Well another week has come and gone. I'm not quite sure how I feel about that. Somedays are faster than others, but when you think about it I still have 21 months to go. This Thursday will be my 3 month mark! It's not too big of a milestone, but It's a bit of a one. This past Saturday night we got excited because we thought we got to turn our clocks back and get an extra hour of sleep, but we then found out---- not til NEXT week! Man! We are always needing extra sleep as a missionary!
Things here have been pretty good this past week. Although, we've ran into a bit of a hurdle with Manuel that we can't get him up and over yet. He LOVES his Bible and reads it 24/7. He read only 25 pages in Matthew and it has changed his life. He's only read 25 pages in the Book of Mormon and hasn't felt anything yet and now he won't read anymore. He says that he needs "evidence in the Bible that talks about the Book of Mormon." So we read Isaiah 29 with him, John 10:16, Ezekiel about the sticks, etc.... but he won't bite. We just keep bearing testimony of the Book of Mormon and gave him some of our favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon to read to hopefully strike a chord. He hasn't been to church in two weeks which is also hard. So he's kind of taken a step backwards, but we're working with him to help him with his concerns.
We have also started teaching this lady named Laticia this week and her daughter Angie. We had actually started teaching them a couple of weeks ago, but had lost contact with them because they moved, got a new job etc. But we picked them back up this week. Laticia is the sweetest mother you've ever seen. She's a single mother with 2 kids (Angie-9 and a 17 year old son who doesn't like us). She's doing all she can to keep food on the table and works like crazy as a waitress. But her kids are her pride and joy. The great thing is that her and her daughter came to church yesterday. (for the primary program.) I hoped they liked it. They sort of seemed up tight and nervous. We have another appointment with them tonight so we'll see how they felt. Sunday school was really good for Laticia to hear though. It was about the responsibilities of the members of the families. Sister Serna (sunday school teacher) kind of took her under her wing and gave Laticia a framed copy of the Family Proclomation. Laticia asked her, "Is this like the 10 commandments for the family?" So that was pretty neat. They seem pretty promising. She has even started sharing the gospel with those in her apartment complex!
With Wilfredo and Maria- we CAN NOT get them to church. Maria can not get out of bed in the mornings. She slept in til 1 oclock in the afternoon yesterday. We think that they just like us to come over and be friends. But, they don't really seem to have a desire when it comes to the church. For example- she invited us to come over on Tuesday for Tilapia with them. (Luckily I'll be on exchanges that day!) But she doesn't seem to want to put in the effort when it comes to church. They are really neat. We don't want to drop them, but we may have to. We're going to talk with them about it soon. We had an appointmenet with them last night, and it basically was a Halloween Fiesta. She just kept making Popcorn, pulling out cookies, drinks, and they didn't really want to hear anything. So that's how our Halloween went. You have NEVER seen so many trick or treaters in your life than out here. They take it as serious as Christmas! They have decorations in the yards, Orange chirstmas lights, etc. There were a ton of kids out last night.
I bet everyone in town is pretty excited again about Grace High football- how many years since they have been to state? Do they get to play on the blue turf in Boise? Tell Millward congrats for me.
I can't believe how much of a soccer fan I've become out here. The spanish people LOVE it! We play every Saturday morning with our investigators and members of the branch. It's pretty interesting. I'm definently not talented enough to play with "the big boys!"
Yesterday, we had the primary program in the branch. I couldn't understand a lot of it, but it was still pretty good. One little kid got up to the mic, saw how many people there were and then said into the mic- (to his teacher right next to him) "I can't do it!" It sure was a lot longer than the Grace 1st ward primary program!
Well- I better run. Things here are going well. I've almos made it through my first transfer. Transfers are Nov. 18th. I'll know the weekend before, but I'll probably be staying here. Thanks again for all your letters. Keep me posted with Heidi. Good luck!
Love- Elder Stoddard
Monday, November 1, 2010
My Oh My...
Well.... one week down and about 95ish to go! Things this week have been pretty good. I'm still trying to get used to everything that's going on. Luckily, we are in a CAR or else I would die riding a bike everyday. Supposedly, every spanish area here has cars and don't ride bikes much so we'll see. Speaking of bikes-yes my FINALLY came just a couple of days ago.
Right now we have 2 people with baptism dates. Jorge Huejuquilla (sp?) He's one that Elder Roberts and his companion before were teaching- so I can't really count it for me. He's lined up for the 30th of October. He said that he's going to talk to his girlfriend this week about moving out. He said he'll let us know when we go back over on Wednesday. But he's ready. He's been coming to church for 4 months straight now. They even gave him a home teaching assignment yesterday.
Manuel Estrada is the first miracle of my mission. He is the guy that we found the very first day I was here. He came to church again yesterday and has a baptism date for November 20th. He expressed concern though saying that he's committed adultrey quite a bit in the past so he doesn't believe he's good enough to join the church. We assured him though that he can be forgiven through the Atonement. He'll probably have to have an interview with Pres. Merkley before he can be baptized. I have a feeling he's going to have a hard time with the Law of chastity and Word of Wisdom. The other day we taught him about Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy and he seemed to do alright with that. So we'll see how good he does. But he loves coming to church and LOVES his Bible. He reads from the BOM and Bible every day and says he feels bad when he doesn't.
We are also working with antother couple (once again not married but living together) Wilfredo and Maria. WE can't get them to keep any of their commitments though. They won't come to church because she can't wake up in the morning, they never read on their own (even though we gave them the BOM on CD's to listen to because she can't read), etc. Everytime we go over there it almost feels like they expect us to read to them each time. They are really neat though. Maria is sooooo funny. She definently wears the pants in that house! They invited us over for dinner on Friday and she said she's going to make us the spiciest food we've ever had! Bring on Heartburn city! So if you hear from me next Monday it will be a miracle that I'm still alive!
Someone asked me if I've had to play the piano yet. Well in sacarament meeting---- no. There's an hermana in the ward that plays the simplified hymns every week. It's as if you take the symplified book and symplify it more. I play every week in priesthood however. So, I look forward to that every week. There are no spanish wards in the mission- only branches. However, the branch we are in is so big that it could become a ward, but they don't have the tithing and fast offering funds to become a ward quite yet.
I survived my first earthquake this week. I guess there was one in Oklahoma City on Wednesday- we felt the aftershock of it. It wasn't too bad. Just as we were sitting there during Companionship study our chairs started wobbling and our desk moved a bit. It was weird- but cool at the same time. Everyone that we visited that day asked us if we felt it. The hispanic people have been enthrolled with the Miners that were rescued in Chile. ( I believe that's where it was?) Have you heard anything about it? They ALWAYS had it on this past week as we went over to their homes.
The weather here is different. It's still in the 80's, and is a bit cool in the mornings. There's no humidity so that's one thing that's nice. I've noticed though that my hands get SO dry here. I'm constantly putting lotion on 24/7.
Also once again my address is:
7311 S. 99th Ave. Apt 1305
Tulsa, OK 74133.
I'm sorry if you had the wrong zip code. I hope Heidi can hold off. That's not a good sign if they are trying to jail break early! Good luck with those two in the future! Hear are a few mexican names I've heard of little kids this past week- Renzo, Jose, Josue, Jorge, Manuel, Miguel, Rico, Tomas, etc. Anyone of those will work for names.
Oh another funny thing. WE are trying to get on the good side of the parents of this 9 year old kid (Renzo). They are members, but don't want him baptized for some reason. The mother is NUTS! But we went over to meet them again after leaving them alone for a couple months and she told me I look like I'm 14. Also- everyone asks if I speak spanish because I don't say much because I get lost easily! So hopefully the gift of tongues comes soon!
My first embarrasing moment came this week- We were talking with Manuel about Bro. Americo Gutierrez who takes him to church each week. I was just trying to create small talk and asked him "Do you like Hermano Americo?" Well, I was asking if he thought he was a cool guy and got along with him. I however didn't know that your not supposed to use the verb gustar when talking about if someone likes someone else of the same gender. So basiclly I asked Manuel if he's gay. He said (and my companion had to explain later) "No! I like girls!" Manuel started rolling with laughter... Thankfully he knew what I was trying to ask... Needless to say I won't make that same mistake again! Why couldn't I have aske someone to wash their bananas instead of asking if they're gay? So, I've been a little gunshy when it comes to speaking lately.
But, for the most part things here are good. It's definently hard. My companion and I get along for the most part. WE have our differences and head butt every once in awhile but we're trying to get along.
Things here are good. Just CRAZY! I'm sorry I haven't been able to get as many letters out as I did in the MTC. Here we actually have to shop for food, and other stuff. So that takes up a bit of our day. But I LOVE getting mail. It keeps me going. The first couple weeks have been hard, but I'm hanging in there.
Well, take care until next Monday.
Love- Elder Stoddard
Right now we have 2 people with baptism dates. Jorge Huejuquilla (sp?) He's one that Elder Roberts and his companion before were teaching- so I can't really count it for me. He's lined up for the 30th of October. He said that he's going to talk to his girlfriend this week about moving out. He said he'll let us know when we go back over on Wednesday. But he's ready. He's been coming to church for 4 months straight now. They even gave him a home teaching assignment yesterday.
Manuel Estrada is the first miracle of my mission. He is the guy that we found the very first day I was here. He came to church again yesterday and has a baptism date for November 20th. He expressed concern though saying that he's committed adultrey quite a bit in the past so he doesn't believe he's good enough to join the church. We assured him though that he can be forgiven through the Atonement. He'll probably have to have an interview with Pres. Merkley before he can be baptized. I have a feeling he's going to have a hard time with the Law of chastity and Word of Wisdom. The other day we taught him about Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy and he seemed to do alright with that. So we'll see how good he does. But he loves coming to church and LOVES his Bible. He reads from the BOM and Bible every day and says he feels bad when he doesn't.
We are also working with antother couple (once again not married but living together) Wilfredo and Maria. WE can't get them to keep any of their commitments though. They won't come to church because she can't wake up in the morning, they never read on their own (even though we gave them the BOM on CD's to listen to because she can't read), etc. Everytime we go over there it almost feels like they expect us to read to them each time. They are really neat though. Maria is sooooo funny. She definently wears the pants in that house! They invited us over for dinner on Friday and she said she's going to make us the spiciest food we've ever had! Bring on Heartburn city! So if you hear from me next Monday it will be a miracle that I'm still alive!
Someone asked me if I've had to play the piano yet. Well in sacarament meeting---- no. There's an hermana in the ward that plays the simplified hymns every week. It's as if you take the symplified book and symplify it more. I play every week in priesthood however. So, I look forward to that every week. There are no spanish wards in the mission- only branches. However, the branch we are in is so big that it could become a ward, but they don't have the tithing and fast offering funds to become a ward quite yet.
I survived my first earthquake this week. I guess there was one in Oklahoma City on Wednesday- we felt the aftershock of it. It wasn't too bad. Just as we were sitting there during Companionship study our chairs started wobbling and our desk moved a bit. It was weird- but cool at the same time. Everyone that we visited that day asked us if we felt it. The hispanic people have been enthrolled with the Miners that were rescued in Chile. ( I believe that's where it was?) Have you heard anything about it? They ALWAYS had it on this past week as we went over to their homes.
The weather here is different. It's still in the 80's, and is a bit cool in the mornings. There's no humidity so that's one thing that's nice. I've noticed though that my hands get SO dry here. I'm constantly putting lotion on 24/7.
Also once again my address is:
7311 S. 99th Ave. Apt 1305
Tulsa, OK 74133.
I'm sorry if you had the wrong zip code. I hope Heidi can hold off. That's not a good sign if they are trying to jail break early! Good luck with those two in the future! Hear are a few mexican names I've heard of little kids this past week- Renzo, Jose, Josue, Jorge, Manuel, Miguel, Rico, Tomas, etc. Anyone of those will work for names.
Oh another funny thing. WE are trying to get on the good side of the parents of this 9 year old kid (Renzo). They are members, but don't want him baptized for some reason. The mother is NUTS! But we went over to meet them again after leaving them alone for a couple months and she told me I look like I'm 14. Also- everyone asks if I speak spanish because I don't say much because I get lost easily! So hopefully the gift of tongues comes soon!
My first embarrasing moment came this week- We were talking with Manuel about Bro. Americo Gutierrez who takes him to church each week. I was just trying to create small talk and asked him "Do you like Hermano Americo?" Well, I was asking if he thought he was a cool guy and got along with him. I however didn't know that your not supposed to use the verb gustar when talking about if someone likes someone else of the same gender. So basiclly I asked Manuel if he's gay. He said (and my companion had to explain later) "No! I like girls!" Manuel started rolling with laughter... Thankfully he knew what I was trying to ask... Needless to say I won't make that same mistake again! Why couldn't I have aske someone to wash their bananas instead of asking if they're gay? So, I've been a little gunshy when it comes to speaking lately.
But, for the most part things here are good. It's definently hard. My companion and I get along for the most part. WE have our differences and head butt every once in awhile but we're trying to get along.
Things here are good. Just CRAZY! I'm sorry I haven't been able to get as many letters out as I did in the MTC. Here we actually have to shop for food, and other stuff. So that takes up a bit of our day. But I LOVE getting mail. It keeps me going. The first couple weeks have been hard, but I'm hanging in there.
Well, take care until next Monday.
Love- Elder Stoddard
A Whole New World...
Sorry I'm so slow in emailing you all. We have preparation day on Monday's,, but since yesterday was Columbus Day we weren't able to email becuase the libraries were closed. By the way I'm sitting in the biggest library you've ever seen. Definently puts the good old Grace library to shame. WE only ended up staying in the mission home for one night.
I LOVE President and Sister Merkley. President doesn't believe in handshakes- only hugs. But I loved being with them for only a few short hours. We headed straight to the mission home from the airport and recieved training that night, had interviews with president, ate dinner, and headed to our new areas early the next morning around 7am. Well I'm in Tulsa for my first transfer. It's not downtown, but it's in the South part. It's the Tulsa Spanish South area. Also called Red Bud Valley. I'm still confused so I'm not sure the official name. They say it's the most-if not most 2nd most- spanish speaking area in the mission. I'm with an Elder Easton Roberts from Ogden, Utah. He seems to be a good elder. Always obedient and we spend every minute of our day doing what we should be doing. He's a health freak and we don't eat much. I miss my licorice! He's not much of a 'sweet eater.' But I've got to have my little sweet something every once in a while! But, he doesn't let me buy that kind of stuff. Oh well! He sometimes isn't the most patient with me. Hopefully that will change. But things are going alright.
So my address for the next six weeks:
7311 S. 99th E. Ave. Apt 1305
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74123
I hae NEVER seen so many churches in my life. There's one that looks like the great and spacious building, also one called GUTS church where they scare people to death to repentance. Our first day we went out tracting and guess what? We found a new investigator on the 4th door we knocked. His name is Manuel Estrada. He reminds me SO much of Chicho. WE shared the first lesson with him and gave him a copy of the Book of Mormon. WE returned Saturday and showed him the Restoration DVD and answered questions he had and he came to church on Sunday. He seems to be really promising. WE also have another investigator with a baptismal date of October 30th. He's been coming to church for 4 months now. It's just a matter of getting his girlfriend to move out.
The members in the branch are super nice. They ALWAYS feed us, but the funny thing is that I haven't gotten any authentic mexican food yet. The thing I've gotten the most of is Pizza. We've only eaten over at one members home. We usually go and pick up dinner and bring it back to the apartment because the members are busy or what not. But they are super nice and willing to help with the language. The MTC does NOT prepare you in any way to speak the language. People here speak SO fast. But I'm trying to catch as much as I can and then get teh real story from my companion later.
So far as I've been out tracting I've been sworn at, doors slammed, and gotten a double bird a few times. But I know it's all for a good cause. It's kind of hard feeling rejection for the first time. In the MTC when we would practice tracting, they would ALWAYS let us in so we never experienced rejection. The first few days here have been ROUGH. I'm not going to lie. Not getting mail, being in a new place with someone I don't know, trying to understand a language that I've only been learning for 9 weeks was rough. I believe everyone now when the say this is the HARDEST thing you will ever do. I agree! But I'm hanging in there.
It's definently a change from the MTC, that's for sure. But I will be emailing every Monday from now on. Oh, someone asked about a release date- as of now- September 19, 2012. But I'm not thinking about that right now. Just focused on the work ahead of me. I wouldn't be anywhere else at this point. I love seeing the change in people lives. Well, take care and I'll talk to you all next Monday.
Love----- Elder Stoddard
I LOVE President and Sister Merkley. President doesn't believe in handshakes- only hugs. But I loved being with them for only a few short hours. We headed straight to the mission home from the airport and recieved training that night, had interviews with president, ate dinner, and headed to our new areas early the next morning around 7am. Well I'm in Tulsa for my first transfer. It's not downtown, but it's in the South part. It's the Tulsa Spanish South area. Also called Red Bud Valley. I'm still confused so I'm not sure the official name. They say it's the most-if not most 2nd most- spanish speaking area in the mission. I'm with an Elder Easton Roberts from Ogden, Utah. He seems to be a good elder. Always obedient and we spend every minute of our day doing what we should be doing. He's a health freak and we don't eat much. I miss my licorice! He's not much of a 'sweet eater.' But I've got to have my little sweet something every once in a while! But, he doesn't let me buy that kind of stuff. Oh well! He sometimes isn't the most patient with me. Hopefully that will change. But things are going alright.
So my address for the next six weeks:
7311 S. 99th E. Ave. Apt 1305
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74123
I hae NEVER seen so many churches in my life. There's one that looks like the great and spacious building, also one called GUTS church where they scare people to death to repentance. Our first day we went out tracting and guess what? We found a new investigator on the 4th door we knocked. His name is Manuel Estrada. He reminds me SO much of Chicho. WE shared the first lesson with him and gave him a copy of the Book of Mormon. WE returned Saturday and showed him the Restoration DVD and answered questions he had and he came to church on Sunday. He seems to be really promising. WE also have another investigator with a baptismal date of October 30th. He's been coming to church for 4 months now. It's just a matter of getting his girlfriend to move out.
The members in the branch are super nice. They ALWAYS feed us, but the funny thing is that I haven't gotten any authentic mexican food yet. The thing I've gotten the most of is Pizza. We've only eaten over at one members home. We usually go and pick up dinner and bring it back to the apartment because the members are busy or what not. But they are super nice and willing to help with the language. The MTC does NOT prepare you in any way to speak the language. People here speak SO fast. But I'm trying to catch as much as I can and then get teh real story from my companion later.
So far as I've been out tracting I've been sworn at, doors slammed, and gotten a double bird a few times. But I know it's all for a good cause. It's kind of hard feeling rejection for the first time. In the MTC when we would practice tracting, they would ALWAYS let us in so we never experienced rejection. The first few days here have been ROUGH. I'm not going to lie. Not getting mail, being in a new place with someone I don't know, trying to understand a language that I've only been learning for 9 weeks was rough. I believe everyone now when the say this is the HARDEST thing you will ever do. I agree! But I'm hanging in there.
It's definently a change from the MTC, that's for sure. But I will be emailing every Monday from now on. Oh, someone asked about a release date- as of now- September 19, 2012. But I'm not thinking about that right now. Just focused on the work ahead of me. I wouldn't be anywhere else at this point. I love seeing the change in people lives. Well, take care and I'll talk to you all next Monday.
Love----- Elder Stoddard
Tick Tock...
Tick-Tock my time here at the CCM (MTC in Spanish) is winding down. I have mixed emotions. Here in the MTC you are in a bubble of Zion. You don't hear anything about the outside world because nobody here talks about it, an army of missionaries walk around everyday, and everyone here has the same goal in mind. Yet, I'm ready to get out and see the world and start teaching people.
I do get to call on Wednesday. It will probably be around 9am your time. I will be calling you from Dallas while on our lay over. I will plan to call the shop unless you let me know otherwise! I'm excited to get to hear everyone's voice again! However, I may a bit drowsy since I will be up at 2am that morning!
So the sick bug hit again this week. I guess since it's my last week here I need to get sick one last time. I woke up with a sore-throat Monday morning and didn't think anything of it- used some Mucinex and Flonase. But by the time Thursday rolled around I could hardly swallow. I ran to the health clinic here and I have.........................................STREP! I know.... Thanks again mom for giving me a weak immune system! So I had a blessing last night and have been taking Cephalexin, Mucinex, Vitammin C, and Claratin D so I will be able to sing tomorrow. I won't miss that for the world. Even if I can't hit all the high notes I'll still be there!
So here's our schedule for tomorrow that I thought you might be interested in. We get "inspected" by the MTC presidency tomorrow morning at 9:30 am. If we don't have a missionary haircut, conservative tie, etc. they won't let us go. Then we watch the morning session of conference in the main building together as a choir. AS soon as the morning session gets over we head straight to lunch and eat fast! We load our assigned bus (we are taking 7 busses to SLC) @ 1:15 and leave here @ 1:30. We are going to watch the first bit of the afternoon session of conference on the bus as we go up. We will arrive at the Conference Center at 3pm and warm-up in a little theater that is also in the Conference Center that holds about 1,000 people is all. After we run thru the songs again with the organist that will be playing for us we have a potty break while we wait for the choir from the afternoon session to get out of the main theater. @ 4:45 we get to go in the main "choir loft" and run thru our songs with the main organ until about 5:15 or 5:30 ish. We have to be seated in our seats by 5:45 and ready to go. They won't let us bring anything to take notes on or anything. So when the Ensign with all the conference talks comes out I may have you send me one! After Priesthood is over we get a sack lunch as we get back on the bus and head back to campus! We will get back here around 9:45 ish they said. So it should be an exciting day!
Someone asked me what the MTC is like? Here is my answer---- It's like EFY on Steroids. You eat, sleep, drink church and spanish 24/7. You feel like you are sinning when you are in your pajamas at night or are wearing shorts on pday because you aren't in your church clothes. But- it's amazing the spirit that is here all the time. Just the last two days we taught 16 lessons. I've never been more tired in my life than last night after teaching so much, but it was a good tired.
Well, my time is running out here. The next time you hear from me you will hear my voice! Take care..... Everything here is good. Thanks again for all your letters. They keep me motivated!
Love- Elder Stoddard
Alma 26:12
I do get to call on Wednesday. It will probably be around 9am your time. I will be calling you from Dallas while on our lay over. I will plan to call the shop unless you let me know otherwise! I'm excited to get to hear everyone's voice again! However, I may a bit drowsy since I will be up at 2am that morning!
So the sick bug hit again this week. I guess since it's my last week here I need to get sick one last time. I woke up with a sore-throat Monday morning and didn't think anything of it- used some Mucinex and Flonase. But by the time Thursday rolled around I could hardly swallow. I ran to the health clinic here and I have.........................................STREP! I know.... Thanks again mom for giving me a weak immune system! So I had a blessing last night and have been taking Cephalexin, Mucinex, Vitammin C, and Claratin D so I will be able to sing tomorrow. I won't miss that for the world. Even if I can't hit all the high notes I'll still be there!
So here's our schedule for tomorrow that I thought you might be interested in. We get "inspected" by the MTC presidency tomorrow morning at 9:30 am. If we don't have a missionary haircut, conservative tie, etc. they won't let us go. Then we watch the morning session of conference in the main building together as a choir. AS soon as the morning session gets over we head straight to lunch and eat fast! We load our assigned bus (we are taking 7 busses to SLC) @ 1:15 and leave here @ 1:30. We are going to watch the first bit of the afternoon session of conference on the bus as we go up. We will arrive at the Conference Center at 3pm and warm-up in a little theater that is also in the Conference Center that holds about 1,000 people is all. After we run thru the songs again with the organist that will be playing for us we have a potty break while we wait for the choir from the afternoon session to get out of the main theater. @ 4:45 we get to go in the main "choir loft" and run thru our songs with the main organ until about 5:15 or 5:30 ish. We have to be seated in our seats by 5:45 and ready to go. They won't let us bring anything to take notes on or anything. So when the Ensign with all the conference talks comes out I may have you send me one! After Priesthood is over we get a sack lunch as we get back on the bus and head back to campus! We will get back here around 9:45 ish they said. So it should be an exciting day!
Someone asked me what the MTC is like? Here is my answer---- It's like EFY on Steroids. You eat, sleep, drink church and spanish 24/7. You feel like you are sinning when you are in your pajamas at night or are wearing shorts on pday because you aren't in your church clothes. But- it's amazing the spirit that is here all the time. Just the last two days we taught 16 lessons. I've never been more tired in my life than last night after teaching so much, but it was a good tired.
Well, my time is running out here. The next time you hear from me you will hear my voice! Take care..... Everything here is good. Thanks again for all your letters. They keep me motivated!
Love- Elder Stoddard
Alma 26:12
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