Salad Anyone?

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.--Ephesians Chapter 2 KJV

Monday, September 15, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

When did you find the recent convert here in Appomattox? (On his Elder Seth Todd Facebook page, there is a request for prayers on his behalf because of his back injury. When people click on like as parents we like to discover who the people are that we don't know. Seth's Dad made contact with her and he was delighted to meet this wonderful person.) I was quite surprised. She does know about Institute and has talked about going to BYU or to Utah. She is really a good person and has good questions. I am not surprised that you found her Facebook and that she found me, because the family that has us for dinner a lot found me on Facebook.

I am glad people are praying for the both of us. ( Elder Todd has been grateful for his companions and his companion's health is important to him as well.) One, my companion may or may not have kidney stones and he has been feeling under the weather. Two, my back has been doing a lot better and the leg pain went away. That is until I cleaned the house. To understand, I do not know my limits and I thought cleaning the house (which needed to be done badly) was no problem. I do not think I will be cleaning the house any time soon.

I have slowed down completely, which I am utterly saddened by it. I love being active, but with my back, I do not know my limits like I have said. I have limited myself to such a degree to make it easier. The back exercises I have to do takes about 40 minutes of my morning, so I do not have time to do any other exercises. I am dealing with the reality of my injury and I have to play it safe. Raking leaves, cleaning house, snow shoveling, heavy lifting, and other things yet known to me are off the list.

I knew about the Saratov Approach. (A movie made about the true story of two missionaries kidnapped and held for ransom in Russia back in 1998. People of many faiths were praying for their safe release.) I found out about it in Woodbridge. There were times when I felt like mentioning it, but I refrained for Mom's sanity. Elder Clifford told me that his mom went to see it in the theater and someone in front of her said, "I am glad I do not have a son out on the mission." It sounds like a really good movie.

Monday, Elder Young and I went to Zone P-day, wherein I sat out and he played. I did my normal thing of read the scriptures. We are having another Zone P-day today, which I get to sit out again and for the rest of the mission. Today, I have other tasks to do, such as writing letters and cards. After that, we had dinner with the bishop and it was quite nice. Afterwards, he took us to an elderly member to give her a blessing (the lady had dementia and was slowly deteriorating). We helped with that and later that night, she passed away quietly. From there, we saw our hospital patient who is now in the health care system. He had been calling us, so we thought something was wrong. As I quickly discovered, he is lonely and bored.

Once we got back home, I prayed and then talked to my companion.  I told him what I needed to do and what the Spirit wanted me to do. He understands that we need to tract. I told him that I need his support in all of this. It was a good talk.

Tuesday, we mainly organized due to a threat of rain. One thing I do have to consider is his health, seeing it can be easily compromised.

Wednesday, we did our normal thing of make our progress record and then print off at the church. The printer at the church was not working properly. We got a call from missionaries to drop off a baptismal suit over in Colonial Heights. We did that and drove over to the spot where we were going to tract. Then, we received a call to try to visit someone. I felt that we should go, so we did. We mainly made our presence known. Seeing as we were back in Petersburg, we decided to see a person who needed to be visited. Instead, we got another call from another family in Petersburg. That visit went good to awry to good; we talked to the bishop about it.  We had correlation and then we set off to see our hospital patient with the assistant ward mission leader. We had bought him a coloring book, crayons, and a magnifying glass (to read the Book of Mormon). Out of all things, he enjoyed the coloring book and told us that he was going to color two pages every night. It made me happy. Well, later, we had to replace the coloring book, because somebody took it.

Thursday, we received two referrals. [So, Central State referral. Talking to the missionary over the referral, she said it is a could not contact. Personally, I would love to visit the person, but I had some hesitation with Elder Young. One, I am not sure he wanted to see the person. Two, having studied quite a bit about schizophrenia and its genetic causes I would desire to meet this person and offer anything positive even if it were to comfort the family.] 

The Apostle Peter wrote that disciples of Jesus Christ are to have“compassion one of another.” In that spirit I wish to speak to those who suffer from some form of mental illness or emotional disorder, whether those afflictions be slight or severe, of brief duration or persistent over a lifetime. We sense the complexity of such matters when we hear professionals speak of neuroses and psychoses, of genetic predispositions and chromosome defects, of bipolarity, paranoia, and schizophrenia. However bewildering this all may be, these afflictions are some of the realities of mortal life, and there should be no more shame in acknowledging them than in acknowledging a battle with high blood pressure or the sudden appearance of a malignant tumor.-Elder Jefferey R. Holland of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles LDS Conference October 2013 Link: Like A Broken Vessel

We talked more as companions about our teaching styles. We saw our recovering medical less active who has been coming to Church for the past while. Later that night, we saw one of our referrals who lived far, far away. It was a good visit and there was potential out of it. The thing was she is looking for help with understanding the Bible and thought the Book of Mormon would help. We helped her with seeing that it will.

Friday, we saw our other referral, who was a young man who is agnostic. We taught him the Restoration and I feel that it went relatively well. And then, we tracted! We found our spot, started walking to the homes. Before we even got there, there was this lady who stopped us. She proceeded to present rote words about Mormonism and the evil it is and to beware of false prophets. She was not willing to listen, because afterward, she walked off. I went on, reminded by the truth that the Book of Mormon is true. Not much success came out of it, but I am happy that we put our faith out there. (Interesting that he gets his chance to go knocking door-to-door and they meet this lady. Most likely this lady may not have read much of the Bible. For sure she must have skipped Ephesians about how the church is built upon a foundation of apostles and prophets. Even more so she has little knowledge of the beginnings of Christianity. Nevertheless, she felt she had to say what she said as much as they had a message for her that she didn't want to hear.)

Saturday, we helped set up for Sunday and the linger longer that would take place. We also saw our hospital patient to watch a video and give him his new coloring book.

Sunday. We had ward conference where the stake (a stake covers several congregations and leaders come to give help or advice as needed.) came over and talked about hastening of the work. They taught the classes and helped run things. It was pretty good. Afterwards, we had a linger longer. I pause here to help bring light to something. I have been looking for a way to serve. So, I thought I would share something with the ward would be great and we had this linger longer coming up. I decided to make thee pasta salad. When I say "thee pasta salad," I mean the pasta salad with different color rotini noodles (except I had one box of the multiple color and another box of regular rotini), salami, olives, feta, artichoke hearts, and Italian dressing. It turned out well, but I honestly did not think I added enough artichoke hearts. Well, nobody except a select few knew I made something. At the linger longer, it was eaten, though there was a good share left. It made me happy when I saw people grabbing some and eating it. I was happy when I even saw the people I was sitting with, eating "thee pasta salad." After the linger longer, the stake went on a blitz. We went with one high councilman. We saw the recent convert of Appomattox and it was a good visit. There was a lot of successful visits that people had. When we got to the church, I wondered if there were any leftovers of that pasta salad. I could not control what happened to the bowl of pasta salad, because I was not part of the clean up and we had to leave. So, I was like disappointed, but then I thought I hope whoever has the pasta salad enjoys it. Afterwards, we went to the family who feeds us often (like we will do for the next two Sundays) and the recent convert was there. She asked an excellent question towards the end of our visit.

This week went by too quickly. My days feel like forever, but the week is short. It is the middle of September and a new transfer begins today.

All is well!

Love,

Elder S. Todd

P.S. Here are pictures of my concoction. Salad anyone?

Virginia Richmond Mission: Moving Forward

Transfers take place every six weeks; although a missionary could be in a single area for months. As neither my companion nor I were transferred it was time for me to step up and speak.

Monday, September 8, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

We did get a call. However, it was accidental. I am not being transferred and neither is my beloved companion. Now, I have a lot to explain, especially in light of the previous two transfers and this upcoming one. This transfer, as I have forewarned my companion, I am taking a more directive approach. I realized in the midst of much inner turmoil that I honestly was afraid. I was afraid of getting angry. I wanted to be patient and avoid getting angry. So, with the last transfers, I remained, mostly, patient in light of my circumstances. I turned the other cheek, more especially with Elder Young. Even so, it was not helping, because things became really slow and I slowly became miserable and unhappy. My companion was not helping much and I became overly stressed. I know that God understands, because I know it was He that helped me realize what caused me to be afraid and has given me the resolve to change. I am more resolved to take a more direct approach in an effort to help bless the people here. I was talking to a member while on splits (each companion goes and does missionary work with a member) about this transfer and my own fear of being transferred. He told me that I had done a good job, despite having two difficult companions, because I was a standard higher than previous missionaries. (A word of caution: not every missionary companionship is going to get along and do things the same way. The problem here isn't so much Elder Young but Elder Todd not taking a lead in having a crucial conversation about missionary work. It is nice that Elder Todd received some positive feedback from a member; however, the missionary experience is not all about converts or always living in a comfort zone.)

What is my more directive approach? I plan on discussing this with my companion. One, we are tracting. Yes, we will go see less actives and part member families, but we need to balance it out with tracting. I know Elder Young does not like to tract (and the ward mission leader is not that supportive of it), but I am taking my stand as to say, we are. I am not going to pull my brains out trying to figure out who to see. If anything, we need to have order and balance. Two, from 10 to 12, I think it would be beneficial for us to learn how to teach together and to plan things for that day (e.g. lessons). I always feel that I am competing to talk, even with members. Three, if things need to be done, they will get done. That is mainly for calls, because we need to make calls faster. Four, communication. We need to talk about things, about our people, and so on and so forth. Five, if he has a problem with me, I would like for him to discuss it with me.

Tonight, as I have forewarned my companion, I am going to discuss these things with him. I am going to stand my ground and lead this area. That is my goal for the transfer and that is what I am going to push myself to do.

I did get a priesthood blessing for my back, which helped calm me down and took a lot of the pain away. Some days, it acts up, particularly with a nerve pain in my leg (hip down). Bending, sitting, and other things help set it off. But, at times, it does not do that anymore, even with sitting, bending, etc. After doing some service that I could do like painting and log splitting, my back got stiff and I have been trying to take it easier to help my back recover. I have been forbidden from moves and many types of service, such as raking and by extension, snow shoveling, etc.

Moving on to Wednesday of last week, we did our usual thing of going to the library to do our progress record. We made it to the stoplight of the library and there was a red truck in front of us. The red truck goes forward when the light turned green. It almost made it across when a car coming from the right in the right turn lane (which was void of cars) hit the red truck, taking out the truck's front license plate and spun. The two pulled over and did what they had to do. It made for a very exciting morning.

We taught our investigator that day and it went relatively well. We read out of the Book of Mormon to help her to begin reading and to help bring understanding. With our ward mission leader out of town, the assistant ward mission leader together with us had dinner and we went up to see our hospital patient. He was not doing well at that time. The hospital made us put on this yellow garb and gloves. We talked to him a bit. He had not been eating and been refusing to eat. We did not get to stay for long.

Thursday, we weekly planned and organized the area. Then, the assistant ward mission leader again took us to see our hospital patient. We talked to him again. He wants to live and not die, which he was afraid of happening. He was also trying to avoid pain from dialysis and especially after his heart surgery. The assistant ward mission leader talked with him that if he wants to live, then he has to eat. Then, he ate, finally.

Friday, we had zone meeting. Now, do you want to know something interesting? From September 27th to October 4th, we are doing nothing. Well, sort of. For a week, we are reading the Book of Mormon. The way they explained it was that if we do not have an appointment for anything (investigator, dinner, etc.), we are to stay home and just read the Book of Mormon 24/7. I am excited. They have yet to fully explain it to us. After zone meeting, we had exchanges. I went down to Lawrenceville with our district leader. We did some tracting, which I was honestly happy about. I met the stake patriarch. It was a really good time. The next morning, on Saturday, we did some service. First, he helped the branch president with his porch. I painted and gave tools when needed. Then, we went to another place to help split logs. And yes, I participated in it. You may be wondering how. I pulled a small lever using my wrist and arm to help split the logs. It was a hydraulic log splitter. After that, I went home, back to Appomattox. We then had splits with the elders quorum president and the assistant ward mission leader. The elders quorum president is trying to visit a lot of people and has designated the first Saturday of the month to do this. Last time, we had a good turn out. The elders quorum had designated me as the person who creates the lists of people to see. So, I avoid single sisters (there are no high priests with us nor do we have a third male) and people who live too far to fit in our two hour time frame. He liked how I was able to get people that were five minutes away. Last time, it was great.

This time, it was a small split and I went into the Prince George area for certain less actives. The assistant ward mission leader and I saw two out of four of the names on the list. It was great! But, we had enough time, so we looked at another list. I decided on one person and we went there. It turns out the person moved but the people there were somewhat interested in the Mormons. The assistant ward mission leader did a lot of the talking, and it worked out great. We now have a potential from it.

That night, we saw another less active, who, on his own accord, is returning. He had talked with the bishop and the elders quorum president. He wanted to talk to us. It was one of the best visits with a less active that I ever had. This man is going through the repentance process and he is slowly making his way back. He is humble and is working hard to make things right. The Spirit was indeed there.

Sunday, after church, we tried a few people before we called to give someone a blessing. We did that and helped them with a few other things. We received a call from our hospital patient who was moved to a rehab center. We visited him and he was doing a lot better. He is eating. His spirits are back up. He asked if I had a DVD player, so we could watch a video with him like we usually do. (It was funny. He first asked if I had my camera and I was like yes, a bit confused. He then asked if we could watch a video and then it clicked that he meant a DVD player.) We had dinner with the family that thankfully feed us often. It was the first week of school last week and the kids had not made the parents happy this past week. Apparently, the kids missed the bus a lot. So, we had a relatively quiet dinner with small conversation. We taught the recent convert of July her first member discussion. (Now, with the new change, I missed out on that zone meeting, so I have little understanding of it, beyond we are in charge. Not sure how it all works, but I am just going with it.) Then, I helped the head of the household with Family Search and helped him gain a bit of more understanding. (I wish I had more time to do family history, but I am content with my current duties that occupy my time. Family Search takes some small time to figure out, but it is a matter of finding sources to back things up. And did you hear the good news? Family Search is getting records, soon, with some big genealogy names like Ancestry. We are merging records with them, although Ancestry is still going to do their own thing with premium stuff and what not. But, isn't that exciting?)

I am in good spirits and am ready to go forward.

All is well!

Love,

Elder S. Todd

New Idea to Prepare for Hearing a Prophet's Voice

I feel as though I should extend the same invitation that my mission president extended to the mission to all of you. From September 27th to October 3rd, we are reading the Book of Mormon full time. 24/7. If we do not have an appointment or something scheduled, we are to be reading. So, I invite you to do the same. If you have time during this week of September 27th to October 3rd [before going to work, after dinner, any time not devoted to educational studies, etc.], I invite you to read the Book of Mormon and to pray continuously throughout your reading. I am excited, because of the blessings that will come. Our testimonies will grow stronger.

Remember, this is a simple invitation, not a challenge. 


General Conference is October 4 and 5. Broadcast times are 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM and on Sunday 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. All times are Mountain Daylight Savings Time in the United States. The conference can be heard in various languages on LDS.org and via satellite at various chapels of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It can also be heard on BYU-TV where available by satellite or cable.

Sincerely, 
Elder Todd

Prophets Speak Today

Think of all the prophets in the Bible and what they did. Did Moses build an ark? Did Abraham free a people from a Pharaoh? Did Adam see angels ascending and descending on a latter? Did Isaac call fire down from heaven? These prophets were called for their day and time. Don't we need prophets today who speak with God? Don't we need God to speak to the world today as in any other time? Has God stopped loving human beings? Is he satisfied with the multitude of religions? I invite you to listen to a prophet's voice on Saturday 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM Mountain Time and on Sunday 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM Mountain Time on LDS.org look for general conference and you may listen to it in your own language. October 4 and 5th 2014.

Подумайте обо всех пророков в Библии и что они делали. Ли Моисей построить ковчег? Разве Авраам освободить народ от фараона? Разве Адам см ангелы восходят и нисходят по последней? Исаак огонь сошел с неба? Разве мы не должны пророков, которые сегодня говорят с Богом? Разве мы не должны Бог, чтобы говорить с миром сегодня, как и в любое другое время? Имеет Бог разлюбил людей? Является ли он доволен множества религий? Я приглашаю вас слушать голос пророка в субботу 10:00 утра, 2:00 вечера, 6:00 вечера по горному поясному времени и на воскресенье 10:00 утра и 2:00 вечера по горному поясному времени на LDS.org искать Генеральной конференции и вы можете слушать ее на своем родном языке. 4 октября и 5 2014.

Podumayte obo vsekh prorokov v Biblii i chto oni delali . Li Moisey postroit' kovcheg ? Razve Avraam osvobodit' narod ot faraona ? Razve Adam sm angely voskhodyat i niskhodyat po posledney ? Isaak ogon' soshel s neba ? Razve my ne dolzhny prorokov , kotoryye segodnya govoryat s Bogom ? Razve my ne dolzhny Bog , chtoby govorit' s mirom segodnya , kak i v lyuboye drugoye vremya ? Imeyet Bog razlyubil lyudey ? Yavlyayetsya li on dovolen mnozhestva religiy ? YA priglashayu vas slushat' golos proroka v subbotu 10:00 utra , 2:00 vechera , 6:00 vechera po gornomu poyasnomu vremeni i na voskresen'ye 10:00 utra i 2:00 vechera po gornomu poyasnomu vremeni na LDS.org iskat' General'noy konferentsii i vy mozhete slushat' yeye na svoyem rodnom yazyke 4 oktyabrya i 5 2014 .

Denken Sie an all die Propheten in der Bibel und was sie taten. Hat Moses eine Arche bauen? Hat Abraham befreien ein Volk von einem Pharao? Haben Adam sehen Engel aufsteigend und absteigend auf einem letzteren? Isaak nennen Feuer vom Himmel? Brauchen wir nicht heute Propheten, die mit Gott sprechen? Brauchen wir nicht Gott, der Welt heute, wie in jeder anderen Zeit zu sprechen? Gott hat aufgehört zu lieben Menschen? Ist er mit der Vielzahl der Religionen zufrieden? Ich lade Sie ein, um eines Propheten Stimme am Samstag auf LDS.org hören 10.00, 14.00, 18.00 Uhr Mountain Time und am Sonntag, 10.00 Uhr und 02.00 Uhr Mountain Time sucht Generalkonferenz und Sie können es in Ihrer eigenen Sprache zu hören. 4. Oktober 2014 und 5..

Pensez à tous les prophètes de la Bible et ce qu'ils ont fait. Moïse at-il construire une arche? Abraham at-il libérer un peuple de Pharaon? Avez-Adam voir anges monter et descendre sur un dernier? Avez-Isaac descendre le feu du ciel? N'avons-nous pas besoin de prophètes aujourd'hui qui parle avec Dieu? N'avons-nous pas besoin de Dieu pour parler au monde d'aujourd'hui comme dans n'importe quel autre moment? Dieu at-il cessé d'aimer les êtres humains? Est-il satisfait de la multitude de religions? Je vous invite à écouter la voix d'un prophète, samedi 10h00, 14h00, 18h00, heure des Rocheuses et le dimanche 10h00 et 14h00, heure des Rocheuses sur LDS.org regarder la conférence générale et vous pouvez écouter dans votre propre langue. 4 et 5 octobre 2014.

תחשוב על כל הנביאים בתנ"ך ומה שהם עשו. האם משה לבנות תיבה? האם אברהם לשחרר אנשים מפרעה? האם אדם רואה מלאכים עולים ויורדים על אחרון? האם יצחק קורא אש ירדה מן השמים? אנחנו לא צריכים נביאים היום שמדברים עם אלוהים? אנחנו לא צריכים את אלוהים כדי לדבר עם העולם היום כמו בכל זמן אחר? יש אלוהים הפסיק לאהוב את בני אדם? האם הוא מרוצה מהמספר הרבים של דתות? אני מזמין אתכם להקשיב לקולו של נביא בשבת 10:00 בבוקר, 2:00 PM, 06:00 זמן הרים וביום ראשון 10:00, ו02:00 זמן הרים בLDS.org לחפש ועידה כללית ו ייתכן שאתה מקשיב לזה בשפה שלך. 
אוקטובר 4 ו 2014 5.

Gondoljunk csak a próféták a Biblia és mit tettek. Mózes bárkát építsen? Vajon Ábrahám szabad egy embert a fáraó? Vajon Ádám angyalokat látnak növekvő és csökkenő a második? Vajon Isaac hívja tűz alá az égből? Nincs szükségünk próféták ma, akik beszélnek az Istennel? Nem kell, hogy Isten beszélni a mai világban, mint bármely más időben? Az Isten nem szeret az ember? Ő elégedett a sok vallás? Arra kérlek benneteket, hogy hallgatni egy próféta hangját szombat 10:00, 14:00, 06:00 Hegyi idő és vasárnap 10:00 és 02:00 Hegyi idő a LDS.org keres általános konferencia és lehet hallgatni a saját nyelvén. 04 octombrie și 5-2014.

Gândiți-vă la toți profeții din Biblie și ceea ce au făcut. Ai Moise construiască o arcă? Ai Abraham elibera un popor de un faraon? Ai Adam vedea îngeri suiau și se pogorau pe o urmă? Ai Isaac cheme foc din cer? Nu avem nevoie de profeți astăzi, care vorbesc cu Dumnezeu? Nu avem nevoie de Dumnezeu pentru a vorbi cu lumea de azi ca și în orice alt moment? Are Dumnezeu a oprit iubitor de ființe umane? Este el mulțumit cu multitudinea de religii? Vă invit să ascultați vocea unui prooroc sambata 10:00, 14:00, 06:00 Mountain Timpul și duminică 10:00 și 02:00 Mountain Timpul pe LDS.org uita-te pentru conferința generală și s-ar putea să-l asculta în limba dumneavoastră. Október 4. és az 5. 2014.

BACK BREAKER and some inspiration!

September 2, 2014 (My grandfather Leith Todd would have been 95 years old today)

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

Before describing the week, I am hereby giving what is going on with my back. Monday, my back was intensely sore that I could hardly bend, get up, or walk on my left leg. (The place of injury is my lower left back and I had pain running down my left leg. Thus, walking hurt and so I limped.) Tuesday, after getting advice, I called Sister Hendrickson the medical officer, which was my original plan and everybody agreed. My companion thought I was toughing it out, but I was not. I could still do certain things, like drive the car. I called Sister Hendrickson who said to do what I did before. So, I took ibuprofen and a back relief over the counter medicine and iced my back and took a nap. Lying there helped, so when I was woken and was given the phone, I did not have any pain. Sister Hendrickson told me about your offer with the chiropractor, which I felt like what I was doing was going to work. So, not in rudeness nor in offense, I rejected and said I did not have any pain. After getting off the phone, I got up and had pain. Either way, I was sure that what I was doing was going to work. Well, after giving somebody their own priesthood blessing, the impression came to my mind that I should see the doctor. I love you two and all of that and I do listen, but if I can reason things out, then I become stubborn in my own ways. When God puts his vote in, it is best to listen, which I did. On Friday, my companion had his own appointment to go to and so we essentially stayed in Richmond all day. The clinic made do all of this paperwork, which I answered to the best of my knowledge. They x-rayed me and then I talked to the doctor. She gave me a prescription for a steroid (methylprednilosone), which is anti-inflammatory, and some muscle relaxant to use in case I need at night. (I picked up said medication via my local CVS. They apparently have record of us. Hopefully, that was okay.) I have been mainly taking the steroid, which comes with its own plan, with each day I use less. It tastes awful by the way for one time it melted before I had time to swallow with water. And it comes with some side effects, such as increasing energy, increasing heart rate, making feel more hot, and making feel like I have taken a lot of salt.

My choice by the doctor was either I take the medication or I get an MRI. Mission Medical will not pay for an MRI, so my option was the medication. She told me if it gets worse or there is no improvement, wherein the pain down my leg shoots down to my foot, there is a problem. With taking this medication, I have been taking it easy and what not. But, like the back relief over the counter medication, I am afraid that this steroid is only masking the pain. It has greatly improved wherein I do not feel the pain, albeit in certain circumstances, such as walking 12 blocks to get to another doctor's appointment for my companion. (With the medication, it does not hurt as intensely.) I am working on the priesthood blessing, because I have been stressed this past month, I have a lot of thoughts about this next transfer (I do think we are going to get a call), and now I have this. Trust me, I am trying to get better, because I do not want to be sent home.

And so, once I take the last medication and in the following days, the pain comes back, I will have to call Sister Hendrickson. Seeing as an MRI is out of the option list here, next could be physical therapy or whatever. I would say do not worry, but you're parents and you worry. I guess what I could say is be calm? I have no idea, but let's just see what happens after the days I am done with this steroid. Meanwhile, I will work on trying to get a priesthood blessing. Oh! And they have me doing certain exercises to try to help, which has helped somewhat, other than aggravate the nerve.

It sounds like you have been busy. And fun. I am glad that you are enjoying your time. I have been doing a lot better emotionally and I am excited, nervous, and scared. Mostly excited.

Monday, we, with our assistant ward mission leader, went up to Midlothian to St. Francis, where our hospital patient (name withhled) was at the time. We get up there and I am limping along from the parking lot to the room. I was offered to be dropped off and get a wheelchair, but I thought I was fine. By the end of it, I was wishing that I had accepted the offer. We came to his room, where we learned that he had been moved to a hospital in Richmond. We never did go there on that night, but the member drove to CVS and bought ibuprofen and back relief medicine for me. I was honestly surprised and I thanked him.

Tuesday, we had a zone workshop where the assistants to the president and President and Sister Wilson came to our area and split the zone in half to directly teach us. We had to get there early to open the building. I manage to stay put and stay sitting. As part of the zone conference (and any other missionary meeting), somebody has to give the missionary purpose. I was the person to do that, or assigned to such task. I got up rather slowly, hobbled to the front, and gave the purpose. President Wilson was wondering what was going on, so when he and Sister Wilson got the chance, they asked me what had happened. The rest of the zone conference was good, except it hurt just to sit there. I could feel exactly where the nerve was, what its shape was. The pain was undoubtedly sharp. Upon getting home, I called the mission medical officer and rested. Eventually, we had dinner and then, a member wanted to see a few people. One of those people is a family where there is a do not contact and his reason for being so is that he requested to be removed from the church records and is highly antagonistic. We go there and that person was not home, yet. We had a good visit with the person of interest and family. It was going great until he showed up. Then, he turned it antagonistic by asking questions, trying to disprove the Church. The person of interest who is still in the Church was somewhat on our side, but also on his side. She was upset with us, because we did not say hi and neither did anyone else when she came to church. (Which was odd, because Elder Young blessed the sacrament and I passed and neither of us saw her that previous Sunday.) Finally, we left the house, after the member bore testimony just to shut down the person.

Wednesday, after correlation meeting that night (for not much happened during the day), we, with the assistant ward mission leader, went up to see our hospital patient, who had just had heart surgery (which was ahead of schedule). He was doing alright. Since then, he has not been doing well. He was supposed to be released on Saturday, but he has not been released. Thursday, we saw our new investigator. Now, I had looked over the smoking program of which you gave me in Powhatan. I had not realized that we have a binder in our apartment that has the same thing in it. So, we are both are trying to head up the project, but it is obvious that we do have different ideas. (He had looked at the binder before we realized that she needed to quit smoking.) We introduced it to her. As it turns out, that everybody that was there wanted to quit. Which was a bit of a shock, because that was not expected. Plus, she has to figure what she can do and not to. Citric acid inflames her pancreas, which causes pain. We are trying to figure that one out and luckily, she is going to a doctor soon to talk about it to them. Friday was a day of doctor's appointments. 

Saturday, we got a call from some fellow missionaries for help with a move in our area (the people who were moving were in the nearby military branch). We go over and I sat out. I apologized and had to explain. My companion was the only extra hand that they had and the person who was moving had a bad knee (and was doing a lot of the lifting). Eventually, they called movers and took us out to lunch. They were really nice people. Sunday, after church, we again went to Richmond to check up on our hospital patient. He was in a lot of pain and was very groggy. He was and is not doing well. We talked to the nurse about when he might be released; she shook her head and told us not any time soon. We had a great dinner that night with the family that usually feeds us on Sundays. We had them Thursday and on Thursday, they asked if there was anything we would want them to cook; it was our choice and they were willing. My companion requested grilled cheese sandwiches and we all looked at him. I suggested chicken parmesan, which was what we had that night. It was great, both the time spent and the dinner.

And Monday. It was not our P-day that day, but today. So, on Monday, we contacted a less active who we have not heard from in a while and could not contact. It was great timing, because he was getting ready for work. I realized an issue that he might have that could affect his church attendance. I am excited to work with him. We saw another less active after that, then lunch. I was wondering what we could do to help boost missionary work and excite the members and improve the area. It is something that we and the assistant ward mission leader have been praying about. I came to the inspiration that we should see everybody on the ward directory (minus a few names), whether they are active or less active. And rather than doing it secretly and slowly, make it aware to the quorums and auxiliaries, so that we can use hometeachers and possibly use them for rides for people who are far away (i.e., Amelia County, Sussex County). I was a bit nervous about this idea, because one, we are having a ward conference where the quorums and auxiliaries are reaching out to certain members (not necessarily, the entire ward roster) and we have a time set aside this Saturday to see less actives and such with the Elders Quorum. After talking to my companion about it and praying about it, I feel right about it and so does he. I am excited to tell our assistant ward mission leader and ward mission leader. I do believe this will work.

I am excited for what is coming next, which is something I am also nervous about. I finally have an idea to help this area and it happens to be the week of transfer calls. By pattern, it has been three months and by three months, I leave. But my pattern has slightly been broken, seeing as I had Elder Avision only for 6 weeks. I do not know for sure, but I think I might be leaving. I really do not know.

All is well.

Love,

Elder S. Todd

LDS Male Missionaries Attend Tupperware Party, Visit Heart Patient, Not Allowed In State Mental Hospital

Monday, August 25, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

Well, I guess I look unhappy, despite being happy. (We've complained that are taken of him with others at missionary meetings he is not smiling. However, later as this blog continues to be published he does smile a mice smile.) Other than being on a roller coaster of emotions, I am happy. I may not smile as nearly enough as some people that I have met. Plus, whenever I am happy, I feel like I am smiling. Hilarious, I know. But, it is true. I cannot tell whether or not I am smiling. I just know I am happy. Yes, I do smile like you said, which I have consented to that in pictures. (His Dad is the same way.)

I have never seen "Birds" or any of Alfred Hitchcock, but I would honestly like to. Kind of how I would like to watch "Sound of Music," "Fiddler on the Roof," and others. And I heard you two talk about "Birds" before.

Do not worry about a carbon monoxide detector or at least, buying one. We probably do not have one, but we can access one from the mission. 

It is a very weird thought to think that both Connor Saari and Leo Millet were ordained elders. (Elder is an office in the priesthood. Missionaries are called Elders as well as most leaders who cover large areas. These two friends are preparing to serve as missionaries but have not been assigned yet.)) I felt a bit old at that thought. And then my niece is starting kindergarten today. I feel really old.

Personal note. I have said that I am on a roller coaster of emotions. Some days are better than others, but I am trying to remain positive. Some days I have success and others not so much. It has become a personal triumph to feel good; yesterday, to be honest, was not one of the best days. With the companion, things are slightly improving. I am just trying to make the best of the situation and trying to help this area. Things have progressed slightly, despite feeling my hands are tied. It has been a personal burden that I unfortunately let affect the emails, particularly with my complaints. Still keeping upward and onward. There are certain things that I am holding onto to help me go forward: (1) my testimony, (2) my faith, (3) religious freedom (something to keep my mind occupied), and (4) Jewish New Year (something to be excited about, other than the work). 

To start last week with a bang, we get out of the library. We received a call from a member's sister. At first, we thought it was this one member, who we talk to and was medically less active. [Personal note: His name is (name withheld), who has been coming to church more often.] We kept it in mind and we went to a member. This member wanted to come with us, not realizing it was P-day (even though we explained it to him). He accompanied us to the hospital, which the member later admitted himself to for blood sugar. We checked on the member who we thought it was, but came to find out it is a different member, with the same last name. He is the same member we generally watch videos with to help him to understand doctrine better. [Personal note: His name is (name withheld) a short, black recent convert, who as you will read on is about to go into heart surgery.] We found out that he was admitted for shortness of breath and was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. He was "sedated," or unconscious, and had tubes down his throat and lots of wires and cables on him. After watching his blood get drawn and watching his monitors, we left the hospital, without the member who accompanied us. We later realized that the member had left a lot of his stuff in our car, so we had to go back to the hospital by which point he was ready to leave and wanted to talk to people about the gospel. We talked to one person and then another recent convert. 

Tuesday, we continued on our quest to find less actives and part member families. We stopped by a medical less active, who has been coming to church more recently. He offered to feed us the next day. That night for dinner at another member's house, we brought up the referral that we had received for Central State Hospital. They told us what I had figured: mental hospital, the social worker cannot give us information (and will not bother to call us back), and other things. At this point, Elder Young does not feel like going, so we decided to talk to President Wilson about it. 

Wednesday, we had lunch with the medical returning member and had a really good time. We had correlation with only the assistant ward mission leader. We talked about the work and how things were going. Well, from there, we went to a recent convert's house. They had told us that the wife was hosting a Tupperware party and invited us, just for the support. So, yes, I went to a Tupperware party, one of the many strange things that I have attended. It was quite interesting. We had good food, which we were allowed to take some home.

Thursday, we had to head to the church. There was a child of record who was being baptized that day and we were to be the ones to fill the font and be the witnesses. The Relief Society, as we were filling the font, were having a little get together and knitting. We did not participate in that, but we had to help out. I realized that I cannot set up tables, even if they are circular and you can roll them around. One started falling as I was going, so I naturally tried to stop, which caused a minor discomfort from my back. [The Relief Society offered us some of their lunch. I had the choice between deli turkey meat or tuna. I chose tuna; I still do not like tuna. ["Do you know what tuna is?" "Fish?" "IT'S FISH!"]] ( As a small child he would eat fish sticks. We would tell them they were made from fish. He would say they were meat. So when we would have Halibut for dinner he said he wouldn't eat it. We said you eat fish sticks. He would insist they were meat. Now, we think he eats fish because we told him lots of people in Virginia like to eat fish and not to offend them.) After the baptism, we checked on the member in the hospital. He was awake and doing okay. He is going to have heart surgery soon in a different hospital to fix a leaky valve.

Friday was a pretty interesting day and it involves something I forgot to mention. We had tri-zone conference with Elder Wilford Andersen of the Second Quorum of the Seventy. That morning did not start off well. One, I was not feeling good. Two, getting there, I realized I did not have a pen. I wanted to take notes, but I could not. It was a good conference. [The Powhatan elders were there. They are no longer seeing certain members. And Ruby dropped them, due to wanting to do things on her own with God's help and not listening to them.] We came home and had dinner with a member. Then, the elder's quorum president called us. He works for the railroad and his job usually is in the evening. That night he got annulled, so he was able to go visit people that night. He took us and his daughter along. We went up to see a less active member, who usually quizzes new missionaries that enter his home. He wanted to introduce us to his neighbor, who has become our newest investigator. She is pretty interested and is quick to believe. And she is living in Petersburg and is not going to move any time soon.

Saturday, not much happened. We did things, but nothing really happened. 

Sunday was not that great, unfortunately. As I was about to shave, I sneezed. I felt like I threw my back out. I was in slight pain, but regardless, I felt happy. Things were going up and quickly crashed for whatever reason. We taught the young men that day. We also taught our new investigator again. And I slipped on the concrete (my foot was on the edge and it slipped into the grass), which aggravated my back even more. I am going to get Icy Hot today, because my back is extremely stiff and is causing lots of pain. We had a wonderful dinner with the members who usually feed us, but had been gone to Maine. They found my Facebook page and blog. They were looking through my pictures as well. It was very strange for me, but it was cool. (With more detail the medical officer has determined from his description that he has a pinched nerve requiring more than just Icy Hot. On Facebook more than 600 people have been reached with his request for prayers for himself and his companion.)

Things are looking up. All is well.

Love,

Elder S. Todd

When You Hear Large Dogs Barking or the Silence of the Criminally Insane

Monday, August 18, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

I often wondered if there was ever going to any changes in Lemoore (changes in school, town and the Bishop/ LDS Pastor). I mean, sure, there has some until recently, but none as big as what is going on in Lemoore and here in Appomattox. I thought the only big change was going to be an In-and-Out in Hanford. It is good to hear about these changes and know what is going on. I am glad to hear about my dog. I am glad she is getting fed and she is alive.

My back is doing a lot better. I only have slight pains or no pains. I am off of the ibuprofen, which I am so glad. I felt like it was messing with my head and it made tired. Driving was not fun during duration of that week . Even being off it, I am tired, despite sleeping throughout the night. I called the medical officer to give her an update on my back. She is supposed to email me some back exercises to help strengthen it and to prevent further damage, pain, or a ruptured disk, I am forbidden to do any home moves for six months. I heard that news and I was dismayed. Once those six months are up, I have to make sure not to move anything "heavy."

Thank you for reminding me about the birthdays. I have stamps to last for a good while. Laundry, which I seem to get a heavy hint from you, is going fine.

Before I talk about this week, I must mention my companion. So, I talked to him. I have been stressed, because I am trying to build this area and I have been trying to do it by myself. I made a couple minor mistakes, but it has been worked out. When he came along, I was hoping for help. He is willing to help and is helpful. He just tried to take over and has been slightly overdoing it. From the very beginning, I felt pushed to the side with him over-talking. I explained all of this to him. Yes, I am stressed and he has given some help. Other times, he gets on some of my nerves and I get slightly annoyed. I am trying to be happy, but I know I am at the verge where things could easily sour my mood. I am managing and things are going a little bit better. I am trying to do what is right. I honestly do believe by the 9th, I will be transferred. It fits my pattern that I have been stuck doing; but, who knows.

Monday, we went to Richmond for one of his doctor appointments. It did not take too long. Richmond is pretty nice, some scary places. I felt a bit safe where we parked. We parked at one of the chapels, which is next door to the police parking garage. When I get to go again to Richmond, I would not mind taking a few pictures. The rest of that Monday, besides having a bit of a day off, we tried to find people. 

Tuesday, we tried to rearrange our appointment with the less active that we were supposed to see on Wednesday (but district meeting interfered). It did not work out, so we are in the process of rescheduling. We went to another doctor that day. From there, we tried to see some people. After dinner, I took time to talk to him and readjust my goals so that I can possibly work with him. It worked out for the most part. 

Wednesday, we had district meeting. Our ward mission leader took us down to Lawrenceville. He eagerly participated in district meeting, interjecting a few comments. He took the entire district (which is just us and another set) out to lunch to Subway, where he talked about more gospel related things. On the way back, my companion and the ward mission leader had correlation. I was in the back and the ward mission leader had his window rolled down. Well, all I could hear was wind, which made me partially deaf for a while. From there, we did some house cleaning. Then, we had dinner with the assistant ward mission leader.

Thursday, we did some planning. Then, we received a text from the second councilor of the elders quorum. A couple days prior, we received a text from him (that he sent to a group of people) that he fell off his bicycle and hurt his ribs. On Thursday, he sent another mass text, saying he needed to go to VCU for some medicine and possibly get checked out. We offered to give him a blessing. We arrive and ended up never giving that blessing. Instead, he comes out with us to visit a few people. That day, we also received a referral for a person in Central State Hospital.

Central State Hospital now serves people of all races but from the sign above it is a historical site. It now serves the criminally insane. Haiyang Zhu, the 25-year-old doctoral student from Virginia Tech that decapitated a young woman, was admitted to Central State. It has also been the home to Lorena Bobbitt.

We decided to try that person with the second councilor. After all, it was a hospital. We get there, thinking that we would be able to see this "hospital patient," and were surprised with the buildings. They were made out of brick and some had fences surrounding the building. We arrived at one of the main buildings looking for this person. As it turns out, this place is a mental illness facility, where some of their patients are criminals. We enter, finding out this information, and talk to an officer that was there and one of the nurses. While we were waiting for information, my companion had to deposit his pocket knives (why he carries them, I do not know). I wondered, thinking why he had knives and I am glad I do not have any form of weapon. Well, the Lord truly humbles us. All of a sudden, I remembered that I had my wrench from the days that I biked in Woodbridge. When he returned, I left to go deposit my wrench. Then, we found out more information about this person and received numbers to call. We have to wait before we can make a visit.

Friday, we saw people; not much else happened. 

Saturday, we talked to a person that I had not seen for awhile. He was the one who quizzed me on things like, "Who baptized John the Baptist" and "What is the meaning of the seven stars and seven golden candlesticks." When I was with Elder Avison, he broke his leg and called us for some help. Elder Avison never really did want to go over and I never got around calling him back, though I honestly intended to. We saw him and he was happy that we were there. He thought we had forgotten about him and I just explained that I personally was sorry. Then, he proceeded to quiz Elder Young. The rest of the time until 2, we tried to see people.

There was one particular house that we are never going back to see. We get there and it is a nice looking house, despite the no trespassing signs and beware of dog. (In Virginia, you see a lot of those signs and sometimes, you feel that you should not go and other times, you disregard it.) We approached the door and knocked. (Elder Young was nearer to the door than I was.) There were some heavy barks from large dogs. Nobody answered. He knocked again and the door opened. The man is trying to hold back his dogs, but waves us off. I was about to go, though the thought came to my mind to ask for his name. Never got the chance to do it. One dog came out and tried to bite my companion. The dog manage to make a minor puncture and rip the back of his pants. Then, the wife, caring less for my companion's safety, comes out yelling and screaming, telling us we should not have trespassed and all sorts of stuff. We left and went home to have him change his pants. Also, that day, we had a move. I sat there, bored, while people were moving stuff. I am not looking forward to these coming months. The person in charge of the move took us out to eat and showed us some historical sites on the way home.

Sunday, we had a good time at church. The first councilor of the bishopric was released and the second councilor became the first councilor. A new second councilor was called. After church, our recent convert talked to us. She told us that she is inviting her grandmother, who is a less active member, to a dinner at a public restaurant and she wanted us to come. We tried to see some more people from there and succeeded in some ways.

Interesting, somewhat of a week as it wasn't the first time a companion of mine got attacked by a dog. In Woodbridge, when I was with Elder Frank and we had Elder Hathcock with us for a day; a dog nipped at one of them. 

Thank you also for the information on the religious freedom. I am trying to collect information to study. I have looked at some of the speeches Elder Dallin H. Oaks did about religious freedom. I am trying to obtain the best information to study.

All is well and turning better.

Love,

Elder S. Todd