From the Mouth of Babes

Hosanna! Hosanna!

December 16. 2013

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

Well, congratulations on making it to school board president, even though it was not your intentions, Dad! That is quite odd, how it all worked out. I know it is a lot on your plate and that seems crazy of how much you have to do. Why is it always this season particular that life pushes everything at you? It makes it hard to remember the spirit of Christmas, sometimes. All I can say is to put God first and miraculously, for God is a God of miracles, things will work out.

So for Skyping, I gave my ward mission leader the telephone number of home and your cells. Hopefully, soon, you will get a call. I should let you know my schedule for that day, so if you want to do another time, it does not get hectic on my schedule and your schedule, thus causing even more frustration. So, Christmas, at 10 to 12, I will be at a recent convert's house. 12 to 3, I will be at the ward mission leader's house, the Hairs. (Which reminds me, I forgot to tell my ward mission leader, your names. Haha, oops.) 3 to 5, I will be at another recent convert family. 5 to 7:30, I will be a member's house. 7:30 until 9, I will be with Santa, also known as my landlord, having dessert. If you get a call from him, my ward mission leader, please ask about calling Grandma and Bria as well, because I forgot to mention that as well, more particularly Grandma, seeing as I knew I was going to be calling her. I did not know about Bria until now. And thanks for getting me a card to use to pay for calls.

I am excited to get the Christmas package, though I will wait until Christmas to open it. I am working really hard to get something out to people for this Christmas holiday. I am not getting anything, but I am writing something and then, hopefully, I will type it all up, or just kill my hand and write it out tenfold. Just like those of old. And yes, I did share with my companion goodies of the last package.

And with the ice storm, yeah, we did lose power, but only for a few hours. Our landlord woke us up to inform us of that, but I was fine, despite not having an electric blanket warming me up. I had bought another blanket, so that it can go on top of the electric blanket and keep the heat by, in theory, pushing it back. I was warm for the last three hours of sleep I had. 

I am seriously losing the time. Things are going by way too fast. We had some great lessons and a lot happened this week. We helped move a lady out of the ward, in the cold. I had no idea how expensive moving trucks were until now. Sheesh. Plus, moving is a lot like a game of Tetris and it is insane. I felt bad, because you could tell how stressed she was. 

One investigator, who we might be going over to Christmas, who is a husband of a recent convert, just opened up to us completely. We also have been asked a lot of questions lately, but, gratefully, the Spirit is on our side. I talked to the part member family, where the husband is deployed and the wife is Jewish, as in we were talking to the daughter about heroes from the Book of Mormon. The reason why is that the parents made an agreement to have their children exposed to both religions. 

We had the ward Christmas party, which was fun. I sat with an investigator and talked to him and other members. All they served was ham, though (Seth does not like ham). They did have other side dishes, thankfully. There was no Santa, because that is the way the bishop wanted it. 

The Primary children sang, but most of them did not sing. So, you heard hardly anything, but it was great. They had a great performance on Sunday, because one kid was extremely excited. Part of their song they had to loudly say, Hosanna, so that kid took it to heart and shouted loudly, "HOSANNA! HOSANNA!" I love little children. I remember knocking on a door and there was a mother and a kid. The mother said, "Oh, we are not interested." The kid piped up, "Why are we not interested?" And most recently, someone told us, "Oh, we are Protestants." Their kid piped up, "But, we haven't been to church in a while." 

But, back to the ward Christmas party. There were other performances and they were all good. There was even a sing along where people could also come up. Not many people in the crowd wanted to sing along. I joined and it was fun.

In our district meeting, I gave a training on goal setting and accountability. I talked and then the time came to do the role play, which involved my district in building marshmallow towers and accounting "why" for their success or failure, in not reaching the goal of how tall they wanted the tower they had set.

It has been a great week. I am particularly loving my studies at this time. I am reading "Jesus the Christ" and, soon, I will start the New Testament. I am realizing a lot. I even been watching the Bible Videos that recently came out. (I wish they would make more, but that is just me). But, also, I felt as though I should do a topical guide study on law, order, justice, and mercy. I had been thinking about law, order, justice, and mercy for quite some time, because that is something I realized I really love; which is considerably odd, having a creative mindset as well, which is free flowing. But, that is besides the point (there is a balance to it). In this study of which will take a lot of time, I have subtopics, which may or may not have sub-subtopics as well. It is quite fascinating, because this study encompasses a lot more that I also wanted to learn, which surprised me. I am really, really excited. A lot more growth is coming, which is considerably good, despite all the storms that may also encompass.

All is well.

Love,

Elder S. Todd 

Ice Cancels Church And the Dog Ate The Brush

Ice Cancels Church And the Dog Ate The Brush



December 9. 2013

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

I LIVE! So, we had an ice storm this past Sunday, of which was yesterday. At first, it was like, "Storm? There is going to be a storm?" Many of the wards cancelled church and their meetings, but there was nothing in the morning. It was all fine and dandy. The bishop of my ward here had the meetings and was planning on having church. He was from Utah and he said it will not be that bad. It had rained a bit, rained ice a bit, but nothing really bad. (The only thing you have to worry about in rain, snow and ice in Virginia are the drivers. And so they say.) Well, we have our morning meetings and my companion and I go home. By the hour, the roads freeze and it is raining ice and freezing rain. Church was cancelled. And it got worse. A lot worse. The roads were frozen, the plants froze. It was awesome. (Our "sunny" California born son couldn't wait to get to Virginia because of the seasons and storms.) We still were able to watch the Christmas devotional (broadcast from Salt Lake City commemorating the birth of the Savior), which was awesome. It was certainly different as well. But, during the night, our landlord woke us up to inform us the power had indeed gone out. So, no heat, no warm water, and we could not use our water downstairs. Later on, near eleven in the morning, the power came back on. So, indeed I do live. (I mean obviously, seeing as that I am communicating this to you. And this is in case you were concerned about my life during said ice storm.) (We don't pay much attention to the news and we were having our own unseasonably cold weather here. But we're glad he's okay since his heat was electric and he sleeps with an electric blanket.)

About your brush (His dog and one of our other dogs destroyed and ate some of the pieces to a laundry brush) , well, at least it was not a television remote, again.  (the dog had previously shredded to pieces the remote to our sound system).You still have to love my dog and take care of her.

More on the week. So, thank you for everything (It was his birthday the December 7th and he received a package from

the family). (I do plan on sending thank you cards.) I am grateful to obtain a beanie and two more ties and cards and such. I also will have to find the nearest Bank of America or go to my local Wawa, which does not surcharge on using their ATM. Thank you so much. We have one person on date for January (to be baptized) and she is really, really close. We are opening new doors to help our investigators. Some are really getting close to baptism. Oh, and we had a very, very long, tiring zone conference. I went on exchanges this week and helped a greenie out (new missionary), which was a lot of fun.

For Saturday, I helped people out. I got to watch a live Nativity, 10 times, because I had to help out with that as well. And it was outside in the cold. Then, I went to a member's house for dinner, which was awesome. My companion told her that it was my birthday and she got me an ice cream cake. It was nice. My companion promised me that he would not tell anyone besides her, but he ended up telling a youth, who put on Facebook. So, people knew. The sister missionaries baked me a cake and one of them is Filipino, so she made lumpia. It was delicious. And the ward mission leader's wife baked a muffin and put a candle in it.

I should tell you I love the downtown library here in Fredericksburg. You get to see a lot of interesting people. One time, there was a crossdresser that came in and I was like, "Oh." My poor companion had some interesting experiences as well. One time, there was this hippie man who was being kicked out, who had crazy hair. He asked my companion, "How are you?" My companion said, "Good." The man replied, "Good. Good good." When asked to leave now, the man replied, "Now? Now as in now? Now as in now now?" And just recently, there was a woman who was forced to leave and she started screaming about how the library is owned by the government and just ranted. You can only love this library.

I will Skype on Christmas; the rule is, even with calls and such, I have 30 to 40 minutes. If you think I am making this up, ask your local missionaries. I will be going to my ward mission leader's house for lunch and Skype then. You will have to set up your own account, because I have no idea what the password to mine is. My companion said that I will be using the leader's account, so I am okay, hopefully. I will ask about Grandma (WHICH, by the way, can you send the week to her this week) and get a card to call her (one of those phone card things).(We did.)

All is well.

Love,

Elder S. Todd

Thanksgiving

December 2nd, 2013

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

It sounds like you had a good Dead Bird Day (a reference to what Seth's grandfather called Thanksgiving). I had a fun day, going from one members house to my landlord to an investigator. It was a lot of fun and a lot of food. By the third meal, I had a very small portion, because I knew my stomach was not that hungry. And I had deep fried turkey, which is a lot crunchier and juicier than regular turkey.

And wow Mom! I saw a picture of you, thanks to the courtesy of Joy! You look different! I had noticed it with the other picture. (His mother has a short, different style haircut) I was happy that Joy sent me pictures of the family and Bria helped out on that as well (especially with a picture of my dog). I hope you got my letter. I know I sent it out late, but it should arrive soon, hopefully. I will definitely keep an eye out for the packages. (We sent him a package for his birthday that should arrive a couple days early.)

It sounds like you had fun with Bria! That must have been really exciting to see her! I am glad that you were able to help Grandma with her puzzles. Those were a lot of fun and I loved doing puzzles with Grandma.

It has been a good week. Things are definitely looking up, even though this week looks the same as last week. We were able to have a good amount of investigators come to church and they are progressing. I am really excited for these people and I hope they continue to progress. We had a major crunch on our miles(missionaries are given an allowance on their mileage); we had to walk a couple of days to preserve what extra miles we had left. 

And our car does not seem to get a break either. So, we have additional scratches on our car; this time of our own make. We just got done with potluck and everybody left. My companion and I were the last ones to leave the member's house. I got a call from the ward mission leader and I was focused on the call, what he was saying. As I was doing this, my companion, who I was not paying attention to, started backing up. Next thing I knew, the car was right in view and I started to tell him to stop.

He cannot see me, because I do not have any light on me and I am wearing black (coat, pants, shoes, beanie). Well, there was a small stone wall with slate that the car went over and scratched the car. My companion rolled down the window as I was talking to the leader. I said, "I told you to stop!" He replied, "I cannot see you unless you are behind me!" The poor mission leader said, "Well, I will talk to so and so and I, uh, will call you back." We told the member, which he did not seem too upset about the wall, just wanted to laugh at us. As we left and started to talk to someone else, the "maintenance required" light came on. Our car cannot get a break.

But, like I said with Thanksgiving, I had fun. The one member's house was a lot of fun; we played 20 Questions, only different. My companion knew me too well to figure out what I was thinking. (Javert, from Les Miserables). Then, with our landlord and his family, it was real nice. And the investigator was fun. We were able to gain another new investigator by teaching the Plan of Salvation. Plus, the investigator shot off fireworks! Nobody, thankfully, called the cops.                                                 

And the Lord works in mysterious ways. The investigator where we went to Thanksgiving finally came to church here. I hope he enjoyed it. He has been investigating for a few years now and it took him to go to Arizona and be stranded there. Why? Because, he went to church there and received assistance from the bishop there and bishop here spoke highly of the investigator. The only bad part of his Arizona trip is that he got in a car accident and the airbag shattered his radius bone. His arm will not be the same, but I know a great scripture that can help (the investigator is pretty depressed about his arm)! 

Are you sending this to my siblings?

All is well!

Love,

Elder S. Todd

P.S. Congratulations also mother for bearing your testimony! (She bore her testimony in church. Members are given   the opportunity the first Sunday of each month to bear testimony of their Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the amazing grace poured out upon those who choose to come unto Christ Jesus.                                                                     
P.P.S Also, someone made deviled eggs and they did not add paprika, but pickle relish. I started laughing, because I thought of Grandma and her deviled eggs.

'Twas the Week Before the Bird Died . . .

November 25, 2013

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

I got your Thanksgiving card. Thank you for it. I much appreciate it. I did enjoy the humor of today as well as last week. 

We have two to three places to go, which means on Thursday (Thanksgiving) I have three set meals. Lunch, snack, and dinner. I am excited for Thanksgiving, though this week and the upcoming weeks we plan on tracting a lot. I will go into that a bit later. I hope Bria has a safe flight (his sister was flying for the first time with one layover); I know she is scared and I pray for her safety. Have fun on Thanksgiving!

It is frustrating for me that I cannot go to the temple, especially with it so close! But, that would require me to cross two missions (D.C. South and North) to get to the temple. Plus, you have D.C. traffic, which is bumper to bumper even at so many miles away. It is hard especially with the big excitement of the Festival of Lights and performances that go on from December 6th on towards January 1st at the Washington, D.C. temple. We cannot go at all. The mission president made that clear. 

I am glad to hear things go well in Lemoore with missionary work. Keep on working hard.

So, this week was a crazy week. We went out to eat with our district on Tuesday and then, we had a surprise appointment (in which we gave a church tour). The appointment was a surprise, because we had thought we were just calling to set up an appointment. Instead, the investigator told us, "I am on my way." Oh, and we were trying to finish laundry at another missionary's apartment, seeing as we do not have access to one in our basement apartment. So, it was a good appointment; the investigator likes to ask deep, deep questions. 

While we were waiting for him to arrive, we noticed that something was different about our car. Somebody hit the bumper and did not leave a note, so we have a nice dent on our car. Wednesday, we had to fill out a form, figure out where to go, and set up an appointment for an estimate. Thursday, we had the estimate done and then, we mailed it off. It was a fun form to fill out, "What is the driver's information?, What is their VIN number?, etc." We had no idea. 

A progressing investigator of the church dropped us, saying that her doctor said to limit contact with others, us. That was heartbreaking. 

I fell down stairs twice. First time, I was carrying my laundry and it was dark. I thought I come to the bottom of the stairs and took a step. Apparantly, there was another step before the end. So, I fell and landed on my knees and hit my elbow on the railing. My companion asked me if I was okay. I told him that it felt like I had prayed for a long time. Second time, I was holding onto the railing when my hold slipped and I knocked off a post (which was attachable still) and cut my finger.

This week had its good moments. We had some good appointments. I got to watch Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration with the man I baptized. We had some great meals with members. It was a good time. Now is the time to refocus our efforts in finding people to teach.

Since you sent some funny things this week and the past, I will tell you some funny things. With the Primary Program, the bishop at the end, talked a bit, and then turned around and said, "Children, I want you to know that you are children of God." Then, a kid piped up, "We already know that bishop!"

There are plenty of historical markers here in Virginia. One of them read "General Hooker's Headquarters." I read it to my companion and he said, not realizing, jokingly, "We should go there for P-day. Haha, just kidding!" I looked at him and said, "It is a historical site." He replied, "Oh." I guess he had thought it was literal. A fascinating fact if I had not shared, the word hooker comes from General Hooker who had women following his army. That is enough of that fact.

There was a time when one of the sister missionaries needed a blessing. I was with my companion and another male member. The sister missionary has an accent, so it can be hard to understand sometimes. She received a blessing before for a cold that she had. Well, it was different this time. My companion was wondering what was wrong, seeing if it was the same problem as before. She replied with cramps, but my companion thought she said Chromes. He thought she had Crohn's disease and wanted her to go to the hospital. Her companion replied, "No, stomach pains." My companion finally understood, but then, the male member said, "Oh, is the Virginian food getting to you?" That left an awkward silence for a while and the male member understood why after it. I always tease my companion, saying, "Crohns." I really do like my companion; he is a good missionary and he can be funny. I can also be stubborn at times, but that is besides the point. He looks after me. I set up a dinner appointment with a member on December 7th (that's Seth's 19th birthday). I had absolute no intentions of saying what day that was, but my companion told the member anyway.

So, I hope you had a good laugh. I hope that you are sending my week to my siblings, because I do have limited time here, especially today. Do you mind sending this to Grandma as well?

I knew I would be getting packages soon. I was kind of hoping, seeing as I was nearing the end of my Book of Mormon studies, to obtain my New Testament Institute manual. I understand if you do not want to send it.

All is well. Have a good week.

Love,

Elder S. Todd

P.S. I made sure to wish my mission president, in these exact words, "a Happy Dead Bird Day." May you also have a Happy Dead Bird Day!

A Visit From Elder Sitati

 A Minnionary

Monday, November 18, 2013

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

Good news is that I am not being transferred. No calls yesterday, so that is a definite sign. (Unless, of course, they forgot to call, but I am optimistic.) So, yes, no transfer for me. Thank you for sending me that laugh. It is good to laugh. This transfer was a lot of personal spiritual growth. I am refocusing my efforts and am working hard. I am glad to hear about my dog and I am glad that she is keeping warm. I am glad to see that missionary work in Lemoore is going well. Congrats on the work!

Oh by the way, I have a secondary medical insurance called Missionary Medical. I do not know if you knew that, but it would be great for you to know and to let our primary insurance know. Just in case I plan to take a visit to the hospital any time soon.

So, I hardly have enough time emailing. I can barely email president.

So, this week. Elder Sitati came on Tuesday and talked to us about our missionary purpose. It was awesome. I received a lot of personal insight and had a lot of personal revelation. We plan on using that to put on a fireside to teach members about missionary work. We did service; a lot of raking leaves. A lot of spiritual insights. This week was great in spiritual insights. I learned a lot. Our investigators are doing good, sort of. Two got injured this past week. One got in a car accident in Arizona and snapped his arm. Another was riding his bike and fell into a ditch. He injured his head, shoulder, and knee. One investigator family is leaving and moving to another area. Others we need to contact again, because they have not talked to us in a while. Still working hard, though.

That sums up my week. I have been praying a lot to know what I need to do. I need to be a shepherd. I am learning a lot about having compassion.

I love you. All is well.

Love,

Elder S. Todd

(Who is Elder Sitati? 

Elder Joseph W. Sitati

First Quorum of the Seventy

Elder Joseph W. Sitati was sustained a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 4, 2009, at age 56. At the time of his call, he had been serving as president of the Nigeria Calabar Mission.

Elder Sitati earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nairobi in 1975 and a diploma in accounting and finance from the Association of Certified Accountants. He has also done course work for the MBA degree from the same university in 2000 and worked as an executive for “Reach the Children,” a nongovernmental organization. Prior to that, he worked in several positions with the Total Group, the 4th largest oil and gas company in the world. Among those positions was that of strategy manager at Total Kenya and consultant for the overseas division. More recently he served as the Church’s International Director of Public Affairs in Africa.

Since joining the Church in 1986, Elder Sitati has served in numerous callings, including branch president’s counselor, branch president, district president, mission president’s counselor, stake president, Area Seventy, and mission president.

Joseph Wafula Sitati was born in Bungoma, Kenya, in May 1952. He married Gladys Nangoni in July 1976. They are the parents of five children and currently reside in Accra Ghana, where he serves in the Africa West Area presidency.)
.

Give me Donuts and I'll Sing

Monday, November 11, 2013

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

I am glad to hear everything is going well. I am glad to hear that the work is moving along in Lemoore. It is definitely going to get colder here, though I suffice with my electric blanker. Plus, I sleep next to a portable heater. I did get the jacket during interviews and I like it. It is warm, especially how windy it has been lately. Apparently, we are supposed to get snow soon. I am excited! Who knows how long the snow will last, because it is still sunny here. Still, very cold. And I have been doing a lot of leaf removal. They still keep on falling.

I am glad to hear that you have received the images and the card is safe. I am happy about that. Now, you understand as to why I had to baptize him four times. He was bigger than I was. I try my best with the camera, sometimes I think it looks good, but you never know.

Interviews went well. Now, I have to explain something. So, the bag that I am using to carry my scriptures, I also use to carry around family history (pedigree charts, etc.), pamphlets, and an extra Book of Mormon. I prefer this, because I feel like a mobile library and prepared. So, the mission president looks at my bag and says, "Oh, you know by the next year we will be getting iPads and everything will be electronic. Plus, you might even now mention the fact to people that they can read the Book of Mormon on lds.org and even listen to it on their phones. Pretty soon, there will be little need for that bag." Of course, I roughly paraphrase his words. I thought about it, "I like my physical, hard copies." I understand the use of electronics and such and it is great. I will not give up on the physical, turn the pages scriptures. Especially with all the work, I have put in mine. But, I will definitely tell people that they can listen to the Book of Mormon and read online.  He told me to switch wrists with my watch from the right arm to the left. I told him my goals and he said that they were good goals. I told him at this current point I am working on faith and charity, which he said that I should work on the three: faith, hope, and charity. So, that is what I am working on faith (in self, in Christ), hope (with self), and charity (for others).

What an interesting week. So, Tuesday. That is the day of our district meetings. The sister missionaries that are in my ward come in with donuts and hand them to me. They did this before and it was quite nice. That is until they said, "Oh, by the way, that is payment." I am confused by this point, wondering what payment they are talking about. Then, one of them explained, "The bishop texted us, asking for my companion to sing during sacrament meeting. I figured that I would play the piano and I volunteered you and your companion to sing as well. By accepting the donuts, you have to do it." Needless to say, I sang with my companion and a sister missionary, yesterday in front of the ward. That was nerve wracking. I did practice and my companion and the sisters were teaching me how to sing bass. I sing bass, because when I sing, I sing low. So, I learned a little bit more about singing. It was confusing, because the bottom part of the sheet with the notes and such are the bass parts. So, you are singing without the tune. Luckily, we chose "Because I Have Been Given Much," so I could sing bass to the tune. Plus, I got the chance to start it off. I started the song that we sang in sacrament meeting. People commented on our performance and a few complimented my voice. One person told me, "I did not know that your voice could go that low."

I have been doing a lot of leaf removal. The sister missionaries helped us with this one house. Big yard with a lot of trees, which equals a lot of leaves. But, it was fun. There is still more work to do, because there are many leaves still on trees. 

My companion went on missionary exchanges for a day. He went at the best time, because on Friday, the missionary that was with me had to go to seminary. Me, I love the mornings. I woke up 5:00, got ready in fifteen minutes. If I was alone, I probably would have left by the time I got ready. This missionary does not believe in the mornings and even says that the day should not begin until noon. He did not move until 20 minutes after 5 and then took 20 minutes to get ready. And seminary starts at 5:50 in the morning. So, we were moderately early. I should have said seminary started at 5:30, but oh well. We went to seminary for, not only a free breakfast, but to bear our testimonies on the Book of Mormon. I loved it and I think I was extremely excited as I bore testimony.

Yesterday, it was interesting besides sacrament meeting. We contacted a referral and there were two people outside the house, who were not the referral. They smoked cannabis in front of us. They even offered. I got asked if I was a virgin. They tried to confound us, but they did not have luck. It was a quite interesting visit to say the least. Well, there is always a first for everything.

I also talked to a Jewish woman who is married to a Mormon and who is not searching and not wanting to convert. Even her daughter is leaning towards Judaism. So, I talked to her about her faith and religion. I also talked about the history of Israel with her and she mentioned the Talmud. I would love to read the Talmud and I understand there are volumes upon volumes. The reason why I would love to read it, is because of what the Bible Dictionary says. I also like to understand about my Judaeo-Christian heritage that I have.

I have done a lot of thinking, a lot of praying, a lot of learning. This Tuesday, Elder Sitati is coming to visit the mission and it will be great to hear from him. It will be great.

All is well.

Love,

Elder S. Todd

P.S. Transfers are November 21st. I will know on Sunday if I or my companion is moving. Tuesday, of that week I will know which place

Elder Seth Todd's first baptism. Elder Todd is the short guy in white. The man he baptized is the giant of a man in white on the right site. Baptism is done by complete immersion in the water and bringing the person out of the water.

Light Versus the Dark: "We Are Winning the War"

November 4, 2013

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

Thanks for everything. A lot of this mission thus far seems to be personal struggles, trying to become a better person. 

Essentially, I know I will face the dark continually as a beacon of light, especially here out in the field and with my career choice. I understand that. Every day, I am learning more about trusting God and the Lord, which trust is hard for me to sometimes give. I pray, I should be now, openly, alone to commune aloud with God. 

I do admit that I do have personal struggles. All I know is that day by day it will get better and that fulfilling my mission goals will help with all my problems. I have been praying a lot on all things.  My mission goals seem to be inspired and the reason why I have goals is, because, seeing as interviews are coming up (November 7 with mission president), President Wilson wanted us to make goals.  I know what I need to do. I need to do whatever God wants me to do, so I can be the person he wants me to be. There are things that I need to do on my own; I just need your support in ways that are not advice or help that is specific in certain directions. If you feel inspired at all, go ahead, maybe I will see it that way. Thanks for everything.

There is one thing that I do need to do now. I struggle a lot with identity and so far, I feel as though I have split between a secular identity and gospel identity, that I am trying to merge. Again, do not give me advice on this or anything like that. I have things to figure out with God. But, just keep on reading. So, who am I? I could tell you my name, that I am a child of God (which I will inevitably do), and many other things, but regardless, the question still stands. What answers this question that I pose is what makes me, me. I am a man of study, of scholar. I read, I write, I study. The most fun, the enjoyment I get out of life is studying, is to read. I have a list that I carry with me of all things that I would like to learn. I am spending my life learning; it is one purpose to life. I am a man of psychology. I love the mind. It is a puzzle in itself. I love behavior, in why we do certain things as well as the abnormalities of the mind. I find the mind so fascinating; I find it as evidence of God. I am a man of law. I find the law interesting. I was reading the Book of Mormon and I read about law in Alma and some of the Nephite law and it was so interesting. That is why I want to be a forensic psychologist. I may not understand fully what I am about to do, but, hey, I am willing to do it. I like different cultures. I love the different languages; I do not care about their talent in singing, I just care about the tale behind the song and the beauty of a different language. I find it fascinating to know these things. I find Judaism, fascinating, because of the history of it in the Bible. I love musicals and operas. Music becomes the story. The different pitches, or whatever, help convey the emotion, the personality behind a character. I wish I would have known this earlier; listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and their CD, "Showtime," I am envious in the fact that I have not heard of some musical. I love a good story. I understand if this all seems a bit worldly, but what I just put is part of who I am. Another part is the gospel side. This 2 years is just time for me to be spiritual. This is a life long commitment. I want to dedicate my life in following Christ. I may be quiet, but I am great listener. I can listen with love. I can speak what testimony that I do have. I am a child of God and what hope and happiness that simple phrase brings. Every soul is worth something to God. He loves us. I am a Melchizedek Priesthood holder. I may not understand it at this current time, though I am a bit unsure exactly what I am seeking (that will come in time), but I know it is God's power, it is authority. I have been called to bear the priesthood and do all that it entails. I may not have realized it earlier, but I am starting to do so. I am a disciple of Christ. I will follow Him, for I know that He lives. I am a bearer, a beacon of light. I will not be hid.

So, this week was a good week, despite all our appointments falling through (well, most). A lot of service was performed. Lots of raking. But, fall is definitely here. It it getting a bit chillier. My electric blanket will have to suffice as my source of warmth, seeing as I do not have my dog with me. Oh, which reminds me I was really happy to see a boxer, yesterday. My companion was able to baptize someone that he taught in his previous area. That person was taught for a while, brought a friend along, and then, moved up here to go to school. And the mission split and Fredericksburg became part of the Virginia Richmond mission. My companion got transferred up here, they saw each other, and the person asked him to baptize them. It was great to see that. And the sisters here are getting people on date, which is really good. One of their investigators was sick and they were teaching her when one of the sister missionaries felt prompted to talk about the priesthood and priesthood blessings. We got a call a bit later from the sisters while doing service, because the investigator really wanted a blessing right then and now. My companion performed it and mentioned something that he did not know, but the sisters and the investigator earlier talked about. Plus, after the blessing, the investigator was happy as can be; she had a lot of energy and kept on chatting up a storm. This week was also Halloween and the ward's Trunk-or-Treat. My companion and I were the judges for the chili cook-off. So, after a while, chili starts to taste the same, so you have to remember which ones that stuck out the most. It was great. Plus, at the end, my companion and I brought tupperware, so we were able to snatch a few of the leftovers to last us a while. Plus, when members offer for us to take food home to eat, we gladly take, although I am a bit hesitant with the dessert. We seem to have a lot in the apartment, seeing as Halloween just came by.

All is well.

Love,Elder S. Todd

Serving the Lord Means Serving Others As He Would Do

October 29, 2013

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

People can definitely change. This work does need the help of the members. I have the notion in my head that the members need to refer people and the missionaries are to follow up and also do less-active and inactive work. Whether it is true or not, members do have a job of being an example and helping the missionary work. It is not about, "There are the missionaries and here are the members." This work definitely needs to be a united effort. I am glad that you are putting a lot of effort in making sure that missionary work is being pushed along. That is good to hear and I am sure the missionaries appreciate your efforts for doing so. It is good to hear about baptisms that are going on, not because of numbers, but due to the fact of what the gospel brings: happiness. 

I did get the socks. I also got the package, which both my companion and I enjoyed. Thank you so much for that. I do need Flonase, but my allergies do not really bother me as much, unless of course there is dust. But sneezing due to dust is not allergies, it is your nose just trying to expell forcefully the dust. 

I do plan on sending the memory card from my camera soon, so I will let you know when that is taking place. 

I wanted to apologize for my last email and music. I have probably annoyed you two about music. The problem with music is that I am highly attracted to music due to creativity as I have realized. I do recommend that you listen to Alex Boye. Look on the internet, particularly YouTube, for him and Israel, Israel, God is Calling or Reflections of Christ. Somebody out there is bound to have that or the full CD on the internet. Also, look up Lindsey Stirling, who is a Mormon, especially her music video, Shadows, which I believe, you, Dad, will like. Enough about that.

So, this week has been the most interesting week.  Nice two quotes you gave, because they both seem to fit my situation.

Sorry to get to you so late. On Sunday night, my companion and I had a prompting to go see this inactive part-member family. We did so and we ended up doing service most of our P-day. It was definitely worth it. We are now going back to do more service. I have been doing a lot of service these past days. Yeah, for leaves and the season of autumn! I know I will be doing a lot more service for others with the change of seasons. All the more tasks I get to learn besides mowing a lawn. I am grateful also for my companion who allows me to do certain tasks instead letting me get the easy way out. I am learning a lot, besides the spiritual learning that is taking place.

Investigators are doing fine for the most part. One couple are praying for date for baptism. Hopefully, they will also find out a marriage is necessary as well, but that is something that will eventually be brought to their attention. Another family feels like we are too pushy, so we are letting them simmer (the ones that the bishop was willing to help us out with). It is best to give them some room and they may eventually come to church. One step at a time. The mental health duplex sisters are doing quite well; we gave them to the sisters and they have a baptismal date. Soon, they will come to church. We also "stole" one of the sister's investigators; the person wanted to meet with us instead. It is really interesting situation. 

While the work may seem slow, the Lord is definitely taking charge. I feel directed in so many ways. I am directed in what ways I need to change as well as who to go see. There are a lot of things that I am really grateful for such as my companion. With everything going on, I feel motivated to keep on, even if my body feels a bit fatigued. My soul goes on. All is well. 

Have a wonderful week.

Love, 

Elder S. Todd

Serve, Give, Live, Know, Sweat, Plead, Come

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

We are still working with the people in the duplexes (mentally ill but capable), though we may end up giving these people, who are mainly single sisters, to the sister missionaries. Our appointments with the one couple whose wife is interested keep on cancelling, so we are trying to see them as soon as we can and hopefully, the bishop will come to talk with the husband.

That is so awesome that the lady that Mom has been working with is getting baptized. That is so cool! Congratulations to her! Dad keep up the missionary effort! That is great that you are using the technology of today for a force of good and helping move the work. And you are trying to find members from the ward I am in? I am sure they will say good things, but I do not know what they use. Have fun with Stake Conference! (Stake Conference is a combined gathering of several congregations in a geographical area. The guest speaker will be President Gelwix of the California Fresno Mission, an unpaid minister and former rugby coach) This week for us, I believe, is going to be the primary program (a program put on by the children ages 3 to 11 for the congregation), which is great.

My MTC companion has been emailing that he got in contact with our TRC that was the real investigator. No news on how much she has progressed, but, finally, I know something. I have been slow to write a letter to her. I am a bit frustrated with myself. I know that I am busy a lot. 

To answer your questions I did get the thermal skins, I think I got the socks, but nothing on the jacket. And yes, mail is fine coming to where I live. Our landlord is good at leaving our mail in the mailbox and thus far, since he and his wife are gone for a time, his mail is still in the mailbox. So, mail is good coming here. I do believe sending camera SD cards back and forth will work fine, unfortunately (cost of stamps, I realize could add up (only about three dollars)), but it is the only way that could work (it makes me nervous to do so, but it is best way to go anyway).

And about the hotel, cool! (We learned that the hotel we stayed in Salt Lake City is listed as haunted.)That is interesting! I would not want to go back in it, due to our experience, but what interesting information. I wonder how Bria found that out. Also, sounds like a good "Criminal Minds" that you watched; I do not miss watching the T.V. shows even though I still like hearing about them.

So, this week; slow, but good for the most part. Not a lot happened that was so awesomely amazing, but it was good. I was so happy when I saw a fox. It ran across the road, which I was really amazed at it. No picture, because (a) I was in a car and (b) it ran. I did see some deer, but that was when I was driving and riding a bike (and the deer ran across the road). In fact, when I was driving with my old companion (Meibos), I almost hit Bambi, who was standing in the middle of the road before it scampered off. Last Monday, there was traffic, oddly, going to our residence, because somebody who did not want to hit a deer swerved and flipped their car.

And speaking of time, time is starting to blend. My weeks are starting to snowball into some shape and blend. I am not too happy that September went by so quickly and now, October is nearly over. It feels like it is going to end; this mission is going by way too quickly and it has been what, three months, if not four? I am enjoying my time learning. There was this one person who told us that this is the time to be serious and after this, have fun. Hearing that, I think to myself that I find the most enjoyment out of writing, learning, serving, listening, and thinking. Most people do not think that is enjoyable. I will always find myself weird, but all is well. I am normal and to a degree unique.

I do not know if I told you, but we had a slight meal policy change. Still no meal calendar and it is still preferred that members invite non-members, but regardless, this change is to help members understand what is going on. So, we are no longer to have weekly invites by members, which I took to mean all members. I told this one part-member family that her weekly invites could no longer happen, which she was perfectly fine with, though she wants to make sure we are fed. I was doing this to be obedient and as it turns out, her weekly invites as a non-member are okay. As I soon as I found out, I told her, which she was quite happy to hear.

I learned how to stack wood, which was quite fun. I am learning a lot here both temporally and spiritually. We have a new investigator that the sisters were teaching, but the investigator secretly told a member that he wants us to come over. The sisters are still teaching him, though mainly to his wife. We do not think the wife knows that we are teaching him, but it may go well. When the sisters (missionaries) found out, they were understandably shocked and upset (to a degree). 

We also helped this recent convert (who is a single mother) tag clothes, which was so much fun. What ended happening was that Elder Longman and I started talking about the different cartoons we had watched when we were little and some of the better cartoons. (In fact, he has some permissible Disney movie music with him.) We talked about Avatar and such and we both agree that today's cartoons are horrible. The single mother piped up that she still watches cartoons, especially when her kids are at school to which her 19 year old asked her why she watches cartoons when the kids are not around. It was a fun day.

Like I said, there is not much to say. This week, not much excitement happened; that is okay. I have done plenty of personal reflection. I have found that my favorite scriptural heroes are Elijah, Enoch and Melchizedek. I read as much as we have on all of them and they are my favorite three. I love Elijah for how awesome he was. I love Enoch for his personal weakness that he told the Lord he had and the Lord basically still made him go out and teach. Enoch was a good man. I love Melchizedek for what we know and that he was an admirable priest. I have been thinking about Melchizedek a lot lately. In the most recent Ensign, I believe, there is a picture of him blessing Abram and I absolutely love it for some reason. Which brings up my next point, I am really loving gospel art right now. It is the best art and I wish there was more on the Book of Mormon. I seen some new pictures besides the ones you usually see (the ones where the men are usually muscular and such) due to the Ensigns. There are some good pictures, especially of Christ out there. And the Mormon Tabernacle Choir has excellent music. I love the albums "Love at Home," "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing," and "Showtime." I love the "Battle of Jericho" from "Come, Thou Fount" and I love "Homeward Bound" from "Love at Home." (You can probably guess as to why I love Showtime.) There is so much beauty around this world that we do not recognize and I am so happy to realize what is around me. I love the gospel art and I love gospel music. So, I guess, I have been reflecting on art and music. I am so glad that there is so much more time in my life to greatly appreciate this beauty.

So, short week, slow, but all good. Truly, all is well!

Love,

Elder S. Todd