Elder Peterson Week 27

We went to the soup kitchen again, it gets more and more fun each time. Now that I recognize people and they recognize me, I can have conversations beyond "you come here often?" The answer is usually yes btw. They are all super nice and incredibly humble people (90% of the time). This time towards the end, the woman who runs the thing gave us shirts. They only had XLs though... so mine is a little tight.

This one guy that I haven't seen before came in right before we were going to leave. He sits down and starts going crazy on his guitar. He was crazy, it was so cool. We stood there for about 5 minutes and just watched in amazement. He was singing too and it was surprisingly good. I wanted to talk to him, but we were leaving and he was still singing, so I didn't get the chance. 

This past week I did two blitz-exchanges with Elder Heiner and Elder Masaki,  respectively.  The first one was Elder Heiner and I in their area, it was a good time. We were riding bikes and I got chased by a dog. So that's fun. And then on Saturday I went with Elder Masaki in their area again. I also got chased by a dog on that blitz. Like I said a while ago, I'm really starting to dislike dogs. Texas dogs. Although we did see one puppy that was TINY. It was also very nice and it let me pet it. Perrito. (Puppy)

The blitzs were great though, I got to know them both a lot better, they're great guys. I'm excited to do actual exchanges next week.

Yesterday Elder Child and I were wandering around street contacting, cause we had nothing else to do, when Brother Jeter called us and told to come over for Crawfish. Their neighbors had given them A TON. And since they're an old couple with no one else in the house, they wanted help eating it. Also, Sister Jeter, who grew up in this area, had NEVER eaten crawfish before. Ever. Thus was her first (and she said last) time. Crazy. Afterwards we went over to thank the neighbors while they were still outside. I got talking to the mother, Angi, and she started talking to me about when she visited Utah and went to one of our churches over there. FIRST OF ALL, why was she not introduced to the missionaries when she visited. Wards need to watch for people who visit, and fellowship them. But whatever, I was talking to her and I invited her to come to church with us again. I also got her information and gave it to Elders Heiner and Masaki since she lives over in their area. 

Very effective use of tike if you ask me. Free dinner and a new friend. Boom. 

I also got to talk to Sister Jeter about her family. She has 11 children! Crazy.

This past week I studied a lot about the Plan of Salvation. There's a lot of misconceptions about the Plan in other faiths. One of the biggest being about Heaven and Hell. I'm grateful for the knowledge we have and that our loving Father in Heaven has prepared such a perfect plan for us. Of course, the biggest aspect is whether or not we choose to follow the Savior. 2 Nephi 2 is a fantastic chapter for this subject, and verses 24 & 25 will be some of my favorite scriptures for a long time. Probably forever. 

The Plan is real! And for those of our loved ones who have stepped off the path, we must be loving examples to help them see the blessings that they are depriving themselves of. In the end, every knee shall bend and every tongue confess. I probably botched that, but ya'll get my meaning.

Have a great week! Be careful with your gas...

-Elder Peterson

1) Little Puppy (perrito)

2) Little Puppy

3) Antique Organ at the Jeter's

4) Crawfish at the Jeter's

5) A cool train parked at a... park. I don't like how that sounds. Whatever. Train.

It's Pi Day!

 On Sunday we were playing a game and one of the questions we had to answer was along of the lines of naming something that is not true. I wrote down Robert Pattinson is a good-looking guy because I just don't see the attraction. Rylee took a little offense to it because she thinks he is good looking. Later she took my phone and said she wanted to change the Lock Screen on it, I didn't look at my phone that night but the next morning when I woke up and opened my phone I got a big laugh over what picture she put on it. When I confronted her about it later she laughed and laughed, I could tell that she was tickled over how clever she was about it and it made me laugh even more. What a funny girl.

I talked to Ryker for about 20 minutes the phone this morning and then he called again when the girls got home from school so he could talk to them. At one point I was listening to Ryker give Rylee advice on Seminary and getting what she needs out of it and it made my Mama heart so proud to hear him giving her gospel related advice. Avynlea took some screen shots when she was on the phone and I don't know why she did but I will include them here in my blog for fun.

I love celebrating the little tings and one of the little things I love celebrating is Pi Day, also known as 

3-14, March 14th. It is a fun day to celebrate because we get pie! This year I made a chocolate pie with an Oreo cookie crust and a pizza pie with pepperoni and bell peppers. Both pies tasted so good and it was another successful Pi Day Celebration!

laundry Room Project and Avynlea is Great

My friend Katie Williams is a master wood worker in my opinion and has a sop in her garage. We have been wanting to get to gather to build a project but I needed to come up with an idea. I finally figured out something I have been wanting for a long time, a pedestal for my washer and dryer. I knew what I wanted it to look like so I went on Pinterest and searched DIY pedestals until I found the one that matched the idea in my head. We bought the wood and cut it out one day and we put it together and stained it another day. The sealant spray took longer to dry because of the cold, wet weather but it was finally done and we brought it home Friday night, March 11th. I asked Kefford if he would help me get it in the laundry room when he came home that night and he said we could do it tomorrow. I was cool with that and I went to bed that night. he next morning Kefford and I got up to go to the Temple and as we were on our way out I went in the laundry room to get a bandaid, I opened the door and got a shock, my pedestal was in place and it looked really awesome. Kefford and Rylee put it in the laundry room after I went to bed the night before and I didn't even notice that it was missing from where we left it by the front door when I got up that morning.

Later that day Kefford and I went to lunch at Cafe Zuppas with Avynlea and Rylee. Avynlea has been asking if we could go out to eat for her birthday since it never happened in February and we finally found a time and day to do it. It was fun being with my family and I am glad we were able to finally take Avy out for her birthday.

I saw on Instagram that theVarsity athletes who made 3.5 and higher for the first semester were listed and I went to the webpage to look it up. I was not surprised to find Avynlea's name on the list and am very proud of her for her accomplishments, especially since the list was fairly small for who made 3.5 or higher on our cheer team. Way to go Avynlea!

 

Elder Peterson Week 26

Hello Everyone!

We got to do an awesome amount of service this past week. We helped the Olvera family move some junk out of their house so they can do renovations on their home. Brother Olvera was going to throw out a rusty electric guitar, but I told him I'd take it. It just needed new strings and now it works fine. We finished helping them throw junk away and my nose was going crazy from all the dust. The next day we went to the soup kitchen and had a good time there. As usual, not a ton of people came. But it was still super fun. Then, on Thursday night, we helped a lady in our ward take apart a chair she wanted to return. It was a very quick job and she was super greatful. 

On Sunday there was a baptism! Just not someone I taught. Elders Heiner and Masaki helped a kid named Preston get ready for baptism. Then, the night before (Saturday night) they asked if I could conduct. Sure! Man, that was embarassing. I did fine, or at least that's what all the sweet old ladies said. Luckily, I didn't ruin the whole thing (it actually went great, I didn't do bad I dont think). It was really cool though, I haven't been to a baptismal service in a while. It was awesome to see the excitement and pure joy on Preston's face afterwards.

This week we have finally had lessons. I knew that we'd eventually get back into it. There was one last night specifically I want to share. We went to talk to a guy named Davis. This man... I want to be his friend so bad . He loves the outdoors and goes fishing constantly. His dream is to go on an adventure, just camping and fishing across the country. Then he wants to start a non-profit to help teach kids to fish. SO COOL. We talked for a good while about these interests of his and then the conversation naturally merged into the Gospel. We were able to share several scriptures and share our testimonies several times. At the end he said he would like us to come back on Friday to talk some more. It was awesome, I haven't had a conversation with someone non-member go to Gospel, without them trying to bash us, in a long time.

I'm very grateful that we've been able to teach people and that they've been understanding our message. I've been praying for a while and we finally have the opportunities to share my testimony and those opportunities are coming back. Patience is a virtue, one I normally lack, but I'm glad I've been able to be patient with this. I know the Lord answers our prayers and I'm grateful He does so. 2 Nephi 32:9 guys... 2 Nephi 32:9

I love ya'll and I'm praying for all of you!

-Elder Peterson

Ps: Elder Fisher is gone. Transfers were today and everyone stays but him. Elder Gale's new companion is Elder Morly

1) One of the Olvera's puppies

2) Elder Fisher looking like a wizard

3) puppy

4) A woodpecker

5) A lizard

6) A man

At Mikells and State Basketball Finals

We went over to visit Mikell Sunday night on February 27 to return some puzzles we borrowed during covid, to drop off boxes for them and to visit. We love going over to visit them and they are planning on moving to Montana which makes us really sad. Steve got a really great job in Montana and is already out there working and Mikell plans on moving when the lease on their house is up which is in June. We don't have too much longer to take advantage of them living a couple miles down the road from us so we have to visit as often as they will let us. 

Luke has been a tough nut to crack but slowly we have been melting away at his defenses and he will now smile and interact with us. Kefford hit the jackpot by getting him to sit on his lap while Kefford showed him funny filters on his phone. It was fun to see Jason and Luke having fun with their Uncle Kefford. 

                   

March 4th Owyhee played Meridian in the State playoffs, Rylee went and sat in her student section to support Owyhee and Kefford and I sat in th eMeridian section because Avynlea was cheering and I wanted to support her. I support Rylee also but as long as Avy is cheering I will be wearing blue and sitting with Meridian. In a year and a half I will be in red and sitting with Owyhee to support Rylee and her school.

So Owyhee played Meridian and Meridian played so good and almost beat them. They came back from about a 16 point deficit and just about had it but lost in the last minute by three points. It was an exciting game and I think my favorite parts of the games are the chants that go back and forth between the student sections.

We were bummed for Avynlea and Meridian, they played and fought so hard but we were happy for Rylee and Owyhee.

Rylee and Avery Miller

Saylor, Addi, Ella, Rylee and Avery

Every year for banquet we give gifts to the coaches to thank them for all they have done for our kids. This year Avynlea has talked with all of the captains, both JV and Varsity, and they have decided on what they want to give to their coaches💙💛. Blue heart sunglasses and Tumblers. They wanted to have Carrie cut

the vinyl with her circuit but after not communicating very well with Avynlea she finally told her that she couldn't because the circuit was broken. I thought the Cheer boosters would be more helpful with the coaches gifts since I along with Carrie did them last year but she was pretty snotty to Avy and to me when I was talking to her about it and was not inclined to be more helpful. After talking to Carrie I told her that Avy and I would take care of it and I sent a text to my friend Cristal to see if we could use her circuit she said we could but told me that my neighbor Michelle cuts out vinyl and has a business doing it. I contacted Michelle and she said she could help us out and asked if we wanted vinyl or she also has an engraving business and could engrave the metal tumblers. I thought that was way cooler and longer lasting then vinyl and Avy agreed so after making sure it was ok with her Captains we went with the engraving. I had Avynlea send me an idea of what she wanted and once again she discussed it with her Captains and they came up with an idea which Avynlea then mocked up on a picture and I took it to Michelle so she knew what we wanted and she created a design based off of Avynlea's. I am so excited to see the final result.

Throughout this entire process I was so impressed with Avynlea's leadership skills and how instead of making all the decisions herself like someone else might have she involved all of the Captains to get their input and ideas. She is such a great leader and I am so proud of how she handles herself and works well with others.

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.