Well he made it to Farmington, ME and here is what he has to say about it.
Good Morning from Farmington!! I already LOVE it here! And guess what!? Guess who's cruzin' around in a chevy Malibu!? haha! I'm driving this 2007 Chevy Malibu and loving it. It's awesome! But we're in a Car Share with the Farmington 1 Missionaries...so we only have the car Saturday night, til Wednesday night...but being on foot is good, unless it's raining like it was Saturday. It's just so awesome here. This ward is the biggest ward in the state!! It's almost like a Utah ward!
We're supposed to be in at 4:00 on Halloween night, but we got permission to go to the ward trunk or treat so that should be a lot of fun and I'm way excited. The missionaries in Farmington 1 are Sister missionaries, and they were MTC comps, and...I came out with them haha! So it's fun to serve around them. It's Sister Abbott and Sister Wilden. Elder Bowen is cool. I think he'll only be here one transfer with me but we'll see. He's been here for 6 months and after this transfer it will be 7 1/2. So I don't think I'll be here long. But we'll see.
Yes, I heard Elder Nielson went home this last transfer and I'm not sure why. I hope everything is ok. He wasn't supposed to be home until next transfer so I don't know what the deal is.
I'm just excited to be here :) Things are good. Anyway, it's been a really good week. I hope you guys got my postcards with my address. If not, then I'll have to find a way to get it to you, cuz I don't have it with me right now. I can't believe I'm almost out of time. I can't think of much that happened this week. I'm still new to the area so I'm still trying to figure things out. It's an awesome area though and I think I'm really going to like it here!! I hope you all have a wonderful week and I can't wait to get a package!! I love you all very much!! Sorry this isn't the most entertaining email haha!! Have a wonderful week!!
Its always a relief to know that he likes his new area and companion. I'm sure they will love him! Sounds like he will be able to get to know some of the ward members on Halloween at the Trick or Trunk activity. I'm anxious to hear how the investigators are doing as he gets to know them. Just glad all is well in Farmington. We did get his postcard with his address and he actually lives in Wilton, ME but the area he serves is Farmington.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Oct. 19, 2009
We were anxious to get this email. We knew it was transfer week and he mentioned before that maybe he would be leaving Norway. So here is what he wrote:
Yes yes...I am getting transfered. It's a bummer but I kind of expected it. I was called last night by one of the assistants and they told me the low down. But, I do know where I'm going and who I'm serving with already. Cool huh!? Any guesses?? Well, it's going to be the name of a city that already sounds familiar, but I'm going to the.....Farmington, ME area!!! It's the Farmington 2 area, which means there's 2 sets of missionaries in Farmington, so I guess it's a good size town. It's just an hour or so North of here so it's not to far at all. I'll be serving with Elder Bowen. Anyway, it'll be good. I told the Young's last night and they were super bummed. Bro Young is making me a "last supper" to eat at 1:00 haha!! I'm going to miss them. I am excited though, that I'll probably be in Maine for the whole first year of my mission. If I survive in Farmington these next 2 transfers, it'll be mine, Ha ha!! I guess it's a pretty good size town too. So there will be lots of people to talk to. It'll be good.
So he is heading out of Norway ME and going to Farmington. There is a little town called Farmington just about 5 miles out of Kaysville where we live. That is why he knew the town would sound familiar. Its always hard to leave an area and the people you have grown to love, but its best for missionaires to keep moving on to different places. Their talents and testimony just might help someone else in another place. I know Ronnie will adjust well and will grow to love the people in Farmington, ME and his new companion.
He goes on to write:
This week was awesome though. I don't have much time but I did want to tell you about one awesome thing that we did. On Tuesday, the assistants called and told us that Elder Thompson (a traveling Zone Leader who just works with different companionships throughout the mission) would be staying with us for a few days. I've heard a lot about Elder Thompson but didn't know him so I was excited. So, we went and picked him up on Wednesday. He's such an awesome missionary!! He's from Louisanna and has an awesome accent!! He just joined the church a year before he came out, and he came out with Elder Pugmire, so he's only been a member for 3 years. He's almost 27!! So anyway, on Friday, the Zone Leaders sent out a competition to see who could get the "most awkward" contact. Our mission president wants us to be talking to +10 people (unplanned) everyday. So that involves a lot of awkward contacts. Well, the Zone leaders decided that they would have a competition for it haha!! So Friday night, Elder Thompson, Elder Pugmire and I were standing by the car and we saw this huge "corona" beer truck getting ready to pull out of the parking lot about a hundred yards away. So Elder Thompson realize that stopping this 18 wheeler beer truck would win us the competiton hahahaha!! So Elder Pugmire was digging in the car for something, and Elder Thompson and I started sprinting towards this Corona 18 wheeler!! It was great! I turn around and to see Elder Pugmire running after us but we were so far ahead. Anyway, by now the beer truck has already pulled out and started driving so we're chasing the beer truck!!! And waving our arms like mad...sooo...he pulled over hahaha!! He rolled down his window, and we were able to talk to the Corona man for a minute...and won the contest haha!! It was soooo funny and soooo awesome!! It was just a good week!
Just thinking of them chasing down a beer truck made us giggle. Glad to know they were the winners. :) I'm curious to know what the other awkward contacts were!
So thats it for the experience in Norway, ME. On to a new adventure in Farmington, ME.
Yes yes...I am getting transfered. It's a bummer but I kind of expected it. I was called last night by one of the assistants and they told me the low down. But, I do know where I'm going and who I'm serving with already. Cool huh!? Any guesses?? Well, it's going to be the name of a city that already sounds familiar, but I'm going to the.....Farmington, ME area!!! It's the Farmington 2 area, which means there's 2 sets of missionaries in Farmington, so I guess it's a good size town. It's just an hour or so North of here so it's not to far at all. I'll be serving with Elder Bowen. Anyway, it'll be good. I told the Young's last night and they were super bummed. Bro Young is making me a "last supper" to eat at 1:00 haha!! I'm going to miss them. I am excited though, that I'll probably be in Maine for the whole first year of my mission. If I survive in Farmington these next 2 transfers, it'll be mine, Ha ha!! I guess it's a pretty good size town too. So there will be lots of people to talk to. It'll be good.
So he is heading out of Norway ME and going to Farmington. There is a little town called Farmington just about 5 miles out of Kaysville where we live. That is why he knew the town would sound familiar. Its always hard to leave an area and the people you have grown to love, but its best for missionaires to keep moving on to different places. Their talents and testimony just might help someone else in another place. I know Ronnie will adjust well and will grow to love the people in Farmington, ME and his new companion.
He goes on to write:
This week was awesome though. I don't have much time but I did want to tell you about one awesome thing that we did. On Tuesday, the assistants called and told us that Elder Thompson (a traveling Zone Leader who just works with different companionships throughout the mission) would be staying with us for a few days. I've heard a lot about Elder Thompson but didn't know him so I was excited. So, we went and picked him up on Wednesday. He's such an awesome missionary!! He's from Louisanna and has an awesome accent!! He just joined the church a year before he came out, and he came out with Elder Pugmire, so he's only been a member for 3 years. He's almost 27!! So anyway, on Friday, the Zone Leaders sent out a competition to see who could get the "most awkward" contact. Our mission president wants us to be talking to +10 people (unplanned) everyday. So that involves a lot of awkward contacts. Well, the Zone leaders decided that they would have a competition for it haha!! So Friday night, Elder Thompson, Elder Pugmire and I were standing by the car and we saw this huge "corona" beer truck getting ready to pull out of the parking lot about a hundred yards away. So Elder Thompson realize that stopping this 18 wheeler beer truck would win us the competiton hahahaha!! So Elder Pugmire was digging in the car for something, and Elder Thompson and I started sprinting towards this Corona 18 wheeler!! It was great! I turn around and to see Elder Pugmire running after us but we were so far ahead. Anyway, by now the beer truck has already pulled out and started driving so we're chasing the beer truck!!! And waving our arms like mad...sooo...he pulled over hahaha!! He rolled down his window, and we were able to talk to the Corona man for a minute...and won the contest haha!! It was soooo funny and soooo awesome!! It was just a good week!
Just thinking of them chasing down a beer truck made us giggle. Glad to know they were the winners. :) I'm curious to know what the other awkward contacts were!
So thats it for the experience in Norway, ME. On to a new adventure in Farmington, ME.
Oct. 12, 2009
We didn't think we would get an email from Ronnie since is was Columbus Day and we thought the libraries would be closed. He wrote and said the libraries were open and he was happy to be able to email us. Here is what else he said:
This week was AWESOME!! I had Zone Conference on Thursday and LOVED it! It was sooo good to see all my friends and also see Elder Nielson and Jared Bussell. (They are from his Bangor, ME area) Jared's papers went in the other day so he should be getting his call soon!! I'm stoked for him. Elder Mcgiff (a retired doctor who's mission call is to be a doctor for missionaries), was there. He gave us a lot of advice on staying healthy and also advised us to get a flu shot. I just might, ...but we'll see. The other cool thing was, we got to talk to him one on one if we had a concern about our health. Well, I decided I would talk to him about my left elbow. My elbow has been bugging me for the last couple months, nothing terrible, but I couldn't do a lot of push ups, and sometimes just moving it wrong hurt it. I was kind of curious if I had a small case of tennis elbow. Well, I was right! He said it sounds like I've got a little Tendenitis going on and that I needed to get a band, that takes off a lot off pressure on that tendent. So I bought one at walgreens and it's made quite a difference! So, I'm in good health other than a small case of tennis elbow. No worries :)
I'm glad to know he only has a little elbow problem which I know he'll be able to deal with until he gets home. I hope he gets through the flu season without getting it too badly. The big thing is the Swine Flu, so hopefully he won't get that!
He goes on to say:
We've had a good week though. We found a couple new investigators (no one really solid I guess) but we'll see how it goes when we go to their return appointment :) The weather here is really cold this week!! There's a storm rolling in tonight and Sister Young said that it could possibly be SNOW!! I'm not looking forward to it, but it really has beeen cold. The leaves will probably lose all their color here in the next couple days. But it's been fun seeing all the color!! NOTHING like the fall in New England!! I'm so lucky haha!!
He wrote a few personal things to the family and let us know how much he loves us. He is a great son and we love and miss him so very much. We are so grateful he is out serving a mission and loving it and doing a great work.
This week was AWESOME!! I had Zone Conference on Thursday and LOVED it! It was sooo good to see all my friends and also see Elder Nielson and Jared Bussell. (They are from his Bangor, ME area) Jared's papers went in the other day so he should be getting his call soon!! I'm stoked for him. Elder Mcgiff (a retired doctor who's mission call is to be a doctor for missionaries), was there. He gave us a lot of advice on staying healthy and also advised us to get a flu shot. I just might, ...but we'll see. The other cool thing was, we got to talk to him one on one if we had a concern about our health. Well, I decided I would talk to him about my left elbow. My elbow has been bugging me for the last couple months, nothing terrible, but I couldn't do a lot of push ups, and sometimes just moving it wrong hurt it. I was kind of curious if I had a small case of tennis elbow. Well, I was right! He said it sounds like I've got a little Tendenitis going on and that I needed to get a band, that takes off a lot off pressure on that tendent. So I bought one at walgreens and it's made quite a difference! So, I'm in good health other than a small case of tennis elbow. No worries :)
I'm glad to know he only has a little elbow problem which I know he'll be able to deal with until he gets home. I hope he gets through the flu season without getting it too badly. The big thing is the Swine Flu, so hopefully he won't get that!
He goes on to say:
We've had a good week though. We found a couple new investigators (no one really solid I guess) but we'll see how it goes when we go to their return appointment :) The weather here is really cold this week!! There's a storm rolling in tonight and Sister Young said that it could possibly be SNOW!! I'm not looking forward to it, but it really has beeen cold. The leaves will probably lose all their color here in the next couple days. But it's been fun seeing all the color!! NOTHING like the fall in New England!! I'm so lucky haha!!
He wrote a few personal things to the family and let us know how much he loves us. He is a great son and we love and miss him so very much. We are so grateful he is out serving a mission and loving it and doing a great work.
Oct. 5, 2009
Here is what Ronnie said this week:
Hello!! How is everyone this morning?? I hope that this email works out and actually sends this time!! Ha ha. Wasn't conference just awesome!!! I absolutely LOVED Elder Hollands talk!! Oh man...he just rocked the world!! All the missionaries here were just awe struck at his talk. Elder Binford told us that after his talk, he leaned over to their investigator that came (who isn't terribly solid), and said, "I know you want to be baptized right now...but you're going to just have to wait a few days." I thought it was great! The other talk I really liked was Elder Hales talk on Saturday, where he just picked apart the trinity. It seems like lately we have run into a few people who quiz us and ask us questions...they're usually baptist, but the say things like, "Do you believe in Jesus Christ?" "ummm yeah...", "Do you believe he is God?" "yeah...""There is only ONE God, God the Father, God The Son, and God the Holy Ghost, they're one!" I've just never understood how people are so blind, and it was just cool to hear Elder Hales bear testimony of three seperate and distinct beings. Conference was awesome!!
I know he is getting more out of Conference as a missionary sitting in the church wearing his suit than when he was at home in comfy clothes and snuggled up in a blanket! :) I'm glad that his testimony is strenghted as he listens to the apostles and prophet.
He then goes on to say:
Well, we're still teaching Bailey "Bo", but they'll probably move the date back a little bit. I don't know if I'll be able to see the baptism though. The way things are looking, I'll probably be booted at the end of this transfer in 2 weeks. I'm really bummed. I love it here and I love the Youngs who we live above!! Bro. Young is always teasing me, and I'm always teasing him haha! They're just so awesome!! Their dog, Sage (a golden retreiver) is always out on the porch when we get home, and always out in the morning when we get up to excersise....just to see us!! I'm going to miss her too. Anyway, I've got to get running, but I hope you all enjoyed conference!! :) It made me giggle a couple times thinking that we were all watching it together!!
I started reading 2NE 29 this morning...page 110 :) I love it! I just finished the Issaiah Ch's the other day which is a relief cuz I never knew who was talking!!
Sounds like all is well in Norway ME and maybe only a couple more weeks there. Its hard to transfer out when you have a baptism coming up. I'm am grateful for the Youngs taking good care of the Elders. Its good to be transferred though so you don't get too comfortable with the members. I'm glad he made it through the tough chapters in the Book of Mormon, now the rest is easy!!
Hello!! How is everyone this morning?? I hope that this email works out and actually sends this time!! Ha ha. Wasn't conference just awesome!!! I absolutely LOVED Elder Hollands talk!! Oh man...he just rocked the world!! All the missionaries here were just awe struck at his talk. Elder Binford told us that after his talk, he leaned over to their investigator that came (who isn't terribly solid), and said, "I know you want to be baptized right now...but you're going to just have to wait a few days." I thought it was great! The other talk I really liked was Elder Hales talk on Saturday, where he just picked apart the trinity. It seems like lately we have run into a few people who quiz us and ask us questions...they're usually baptist, but the say things like, "Do you believe in Jesus Christ?" "ummm yeah...", "Do you believe he is God?" "yeah...""There is only ONE God, God the Father, God The Son, and God the Holy Ghost, they're one!" I've just never understood how people are so blind, and it was just cool to hear Elder Hales bear testimony of three seperate and distinct beings. Conference was awesome!!
I know he is getting more out of Conference as a missionary sitting in the church wearing his suit than when he was at home in comfy clothes and snuggled up in a blanket! :) I'm glad that his testimony is strenghted as he listens to the apostles and prophet.
He then goes on to say:
Well, we're still teaching Bailey "Bo", but they'll probably move the date back a little bit. I don't know if I'll be able to see the baptism though. The way things are looking, I'll probably be booted at the end of this transfer in 2 weeks. I'm really bummed. I love it here and I love the Youngs who we live above!! Bro. Young is always teasing me, and I'm always teasing him haha! They're just so awesome!! Their dog, Sage (a golden retreiver) is always out on the porch when we get home, and always out in the morning when we get up to excersise....just to see us!! I'm going to miss her too. Anyway, I've got to get running, but I hope you all enjoyed conference!! :) It made me giggle a couple times thinking that we were all watching it together!!
I started reading 2NE 29 this morning...page 110 :) I love it! I just finished the Issaiah Ch's the other day which is a relief cuz I never knew who was talking!!
Sounds like all is well in Norway ME and maybe only a couple more weeks there. Its hard to transfer out when you have a baptism coming up. I'm am grateful for the Youngs taking good care of the Elders. Its good to be transferred though so you don't get too comfortable with the members. I'm glad he made it through the tough chapters in the Book of Mormon, now the rest is easy!!
Sept. 28, 2009--handwritten
I knew there had to be a reason why we didn't get an email on Monday, Sept. 28th. Apparently he tried to email us but it didn't go through so thankfully he sent us a letter through the postal mail.
He said he went on exchanges with Elder Janson. They were in his area which was Cormish ME and part of it was in New Hampshire. That was the first time in NH since he flew out there in Feb. He got to see his first "New England covered bridge". He says the Fall colors are EXPLODING and the 2nd week of Oct is the prime week of Fall. He said he is what the New Englanders call a "leaf peeper".
He went on to say they still only have 3 strong investigators but are working hard to get more. He said they talked to a lot of mean people this week, but they'll contiune to work hard. He is excited to watch General Conference coming up.
He is doing well and for that we are very grateful.
He said he went on exchanges with Elder Janson. They were in his area which was Cormish ME and part of it was in New Hampshire. That was the first time in NH since he flew out there in Feb. He got to see his first "New England covered bridge". He says the Fall colors are EXPLODING and the 2nd week of Oct is the prime week of Fall. He said he is what the New Englanders call a "leaf peeper".
He went on to say they still only have 3 strong investigators but are working hard to get more. He said they talked to a lot of mean people this week, but they'll contiune to work hard. He is excited to watch General Conference coming up.
He is doing well and for that we are very grateful.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Sept. 28, 2009
We didn't get an email on his p-day. Not sure why, there are many reasons we could think of. We aren't worried, sometimes this just happens. Stay tuned, maybe a letter will be coming in the slow mail.
Sept. 21, 2009
This was a good week for Ronnie. Here is what he said in his email:
Happy P-day family :) Guess what today is for me?? Happy 8 months day! :) Time is cruisin' wicked fast and I can't believe it's been this long!! I'm glad time is going quick though...but I'm glad work is getting done too. So this week hasn't been to shabby. The Book of Mormon assignment is a lot of fun, and I sometimes read it the whole hour of study. President Jensen has asked us to only take the first half an hour to study so we can study other things, but I sometimes just keep reading and lose track of time. It's fun though. This morning I read 1 NE 16-18. So I'll start 18 tomorrow. It's been a lot of fun. Wednesday I went on an exchange with Elder Bingham in Auburn, ME. It was weird being in a big city again, and it just seemed noisy to me, but I liked it. There were a lot of people to talk to. The exchange went well and Elder Bingham is the man! He's one of the Augusta, ME zone leaders.We invited 102 people to learn this week but no luck really. We're only down to a few investigators. We had to drop some within the last couple of weeks. We're teaching this one guy and his son but he's been taught since last year, and hasn't really progressed at all. He may be getting dropped soon too. We're teaching this one couple that we found a couple of weeks ago named Ryan and Jessica. Just a young unmarried couple. But when we knocked on the door and told Jessica who we were, she just said, "do you wanna come in?" No hesitation, so there's got to be a reason for that. We're teaching them tonight so we'll see how they're doing. I also haven't told you about Bailey "Bo", He's just a 9 year old boy that we're teaching. I keep forgetting about him, cuz his Mom, and his other sibilings are members, so I forget that he's one of our investigators. But, he's getting baptized on October 17th!! And...he asked me if I would baptize him this week. So I'm looking forward to that. He's a good kid and is loving to learn! He likes coming to church and everything too. It's fun teaching him. Yesterday was Stake Conference in Cape Elizabeth, ME (down by Portland, ME) it was a good meeting and I got to see a lot of the missionaries in the nearby areas. I looove Elder Binford! He was there and he's sooo funny! He's in my district and you probably have a picture of him. He's from Salt lake and came out when Elder Schow did so he's only a transfer older than me. He is training this transfer and I get to go on an exchange with him next week. But anyway, at Stake Conference, one of the Stake Presidency members was released and sustained as the new Patriarch. I don't think I've ever seen a patriarch sustained? It was neat though. Anyway, this week has been good.
We are so grateful that Ronnie is enjoying the reading of the Book of Mormon. He reads for an hour, how cool is that?!! Sounds like he is busy teaching and attending meetings. One thing we know about Ronnie is that he is a very "people person". He loves talking to people, he loves meeting new people and he loves the missionaries he is serving with. He is making friends wherever he goes and we know with his personality he makes people comfortable around them.
We love getting his letters. He is happy and healthy and serving well. What more could a parent ask for?!
Happy P-day family :) Guess what today is for me?? Happy 8 months day! :) Time is cruisin' wicked fast and I can't believe it's been this long!! I'm glad time is going quick though...but I'm glad work is getting done too. So this week hasn't been to shabby. The Book of Mormon assignment is a lot of fun, and I sometimes read it the whole hour of study. President Jensen has asked us to only take the first half an hour to study so we can study other things, but I sometimes just keep reading and lose track of time. It's fun though. This morning I read 1 NE 16-18. So I'll start 18 tomorrow. It's been a lot of fun. Wednesday I went on an exchange with Elder Bingham in Auburn, ME. It was weird being in a big city again, and it just seemed noisy to me, but I liked it. There were a lot of people to talk to. The exchange went well and Elder Bingham is the man! He's one of the Augusta, ME zone leaders.We invited 102 people to learn this week but no luck really. We're only down to a few investigators. We had to drop some within the last couple of weeks. We're teaching this one guy and his son but he's been taught since last year, and hasn't really progressed at all. He may be getting dropped soon too. We're teaching this one couple that we found a couple of weeks ago named Ryan and Jessica. Just a young unmarried couple. But when we knocked on the door and told Jessica who we were, she just said, "do you wanna come in?" No hesitation, so there's got to be a reason for that. We're teaching them tonight so we'll see how they're doing. I also haven't told you about Bailey "Bo", He's just a 9 year old boy that we're teaching. I keep forgetting about him, cuz his Mom, and his other sibilings are members, so I forget that he's one of our investigators. But, he's getting baptized on October 17th!! And...he asked me if I would baptize him this week. So I'm looking forward to that. He's a good kid and is loving to learn! He likes coming to church and everything too. It's fun teaching him. Yesterday was Stake Conference in Cape Elizabeth, ME (down by Portland, ME) it was a good meeting and I got to see a lot of the missionaries in the nearby areas. I looove Elder Binford! He was there and he's sooo funny! He's in my district and you probably have a picture of him. He's from Salt lake and came out when Elder Schow did so he's only a transfer older than me. He is training this transfer and I get to go on an exchange with him next week. But anyway, at Stake Conference, one of the Stake Presidency members was released and sustained as the new Patriarch. I don't think I've ever seen a patriarch sustained? It was neat though. Anyway, this week has been good.
We are so grateful that Ronnie is enjoying the reading of the Book of Mormon. He reads for an hour, how cool is that?!! Sounds like he is busy teaching and attending meetings. One thing we know about Ronnie is that he is a very "people person". He loves talking to people, he loves meeting new people and he loves the missionaries he is serving with. He is making friends wherever he goes and we know with his personality he makes people comfortable around them.
We love getting his letters. He is happy and healthy and serving well. What more could a parent ask for?!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Sept. 14, 2009
Elder Ronnie writes:
Maine is absoulutely gorgeous!! I love it! I've come to a conclusion that I don't really want to leave Maine during my mission! Well, I wouldn't mind serving in NH and VT to just say I did, but I love Maine! Oh, and yes some of the leaves are starting to change colors!! It gets me sooo excited!! That's what EVERYONE talked about before I left. So I can't wait to see it!! It shouldn't be a whole lot longer. It's already cooling down quite a bit as well.
One of the comments most people would tell Ronnie when he said where he was called to serve was, "Oh its beautiful there, especially in the Fall!" Ronnie will get to experience his first Fall season in the New England States. I'm sure it is gorgeous and we can't wait to see pictures.
He also writes:
Well, things have been pretty good and I don't know where to start with the update haha! Oh, we got an assignment from President Jensen in the mail on Saturday that I'm kind of excited about. Between now and Christmas day, we are going to read the Book of Mormon from cover-to-cover in a "mission-wide effort to immerse ourselves in it."Cool eh? But here's the specifics: We are going to use an unmarked paperback copy of the Book of Mormon and mark in red, each reference to Jesus Christ (any of His names, name titles, and pronouns referring to Him) and in green, His words (spoken by Him or by prophets when they say "Thus saith the Lord"). SWEET :) I've already started durring personal study. He wants us to keep it after we're done for a future assignment and to use in teaching and when we get home. I'm excited! He attatched a lot of promises and blessings to it too. So I started marking an unmarked copy of the BOM in 1NE ch1! It'll be fun!
We were thrilled to hear about this challenge Pres. Jensen gave to his missionaries. We as a family are taking this challenge also and reading along with Ronnie. I know it will bring us all blessings and we can feel closer to Ronnie and feel like we are part of his life. We are so happy that he will get the chance to read the Book of Mormon from beginning to end in a short time. Its fun to read it that way.
He continues:
Yesterday, we were driving and Elder Pugmire and I both felt like we should stop and tract the few houses on a booney road where we were driving, and the second house we knocked on, they were interested :) It was way cool! They're an older couple, the _______. We'll stop by again sometime this week.
This was one of his shorter letters to us, but all is well in Norway ME. He is doing great and for that we are very grateful. We love and miss him!
Maine is absoulutely gorgeous!! I love it! I've come to a conclusion that I don't really want to leave Maine during my mission! Well, I wouldn't mind serving in NH and VT to just say I did, but I love Maine! Oh, and yes some of the leaves are starting to change colors!! It gets me sooo excited!! That's what EVERYONE talked about before I left. So I can't wait to see it!! It shouldn't be a whole lot longer. It's already cooling down quite a bit as well.
One of the comments most people would tell Ronnie when he said where he was called to serve was, "Oh its beautiful there, especially in the Fall!" Ronnie will get to experience his first Fall season in the New England States. I'm sure it is gorgeous and we can't wait to see pictures.
He also writes:
Well, things have been pretty good and I don't know where to start with the update haha! Oh, we got an assignment from President Jensen in the mail on Saturday that I'm kind of excited about. Between now and Christmas day, we are going to read the Book of Mormon from cover-to-cover in a "mission-wide effort to immerse ourselves in it."Cool eh? But here's the specifics: We are going to use an unmarked paperback copy of the Book of Mormon and mark in red, each reference to Jesus Christ (any of His names, name titles, and pronouns referring to Him) and in green, His words (spoken by Him or by prophets when they say "Thus saith the Lord"). SWEET :) I've already started durring personal study. He wants us to keep it after we're done for a future assignment and to use in teaching and when we get home. I'm excited! He attatched a lot of promises and blessings to it too. So I started marking an unmarked copy of the BOM in 1NE ch1! It'll be fun!
We were thrilled to hear about this challenge Pres. Jensen gave to his missionaries. We as a family are taking this challenge also and reading along with Ronnie. I know it will bring us all blessings and we can feel closer to Ronnie and feel like we are part of his life. We are so happy that he will get the chance to read the Book of Mormon from beginning to end in a short time. Its fun to read it that way.
He continues:
Yesterday, we were driving and Elder Pugmire and I both felt like we should stop and tract the few houses on a booney road where we were driving, and the second house we knocked on, they were interested :) It was way cool! They're an older couple, the _______. We'll stop by again sometime this week.
This was one of his shorter letters to us, but all is well in Norway ME. He is doing great and for that we are very grateful. We love and miss him!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Sept. 7, 2009
Labor Day was Sept. 7 and that meant the public libraries were closed. Mondays are Ronnie's p-days and the day he goes to the library to email us, so we didn't get an email. On Thurs. Sept. 10, we received a CD in the mail with lots of pictures. We were thrilled to see them all. Ronnie looks happy and Maine is gorgeous! Here are a few of the pictures we want to share:
These are some interesting things Ronnie has seen while out tracting. A "For Sale" sign in the middle of nowhere (not sure what's for sale, the tree?), an interesting mailbox, a frog, an ant ( a very large ant) and a snapping turtle.
Ronnie bought a lobster from one of the members, cooked it, and ate it all by his "big boy self". He loves Maine Lobster!!
Here are some beautiful scenic pictures of Norway Maine. There is the tree that was hit by lightning when Ronnie and Elder Pugmire were out driving in a huge lightning storm. Also pictures of roads he tracts and Lake Penneeseewassee that is near by. It looks like beautiful country!!
These are some interesting things Ronnie has seen while out tracting. A "For Sale" sign in the middle of nowhere (not sure what's for sale, the tree?), an interesting mailbox, a frog, an ant ( a very large ant) and a snapping turtle.
Here are some signs in Norway Maine. One show all the cities in ME that are named after Presidents of the USA and the other is the International Maine Post.
Ronnie bought a lobster from one of the members, cooked it, and ate it all by his "big boy self". He loves Maine Lobster!!
There is Ronnie and his companion, Elder Pugmire, out tracting the beautiful streets of Norway, Maine.
Here are some beautiful scenic pictures of Norway Maine. There is the tree that was hit by lightning when Ronnie and Elder Pugmire were out driving in a huge lightning storm. Also pictures of roads he tracts and Lake Penneeseewassee that is near by. It looks like beautiful country!!
Ronnie, Jared (his friend from the Bangor ME, Pushaw Ward), and Elder Nielson at Zone Conference.
The TREO-- Elder Duval, Elder Pugmire, Elder Ronnie Hurst serving in Norway, Maine
The District--Elders Binford, Janson, Farrell, Duval, Leatham, Ronnie
Ronnie and Elder Duval with Greg and Amy and Noah on Amy's baptism day.
Elder Nielson and Ronnie with Brenda and her husband Craig on her baptism day.
Here is some of the missionaries he is serving with. I'm not sure if this his his district or Zone. From left to right its Ronnie, Elders Charlesworth, Pack, Roher, Nielson, Graham, Potter, Warr, and Sisters Ross and Snow.
Here is Ronnie and his cousin Elder Chris Schow at a Zone Conference.
Here is Ronnie and his cousin Elder Chris Schow at a Zone Conference.
Before a Zone Conference in Augusta ME, Ronnie and his companion, Elder Nielson, were able to go to the Augusta Archives where one of the original Book of Mormon copies was kept. They were able to hold it, read it, and enjoy it. Ronnie said it was a neat experience.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Aug. 31, 2009
Here is what Ronnie wrote this week:
I had a pretty good week. Nothing to complain about at all! We had Zone conference this last week which was really good. President Jensen did a lot of the teaching and we really enjoyed it. I swear he's going to be an Apostle someday! He's so spiritual and used to be a lawyer for the church, so he just has this business like presence, but still fun way of teaching. I love hearing from him and meeting with him twice every transfer! He's awesome. It was good. Elder Parkinson wasn't there, and neither was Elder Schow, but my friend Jared (from the Pushaw area, Bangor area) brought the Pushaw missionaries down. He sat by me and I got to eat lunch with him. It was really good to see him! He just started his papers on Wednesday so that's way exciting! I also got to see Elder Nielson. I can't wait to hang out with him when I get home. He is way fun.
This week was pretty good. We did some tracting this week, but not as much as we usually do, because we had a few more people to teach! Which is a good thing!! And yes Mom, the "lessons" are going great. (All of the missionaries previous to "Preach my Gospel" still call them 'discussions') Ha ha!
I had asked him in the email I sent to him how the discussions were going. I guess that "dates" me because we called them discussions when I was a missionary.
I think Fall is coming early this year! It pretty much drizzled and rained all day Saturday and it was kinda cold! We had to wear our jackets and use umbrellas!! Which by the way...you might kill me for this, but I think it's getting close to new tracting shoes time. I've kept one pair of shoes nice for meetings and times where I have to wear my suit, but the other pair is already pretty worn down, and they have a whole on each shoe. Saturday was the first time in my whole mission where my feet were wet, and cold. It wasn't fun at all.
He's only been out 7 months and already worn out shoes. I guess I should be glad that his tracting shoes are worn out. It means he is working hard! I guess I'll be going shoe shopping here soon.
I gave a talk yesterday on Elder Ballards talk from last year called "The Truth Shall go Forth" or something like that. I had a lot of compliments and I really enjoy speaking. Just not preparing the talk! Anyway, it went really well.
I'm sure he did a great job. He does do a very good job at speaking. He has asked Ron to help him with some Public Speaking tips and I'm sure he is putting them to good use.
Well anyway, I've gotta get runnin, it's time for me to go get a haircut! I'm lovin' it here in Oxford and the Members we live with are just awesome! Bro. and Sis. _______ fed us last night which was fun to be with them. Bro. _______ is just a punk and he likes to tease me and pick on me cuz he knows I can handle it. So I tease him and pick on him back. It's fun! Things are going swell!! I love you all and I can't wait for your letters this week!
I'm glad to know Ronnie can still be a big tease with people. He loves to tease others but has always been respectful of others too. Thats what makes him such a "people person". He's great at interacting with others and I'm glad he can be his fun loving self while being a great missionary.
I had a pretty good week. Nothing to complain about at all! We had Zone conference this last week which was really good. President Jensen did a lot of the teaching and we really enjoyed it. I swear he's going to be an Apostle someday! He's so spiritual and used to be a lawyer for the church, so he just has this business like presence, but still fun way of teaching. I love hearing from him and meeting with him twice every transfer! He's awesome. It was good. Elder Parkinson wasn't there, and neither was Elder Schow, but my friend Jared (from the Pushaw area, Bangor area) brought the Pushaw missionaries down. He sat by me and I got to eat lunch with him. It was really good to see him! He just started his papers on Wednesday so that's way exciting! I also got to see Elder Nielson. I can't wait to hang out with him when I get home. He is way fun.
This week was pretty good. We did some tracting this week, but not as much as we usually do, because we had a few more people to teach! Which is a good thing!! And yes Mom, the "lessons" are going great. (All of the missionaries previous to "Preach my Gospel" still call them 'discussions') Ha ha!
I had asked him in the email I sent to him how the discussions were going. I guess that "dates" me because we called them discussions when I was a missionary.
I think Fall is coming early this year! It pretty much drizzled and rained all day Saturday and it was kinda cold! We had to wear our jackets and use umbrellas!! Which by the way...you might kill me for this, but I think it's getting close to new tracting shoes time. I've kept one pair of shoes nice for meetings and times where I have to wear my suit, but the other pair is already pretty worn down, and they have a whole on each shoe. Saturday was the first time in my whole mission where my feet were wet, and cold. It wasn't fun at all.
He's only been out 7 months and already worn out shoes. I guess I should be glad that his tracting shoes are worn out. It means he is working hard! I guess I'll be going shoe shopping here soon.
I gave a talk yesterday on Elder Ballards talk from last year called "The Truth Shall go Forth" or something like that. I had a lot of compliments and I really enjoy speaking. Just not preparing the talk! Anyway, it went really well.
I'm sure he did a great job. He does do a very good job at speaking. He has asked Ron to help him with some Public Speaking tips and I'm sure he is putting them to good use.
Well anyway, I've gotta get runnin, it's time for me to go get a haircut! I'm lovin' it here in Oxford and the Members we live with are just awesome! Bro. and Sis. _______ fed us last night which was fun to be with them. Bro. _______ is just a punk and he likes to tease me and pick on me cuz he knows I can handle it. So I tease him and pick on him back. It's fun! Things are going swell!! I love you all and I can't wait for your letters this week!
I'm glad to know Ronnie can still be a big tease with people. He loves to tease others but has always been respectful of others too. Thats what makes him such a "people person". He's great at interacting with others and I'm glad he can be his fun loving self while being a great missionary.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Aug. 24, 2009
This weeks letter he wrote about an experience he had when they went to see the lady and her husband from the gas station, (previous week's email). He was on splits with Elder Leatham and when they got to the people's home, they found them not of sound mind (thats a better way of putting it). I won't write what went on, but lets just say Ronnie and Elder Leatham didn't stay long and they had to reschedule a visit when both the wife and husband were coherent. Ronnie had to call them before the visit to make sure they were going to be able to know and remember whats going on. As a missionary, you can run into all kinds of situations!
Here is more that he wrote:
On Friday, I was in the BIGGEST lighning storm I think I have EVER been in. We were at a members house talking to them, and the clouds just went pitch black haha! It was awesome! So we decided we better get going before we get stuck at there house. Well, we got out to the car dry, and then we started driving. All of a sudden Lighning was just hitting all around us outside, it was so intense and sooo awesome! At one point, we were passing this barn, and I learned the definition of a "crack" of lighning! This barn just got drilled! "CRACK-CRACK-CRACK...BOOOOOOM!!!!" I thought I was going to wet my pants haha! But we kept driving while it was literally POURING buckets of rain. We even had to pull over because the wipers weren't clearing it. It was awesome! It wasn't long til we realized that we were going the wrong way and had to turn around...well, when we got of to where the barn had been hit, there was a HUGE tree just laying across the road so traffic was stopped. We had to turn around and go back towards where we wanted to be, in a super long way around. It was such a waste of miles, but it was the coolest storm I've been in! Turns out that we were in a Tornado watch most of that afternoon, and a couple really tiny ones just touched down in Norway, close to where we live...SO COOL! I guess the storms this weekend, and right now, are from the Hurricane up this way?? I just wish we were in the Hurricane!
I know Ronnie wouldn't want harm to come to anyone, so when he says he would like to be in a hurricane I know its just for the thrill of it, but not to damage anything or hurt anyone. I'm glad they were okay. It can be scary out in those lightning storms!
He goes on to write about tracting and how they hopefully found some solid investigators. I hope so too! He said it was a great week.
Here is more that he wrote:
On Friday, I was in the BIGGEST lighning storm I think I have EVER been in. We were at a members house talking to them, and the clouds just went pitch black haha! It was awesome! So we decided we better get going before we get stuck at there house. Well, we got out to the car dry, and then we started driving. All of a sudden Lighning was just hitting all around us outside, it was so intense and sooo awesome! At one point, we were passing this barn, and I learned the definition of a "crack" of lighning! This barn just got drilled! "CRACK-CRACK-CRACK...BOOOOOOM!!!!" I thought I was going to wet my pants haha! But we kept driving while it was literally POURING buckets of rain. We even had to pull over because the wipers weren't clearing it. It was awesome! It wasn't long til we realized that we were going the wrong way and had to turn around...well, when we got of to where the barn had been hit, there was a HUGE tree just laying across the road so traffic was stopped. We had to turn around and go back towards where we wanted to be, in a super long way around. It was such a waste of miles, but it was the coolest storm I've been in! Turns out that we were in a Tornado watch most of that afternoon, and a couple really tiny ones just touched down in Norway, close to where we live...SO COOL! I guess the storms this weekend, and right now, are from the Hurricane up this way?? I just wish we were in the Hurricane!
I know Ronnie wouldn't want harm to come to anyone, so when he says he would like to be in a hurricane I know its just for the thrill of it, but not to damage anything or hurt anyone. I'm glad they were okay. It can be scary out in those lightning storms!
He goes on to write about tracting and how they hopefully found some solid investigators. I hope so too! He said it was a great week.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Aug. 17, 2009
We recieved a great letter from Ronnie this week. He loved getting the letters from Ron, Braden, and Kayla while Janae and I were at Girl's Camp. He loves getting letters!
He said that Elder Duval was leaving for home that day. He said its hard to believe 2 months had gone by since he was put with Elder Duval. Now its just him and Elder Pugmire.
This week he writes:
"This week has been so good! Well, it's WICKED HOT and HUMID here...I have done nothing but sweat out all the water I have been drinking. I actually have been drinking a gallon of water everyday for the past week and a half-two weeks. It feels really good to be drinking all this water. I've just noticed that I've needed to take a lot more bathroom breaks in the middle of the night haha. But it really has been a good week. Tuesday night, Bro. Westberry (a member in the ward who is a lobster fisherman) brought me a lobster that I was able to get really cheap, just a couple bucks, and Bro. Young (the member we live above) taught me how to cook lobster! Ha ha so consider me a professional! I cooked it and pulled out all the meat by my big-boy self! And...it was way good!! Wednesday through Saturday was just a bunch of tracting and nothing too exciting...well, on Wednesday morning we were helping someone rake their yard and a bee stung me!! Ah, I hate bees! Ha ha! But yeah, nothing too exciting. But yesterday (Sunday) we had a pretty cool miracle. Bro. _____ (a member in the ward) was taking us to his house after church so that we could have some cake and ice cream for Elder Duval's birthday. Well, he had told us how a few weeks ago, he was at a gas station, and when he came out, there was a lady who seemed kinda down in the dumps, stressed, and just not happy with life. But, she had some flowers and asked Bro. _____ if he could take the flowers into the lady that worked at the gas station for her...so he did. Well, the Holy Ghost told him that she was having a hard time, and he should check up on her and try to help her. So, he thought of the missionaries. Well, a few weeks back, he took us to meet her but she wasn't home. So yesterday we went, and she was home! She was soooo happy to meet us and very emotional, and going through a hard time. She and her husband are struggling right now. But they seem very prepared. We have a lesson with them tomorrow night, then on Sunday, the ______ are going to bring them to church, and then they're going to come over to the _______ to eat dinner and have another lesson with us! It was just way cool to see the miracle play out right in front of us. They're a young couple. Who knows if they'll be baptized but they do seem prepared. It was cool!"
I love it when he gets the opportunity to teach people the gospel. I love it when he recognizes "miracles" and realizes that the Lord is helping them find people to teach. I'm so proud of my "big boy" who can cook and eat his own lobster. I'm not sure I could do that so its good that he is learning it for himself. We had to giggle at the thought of him getting stung by a bee. He has hated bees his whole life and when one comes around him he starts swinging his arms, ducking, , running, or doing what ever he can to get that bee away from him. We laughed at the thought of him trying to get away from that bee and then getting stung. It must have been quite a site to see!! Just glad he's not allergic to them. :) I'm glad he had a great week.
He said that Elder Duval was leaving for home that day. He said its hard to believe 2 months had gone by since he was put with Elder Duval. Now its just him and Elder Pugmire.
This week he writes:
"This week has been so good! Well, it's WICKED HOT and HUMID here...I have done nothing but sweat out all the water I have been drinking. I actually have been drinking a gallon of water everyday for the past week and a half-two weeks. It feels really good to be drinking all this water. I've just noticed that I've needed to take a lot more bathroom breaks in the middle of the night haha. But it really has been a good week. Tuesday night, Bro. Westberry (a member in the ward who is a lobster fisherman) brought me a lobster that I was able to get really cheap, just a couple bucks, and Bro. Young (the member we live above) taught me how to cook lobster! Ha ha so consider me a professional! I cooked it and pulled out all the meat by my big-boy self! And...it was way good!! Wednesday through Saturday was just a bunch of tracting and nothing too exciting...well, on Wednesday morning we were helping someone rake their yard and a bee stung me!! Ah, I hate bees! Ha ha! But yeah, nothing too exciting. But yesterday (Sunday) we had a pretty cool miracle. Bro. _____ (a member in the ward) was taking us to his house after church so that we could have some cake and ice cream for Elder Duval's birthday. Well, he had told us how a few weeks ago, he was at a gas station, and when he came out, there was a lady who seemed kinda down in the dumps, stressed, and just not happy with life. But, she had some flowers and asked Bro. _____ if he could take the flowers into the lady that worked at the gas station for her...so he did. Well, the Holy Ghost told him that she was having a hard time, and he should check up on her and try to help her. So, he thought of the missionaries. Well, a few weeks back, he took us to meet her but she wasn't home. So yesterday we went, and she was home! She was soooo happy to meet us and very emotional, and going through a hard time. She and her husband are struggling right now. But they seem very prepared. We have a lesson with them tomorrow night, then on Sunday, the ______ are going to bring them to church, and then they're going to come over to the _______ to eat dinner and have another lesson with us! It was just way cool to see the miracle play out right in front of us. They're a young couple. Who knows if they'll be baptized but they do seem prepared. It was cool!"
I love it when he gets the opportunity to teach people the gospel. I love it when he recognizes "miracles" and realizes that the Lord is helping them find people to teach. I'm so proud of my "big boy" who can cook and eat his own lobster. I'm not sure I could do that so its good that he is learning it for himself. We had to giggle at the thought of him getting stung by a bee. He has hated bees his whole life and when one comes around him he starts swinging his arms, ducking, , running, or doing what ever he can to get that bee away from him. We laughed at the thought of him trying to get away from that bee and then getting stung. It must have been quite a site to see!! Just glad he's not allergic to them. :) I'm glad he had a great week.
Aug. 10, 2009
This week's letter wasn't too long. He writes some personal family things and then he goes on to say:
"I'm sorry if this letter is a little short. We've been busy all day and we still have a few more things to do, and with 3 missionaries, it sometimes cuts in on computer time. This week has been great! Nothing new or exciting. Things are still going great with the 3 of us, but Elder Duval goes home a week from today so that will change shortly. I've really been racking my brains trying to figure out what I'm going to write about, haha but this week was pretty normal.
I did get to go on an exchange with Elder Pugmire and Elder Bingham(one of the Augusta Zone leaders). We went to Lewiston, ME on the exchange, and Elder Pitt came to Oxford. It was a nice little break from the area, and a good chance to learn from Elder Bingham. Other than that, we just had a lot of tracting and a few lessons with some Less-actives, and recent converts. It's been a quick week and a good one, but I don't know why I can't come up with anything haha! I guess I better get running, we still have to go shopping, do laundry and all that fun stuff before 6 tonight!"
Well that was it. Glad to know all is well, but I feel like I'm missing out on something if he doesn't write more! Guess a little news is better than no news at all. :)
"I'm sorry if this letter is a little short. We've been busy all day and we still have a few more things to do, and with 3 missionaries, it sometimes cuts in on computer time. This week has been great! Nothing new or exciting. Things are still going great with the 3 of us, but Elder Duval goes home a week from today so that will change shortly. I've really been racking my brains trying to figure out what I'm going to write about, haha but this week was pretty normal.
I did get to go on an exchange with Elder Pugmire and Elder Bingham(one of the Augusta Zone leaders). We went to Lewiston, ME on the exchange, and Elder Pitt came to Oxford. It was a nice little break from the area, and a good chance to learn from Elder Bingham. Other than that, we just had a lot of tracting and a few lessons with some Less-actives, and recent converts. It's been a quick week and a good one, but I don't know why I can't come up with anything haha! I guess I better get running, we still have to go shopping, do laundry and all that fun stuff before 6 tonight!"
Well that was it. Glad to know all is well, but I feel like I'm missing out on something if he doesn't write more! Guess a little news is better than no news at all. :)
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Aug. 3, 2009
"Hello! Ah I was so happy to get the emails this morning...and soooo happy to get the package on Sat!!! The funny thing was, I knew it was coming so I assumed probably on Sat. Well Sat morning we left for the day. Around 2 o'clock we started heading to Woodstock ME...which means we would pass the apartment. I was excited cuz we took a quick stop so I could see if the package was there. Well...there was nothing in the apartment so we went to Woodstock and didn't plan on getting home until 9 that night. Well we got home and still nothing. I was kinda bummed cuz I didn't get even get any mail either. Well we were getting ready for bed when the Young's (the people we live above) daughter (who is visiting here from Missiouri with her husband and kids) knocked on our door with my package!! She said it had come earlier that day, they just had forgotten to bring it up. Ah I was stoked!! I loved all the pictures and the letters!! The ties were great!! and the goodies...well I had been fasting from noon on Sat so I wouldn't be done until noon the next day. Well, we had 2 meal appointments yesterday...and I was STUFFED TO THE RAFTERS. So when I got home late last night, I couldn't fit anything else in the gut. But this morning I tried the cake balls, the peanut butter brownines, and the Amish bread....SO GOOD!!! I ate a lot of the Amish bread for breakfast! So thank you so much!! It was a great package!
So this week has been great. We have our new comp. His name is Elder Pugmire. At first I was nervous. We picked him up and he was really quiet. He actually is very quiet, but once you get to know him he's really funny. He just does random things that make me laugh. he actually looks a lot like Caleb Hansen (Ronnie's best friend since Kindergarten), and some of the things he does reminds me of him. He's from Washington State, up in the Northwest part of WA. He's an awesome missionary! When Elder Duval leaves in 2 weeks, Elder Pugmire will be the new District Leader. Its been fun being in a trio, I'm sure it looks pretty intimidating! It takes longer to get ready in the morning but we're having fun.
The baptism was awesome! Amy was just so prepared and ready to be a member of the church. She has just soaked up everything that she has learned, like a gospel sponge. Its been a lot of fun teaching her. It was a good service.
The rest of the week hasn't been too bad. We've done a lot of tracting but it's been fun with 3. I had my first gun pulled on me Sat night, but I wasn't scared at all for whatever reason. We walked up this one driveway and when we got to the house, the dog just lost it and this guy came our with a 9mm pistol, cocked it so there was a bullet in the chamber and just stood there in some Charley's Angel pose with the gun in the air. Scared me at first then I just started talking to him and he slowly put the gun back in his pocket, listened for a min, then told us to leave. It was wicked intense!!"
Okay, so having a gun pulled out on your son is not exactly what a mother wants to hear, but oh how I thanked my Heavenly Father for keeping them all safe. I have heard the stories of guns being pulled out on missionaries (Ronnie's dad included), but they have been in areas where crime rates are high. Norway ME didn't seem like that kind of place, but I guess you never know!
I'm glad to know all is well with getting his new companion. Sounds like it will be a great experience. I know he has grown to love those he teaches and it sounds like Amy is a wonderful lady. Glad he liked the goodies in the package!!
So this week has been great. We have our new comp. His name is Elder Pugmire. At first I was nervous. We picked him up and he was really quiet. He actually is very quiet, but once you get to know him he's really funny. He just does random things that make me laugh. he actually looks a lot like Caleb Hansen (Ronnie's best friend since Kindergarten), and some of the things he does reminds me of him. He's from Washington State, up in the Northwest part of WA. He's an awesome missionary! When Elder Duval leaves in 2 weeks, Elder Pugmire will be the new District Leader. Its been fun being in a trio, I'm sure it looks pretty intimidating! It takes longer to get ready in the morning but we're having fun.
The baptism was awesome! Amy was just so prepared and ready to be a member of the church. She has just soaked up everything that she has learned, like a gospel sponge. Its been a lot of fun teaching her. It was a good service.
The rest of the week hasn't been too bad. We've done a lot of tracting but it's been fun with 3. I had my first gun pulled on me Sat night, but I wasn't scared at all for whatever reason. We walked up this one driveway and when we got to the house, the dog just lost it and this guy came our with a 9mm pistol, cocked it so there was a bullet in the chamber and just stood there in some Charley's Angel pose with the gun in the air. Scared me at first then I just started talking to him and he slowly put the gun back in his pocket, listened for a min, then told us to leave. It was wicked intense!!"
Okay, so having a gun pulled out on your son is not exactly what a mother wants to hear, but oh how I thanked my Heavenly Father for keeping them all safe. I have heard the stories of guns being pulled out on missionaries (Ronnie's dad included), but they have been in areas where crime rates are high. Norway ME didn't seem like that kind of place, but I guess you never know!
I'm glad to know all is well with getting his new companion. Sounds like it will be a great experience. I know he has grown to love those he teaches and it sounds like Amy is a wonderful lady. Glad he liked the goodies in the package!!
July 27, 2009
Okay, This is the shortest email we have recieved since he has been out. I wasn't sure what to think about that. It was good, but not long enough!! :)
"Its been a wonderful week! Just for your information, we are getting a third missionary this Tuesday...I'm stoked! It should be a lot of fun. Elder Duval will be leaving on Aug. 17th so that's when it will just be me and the new guy.
Once again, we did a lot of tracting, and didn't have much success on finding anyone, but we did get to talk to a lot of people. The week went by really fast! I think it was just because it was the last week before the transfer. The bad news about the transfer is... Elder Parkinson is being transfered. He going to transfer meeting, which means he probably going to the other side of the mission...so who knows how long until I see him again. NOOOO!! hahaha, Its all good."
He then goes on to write to us some of the things he needs. I'm planning on sending him a package and had asked him what he needed. And that is it. I'm just glad he is doing well and still is having a great experience. He just never really complains and I'm so grateful for that!
"Its been a wonderful week! Just for your information, we are getting a third missionary this Tuesday...I'm stoked! It should be a lot of fun. Elder Duval will be leaving on Aug. 17th so that's when it will just be me and the new guy.
Once again, we did a lot of tracting, and didn't have much success on finding anyone, but we did get to talk to a lot of people. The week went by really fast! I think it was just because it was the last week before the transfer. The bad news about the transfer is... Elder Parkinson is being transfered. He going to transfer meeting, which means he probably going to the other side of the mission...so who knows how long until I see him again. NOOOO!! hahaha, Its all good."
He then goes on to write to us some of the things he needs. I'm planning on sending him a package and had asked him what he needed. And that is it. I'm just glad he is doing well and still is having a great experience. He just never really complains and I'm so grateful for that!
July 20, 2009
Another email from Ronnie and all is well. Here is what he had to say about his week.
"This week was pretty good, I got to go on another exchange! I love exchanges! Its a break from the ordinary and I get to have fun getting to know other missionaries. Tuesday night is when we started the exchange and we would exchange back at Zone Conf. on Thursday. Elder Duval went to Windham ME with Elder Binford. Elder Binford is sooooo awesome! He is from Salt Lake and he's way funny! He came out with Elder Schow so we have been out about the same or else I might have been able to go on the exchange with him.... I wish! His companion Elder Farrell came here with me. He is from Riverside CA. I had a lot of fun getting to know him. Wednesday morning we actually went running. KILL ME!! Elder Farrell wanted to go running and its been sometime since I have run so it was a KILLER! It felt way good though.
Zone Conference on Thurs. was good. Its fun to see how many missionaries I've already gotten to know. Of course Elder Parkinson and I were having a blast, but it was fun to see all the other missionaries. I have a picture of me and Elder Schow giving each other a wicked bear hug! Its kinda funny. It was fun to see Elder Nielson (his previous comp.) and to hear about how Pushaw ( his area in Bangor ME) was doing. But my favorite part about that was their ride down to Augusta was this kid named Jared. He is sooooo cool and he is easily one of my favorite people in Pushaw area. He gave them a ride down there just so he could see me! He sat by me all of Zone Conf. Jared has had a rough past. His dad kind of let him grow up on his own after him mom died. But he just got the Mel. Priesthood yesterday and is turning in his papers in October! He'll be in Utah at UVU at the end of August. He plays goalie on the Hockey team there. I was just stoked to see him there!! He even got me a cool Boston Redsox hat and brought it to me at Zone Conf. "
So that ends that week. I'm glad he is doing great. I love it at the end of his letters when he expresses his love to me, his dad, and to his brother and sisters. They had written to him and he loves their letters. They miss him a lot but know that he is doing what he should be right now. Ronnie is a great example to them.
"This week was pretty good, I got to go on another exchange! I love exchanges! Its a break from the ordinary and I get to have fun getting to know other missionaries. Tuesday night is when we started the exchange and we would exchange back at Zone Conf. on Thursday. Elder Duval went to Windham ME with Elder Binford. Elder Binford is sooooo awesome! He is from Salt Lake and he's way funny! He came out with Elder Schow so we have been out about the same or else I might have been able to go on the exchange with him.... I wish! His companion Elder Farrell came here with me. He is from Riverside CA. I had a lot of fun getting to know him. Wednesday morning we actually went running. KILL ME!! Elder Farrell wanted to go running and its been sometime since I have run so it was a KILLER! It felt way good though.
Zone Conference on Thurs. was good. Its fun to see how many missionaries I've already gotten to know. Of course Elder Parkinson and I were having a blast, but it was fun to see all the other missionaries. I have a picture of me and Elder Schow giving each other a wicked bear hug! Its kinda funny. It was fun to see Elder Nielson (his previous comp.) and to hear about how Pushaw ( his area in Bangor ME) was doing. But my favorite part about that was their ride down to Augusta was this kid named Jared. He is sooooo cool and he is easily one of my favorite people in Pushaw area. He gave them a ride down there just so he could see me! He sat by me all of Zone Conf. Jared has had a rough past. His dad kind of let him grow up on his own after him mom died. But he just got the Mel. Priesthood yesterday and is turning in his papers in October! He'll be in Utah at UVU at the end of August. He plays goalie on the Hockey team there. I was just stoked to see him there!! He even got me a cool Boston Redsox hat and brought it to me at Zone Conf. "
So that ends that week. I'm glad he is doing great. I love it at the end of his letters when he expresses his love to me, his dad, and to his brother and sisters. They had written to him and he loves their letters. They miss him a lot but know that he is doing what he should be right now. Ronnie is a great example to them.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
July 13, 2009
The work is still going on in Norway ME. I loved this letter, it made me smile. Here is what Ronnie wrote on July 13, 2009:
"Elder parkinson had me absolutely ROLLING on Thurs! I seriously don't know how he does it. I don't see him for like a month and a half, and then I see him for 2 minustes and I'm purple in the face, barely breathing, haha!! He just tells me things that I can relate to and it makes me laugh sooooo hard hahaha!! I get to see him again on Thursday at Zone Conference, I'm pretty excited. He's been in the same area (Portland ME) for these 6 months, so I hope he doesn't go to the other side of the mission after this transfer. It was so good to see Elder Schow as well. He's an awesome missionary and he's doing awesome work in Topsham. It was also good to meet with President Jensen, I really like meeting with him even though its pretty short most of the time."
I love the thought of him just laughing so hard. We miss that laughter around here, but I'm glad someone out there can make him laugh. He said that Elder Parkinson wants him and Ronnie to work for an Airline Company when they get home, so they can go travel together. Sounds like they will be good friends when they get home.
He continues to write:
"Its been a good week though! I got to be on another exchange from Tuesday night til Zone interviews on Thurs. morning. I was with Elder Janson...he's from St George. He's way cool and I had a lot of fun with him. While we were out tracting, we met this 17 yr old kid on a farm...he was just getting ready to go down to the barn to milk the goats, so he asked if we wanted to come down to see his animals! He was way cool with us, because his grandma is actually part of our ward. I haven't met her though because she is on a mission in Lithiuania?? She was an awesome lady though from what we hear. But anyways, the whole family was cool with missionaries, so Jesse (the 17 yr old) said that we could come down to the barn with him. I "attempted" to milk the goat, but couldn't quite get it down hahaha! So Jesse filled two baby bottles of goat milk and we got to feed the two baby goats! The cow (Bessy) was about to give birth that night so it was kind of a loud cow. Chickens were running everywhere and some of the goats were chewing on our pants. :) It was a fun little experience to give us a break from tracting...and it was the highlight of the week from Maine!!"
My son the Farmer boy!! I hope he got pictures of that! I'm sure he was a good sport about it all and a good time to talk to Jesse. Oh the joys of missionary work, and farming. :)
He also wrote this:
"Yesterday, we started teaching this one lady named Amy. Her husband, Greg, is a member but was in-active for a long time. They started coming to church on Easter I believe. They've been coming since. Well yesterday night we went to a member's house for dinner and we got to teach Amy. She told us right off the bat that she's ready to join the church, she just didn't know how to... cool eh? So she'll be baptized soon. She just needed to talk things over with her husband as far as "when" the baptism will be. I'm guessing within the next month!
He is doing a great job. He loves the people! He is happy and loves serving our Savior Jesus Christ. Nothing could make parents any happier!
"Elder parkinson had me absolutely ROLLING on Thurs! I seriously don't know how he does it. I don't see him for like a month and a half, and then I see him for 2 minustes and I'm purple in the face, barely breathing, haha!! He just tells me things that I can relate to and it makes me laugh sooooo hard hahaha!! I get to see him again on Thursday at Zone Conference, I'm pretty excited. He's been in the same area (Portland ME) for these 6 months, so I hope he doesn't go to the other side of the mission after this transfer. It was so good to see Elder Schow as well. He's an awesome missionary and he's doing awesome work in Topsham. It was also good to meet with President Jensen, I really like meeting with him even though its pretty short most of the time."
I love the thought of him just laughing so hard. We miss that laughter around here, but I'm glad someone out there can make him laugh. He said that Elder Parkinson wants him and Ronnie to work for an Airline Company when they get home, so they can go travel together. Sounds like they will be good friends when they get home.
He continues to write:
"Its been a good week though! I got to be on another exchange from Tuesday night til Zone interviews on Thurs. morning. I was with Elder Janson...he's from St George. He's way cool and I had a lot of fun with him. While we were out tracting, we met this 17 yr old kid on a farm...he was just getting ready to go down to the barn to milk the goats, so he asked if we wanted to come down to see his animals! He was way cool with us, because his grandma is actually part of our ward. I haven't met her though because she is on a mission in Lithiuania?? She was an awesome lady though from what we hear. But anyways, the whole family was cool with missionaries, so Jesse (the 17 yr old) said that we could come down to the barn with him. I "attempted" to milk the goat, but couldn't quite get it down hahaha! So Jesse filled two baby bottles of goat milk and we got to feed the two baby goats! The cow (Bessy) was about to give birth that night so it was kind of a loud cow. Chickens were running everywhere and some of the goats were chewing on our pants. :) It was a fun little experience to give us a break from tracting...and it was the highlight of the week from Maine!!"
My son the Farmer boy!! I hope he got pictures of that! I'm sure he was a good sport about it all and a good time to talk to Jesse. Oh the joys of missionary work, and farming. :)
He also wrote this:
"Yesterday, we started teaching this one lady named Amy. Her husband, Greg, is a member but was in-active for a long time. They started coming to church on Easter I believe. They've been coming since. Well yesterday night we went to a member's house for dinner and we got to teach Amy. She told us right off the bat that she's ready to join the church, she just didn't know how to... cool eh? So she'll be baptized soon. She just needed to talk things over with her husband as far as "when" the baptism will be. I'm guessing within the next month!
He is doing a great job. He loves the people! He is happy and loves serving our Savior Jesus Christ. Nothing could make parents any happier!
July 6, 2009
Ronnie is still in Norway ME and doing great. We look forward to his emails each Monday and we are so grateful that he is enjoying his service as a missionary. Here is what he wrote to us on Monday July 6, 2009:
" Happy LATE 4th of July!! It was definitely just a normal day for me, nothing too exciting, but it was good! We went to the church Sat. morning for a 4th of July breakfast...it was awesome! But I ate so much! Then after that we went to a member's house, where some of their family members would be there (who aren't members) and we had a barbeque...so good!! Only I ate a ton there too!! On the night of the 4th I just laid in bed and could hear fireworks. It was kinda sad and made me wish I was able to see them.
The 4th of July for us as a family has great tradition. We go to the Kaysville parade, have a BBQ at Grandma and Grandpa Hurst's house, and then we watch the fireworks at Davis High School. Ronnie's aunts, uncles, and cousins are all together with us. It was a bit sad to not have Ronnie with us this year, but we are glad he is out doing a great service on his mission. We missed him a lot! I know he was missing out on the traditions of the 4th of July, but it sounds like he was busy and i'm glad to know he still has a great appetite!
He then goes on to write:
"Being the companion of a district leader is kind of fun, we get to go on a lot of exchanges with other missionaries. On Wed., we had and exchange withthe Zone leaders. I stayed here in this area, and Elder Pitt came here with me. Elder Pitt is sooo cool! He's from Centerville UT and he went to Viewmont. He's been out just a year longer than me. Tomorrow, I'll stay here again, and a missionary named Elder Janson will be on exchange with me until Thursday. Thursday is Zone Interviews!! And I'll get to see Elder Schow (his cousin), and Elder Parkinson (his MTC companion). My 2 favorite people to see. :) I'm way excited actually!!
I'm glad that he gets to be with other missionaries once in awhile. Its good to have a little change every now and then and you can always learn from others. I know he is always happy to see the Elders he already knows.
Sounds like he had a good week. He always writes personal things to the family and it makes me feel good to see how much he loves his family. We love him very much!!
" Happy LATE 4th of July!! It was definitely just a normal day for me, nothing too exciting, but it was good! We went to the church Sat. morning for a 4th of July breakfast...it was awesome! But I ate so much! Then after that we went to a member's house, where some of their family members would be there (who aren't members) and we had a barbeque...so good!! Only I ate a ton there too!! On the night of the 4th I just laid in bed and could hear fireworks. It was kinda sad and made me wish I was able to see them.
The 4th of July for us as a family has great tradition. We go to the Kaysville parade, have a BBQ at Grandma and Grandpa Hurst's house, and then we watch the fireworks at Davis High School. Ronnie's aunts, uncles, and cousins are all together with us. It was a bit sad to not have Ronnie with us this year, but we are glad he is out doing a great service on his mission. We missed him a lot! I know he was missing out on the traditions of the 4th of July, but it sounds like he was busy and i'm glad to know he still has a great appetite!
He then goes on to write:
"Being the companion of a district leader is kind of fun, we get to go on a lot of exchanges with other missionaries. On Wed., we had and exchange withthe Zone leaders. I stayed here in this area, and Elder Pitt came here with me. Elder Pitt is sooo cool! He's from Centerville UT and he went to Viewmont. He's been out just a year longer than me. Tomorrow, I'll stay here again, and a missionary named Elder Janson will be on exchange with me until Thursday. Thursday is Zone Interviews!! And I'll get to see Elder Schow (his cousin), and Elder Parkinson (his MTC companion). My 2 favorite people to see. :) I'm way excited actually!!
I'm glad that he gets to be with other missionaries once in awhile. Its good to have a little change every now and then and you can always learn from others. I know he is always happy to see the Elders he already knows.
Sounds like he had a good week. He always writes personal things to the family and it makes me feel good to see how much he loves his family. We love him very much!!
June 29, 2009
Our email from Ronnie lets us know he is well and doing great. He is sure walking a lot of miles to find people to teach. This is what he said:
"This week was good! We did a lot of- you guessed it- TRACTING! Its not that bad, it just gets pretty old if thats all you do all week. I couldn't even estimate how many miles we walked this week, and then to throw all the wonderful Maine hills in there, the rain, the mosquitos, the sweat, ya know, it AWESOME!!"
Here is a picture he sent home and on the back of the picture he writes, " A nice scenic view of Maine, you can't see it, but there is like 8.3 billion mosquitos in that picture. hahahah!!
Here is a picture he sent home of a typical "boony road" he has been tracting down.
He went on to tell us that they did have some success while out tracting on Saturday. Here is what he said:
" We were tracting on Gore road...well there's a road that breaks off of Gore road called "Kayla Drive" (His little sister's name is Kayla) probably my favorite street I've see on my mission. We started walking up the driveway and this lady came out, and she was like "NO THANK YOU!! THIS IS PRIVATE PROPERTY! PLEASE LEAVE!! Well we were about to turn around when this guy came out and he said to the lady "I'll talk to them". so he started walking with us back to Gore road. Well he told us something way cool! First he introduced himself as Jesse. then he told us how about 20 something years ago, his ex wife, or a wife that passed away, wanted to know which church she should join, so she prayed about it. 2 days later here came the missionaries. Well, she didn't think it was right, so she prayed again...the missionaries showed up a few days later. She still thought it was wrong, and for a third time prayed about it, a few days later the missionaries showed up, so she started learning but he wasn't really into it. Well lately he's had some trials and doesn't really know where he's going in life, but anyway he's kinda lost I guess. Well last Wednesday, I think it was, he saw us tracting. He waved at us and he kept driving. Well, he said to himself "I really need to talk to them, I hope I have a chance to." Well fast foward to Saturday, in the middle of no where, on Kayla Drive, which is a dirt road with 3 or 4 houses, and we found him. Cool, huh? And he even told us that he knows God sent us. So we'll be teaching him on Friday! I'm excited! It's been a sweet week!"
Here is a picture of him on Kayla Drive
We are glad to know that for the most part he has a good attitude about tracting. Its tough being out there knocking on doors day after day. I just hope he is using his mosquito repellent!! ( I know, its a mom thing to worry about.)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Now in Norway Maine
On June 16, 2009, Ronnie left his first area, Bangor Maine, and was transferred to Norway Maine. His companion is Elder Duval (doo val, as in Al not all) from Texas. Here is what Ronnie has said in his email.
"This area is SUPER BOONY! I have not done so much tracting on my whole mission! In Bangor we could pick a sweet apartment complex and be there for a few hours, and not have to walk a whole lot...but it is completely different here! In the MTC there was a teacher who served here who told us how spread out the houses were...I didn't believe her after I got to Bangor, but WOW! The roads are just hills after hills, and there will be like 1 house every 8-10 minutes! And in between houses is just thick, thick, thick, super thick forest, infested with mosquitos! It's wicked crazy! But it's good excersise :) I really was actually sore my first 2 days. But, I found out a cool secret. My Nike shoes in-souls, fit in my tracting shoes :) That made a HUGE difference! I got to meet the ward yesterday! They all seem pretty nice. I was "blessed" to introduce myself in the Oxford sacrament meeting yesterday haha! Kinda scary, but it was good."
He says he and Elder Duval are getting to know each other and that he is nice. Elder Duval is the District leader and will be going home in 8 weeks. I'm sure Ronnie will be able to learn from him.
From looking on the internet, Norway seems like a small historic town. It is by Lake Penneeseewassee. Ronnie lives on Round the Pond Road. Thats not a joke either!! We are looking forward to hearing about his experiences in Norway Maine.
"This area is SUPER BOONY! I have not done so much tracting on my whole mission! In Bangor we could pick a sweet apartment complex and be there for a few hours, and not have to walk a whole lot...but it is completely different here! In the MTC there was a teacher who served here who told us how spread out the houses were...I didn't believe her after I got to Bangor, but WOW! The roads are just hills after hills, and there will be like 1 house every 8-10 minutes! And in between houses is just thick, thick, thick, super thick forest, infested with mosquitos! It's wicked crazy! But it's good excersise :) I really was actually sore my first 2 days. But, I found out a cool secret. My Nike shoes in-souls, fit in my tracting shoes :) That made a HUGE difference! I got to meet the ward yesterday! They all seem pretty nice. I was "blessed" to introduce myself in the Oxford sacrament meeting yesterday haha! Kinda scary, but it was good."
He says he and Elder Duval are getting to know each other and that he is nice. Elder Duval is the District leader and will be going home in 8 weeks. I'm sure Ronnie will be able to learn from him.
From looking on the internet, Norway seems like a small historic town. It is by Lake Penneeseewassee. Ronnie lives on Round the Pond Road. Thats not a joke either!! We are looking forward to hearing about his experiences in Norway Maine.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Still in Bangor--Second Companion
Tues May 5, 2009 was transfer day. Here is what his letter said:
"Hello everyone! Well....want the news on transfers??
Wanna take a guess? haha! Elder Bigler is actually being transfered! I'm staying here in Pushaw :) (which is the ward in Bangor) I'm pretty excited about it actually. For one: I don't have to pack, For two: I'm loving this area, the people we're working with, and I love the members here. So it's all going to be good! We don't know where Elder Bigler is going. When President Jensen called us last night, he extended the calling to Elder Bigler as District Leader in his next area, so that's pretty cool! I'm not sure who my next companion is going to be, but I know I'm still going to be a junior companion. We will find out tomorrow all of those details. We have to be in Louiston, ME tomorrow morning at 6 AM. It's a 2 hour drive...EARLY! :( and then I'll be on an exchange with Elder Pitt(one of the Augusta Zone Leaders) and his companion will go with Elder Bigler to transfer meeting. So at transfer meeting, they'll get Elder Pitt's new companion, and my new companion :) and then we'll be back in Bangor in the afternoon :) It should be exciting! I love Bangor! And I love Mainers! haha and they're sweet Maine-iac accent haha!
On May 10, 2009, we celebrated Mother's Day and with that came a phone call from Ronnie.
It was a long day waiting for him to call. We didn't know what time he would be calling so we hurried home from church and waited and waited. He ended up calling while we were at his grandma and grandpa Hurst's house. It was so wonderful talking to him. Each of the kids got to talk to him for a few minutes. We loved just listening to him laugh and talk about things he has been doing. He sounded so happy and is doing so well. It was great talking to him and hard to hang up. The time just went by too fast. Now we wait until Christmas!
The next day was his p-day and this is what he wrote in his email:
"Oh man! It was so good to talk to all of you last night! That was the best day of my mission yet! I loved hearing all of your voices! I'm so glad that you enjoyed it as much as I did :)"
We found out while talking to Ronnie on Mother's day who his new companion was. His name is Elder Scott Nielson from Sandy, UT. They are getting along great and he makes Ronnie laugh. We even talked to Elder Nielson for a minute and that was fun. He wants to come and meet us when he gets home this coming December. We were glad that he got a great companion.
Here is a picture he sent and we got it in the mail a few days after Mother's Day.
Now that Ronnie had a new companion, Sister ______ wanted to make another lobster dinner. She didn't have to ask Ronnie twice! Here are some pictures he sent us.
Pic #1- "Before the bubble bath
Pic #2- "After the Bubble Bath"He loves Maine lobster!! He is getting spoiled eating the good stuff! When he gets home he may not be able to get that great of sea food here in Utah.
On June 1, 2009 Ronnie wrote this email about his investigator:
"Well, it's been an awesome couple weeks! The work continues to move and to progress :) We've been teaching quite a bit and we're loving it! There's one lady we've been teaching the most. Her name is Brenda ____. She is soooo solid and soooo awesome! She's like a gospel sponge!
Her husband, Craig, is from California and is a member, but he was baptized when he was 10, and went in-active when he was 13. They're both now in their 50's. Recently, his father passed away and they were at his funeral in California. Brenda had recently watched a DVD about the conversion story of Glen Beck. But she was very interested (or in other words: prepared by
the Lord) and had a lot of questions for Craig's VERY active sister in California. Well, this sister of his called our Bishop, and Bishop _____ gave us their address and we went and met them a couple weeks ago :) The rest is history, she really has been soaking it all up and LOVES it!! It's
sooooo awesome!! She loves me and Elder Nielson and wants to be baptized before one of us will probably leave. One of us could leave in 2 weeks But Brenda is ready, she's just working on kicking the habit of smoking. Craig will be recieving the priesthood this Sunday, so he is going
to be able to baptize her :) Cool huh!? We're sooo excited for them!
On June 12, 2009, we got a phone call. The caller i.d said it was from US Cellular so we had no idea who it was. The lady on the other end identified herself as Brenda and said she was from Maine. She wanted to tell us that "Elder Hurst is my missionary". Oh my goodness!!! She went on to tell us how wonderful Ronnie is and how much she appreciates him teaching her the gospel. She said she wanted to adopt him. :) We can share! It was the sweetest phone call (next to talking to Ronnie himself) that we could have ever recieved. We felt pure joy and were so pleased to know the Ronnie has touched the life of someone and was an instrument in the Lord's hand in bringing her into the gospel. There just was no better feeling as parents. Her baptism was set for June 13, 2009.
On June 15, Ronnie sent us an email and here are some things he wrote:
"Brenda had a WONDERFUL baptism!! It was sooooo good :) The ward LOVES her and is supporting her 110%. There were a lot of people there, but it was a very spiritual experience for her and Craig. Her 17 year old son Adam even showed up, and he hasn't even been that interested that Brenda has been learning, but she was glad that he was there. She also had 2 non-member friends from work show up...they think she's joining a crazy cult, but it was awesome that they showed up :) It was a really good week! Helping Brenda get ready for her baptism was a lot of fun for us, and her."
We were glad to hear that all went well with her baptism. He also mentioned how happy she was that we were able to talk to her.
He also wrote this:
"Well, it's been real...I'm out of Bangor bright and early tomorrow morning. I'm kind of bummed about it, but it's what the Lord wants. I really actually thought I was staying at least one more transfer, but I'm not. I have to meet in Manchester tomorrow morning at 9:00. Because I'm meeting there, I'll probably be going across the mission. If I was staying in Maine, they would have me meet somewhere in Maine. So yeah, I'll probably be somewhere in New Hampshire or Vermont. I'm excited but I'm really bummed I'm leaving already. It doesn't feel like I have been here that long. I'm bummed to be leaving Elder Nielson, we've had a lot of fun together and the Transfer was just way to fast, but this is life of a missionary. I've spent the day packing and saying goodbye to a lot of people, it's sad, but I'm glad that they don't give me a whole week to try to say goodbye...instead I just bounce out of here."
So now we wait to hear from him. We are anxious to know where he is and who his companion will be for the next little while. We are excited for him to experience another place, but we know its difficult to leave the area and the people you have grown to love. He has enjoyed serving in Bangor Maine and will have fond memories of that area.
Friday, June 12, 2009
First Area--Bangor Maine
Ronnie arrived in New Hampshire on Feb. 9, 2009. He met with the Mission President, President Jensen, and the Assistants. They had a nice dinner made by Sister Jensen, "real food" as Ronnie says. They went out teaching with the Assistants that evening. He was nervous but it went well and he learned a lot from Elder McBride. They stayed the night in the Assistant's apartment and had fun getting to know them.
Here is what his letter said:
"Tuesday came along. We all met for transfer meeting and had a pretty good meeting. Then we got assigned to our areas. I was soooo nervous! haha! It was crazy! But I was excited :) I got assigned as Elder Bigler's Companion (and I'm sure you already have heard this from the mission office.) But yeah, he is my trainer and we are in the Bangor, Maine area :) I'm learning a lot from him, but he's made the comment that "it doesn't feel like he's teaching" he says I'm really good at talking to people and all that they needed to do was stick a name tag on me and I was a missionary haha! That made me feel good, but I still have a lot to learn. He's very nice, and I'm learning a lot from him...He's like walking talking scriptures/gospel doctrine. It's so cool! He's from Mesa, Arizona."
Here is what his letter said:
"Tuesday came along. We all met for transfer meeting and had a pretty good meeting. Then we got assigned to our areas. I was soooo nervous! haha! It was crazy! But I was excited :) I got assigned as Elder Bigler's Companion (and I'm sure you already have heard this from the mission office.) But yeah, he is my trainer and we are in the Bangor, Maine area :) I'm learning a lot from him, but he's made the comment that "it doesn't feel like he's teaching" he says I'm really good at talking to people and all that they needed to do was stick a name tag on me and I was a missionary haha! That made me feel good, but I still have a lot to learn. He's very nice, and I'm learning a lot from him...He's like walking talking scriptures/gospel doctrine. It's so cool! He's from Mesa, Arizona."
"So that's where I am :) Bangor, Maine! It's a beautiful area, but it's all pretty dead from winter...which by the way, it's FREEEZING!! I thing the high the other day was like 19. Crazy!! And the wind DEFINITELY does not make it fun either. I've used my thermals a couple times already. The crazy thing is that people are saying it's warming up and I just barely missed the negatives. I would've died! haha!"
On Feb. 23, Ronnie wrote and told us about the Noreaster Storm that passed through Bangor Maine. He says: "We got dumped on with snow last night and today... we had to literally dig our car out...it was like 3 feet of snow! I think they call it a Nor Easter. It was bad...yet awesome! haha!"
Ronnie has been able to teach many people in Bangor Maine. We aren't going to publish names on our blog for privacy issues. He loves the people there and says the area is beautiful. He has been able to bring a few people into the church and says its amazing. The members are great and he has been enjoying serving there very much.
Ronnie loves to try new things to eat and being in Maine opened the door to a few things to try. On of the first things he tried was a Soda called Moxie. It is a well known drink in the New England States. He says its kind of of good and kind of bad. Its a wierd taste.
He loves eating fluffer-nutters. It is a peanut butter and marshmellow fluff sandwich. For Braden's birthday, Ronnie sent him a jar of Marshmellow Fluff and Peter Pan peanut butter. Braden has them displayed in his bedroom, not wanting to eat them yet.
Ronnie also has been able to eat Maine Lobster. Here is what he has said about that:
"I got to experience something else this week for the first time too...it's called...LOBSTER :) haha! I finally ate lobster in Maine!! It was a pretty gnarly experience. This is how it went: We've been working with this one lady, Sister _____. Her husband is a member and he grew up in the church. They're just a young couple with a little 2 year old girl. He's in the army and he's just way cool! His middle name is Moroni, named after captain Moroni :) He's been kind of inactive, but they love having the missionaries over. She's been meeting with the missionaries off and on for a few years. But anyways, we've eaten at their house before, and they told me a few weeks ago that I had just barely missed out on the lobster experience before I came and that they would have to do it again. So Friday rolled around and they called us to make sure we were still going over that night. I said yes, and then sister ____ was like "well Adam is going to go buy some lobster for you and him, and I'll make pork chops for me and Elder Bigler." (Elder Bigler didn't like the whole lobster thing last time haha). So I was like Sweet!! So we got there, and he pulled these 2 large, creepy, bug looking lobsters out of boiling water. I was a little weirded out because they really look like bugs with their big eyes, antenaes, and legs. Then Bro. ____ told me that's exactly what they are...big bugs. So here I have this full lobster, eyes and all on my plate, looking at me, and it was alive just a while before that...AH!! But, we began eating...he showed me how :) you rip off one leg at a time, suck the juice and the meat out, then you rip the claws off, suck the juice out, crack it open, get the meat out, put it in butter...hahah!!! creepy huh!? then you rip the tail off the other half of the body and get the meat out of that. The whole process was pretty gnarly and gross, but the experience was awesome and didn't taste too bad :)Anyways...that was my lobster experience :)"
Ronnie loves the New England accent. He writes:
"So many New Englanders put R's at the end of words that end in A. It's so funny and some times hard NOT to laugh. I heard one lady say United States of Americer haha!...Bananer, Idear Haha! It's awesome!"
"New Englanders would say ... Wicked Weeid. These people love the word Wicked! Wicked this, wicked that...it's funny. If you're smart...you're "wicked smaat." They also say, "I'm all set, we’re all set, are you all set?" All set!? It drives me nuts sometimes! It's our main rejection at the door … "No thanks, I'm all set." ugh..."
Ronnie loves Zone Conferences and there he has been able to see his MTC companion, Elder Parkinson, and also Elder Schow (Ronnie's step cousin from Alpine UT) and also Elder Charlesworth, a cousin of Ronnie's friend Nic Cline, who Ronnie had met the day before he left for the MTC. It was fun for him to see a few Elders he knew from home.
Just when things get going good, things change. At the beginning of May, Ronnie knew transfers were coming. Was he going to a different place or was it Elder Bigler leaving? Hmmm...
The MTC
Ronnie was in the MTC (Missionary Training Center) from Jan. 21, 2009 to Feb. 9, 2009. His companion was Elder Brett Parkinson from Lehi, UT. They got along great and became good friends.
Here is part of the second letter we got from Ronnie while in the MTC.
"Ok so I'm hoping you got my first letter in the mail telling how my first day was! that was the only time I could write without it being P day. well today is P day...tuesdays, and so much has happened!! Like I said, my companion is Elder Brett Parkinson, from Lehi, UT. Ah! he is so awesome!! We make quite the team that's for sure! He and I get along so well! and we have so much fun together!! I'm glad we get along, it makes things so much easier! Not only that, we're sure getting the Knoweledge of the teaching down! in fact, last night, we taught the whole first lesson! About Joseph Smith and the restoration. We only had to look at notes a couple times but other than that we nailed it!! It felt so good being able to do that right from knowledge, instead of having to use preach my gospel right in front of us. We're spiritually on fire and it's awesome having him as a companion! Now, here's the news for the week...you ready?? After preisthood meeting, president Rolfe, our branch president said "everyone can leave, except I need to see Elder Hurst, and Elder Parkinson." I was so confused, and we were afraid we had done something wrong. Well things are good, he asked if we would be willing to be the new Zone Leaders!! :):) so guess what?? Elder Parkinson and I are Zone Leaders!! :) The Zone Leaders that are here now, ship off to chekelslovokia a week from today so we'll be shadowing them for a week and leadership classes start tonight. We were kind of confused though because we're brand new missionaries, and our zone is kind of big, and there's missionaries who have been here longer than us, but we're excited!! :) it's going to be a fun new expirience! A few missionaries came up to us and said, "we new you 2 would be the new Zone Leaders," and that made us feel pretty good."
One of Ronnie's favorite things to do while in the MTC was taking phone calls in the Referral Center. He and Elder Parkinson would spend their free time in there. He loved talking to people and sharing the message of Jesus Christ.
Ronnie loved the MTC. He had a great district. He enjoyed being a Zone Leader. He loved his companion and his roomates, Elder Larsen and Elder Hala'ufia. He learned a lot, studied hard, played on p-days, went to the Provo Temple on p-days, and most of all strengthened his testimony of the gospel.
Feb. 9, 2009, Ronnie left the MTC and headed for New Hampshire. He was nervous and excited. He called us from the airport and it was great to talk to him. He sounded happy and ready to be a missionary out in the field. We were so proud of him and and so grateful the MTC was such a great experience for him. Now he was headed to the New Hampshire Manchester Mission!
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