Haggai! Haggai!

Monday, April 20th, 2015

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

It is pretty interesting working in a trio. We are able to have fun when it is appropriate and we are able to work hard. This week has been a good one. But before I get to that, just a couple of things.

I'll make sure to honor Sister Savannah Short's request (to hug her Mandarin Chinese Speaking brother serving in this mission).

I do like the apartment; it is big and spacious. It has a beautiful view of trees, which is a lot more beautiful than the ocean. I also found a book called "They Knew the Prophet." I found two names in it that we are related to: Daniel Duncan McArthur and Benjamin F. Johnson. They share their own personal contacts with the Prophet Joseph Smith. And I found out that we have ties as well to the Prophet Joseph Smith. One of the wives that Joseph Smith married was Almira Johnson, sister of Benjamin F. Johnson. When I send things off, I will definitely send that home.

Oh, and for Mother's Day, there is something I would like to mention, regarding family history.

This week, like I said, was good. We were able to work hard and nearly exhaust ourselves.

Monday, we explored downtown Staunton. There were a few places that were closed on Monday, but we were able to see a fair amount. A lot of it were some antique shops (I love antique shops) and other small shops. It was fun to walk around. Plus, we visited this graveyard for the fun of it. It was an interesting place. Not much else happened that night, despite our best efforts in finding. 

Tuesday, we had district meeting and we began looking through our area books. Yeah, for some odd reason, we discovered that we had not only one area book, but four. Plus, we found a really old record that dates B.P.M.G (Before Preach My Gospel). We talked to one of the Ms. Mary students, the one who is a bit dramatic (okay, Elder Todd is a guy and what guy truly understands girls). She was going away for a while, so we prepared her for the short time she would be gone. That night, we headed to Verona, a nearby dot on the map to try to find people there and to contact potentials and formers.

And Wednesday, we did service. We helped a man (a less active) who reminds me a bit of Uncle Joe [for your information: his first name is Joe] (Uncle Joe is Hispanic, a little scary but a very lovable guy); he has a lot of wisecrack comments, does not care what he says, and if you are offended, well, that's your own fault (that would be true of Uncle Joe). He is a character. He had a small yard for us to clean up; it was for his friend that gave him chain link fence. Well, now it involved raking. You may wonder (as he did) how I forgot, but I forgot I am not supposed to rake. In fact, it was not my first thought to not rake. As I was raking, I was like, "Oh yeah, I am not supposed to rake." (Side note: In fact, in Gayton, Greek lady called us to help her get her car unstuck from snow. Others were there to help before we showed up, but I nearly grabbed the snow shovel in an attempt to help.) But, I kept on raking until he asked for help lifting some bricks. I then told him that I had a herniated disc and he asked me, "How the hell can you forget that you are injured?" He, too, has an injured back. So, for the rest of the time of service, I just stood there. Now, I see why I am not supposed to rake, because I am still recovering. Now, I am resting from doing some raking; I still feel the effects. I have it under control (right).

We got home, changed, and saw one of our investigators

with a member. We shared a video with this investigator. She is mother of a child, though she does have the father there to help her. I know she felt the Spirit in that lesson. Yet, I am not sure how much she wanted to progress or change. This video was about a mother who wanted to visit her cousin, but she ended up helping a lot of people throughout her day. She ends up not being able to see her cousin and it is not until the family prayer that she realizes all the good that she had done. We related to her how our choices affect others; we related this to church attendance and how much a difference attending church will make in her life. We are not sure what else to do at this point with her.

Dinner was great that night for two out of three of us. You know, Mom's baked spaghetti? Well, we had something similar to that. It was delicious. Well, as we were leaving, Elder Day started to feel sick. We, fearing that he might throw up, gave him a code word to say if he needed to spew out what he needed to: "Haggai." As we were driving along and approaching a gas station, he started to yell out, "Haggai! Haggai!" Well, he-- and were pretty sure on this-- had food poisoning. At dinner, there were two pans of baked spaghetti. I ate from my pan while my companions had the other pan to eat from. Elder Hansen got the sides while Elder Day got the entire (and most likely, uncooked) middle; Elder Day probably spared everybody from illness. After him upchucking dinner, we had a lesson with the most recent convert of Ms. Mary, but Elder Day needed to go home after that.

Thursday, we needed to take it easy for Elder Day's sake. We did weekly planning. We had to give Elder Hansen to the Spanish Elders, because he was needed by them to help lift a wood stove. Yeah, no way could I do that. We went to a member's house for dinner. Poor Elder Day, he could only drink juice that day. 

Friday, we did the progress record. We organized our area book and called "formers." From that alone, we were able to set up lessons.

Saturday, our wisecracking less active needed some more help with cleaning a chicken coop. He had me sit down and rest, so that I would not injure myself or aggravate my back. Chickens, by the way, are hilarious. They are the most silliest of all creatures, or at least the ones that I know. We fed them bread; we helped fix the fence. As we were trying to fix the fence, Elder Hansen was holding a metal bracket. One of the chickens kept on trying to eat it and peck at it as if it was food. After that fun service, we helped give a blessing to somebody in the hospital. Then, we had more service. It involved bending, raking, shoveling, and gardening; things I could not do much of. I had fun sitting in the sun.

Sunday, we woke up exhausted. I was sore, I could not function at full capacity. We had a meeting at church at nine with the ward mission leader. After our meeting, we went over to the car and took a nap. Church was great; we had this one member come who lives in a nursing home. He is no longer senile(?); he is a bit crazy. He told some jokes during class and to us: "What did the crocodile do to you? Jaws!" "What is happening when you hear thunder? God is moving his furniture around." "Where was Moses when the lights turned off? In the dark." He is a character and he is great. After church, we talked to a few people, tried to go for a lesson, but things did not work out.

We had dinner, tried to contact a few people, and headed to a less active's home. From their mannerisms, it was evident that most of them did not care too much about the Church anymore.

We had a good week. Things went well and things are going well. We are pushing forward.

All is well! Tout va bien!

Love,

Elder S. Todd

Adapting to Change: Mind, Body and Spirit

For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart  that shall not be penetrated. 

-Doctrine and Covenants Chapter 1

Monday, April 13, 2015

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

And yes, I do know of an Elder Short. Since he is a Mandarin Chinese elder, he is serving in Charlottesville. That is where all four Mandarin Chinese elders serve... for the entire two years. I want to say his companion is Chinese, or at least he is Asian. If we have a zone conference, I will make sure to say hi. We are bound to have one soon.

I am glad that my card was sent. It was big and I was not sure if multiple stamps were needed. Really, really glad they were sent. And really, really glad that Dad got it in time for his birthday. Sean must have gotten his, too.

 Where am I? Who am I with? What has happened in this past week? Stay tuned and keep on reading. This week has been a fun one, because of my companions. Oh yes, I said companions.

Monday, after email, we decided to meet up with some other missionaries in our district. Elder Jensen wanted to play soccer with them. As it usually happens, I was talking to the one missionary who talked to me a while back about musicals and such. We were talking this time about general conference and transfers. He, too, was being transferred. I wished him luck with his next companion and with his next area. After our P-day, we went out to Goochland, so I could say good bye to the Bible Study host. He absolutely unloaded on the problems out in Goochland; I so wished I could do more, but I know that I did all that I could. Good luck to Elder Jensen. (And please for anyone out there: love one another; look for the down trodden and love them.)


Tuesday, Elder Jensen and I said good byes. We went to transfer meetings. There was a special musical number played, which should not have been played. This elder decided to play "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again." That is one song that should never be played in transfer meeting. It was funny; as soon as the people going home recognized it, they just put their heads down. The sisters were crying, though. Then, the

announcement came. So, I am in Staunton (pronounced as Stan-ton) in the Waynesboro Stake, bordering Franklin, West Virginia. Who am I with? Well, the missionary that I told good luck to is my companion, or at least one of them. His name is Elder Day; since he has only been out for under a six months, he still is fresh and eager to work. He is motivated, nice, and happy. He really does talk to everybody. The other elder is Elder Hansen. He has been out for ten months. He was companions with my old companion, Elder Avison, but that took him down a bit. He is a hard worker. I am trying to help him out, if anything, because I care. Our district leader's companion is my old companion Elder Taylor; it is awkward, because he does not talk to me and I try to (sort of). Part of me just wants to ask what happened, why did you do all that you did. It is difficult.  I do not see him too often.

In other news, I found some good news and some bad news. I found that the recent convert in Appomattox was anti-ed by her family; now she is less active. It is unfortunate to hear, but I have a feeling that she will turn around. I am not overly devastated or upset. Not sure why; you would think I would be.

The good news is that my other convert in White Oak [Tim Hartley; missed out on his baptism] is going to the temple. I may be able to go, because that looks like the same day I might go to the temple. I will have to talk to President about that. 

After a long ride up to Staunton and trying to help elders get their companions, we had dinner with some members and an investigator. He was going to be baptized this past Saturday. We shared "Because He Lives."

Wednesday. Now, please do not panic or call Sister Hendrickson. Buckle up your seatbelts and be still. I am alright. By this point, you already are panicking and are probably ready to lunge to the phone. The morning was good. I got up (didn't exercise due to a lack of a properly equipped gym and having to revert to non-gym exercises) and had a nice breakfast. Since I could not have usual Greek yogurt, I settled for a bowl of cereal, having a knock of "Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cereal" and "Honey Combs." That was what we had for cereal (please note it was very, very sugary); I had that about 7 or 7:30. After studies, we decided to go to Wal-Mart to pick up food for us to eat. All was good. I bought my items first and I waited for my other two companions to pay for the food. All of a sudden, I turned pale, my heart rate increased, my breathing increased, and I had lost strength. I held on to the cart, because I was not feeling that good. Plus, all of my symptoms. I had bought croutons and as soon as I got in the car, I began to eat, thinking my body needed some kind of sustenance to fight off what was going on. In fact, I thought diabetes and I needed that food. Elder Day wanted to go to the Dollar General, so we did and I bought orange juice for that reason. I called the mission nurse and she said that I either had an anxiety attack (due to the stress of transfers) or I am hypoglycemic. I noted the fact of the sugary cereal that I had; plus, I noted that when I eat (for example) breakfast and skip lunch, I start to get shaky. (You do remember that, right? You wanted to prick my finger and I absolutely refused. I stopped saying I was shaky, because I knew I would be pricked.) Signs are more pointing to hypoglycemia. I have to cut back on sugar, which is alright with me; in fact, I am cutting it out altogether and getting it from the good foods to eat (e.g. fruit). To put me back in balance, I had to eat protein, which I did. So, again, please do not panic and please do not call Sister Hendrickson. If you have any issues, please talk to me and if anything, I will talk to the mission nurse. I am alive, although sugar nearly killed me. (Okay, I had to add that exaggeration in there, because of its truthfulness).

After this circumstance, we talked to a less active who we were given to by the assistants. Not sure about this man's full story, but we will get there soon.

. 

Now, a brief break, to talk to you about Staunton. Staunton has old buildings, but not like Petersburg where things are falling apart and there are scary neighborhoods around each corner. No, Staunton is old, but it is beautiful. It is green; it is amazingly beautiful. And I can see the hills... I mean, mountains from our balcony. Plus, there are a lot of hills here in Staunton. Thank goodness we are in a car. Plus, we have a big area, some of which we cannot access due to miles. There are farms with green grass. BEAUTIFUL. And there is the Mary Baldwin College, which is an all girls college. I have to keep my two companions focused. We have some recent converts that are students in the Mary Baldwin College. One of them, we met with on Wednesday. She is dramatic, but a nice, spirited person. She is crazy (figuratively), but she is still learning.

Thursday, we weekly planned. We had lunch, we tried contacting people, and then we had a lesson with an investigator. She is a young mother and is into anime. My two companions can get along with her; I have a hard time relating with the anime stuff. I never was too much into the comics and anime, except for Batman and that one show. We talked about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its importance. I believe the lesson went well. She seemed to have understanding of it and was able to grasp the concepts. After dinner, we had two baptismal interviews that our district leader had to perform. Two people got baptized this past Saturday. Both passed their interviews. We picked up their baptism suits and dropped them off to the respective persons. 

Friday, we accomplished our progress record, which has not been done in quite a long time here in this area. Not much else happened on Friday that is noteworthy. 

Saturday, we helped move some furniture and got a referral from the people that we helped. Then, chaos splattered upon us. Ms. Mary [for your information: that is what I will deem the college here] decided to put a roadblock into our path; the students had to pick their dorms at different times that were assigned to them. One of the people being baptized that day is a student of Ms. Mary, so her time was the same time as the baptism. Through much prayer, we were able to push it to four and get people to come to it to support her. But, it meant filling the font sooner than thought. So, we did that, got her baptized, and the other person baptized. It all worked out, despite the stress that was placed.


Sunday, we nearly were late to church, because we decided to pick up the now dried baptismal suits. You see, the Staunton Ward goes to the Waynesboro Ward building, but they have baptisms at the Staunton Branch building. I thought we could do it and be on time, but we were slightly late. My fault. We had church, which, for us, was all over the place. In fact, one of the more dramatic moments, I wish to tell you, but not at this time. We had a lesson with an elderly man; I was with a member while my other two companions went finding. I taught the entire lesson, because the poor member wasn't adequately prepared. We contacted a less active and shared some spiritual thoughts.

It has been a crazy, wonderful week. I love the area. It is amazing!

All is well! Tout va bien! Alles wohl!

Love,

Elder S. Todd

Try and Keep on Trying!

I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication.  I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.  I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.  I cried unto thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.   Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.  Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.-Psalms 142

February 23, 2015

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

I am sorry that you have been sick and battling illnesses. A lot of people have been sick and cancelling on us. It has snowed, been cold, rained, and the snow is melting now. It should get colder. Or it could not.

I have told you the majority of Tuesday. We accessed computers at a computer lab at another set of missionaries apartment. We were able to drive once the roads were cleared and they were cleared during the day. In the beginning of the day, he got up, late, because he knew the roads were not cleared. Got ready, only to go back to bed. We could have easily walked to this set of missionaries apartment, no problem. But, with Monday and walking, I doubt that he would have liked to walk some more. It is just one more mile to walk. 

So, Tuesday, I struck my deal. Well, he was not going for it, because "it just didn't work for him." I told him to try and to keep on trying. I kept on pushing and he finally agreed. And then we planned, though he did not write it down. That night, I learned that we were having exchanges (actual exchanges) with our zone leaders. I was the one to leave to go to the different area.

Wednesday, he got up a bit late, but earlier than normal. He got ready and the zone leaders delayed. I needed groceries, so we got groceries. Then, I went off to the zone leader's area. I should add that our zone leaders are Spanish missionaries, so they are assigned to the Spanish branch that encompasses the Richmond Stake. Seeing as I know very little Spanish and I did not have Google translate with me, I could not do much. But, it was a lot of fun. Yes, I did not understand most of what what was going, but I picked up on a few words. We tracted into a Spanish family that was watching soccer. Before we began, we prayed, but it was interesting, the family had us stand up to pray and the stood up as well. The zone leader told me to say the prayer and he would translate. Well, before I knew it, the head of the household was saying a prayer, so I thought I would be courteous and then I would say the prayer. When he got done, everybody sat down, so I did not pray. The lesson talked about eternal families, temples, prophets, and some argument about the Spirit. That is what I caught. By the end, we again stood up to pray and the zone leader said the prayer with two other people saying their own prayer at the same time. I could hear distinctly each voice and I thought, "Man, this is like my schizophrenia project and the simulator." I was severely confused by all of it. We had a wonderful dinner with the branch president. I told them I was Hispanic. The wife of the branch president looked at me and said she could see it somewhat, but I looked really white. Yes, that is true. We tracted again that night and found a man who let us in. The zone leader translated my testimony of prayer for him.

Thursday, we had an early morning lesson and then, we exchanged back. We had district meeting and after lunch, we helped out at the health center with Bingo. We tried seeing a few people. We had a successful lesson that night, because we were in unity. We shared an equal amount, which was great. I have to mention that he seemed a lot happier that day. He showed that he could plan as well and that we could work together.

However, and this is the strange thing, when I went to check on him at 10:30, I could tell that whatever it was, it was back. He was sitting there eating chips and I could sense that he was back. It seems odd to say, but that is the only way I could describe it. Thankfully, it was not fully back, whatever it was. Unfortunately, I did not catch it in time. (As his parents we truly feel that something serious is going on with his companion beyond simple laziness. We can only hope that leaders beyond the young missionaries recognize something is terribly wrong here. However, we do not have the expertise to say what it might be.)

Friday, we had a lesson with a potential and now he is an investigator. It was a successful lesson, though I had to push to say what I needed to say. It was not as united as the day before. We saw the ladies in the dark house that we read the Book of Mormon with. It was a simple lesson and we made some good discussions on it. We saw this other recent convert who cognitively can understand things, but does have difficulty in some ways it seems. He was recently baptized, but he still goes to his other church, partially due to his father being opposed to the Church and partially due to its familiarity. We were able to get that information out of him. 

Saturday, we did the progress record and we did some form of weekly planning. It was more of a companionship study, but it helped for a coming lesson at least. We had dinner with this family, a young couple with their two little ones, who recently moved into the ward. The oldest kid, a three year old, kept asking me for my name and I told him and pointed to my name tag for reference. Well, by the second time I did that, I made that startling realization the kid could not read. Yeah, I felt bad for my own ignorance about children. It was funny the kid's brother, who is a year or so old, was playing with my bookbag. The oldest, thinking I did not see this, stated, "My brother is playing with your purse." Thanks, kid, I realize your brother is playing with my "purse." We had transfer calls that night and my companion is being transferred. Something I should have stated from the beginning, but at least I did and did not forget. Well, this mirrors Appomattox in a slight way. I was a bit apprehensive about leading the area. What do you do? You feel like you personally failed in an area, or at least you were not able to do much, but at least a little. So, I prayed.

Sunday, my own day of Pentecost. There was a rich spiritual outpouring for me that day. I learned about kindness and love from the ward conference we had yesterday. The bishop talked about unity and the stake president talked about what to do if you fall out of the boat, meaning the importance of scripture study, praying, and church attendance. The rest of the day, I felt even more confident in my self; we had two good lessons with people that day, one of them being our investigator who sticks to the Bible. I struck a deal with him (odd, I know) that when we read the Book of Mormon with him, to settle any conflicts that he might see with it (if it contradicts the Bible), then we will go out of our way to figure it out and to resolve the conflict. He had a problem with "A Bible, A Bible, we need no more Bible," but we were able to discuss that. I felt that my prayers and actions were guided by the Spirit. I am confident that as I turn to the Lord with leading the area, all will be well.


Two other things. One, at dinner, the older couple we were with talked about how their daughter was attacked by a dog on her mission. It was a gruesome account. Felt like mentioning it, because, mother, you are not alone in accounts of dog attacks and dog fights. Plus, I find it an interesting coincidence of these two stories.

As for Goochland, some members there feel neglected and offended in some ways. The ward council has heard all about it, know the situation, tries to help, but it has gone nowhere. The ward mission leader has gone through it again and again. So, I am back to, "Okay, what am I to do?" I think if we can help the Goochland become spiritually self reliant than that would be progress. Gayton Ward then has to ensure they complete this by reaching a hand out. If we make the first move, it would be good. Then, we can know these people as investigators and bring in fellowship in the claim, "We need a ride due to our mile limitations."

Tout va bien!

Love,

Elder S. Todd

All About Helping People Change

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Dear Parents, Mom and Dad/Dad and Mom,

Well, there are rules with the good news of going to the temple.( For interested individuals, a rabbi tours the inside of a Mormon temple: http://www.jewishaz.com/community/what-i-learned-from-visiting-the-new-mormon-temple/article_fab9f51c-82db-11e3-b97b-001a4bcf6878.html ) 


 The rules:
"Missionaries are able to attend the temple under the following circumstances:

1- The endowment or sealing of a new or returning member when the missionary had a substantial role in the conversion. Only one companionship may attend, if invited by the member.
2- An end-of-mission visit with the mission president and his wife.

Missionaries who qualify above must also meet these standards:

1- Be able to depart and return on the same day and be back serving in their area by 6:00 p.m. No more than two hours one-way travel time is recommended.
2- Travel with a member and not use a mission vehicle.
3- Attend on their preparation day or switch their preparation day to accommodate the temple schedule.
4- Receive advance approval from the mission president."


So, it is a bit difficult, but at least some day I will go. Some day. But, still, despite the rules, I am excited. 

The drought is bad (in California). That does not sound good at all. The weather seems, to put it  metaphorically, bipolar. In the same way, Virginia is like that. One week it is warm, or at least the humidity makes it feel warm. Then, it goes cold by the next week. Take for example, this week it was warm. Last week, we had some days that were a bit chilly. Now, it is going way cold into the single digits with snow. It should snow by 11 this morning. I am waiting.

And yes, I am using the gears( read his previous letter home below). It still takes a while for me to get up the hills. I am exercising. Yeah, it will take me a while. But, it is going a bit quicker. I still am learning the area. It is quite simple. I have it nearly down. 

With this ward (congregation), we have an excellent ward mission leader, who wants us to communicate more effectively with the congregation as well as with him. I am trying to help out.  I am trying to be on top of things. Some things I cannot worry about; there are things I can do. 


Everyone (two sets of male missionaries) in the same house belongs to the same congregation. No sister missionaries in this congregation. All are biking, which I do not mind. There are pros and cons to both a car or a bike. One thing I do not have to worry about is miles which are restricted on cars, thankfully.

This week was a bit slow in the sense of work. I am working hard and I am knocking on doors a lot. I have seen people who are mildly interested, atheists, those who think I do not know anything, and those who like to point out their NO SOLICITORS sign. Yes, people are very much interesting. I do my best to change my approach at each door and to testify always. As I once put it, I like F.A.T door approaches: "Make your approaches FLOW, ADAPT to the situation, and TESTIFY always." It works for me and I try to look around me to enlighten myself about what this person might be like or if it is a family or whatever. Hey, what I am doing is planting a seed. It is what it is. 

The members here are very nice. I try to help them out, hopefully they will realize our efforts and what we are doing. It feels as though it is a political game sometimes, trying to demonstrate that we are doing work with or without their help. 

Oh, and yesterday, I sent letters of the same kind to family. (Some I am still working on.) Well, actually, I just put some in the mailbox and forgot that it was a federal holiday. So, some time, you will receive a letter.

I hope this week goes well. Things will be worked out. Always be obedient.

All is well.

Love,

Elder S. Todd

P.S. I have been locking the door and turning off the lights, much to the dismay and frustration of my companion. But, yes the Following! On Christmas, with the Hairs (the place where I was able to communicate with you), after my communication calls, Sister Hair brought up "The Following" and how Brother Hair got into it somewhat. I was a bit excited, because it has a good story-line as you know. She could see my emotions and said, "Wow, I have never seen you so excited." Then, a person who is a potential told of us when he moved here to Woodbridge that the Lorraina Bobbitt incident (if that is how spell her name) had just occurred. After hearing that and away from the potential investigator, I turned around to my companion and said, "Wow, there is so much history here!" And I told him about Lorraina Bobbitt and others that I know were around here. To which, he replied, "I do not know how you find it fascinating."

Yes, I know I am abnormal in that sense.  What honestly interests me is the question of why. What is the motivation. Then, there is the question of justice. Please understand that , because I am not crazy at all (we, as his parents do). I just like good revealing stories and criminal justice.

And I am always excited for the missionary work.

(Most members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have a sense of humor. Even the person we call the prophet or president of our church shares his humor so the following is an inside joke for my LDS readers playing on "the army of Helaman):