylee went with me and while we were waiting in the hall as the elementary kids were lining up they were a little unruly, not bad but it was a little chaotic. The music teacher ws out here and he started singing "take me out to the ballgame" with the kids all quickly joining in. It was clearly a song they sung a lot in music class and during the "root, root, root" part they said "for the Cougars" their school mascot rather than "the home team" which was super cute. Being back in the Avynlea's elementary school with her so close to graduating High School made me emotional and I got a little teary listening to the kids sing. 

The graduates finally came through and it was fun and emotional to watch Avynlea walking through the halls of her elementary school in her cap and gown. 

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Once they had their walk though the little kids all went back to class and the graduates were able to go visit their old classrooms and teachers. Paige wanted to hurry to the elementary school where her Mom works so she could see her in her clans gown so we took a picture of Avy and her friends since elementary school in front of the cougar mascot.

Paige, Avynlea, Rose and Sadie

The girls got to see Mr Ceniga their fifth grade teacher as wells Miss Allen who was a Student Teacher in their class and is now teaching at Chaparral. 

We were hoping to be able to see Mrs Pitchford Avynlea's 2nd grade teacher and one of our favorites but she was out that day. She still has the name sign that Avynlea gifted her back in 2013 and that was super fun to see. 

Avynlea, Rose and Sadie

 

Lacrosse Banquet

Wednesday night was Rylee's end of the season Lacrosse Banquet. It was fun to be able to go and celebrate Rylee and her athletic achievements. It was a potluck dinner and when we got there Rylee wanted to sit with her teammates, that was fine but it was just me because Kefford couldn't make it and I didn't know a lot of the parents. Luckily I was able to sit with the Laing's and the Olsen's who used to be in our ward, it was nice to have some familiar faces and to not be alone.

Rylee got the Athletic Scholar award as well as her Varsity Letter which was very exciting for her. I love that she has found a sport that she enjoys and has friends on this team. She has loved playing Lacrosse this year and is excited to play more next year.

                           Avery and Rylee                                           Coach Abby, Rylee and Coach Meg