Monday, August 29, 2011
Pictures!
The cure for all feminine issues... retail therapy :)
So, I heard that quote in a talk on Sunday. I loved it and I thought you all might as well. :)
This week has been a blur. Coming up soon, Elder Smith and I will have been together 3 weeks already and it blows my mind. Grandma told me once that time flies so it's a good thing we are the pilots. I love that. It's so true too. The time may fly but it’s up to us where we let it take us.
I found out this week some interesting statistics. This may not be fact but I have heard it more than once so I, not having the all powerful internet as a check, will trust my sources. I heard that Iowa is the 2nd worst meth state in the world. That one I have seen on billboards so I know that is true, but this is the fact that got me... Marion County (my area) is the worst county in Iowa for meth. So yes... apparently I am in the meth capital of the world. We see drug busts pretty often so I wouldn’t doubt it. Funny the places I’ve been in my life – Rexburg, ID - The most republican voting populace per capita in the nation. Rigby, ID - the highest teen pregnancy rate in the nation per capita. Pocatello, ID - Once deemed worst meth city in the world. Knoxville, IA - meth capital of the world. I guess the Lord does prepare us for the future.
I've seen a lot of people lately that just have God working in their lives and on them so hard right now. There is one younger woman in our branch here who is less active and her used-to-be husband was not a member. Well they just had twin girls and the entire atmosphere of the house changed overnight with the spirit those infants brought with them. Then about 5 weeks later... the dad essentially gets kicked out for drugs and child abuse and now the woman is coming back to church and has a daughter that turns 9 here real soon so we will be teaching them weekly. It's just amazing how those dots connect sometimes.
We have a baptismal date marked for the 24th of September with Jared. He is awesome. He has been coming to the branch now for months but missionaries have never taught him. Everyone has been a little worried about his motives for becoming a member of the church because his girlfriend is in the branch. We had a super awesome lesson with him in the church the other night and he set his own goal and has a sincere interest in learning about Jesus Christ and how that can help him. I am so blessed to be a part of that miracle.
As noted in the questions and answers comment.... my favorite part of the week was the plunger toss. haha. So lemme explain...we have this brand new plunger for a different game during district meeting. Well during lunch this week, I started playing with it and let me note again... it has never been used. It is new. I know all you germophobes about puked near the beginning of that sentence. So I have been just tossing it and doing flips...double flips and triple flips. I even got a quad flip. You just try to make it land and stick to the ground. Pretty fun. I named the plunger Shawn Johnson for obvious reasons. (She does flips) :) It's probably pretty lame sounding but I dare you to try it. It's addicting.
Today we were supposed to go to the temple in Nauvoo. Bummer deal is that our member that was going with us got sick. Blast. It just wasn’t meant to be. No big!
Another best part of the week.... if i may quote my dear greenie Elder Smith, "Elder, I’m so tired, you worked me to death today"....Fist pump! Mission goal accomplished. Work someone to death. I actually literally worked his butt off. See accompanying pictures. That’s sweat that you see. No rain or puddles involved.
Elder Franz from high school talked with me on the phone for about an hour one night. Super awesome! Love that kid/elder.
Things i learned this week -
-Retail therapy...a godsend cure for females (that just makes me laugh so hard)
-You can work your butt off literally
-Underpants in Iowa are optional... or at least that's what I pick up from every 50 year old, no shirt wearing, jean wearing man.
-Old ladies love to give us food. Fattening food.
This week my thoughts have been drawn back to faith due to a couple of talks my mom sent me. I tell people all the time the steps of the gospel are faith, repentance, baptism, Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.... I usually say that all of us are to the enduring to the end part if we have been baptized but I realized I am still back at square 1. I still need to work on faith. Faith is so crucial. It's literally the most powerful power this earth has. Think about it. They say that the secret to life is "You are what you think about"...is that really anything more than having faith in your future enough to achieve it? Faith is the power to move mountains. Literally and metaphorically in our lives. Faith created this world in which we walk. Faith is something I feel as if I have every once in a while and then a trial comes and that's the breaking point usually. I let the obstacle defeat me. I know that if we were to remain strong in the faith when the trials come that after wards our faith would increase and our character will grow. Character is not built nor maintained under public spotlight but rather gained and built in the confines of your most remote personal locations. Who you become there will always shine through in desperate times of need. I think that if all of us were to be a little stronger when no one else is around, we would collectively and individually become stronger around others. I heard it said recently that "We become what we want to be by being what we want to become consistently." That's the key to your personal success in the future and mine as well. We consistently progress towards our future both in public and private. Both situations add to who you truly are. The key in my mind's eye is that the private things we do add to about 99 percent of who we really are.
I love where I am. I know I have purpose in life and in my position in life right now. I could not imagine a better place to be. No matter the trials, the stress, or the frustration... Where I am is where I want to be!
Hugs and kisses,
Elder Excell
This week has been a blur. Coming up soon, Elder Smith and I will have been together 3 weeks already and it blows my mind. Grandma told me once that time flies so it's a good thing we are the pilots. I love that. It's so true too. The time may fly but it’s up to us where we let it take us.
I found out this week some interesting statistics. This may not be fact but I have heard it more than once so I, not having the all powerful internet as a check, will trust my sources. I heard that Iowa is the 2nd worst meth state in the world. That one I have seen on billboards so I know that is true, but this is the fact that got me... Marion County (my area) is the worst county in Iowa for meth. So yes... apparently I am in the meth capital of the world. We see drug busts pretty often so I wouldn’t doubt it. Funny the places I’ve been in my life – Rexburg, ID - The most republican voting populace per capita in the nation. Rigby, ID - the highest teen pregnancy rate in the nation per capita. Pocatello, ID - Once deemed worst meth city in the world. Knoxville, IA - meth capital of the world. I guess the Lord does prepare us for the future.
I've seen a lot of people lately that just have God working in their lives and on them so hard right now. There is one younger woman in our branch here who is less active and her used-to-be husband was not a member. Well they just had twin girls and the entire atmosphere of the house changed overnight with the spirit those infants brought with them. Then about 5 weeks later... the dad essentially gets kicked out for drugs and child abuse and now the woman is coming back to church and has a daughter that turns 9 here real soon so we will be teaching them weekly. It's just amazing how those dots connect sometimes.
We have a baptismal date marked for the 24th of September with Jared. He is awesome. He has been coming to the branch now for months but missionaries have never taught him. Everyone has been a little worried about his motives for becoming a member of the church because his girlfriend is in the branch. We had a super awesome lesson with him in the church the other night and he set his own goal and has a sincere interest in learning about Jesus Christ and how that can help him. I am so blessed to be a part of that miracle.
As noted in the questions and answers comment.... my favorite part of the week was the plunger toss. haha. So lemme explain...we have this brand new plunger for a different game during district meeting. Well during lunch this week, I started playing with it and let me note again... it has never been used. It is new. I know all you germophobes about puked near the beginning of that sentence. So I have been just tossing it and doing flips...double flips and triple flips. I even got a quad flip. You just try to make it land and stick to the ground. Pretty fun. I named the plunger Shawn Johnson for obvious reasons. (She does flips) :) It's probably pretty lame sounding but I dare you to try it. It's addicting.
Today we were supposed to go to the temple in Nauvoo. Bummer deal is that our member that was going with us got sick. Blast. It just wasn’t meant to be. No big!
Another best part of the week.... if i may quote my dear greenie Elder Smith, "Elder, I’m so tired, you worked me to death today"....Fist pump! Mission goal accomplished. Work someone to death. I actually literally worked his butt off. See accompanying pictures. That’s sweat that you see. No rain or puddles involved.
Elder Franz from high school talked with me on the phone for about an hour one night. Super awesome! Love that kid/elder.
Things i learned this week -
-Retail therapy...a godsend cure for females (that just makes me laugh so hard)
-You can work your butt off literally
-Underpants in Iowa are optional... or at least that's what I pick up from every 50 year old, no shirt wearing, jean wearing man.
-Old ladies love to give us food. Fattening food.
This week my thoughts have been drawn back to faith due to a couple of talks my mom sent me. I tell people all the time the steps of the gospel are faith, repentance, baptism, Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.... I usually say that all of us are to the enduring to the end part if we have been baptized but I realized I am still back at square 1. I still need to work on faith. Faith is so crucial. It's literally the most powerful power this earth has. Think about it. They say that the secret to life is "You are what you think about"...is that really anything more than having faith in your future enough to achieve it? Faith is the power to move mountains. Literally and metaphorically in our lives. Faith created this world in which we walk. Faith is something I feel as if I have every once in a while and then a trial comes and that's the breaking point usually. I let the obstacle defeat me. I know that if we were to remain strong in the faith when the trials come that after wards our faith would increase and our character will grow. Character is not built nor maintained under public spotlight but rather gained and built in the confines of your most remote personal locations. Who you become there will always shine through in desperate times of need. I think that if all of us were to be a little stronger when no one else is around, we would collectively and individually become stronger around others. I heard it said recently that "We become what we want to be by being what we want to become consistently." That's the key to your personal success in the future and mine as well. We consistently progress towards our future both in public and private. Both situations add to who you truly are. The key in my mind's eye is that the private things we do add to about 99 percent of who we really are.
I love where I am. I know I have purpose in life and in my position in life right now. I could not imagine a better place to be. No matter the trials, the stress, or the frustration... Where I am is where I want to be!
Hugs and kisses,
Elder Excell
Q&A - August 29, 2011
1. You said in your last email that you've learned that you like to draw but said it with question marks. Does that mean that you're not sure or that it just surprises you?
Both... I have never been much of an artist but lately I find myself drawing a bit in my spare time. Nothing good tho. I'm nowhere near pro but I just like drawing faces. Theraputic, ya know?
2. What kinds of things do you like to draw?
I am so good at reading your mind. :) Besides faces I like to draw a lot of popular logos. I'm good at those.
**Oh, and by the way, you used to love to draw when you were a little kid and you were pretty good at it :)
3. I was excited to read that you may be headed to the Nauvoo temple in the near future! I know you've told me before but remind me - how many times do you get to do that on your mission?
We get to go 4 times, so essentially once every six months. But, if you're lucky like me, it's more like once every 3 months. :) We were supposed to go today but the member we were going with got sick so we haven't rescheduled yet.
4. When you get to go to the temple, is it just you and your companion or your whole district or everyone from your mission? Do President and Sister Jergensen go with you?
Your last temple trip you take with President and Sister Jergensen and the people in your going home group. Normally you just go with members tho.
5. Do you drive to the temple or rely on members to take you or take the bus or what?
The members have to drive you there and back and you have to be back by 6 to work.
6. What was the favorite part of your week?
sugar shoots... I dont know... plunger toss. You'll see in the email. :)
Both... I have never been much of an artist but lately I find myself drawing a bit in my spare time. Nothing good tho. I'm nowhere near pro but I just like drawing faces. Theraputic, ya know?
2. What kinds of things do you like to draw?
I am so good at reading your mind. :) Besides faces I like to draw a lot of popular logos. I'm good at those.
**Oh, and by the way, you used to love to draw when you were a little kid and you were pretty good at it :)
3. I was excited to read that you may be headed to the Nauvoo temple in the near future! I know you've told me before but remind me - how many times do you get to do that on your mission?
We get to go 4 times, so essentially once every six months. But, if you're lucky like me, it's more like once every 3 months. :) We were supposed to go today but the member we were going with got sick so we haven't rescheduled yet.
4. When you get to go to the temple, is it just you and your companion or your whole district or everyone from your mission? Do President and Sister Jergensen go with you?
Your last temple trip you take with President and Sister Jergensen and the people in your going home group. Normally you just go with members tho.
5. Do you drive to the temple or rely on members to take you or take the bus or what?
The members have to drive you there and back and you have to be back by 6 to work.
6. What was the favorite part of your week?
sugar shoots... I dont know... plunger toss. You'll see in the email. :)
Monday, August 22, 2011
Pictures!
Paradise in Progress
Man oh man....where does time go, honestly!?! This week I hit my hump day! 12 months down and 12 to go. I can hardly believe it. I found out that I will be home on the 24th of August, 2012. One day after my favorite sister's birthday! P.S. Happy Birthday Cassidy!!! Everyone who reads this and knows her...text her and tell her happy birthday once for you and once for me! :) Anyway back on subject, 12 months goes by way to fast. The sad part is, I started this journey way more than 12 months ago. I left for the mtc 19 and half months ago!?! If I look forward and think about how much time I have left, it's only 12 months. 12 months ago I was in Brazil with Elder Maia! That's yesterday! Wow!
I have to start a new paragraph. I was getting angry and sad talking about that last one! :)
This week was great tho! Just as they all are! It's fantastic when you finally understand that life is truly nothing more than what you make of it. It's not just the things that happen to you but how you handle them. Whoever said it's like 10 percent what you do about it was sooooo wrong. It’s 100 percent what you do about it, because what you do about it determines what will happen to you.
Ok enough ranting. I'll talk about my week already! So on Tuesday we went to Indianola to go on exchanges with the missionaries there. They live in this member's house that is pretty apostate. Demon books everywhere and a ton of Hitler stuff but you know, whatevs. I love those elder's there. As you pray for specific people, it is amazing how much your love for that person increases. I guess that is one way I have learned to show and increase my love for people. Simple enough. Pray for them.
On Thursday I was asked by the zone leaders to train at a zone meeting for 30 minutes. It was an amazing experience for me. We have been focusing in this mission on the doctrine of Christ and in essence, the basics. Why make it complicated when it is so basic and simple. Anyway, I found myself a little frustrated to be training on a topic that has been hammered into us for months now but I had a very humbling experience with the Lord. While attempting to prepare what to talk about, at first, I was just in a complete stupor of thought. I couldn't come up with anything. And until I prayed, sincerely and humbly, for the words to speak I was not given them. As soon as I put the pride away and let the Lord lead, it came. An entire lesson, or talk essentially. Upon the presentation, I still felt a little unsure of what to share and what not to pass on, but I once again said a prayer before standing up and felt so guided by the spirit. It turned out great. I had ideas and scriptures come to my mind almost instantly when needed. It’s truly amazing how the Lord works. I love being here!
On Thursday after zone meeting, we left with the zone leaders back to our area and were out tracting with them and ran into this old lady walking. I started to talk to her and she asked where we were from and I told her Idaho, to which her reply came "Oh I’ve been there before, I can’t remember what for but I think family." I thought it was cool and we continued to talk for another 30 seconds and then she stopped and said "where are you from?" I told her once again I was from Idaho to which the reply once again came..."Oh I’ve been there before, I can’t remember what for but I think family." Alright, maybe she just forgot the first time. Wrong. 30 seconds later again the process repeated. In the distance of one city block, I repeated myself 6 times.....Needless to say...she was a bit hard to talk to. haha.
On Saturday, me and Elder Smith went tracting and ran into a guy named Tim. Best lesson of my life. He is in so much need. He had been praying not hours before for some help in his life because he has unresolved health issues where he blacks out often and twice recently while driving, ending in 2 totaled cars. It's caused a lot of strain on his marriage, family, and finances and is about at the breaking point. He considered suicide sincerely. About 2 hours later, we show up and have a fantastic lesson. I'm excited to see where he chooses to go. He knows help exists.
I got a call yesterday from a sister senior missionary in Nauvoo who works in the temple and told her to look for Elder and Sister Douglas...well they are neighbors. They live just down the street! haha! Connections continue. Oh, and while I am on the topic, if there is a pday that goes by and you don’t hear from me...I’ll probably be at the temple in Nauvoo that week, so our pday changes to that day. Just fyi.
Things I learned this week...
-14 year old girls like me. Eeeks!!! All I know is Facebook has a few requests waiting for another year.
-Rat traps are an effective teaching tool
-I kind of like to draw?!?!
-Men, age 60, can sustain themselves physically on nothing but strawberry mango yogurt and pepsi max.
-A game of soccer with the youth makes you lose 5 pounds in 60 minutes. yes!!
-One square foot pad of concrete in a 2 acre field playing soccer will find Elder Excell's knee every time. One gauze pad later and all is well.
-Train, Maroon 5, and Gavin Degraw all had something in common with me Saturday. We were all in Iowa.
This week, I find myself thinking about pride and humility. The ultimate opposites of life that can either define you or destroy you. This phrase seems to keep resurfacing and building... "Diligently doing difficult things determines what defines or destroys you." But I am learning and seeing why pride is so bad. Pride is really the root of all evil in this terrestrial world. It is the backbone to all that is negative. It is what tears families apart. It is what breaks hearts. It is what causes sorrow. It ruins societies. It destroys societies. I think we would all do well to become a little more humble and less prideful. I am a believer of prayer. I know it works miracles. It literally invites them, actually. As such, I believe that praying for humility could solve many of our world's problems.
Sorry time is up.
As a wise man once said. Love one another. As another wise man said....Work hard, play hard.
I love you all!
Elder Excell
P.S. getting kicked off. sorry! love you!!!
I have to start a new paragraph. I was getting angry and sad talking about that last one! :)
This week was great tho! Just as they all are! It's fantastic when you finally understand that life is truly nothing more than what you make of it. It's not just the things that happen to you but how you handle them. Whoever said it's like 10 percent what you do about it was sooooo wrong. It’s 100 percent what you do about it, because what you do about it determines what will happen to you.
Ok enough ranting. I'll talk about my week already! So on Tuesday we went to Indianola to go on exchanges with the missionaries there. They live in this member's house that is pretty apostate. Demon books everywhere and a ton of Hitler stuff but you know, whatevs. I love those elder's there. As you pray for specific people, it is amazing how much your love for that person increases. I guess that is one way I have learned to show and increase my love for people. Simple enough. Pray for them.
On Thursday I was asked by the zone leaders to train at a zone meeting for 30 minutes. It was an amazing experience for me. We have been focusing in this mission on the doctrine of Christ and in essence, the basics. Why make it complicated when it is so basic and simple. Anyway, I found myself a little frustrated to be training on a topic that has been hammered into us for months now but I had a very humbling experience with the Lord. While attempting to prepare what to talk about, at first, I was just in a complete stupor of thought. I couldn't come up with anything. And until I prayed, sincerely and humbly, for the words to speak I was not given them. As soon as I put the pride away and let the Lord lead, it came. An entire lesson, or talk essentially. Upon the presentation, I still felt a little unsure of what to share and what not to pass on, but I once again said a prayer before standing up and felt so guided by the spirit. It turned out great. I had ideas and scriptures come to my mind almost instantly when needed. It’s truly amazing how the Lord works. I love being here!
On Thursday after zone meeting, we left with the zone leaders back to our area and were out tracting with them and ran into this old lady walking. I started to talk to her and she asked where we were from and I told her Idaho, to which her reply came "Oh I’ve been there before, I can’t remember what for but I think family." I thought it was cool and we continued to talk for another 30 seconds and then she stopped and said "where are you from?" I told her once again I was from Idaho to which the reply once again came..."Oh I’ve been there before, I can’t remember what for but I think family." Alright, maybe she just forgot the first time. Wrong. 30 seconds later again the process repeated. In the distance of one city block, I repeated myself 6 times.....Needless to say...she was a bit hard to talk to. haha.
On Saturday, me and Elder Smith went tracting and ran into a guy named Tim. Best lesson of my life. He is in so much need. He had been praying not hours before for some help in his life because he has unresolved health issues where he blacks out often and twice recently while driving, ending in 2 totaled cars. It's caused a lot of strain on his marriage, family, and finances and is about at the breaking point. He considered suicide sincerely. About 2 hours later, we show up and have a fantastic lesson. I'm excited to see where he chooses to go. He knows help exists.
I got a call yesterday from a sister senior missionary in Nauvoo who works in the temple and told her to look for Elder and Sister Douglas...well they are neighbors. They live just down the street! haha! Connections continue. Oh, and while I am on the topic, if there is a pday that goes by and you don’t hear from me...I’ll probably be at the temple in Nauvoo that week, so our pday changes to that day. Just fyi.
Things I learned this week...
-14 year old girls like me. Eeeks!!! All I know is Facebook has a few requests waiting for another year.
-Rat traps are an effective teaching tool
-I kind of like to draw?!?!
-Men, age 60, can sustain themselves physically on nothing but strawberry mango yogurt and pepsi max.
-A game of soccer with the youth makes you lose 5 pounds in 60 minutes. yes!!
-One square foot pad of concrete in a 2 acre field playing soccer will find Elder Excell's knee every time. One gauze pad later and all is well.
-Train, Maroon 5, and Gavin Degraw all had something in common with me Saturday. We were all in Iowa.
This week, I find myself thinking about pride and humility. The ultimate opposites of life that can either define you or destroy you. This phrase seems to keep resurfacing and building... "Diligently doing difficult things determines what defines or destroys you." But I am learning and seeing why pride is so bad. Pride is really the root of all evil in this terrestrial world. It is the backbone to all that is negative. It is what tears families apart. It is what breaks hearts. It is what causes sorrow. It ruins societies. It destroys societies. I think we would all do well to become a little more humble and less prideful. I am a believer of prayer. I know it works miracles. It literally invites them, actually. As such, I believe that praying for humility could solve many of our world's problems.
Sorry time is up.
As a wise man once said. Love one another. As another wise man said....Work hard, play hard.
I love you all!
Elder Excell
P.S. getting kicked off. sorry! love you!!!
Q&A - August 22, 2011
1. What will you be doing today for p-day?
letters...tracting...fhe...dinner. bed. typical p day. I'll introduce Elder Smith to the almost free shop! Love that place!!
2. Have you taught Elder Smith the fine art of "Thrifty" shopping?
Man, I read your mind so well. It's like we were related!
3. You said something in one of your last emails about training for two transfers. Does this mean you'll stay in Knoxville for another transfer after this?
Most likely. It's never for sure but most likely I'll be here another transfer beyond this one. I may see snow in Knoxville. That'd be great!
4. What was the last meal that you made? Just wondering how those cooking skills are coming in to use...
I made some homemade pizza for district meeting. Lately, members buy the meat and ask me to barbeque. Someone let out in our branch that I love to do it so I am becoming a true Iowa Excell. :)
5. Are you healthy? Happy?
Healthy, yes. Happy, you know me - of course!
6. Do you need anything from us??
I am doing awesome mom. I just need your love. Although, chick mail is in short supply lately. I'm in a bit of a drought it seems. Just saying! :)
letters...tracting...fhe...dinner. bed. typical p day. I'll introduce Elder Smith to the almost free shop! Love that place!!
2. Have you taught Elder Smith the fine art of "Thrifty" shopping?
Man, I read your mind so well. It's like we were related!
3. You said something in one of your last emails about training for two transfers. Does this mean you'll stay in Knoxville for another transfer after this?
Most likely. It's never for sure but most likely I'll be here another transfer beyond this one. I may see snow in Knoxville. That'd be great!
4. What was the last meal that you made? Just wondering how those cooking skills are coming in to use...
I made some homemade pizza for district meeting. Lately, members buy the meat and ask me to barbeque. Someone let out in our branch that I love to do it so I am becoming a true Iowa Excell. :)
5. Are you healthy? Happy?
Healthy, yes. Happy, you know me - of course!
6. Do you need anything from us??
I am doing awesome mom. I just need your love. Although, chick mail is in short supply lately. I'm in a bit of a drought it seems. Just saying! :)
Monday, August 15, 2011
Pictures!
The Miracles Of A Mission
Imagine that...one more week in the books. Done, over, finished, and never to be done again. Sometimes I think that is the hardest part about time is that you can never go back and fully experience what you went thru the first time. It just makes me want to enjoy the moments as they go by so much more!
This week was a short week because p-day seems more like yesterday this week than ever. 5 days goes by much faster than 7. Imagine that! We spent Wednesday night much like the rest of the beginning of the week in saying goodbye to several recent convert and less active members here in Knoxville. Elder Howard was sad to go. Wednesday night, packing up, you are thinking, "ok, i am ready for a change. 3 months together is enough." Then not one day later, you just flat out miss him. He was a great missionary and taught me so much! We did so much together and created so many memories that will last forever. Memories are truly the molecules that make up eternity!
Thursday was transfer meeting and I am particularly grateful for a man named Mike Gerrit. He was in town like the rest of the 30,000 people here for sprint car nationals but i think he was probably the only member. He lives down in Florida and he, on his vacation, was the only member available to drive us to the transfer meeting down in Iowa City. I have grown such a love for just flat out getting to know people. It's just....delightful! We spent a good 4 hours in the car just talking and I loved it all! So grateful for his willingness to help us and to help the Lord.
At transfer meeting, I was one of the first 3 new companionships announced. I am now with Elder Smith who is from Provo, UT. He is the oldest of three boys in his family and before the mission played soccer for a semi-pro team here in Des Moines called the Menace. He also played up at Iowa Central College in Fort Dodge, IA so he knows the place pretty well. Haha. He has now been in the field for as many days as I have months almost! Haha. He is brand new, but he will be great!
We spent most of this week getting him used to the area and to the members. The branch of 40 people Sunday was a bit of a shock to the urban raised Mormon from Provo. A little difference there. It was pretty funny to see his face. But, he has now met the entire branch and we will start working with some investigators. In the MTC now, apparently they don’t teach them the lessons from Preach My Gospel. They teach more on how to teach so as a trainer my job is to teach him the lessons so he can teach them to others! Pretty interesting, but the church knows how to train missionaries. They have been doing this whole missionary thing for a couple hundred years now so they have a pretty good grasp on the best way to do it I think.
My thoughts this week have consistently been turned to the word greatness. It all started with a window sticker in a car that said, "On the 8th day, God created Jordan" as in Michael Jordan. Pretty comical but it really got me thinking on what it was that made Michael Jordan so "great"? I have come to the conclusion that it is because of Consistency. A lot of people are capable of outstanding performances but the great ones all have one thing in common: Consistency. Day after day, they perform at the highest levels. The reason they are so consistent is because their actions are congruent with their thought process. Champions always have a clear mental picture of what they want, why they want it, and how to move closer to their target objective. While average people are complaining about the sacrifices they have to make to become great, the champions have already made that decision and continue to move forward. Erratic performance is the result of erratic thinking. So, the first step in in mental toughness is gaining mental clarity. Champions invest an inordinate amount of time mapping out an exact plan for their attainment. Consistency in performance is the direct result of knowing why it is necessary to perform well and the benefits that will accrue, especially when the going gets tough and the pain sets in. Consistency is also created by practice. Plenty of men can do good work for a short amount of time with an immediate objective or reward in mind, but for the man who has your back, you want a man to whom good work has become a habit. Greatness is not achieved in a singular moment but rather in a consistent progressive movement towards perfection.
I love being here and I can't imagine anywhere better! I love everything about my mission - who it has made me and who I will be because of it. I love my Savior. I love my family. I love you all.
Elder Excell
P.S. Prepare for your missions....It makes allllllll the difference. You've already been extended the call. Start now because when the time for action arises, the time for preparation is over. :)
This week was a short week because p-day seems more like yesterday this week than ever. 5 days goes by much faster than 7. Imagine that! We spent Wednesday night much like the rest of the beginning of the week in saying goodbye to several recent convert and less active members here in Knoxville. Elder Howard was sad to go. Wednesday night, packing up, you are thinking, "ok, i am ready for a change. 3 months together is enough." Then not one day later, you just flat out miss him. He was a great missionary and taught me so much! We did so much together and created so many memories that will last forever. Memories are truly the molecules that make up eternity!
Thursday was transfer meeting and I am particularly grateful for a man named Mike Gerrit. He was in town like the rest of the 30,000 people here for sprint car nationals but i think he was probably the only member. He lives down in Florida and he, on his vacation, was the only member available to drive us to the transfer meeting down in Iowa City. I have grown such a love for just flat out getting to know people. It's just....delightful! We spent a good 4 hours in the car just talking and I loved it all! So grateful for his willingness to help us and to help the Lord.
At transfer meeting, I was one of the first 3 new companionships announced. I am now with Elder Smith who is from Provo, UT. He is the oldest of three boys in his family and before the mission played soccer for a semi-pro team here in Des Moines called the Menace. He also played up at Iowa Central College in Fort Dodge, IA so he knows the place pretty well. Haha. He has now been in the field for as many days as I have months almost! Haha. He is brand new, but he will be great!
We spent most of this week getting him used to the area and to the members. The branch of 40 people Sunday was a bit of a shock to the urban raised Mormon from Provo. A little difference there. It was pretty funny to see his face. But, he has now met the entire branch and we will start working with some investigators. In the MTC now, apparently they don’t teach them the lessons from Preach My Gospel. They teach more on how to teach so as a trainer my job is to teach him the lessons so he can teach them to others! Pretty interesting, but the church knows how to train missionaries. They have been doing this whole missionary thing for a couple hundred years now so they have a pretty good grasp on the best way to do it I think.
My thoughts this week have consistently been turned to the word greatness. It all started with a window sticker in a car that said, "On the 8th day, God created Jordan" as in Michael Jordan. Pretty comical but it really got me thinking on what it was that made Michael Jordan so "great"? I have come to the conclusion that it is because of Consistency. A lot of people are capable of outstanding performances but the great ones all have one thing in common: Consistency. Day after day, they perform at the highest levels. The reason they are so consistent is because their actions are congruent with their thought process. Champions always have a clear mental picture of what they want, why they want it, and how to move closer to their target objective. While average people are complaining about the sacrifices they have to make to become great, the champions have already made that decision and continue to move forward. Erratic performance is the result of erratic thinking. So, the first step in in mental toughness is gaining mental clarity. Champions invest an inordinate amount of time mapping out an exact plan for their attainment. Consistency in performance is the direct result of knowing why it is necessary to perform well and the benefits that will accrue, especially when the going gets tough and the pain sets in. Consistency is also created by practice. Plenty of men can do good work for a short amount of time with an immediate objective or reward in mind, but for the man who has your back, you want a man to whom good work has become a habit. Greatness is not achieved in a singular moment but rather in a consistent progressive movement towards perfection.
I love being here and I can't imagine anywhere better! I love everything about my mission - who it has made me and who I will be because of it. I love my Savior. I love my family. I love you all.
Elder Excell
P.S. Prepare for your missions....It makes allllllll the difference. You've already been extended the call. Start now because when the time for action arises, the time for preparation is over. :)
Q&A, August 15, 2011
1. What is Elder Howard's first name? It's funny that after all your time together, I still only know him as "Elder Howard".
Trent Haws Howard
2. Is it safe to say that Elder Howard will be one of those life-long friends for you? You seemed to enjoy your time with him.
I love Howard!! I will miss him a lot! He is in Cedar Rapids now and I am excited for life after the mish with him! We have tons planned!
3. Where did Elder Howard get transferred to?
Read your mind already. Cedar Rapids 3rd Ward!
4. What is your new companion's name?
Elder Smith
5. Where is he from?
Provo, UT
6. What are some of your responsibilities as District Leader?
Conduct exchanges a couple times per companionship per transfer. Train for a couple hours a week at District Meeting. Lead by example, and in my mind's eye...love til I can love no more!
7. Have all your bumps and bruises from your vine swinging fall into the mud pit healed up or are you still pretty stiff and sore? :)
My left wrist is pretty sore. I think I sprained it but it's not like I haven't sprained it before. It'll heal!
8. What was the best and worst part of your week?
Best part: All of it.
Worst Part: None of it! :)
9. Do you need anything from us or have any questions for us?
I am doing great! Really if all I had was scriptures and an ample amount of food I could be entirely happy! I am just so thankful to be here! There is no better place to be!
Trent Haws Howard
2. Is it safe to say that Elder Howard will be one of those life-long friends for you? You seemed to enjoy your time with him.
I love Howard!! I will miss him a lot! He is in Cedar Rapids now and I am excited for life after the mish with him! We have tons planned!
3. Where did Elder Howard get transferred to?
Read your mind already. Cedar Rapids 3rd Ward!
4. What is your new companion's name?
Elder Smith
5. Where is he from?
Provo, UT
6. What are some of your responsibilities as District Leader?
Conduct exchanges a couple times per companionship per transfer. Train for a couple hours a week at District Meeting. Lead by example, and in my mind's eye...love til I can love no more!
7. Have all your bumps and bruises from your vine swinging fall into the mud pit healed up or are you still pretty stiff and sore? :)
My left wrist is pretty sore. I think I sprained it but it's not like I haven't sprained it before. It'll heal!
8. What was the best and worst part of your week?
Best part: All of it.
Worst Part: None of it! :)
9. Do you need anything from us or have any questions for us?
I am doing great! Really if all I had was scriptures and an ample amount of food I could be entirely happy! I am just so thankful to be here! There is no better place to be!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Pictures!
Transfer Week
Wow....it has been a longer week than normal but today marks the end of another missionary week and another transfer!
In Knoxville, we will be having a little switch up. Elder Howard has seen his last days of Knoxville. Today we will be packing and tomorrow we will head to Iowa City and have our transfer meeting with all the new missionaries and all those being transferred. We don't know quite where Elder Howard is going but we have a good guess of the Cedar Rapids Third Ward. I will find out tomorrow with him as well. I will be staying in Knoxville but with some new responsibilities. I will have my first born son as of tomorrow. I do not know who until tomorrow but I get to train a brand new greenie from the mtc this next two tranfers!! It's going to be nuts as well because i have been called to be the district leader. So three..."promotions" this week....senior comp, district leader, and training. The lineage continues dad! :)
Last time I wrote home, I turned 21. The day passed beautifully and was just great! Since I turned 21, Elder Howard and I went out for a drink. Nonalcoholic of course. We committed ourselves to do the 2 liter challenge. I am not quite sure where these crazy missionary challenges stem from but this one involves trying to drink 2 liters in 10 minutes and not throw it up. I figured it was about as smart as going out to drink the "drinking" 21 year old way. We carefully chose our sodas... I of course was smart and chose the Sun Drop but did not refrigerate. My thinking was it would be easier to get down warm. Well, a liter and a half later, the ten minutes was up, I failed, and threw up anyway. All in all, I would call it a success. It was fun to watch Howard get through a cup full in ten minutes. He has a small bladder. :)
We also took a good sunset drive. I love sunsets and Heavenly Father blessed me with a gorgeous one on my birthday! I will send pictures. It was the best! Love it!
We went vine swinging this week! Yes, you read correctly and no, I have not been transferred back to Brazil. Iowa has vines. And yes, you may swing on them! Now let me give any future vine swingers some advice from my experiences now. We found a good solid vine and swung on it for a good five minutes. We then found a better solid vine and this one was right by a 15 foot deep empty creek, but just a giant mud pit at the bottom. We swung over the empty creek bed several times and it was great. We got more daring with each swing. Now comes the lesson....When vine swinging, remember that a vine will only hold you up for a certain number of swings. I learned that my last swing was the "one too many" swing and I plummeted a good 15 feet unsuspectingly to the mud pit from hades. One more hint...when falling try to only catch yourself with one part of your body. I tried one leg which buckled to my ankle which buckled until i caught myself with my left arm which buckled to my wrist and then for the great finale... face plant in the mud! Great fall! It hurt pretty good, Very little blood and no broken bones though so all is well. While climbing out we sang: and should we die, before our journey's through, happy day, all is well!"
Josh Miller was baptized on Sunday and it was great! We had the service on Sunday right after church so the whole branch was in attendance. Great idea by the way! It was a very good baptism. I played the piano and the interlude while Josh was changing. I don't know if it’s just because I am a boy or what, but everyone loves to hear me play. I usually get requests after church to play for people. I love it tho. I also got to confirm Josh a member of the church and bless him with the opportunity to receive the Holy Ghost. It was a very spiritual moment for me. That night, Josh's dad, who is not a member, was feeling ill and asked if we would come and give him a blessing. I had the chance to bless him and it was phenomenal. I don’t quite remember what was said but the feelings I had during that blessing I know were felt by all those present!
I learned this week what I don't want to be as a missionary. Elder Howard had a meeting in Des Moines Wednesday and so I went up with him but worked with another elder in the Des Moines area and this elder has just no respect for rules or anything. He insisted we listen to Taylor Swift all day. Amazing, I feel like a sinner for that because she is a very clean artist but it's against the rules that I have committed to keep! I felt horrible. The whole day felt like a waste. Then I went to go pick up Elder Howard after his meeting and walked into the stake center just as the leadership of our mission started to sing the closing song. What a difference in feeling. I know which side of the line I want to be on!
It's nationals in Knoxville this week! The sprint car capital of the world. The population quadruples here this week. Imagine the city of Idaho Falls trying to fit in the city of Rigby. That's about how it feels. Tents, campers, rv's, the whole nine yards everywhere. All to watch people drive really fast on dirt in circles. Whatev. It's fun to watch the drunk people.
Things I learned this week-
-Test your vine in vine swinging activities for longevity.
-Yard sale central is in Iowa, especially when you have the whole country coming to town.
-My dad can knit with the best of them
-Sprint car racing is a big deal...who knew?!
-Hungarian is a tough language. A member speaks it and I am trying to pick it up.
-Knitting is a way to vent!
-Elder Howard is awesome!!!
This week i have pondered a lot about Jesus Christ. I am a representative of him. I am a disciple of Christ. Or at least trying to be. I have been thinking about what it is that I should know about him to express with others and this is my thought... All of the acts of human existence brought about by the fall, Jesus Christ absorbed into himself. He experienced vicariously in Gethsemane all the private grief’s and heartaches, all the physical pains and handicaps, all the emotional burdens and depressions of the human family. He knows the loneliness of those that don't fit in or who aren't handsome or pretty. He knows what it's like to be the last one chosen for the baseball game. He knows the anguish of the parent with a misguided child. He knows the personal hell of the abused child or spouse. He knows these things personally and intimately because he lived them in that Gethsemane experience. Having personally lived a perfect life, he then chose to experience our imperfect lives. In the meridian of time, the center of eternity, he lived a billion, billion lifetimes of sin, disease, pain, and sorrow. God has no magic wand as if to simply wave bad things into nonexistence. The sins that He remits, He remits by making them his own and suffering them. These things can be shared and absorbed but they cannot be waved or wished away. They must be suffered. Thus we owe him not only for our spiritual cleansing, but for our mental, emotional, and physical healings as well for he has born these infirmities for us also. All that the fall puts wrong, the Savior and His atonement put right. It' all part of his infinite sacrifice and his infinite gift. It is something that I cannot comprehend nor will I. But I know that it happened. I know that it cures. I know that it is the only way. That is why I am here. To offer His gift to others. To somehow show the infinite love He had for us, to them. In my mind, it was, is, and will always be love that motivates all of us, even the son of God, to get through the hard times, to serve others and to make it back to our loving God, our Heavenly Father. This is His divine plan. It has his divine signature written all over in it. The biggest of all being that great and last sacrifice which I am and shall be eternally grateful for!
My time is up. I know the gospel brings Joy. It brings an eternal happiness that when followed directly cannot be diminished. I love you all! Seriously I do!
Elder Excell
In Knoxville, we will be having a little switch up. Elder Howard has seen his last days of Knoxville. Today we will be packing and tomorrow we will head to Iowa City and have our transfer meeting with all the new missionaries and all those being transferred. We don't know quite where Elder Howard is going but we have a good guess of the Cedar Rapids Third Ward. I will find out tomorrow with him as well. I will be staying in Knoxville but with some new responsibilities. I will have my first born son as of tomorrow. I do not know who until tomorrow but I get to train a brand new greenie from the mtc this next two tranfers!! It's going to be nuts as well because i have been called to be the district leader. So three..."promotions" this week....senior comp, district leader, and training. The lineage continues dad! :)
Last time I wrote home, I turned 21. The day passed beautifully and was just great! Since I turned 21, Elder Howard and I went out for a drink. Nonalcoholic of course. We committed ourselves to do the 2 liter challenge. I am not quite sure where these crazy missionary challenges stem from but this one involves trying to drink 2 liters in 10 minutes and not throw it up. I figured it was about as smart as going out to drink the "drinking" 21 year old way. We carefully chose our sodas... I of course was smart and chose the Sun Drop but did not refrigerate. My thinking was it would be easier to get down warm. Well, a liter and a half later, the ten minutes was up, I failed, and threw up anyway. All in all, I would call it a success. It was fun to watch Howard get through a cup full in ten minutes. He has a small bladder. :)
We also took a good sunset drive. I love sunsets and Heavenly Father blessed me with a gorgeous one on my birthday! I will send pictures. It was the best! Love it!
We went vine swinging this week! Yes, you read correctly and no, I have not been transferred back to Brazil. Iowa has vines. And yes, you may swing on them! Now let me give any future vine swingers some advice from my experiences now. We found a good solid vine and swung on it for a good five minutes. We then found a better solid vine and this one was right by a 15 foot deep empty creek, but just a giant mud pit at the bottom. We swung over the empty creek bed several times and it was great. We got more daring with each swing. Now comes the lesson....When vine swinging, remember that a vine will only hold you up for a certain number of swings. I learned that my last swing was the "one too many" swing and I plummeted a good 15 feet unsuspectingly to the mud pit from hades. One more hint...when falling try to only catch yourself with one part of your body. I tried one leg which buckled to my ankle which buckled until i caught myself with my left arm which buckled to my wrist and then for the great finale... face plant in the mud! Great fall! It hurt pretty good, Very little blood and no broken bones though so all is well. While climbing out we sang: and should we die, before our journey's through, happy day, all is well!"
Josh Miller was baptized on Sunday and it was great! We had the service on Sunday right after church so the whole branch was in attendance. Great idea by the way! It was a very good baptism. I played the piano and the interlude while Josh was changing. I don't know if it’s just because I am a boy or what, but everyone loves to hear me play. I usually get requests after church to play for people. I love it tho. I also got to confirm Josh a member of the church and bless him with the opportunity to receive the Holy Ghost. It was a very spiritual moment for me. That night, Josh's dad, who is not a member, was feeling ill and asked if we would come and give him a blessing. I had the chance to bless him and it was phenomenal. I don’t quite remember what was said but the feelings I had during that blessing I know were felt by all those present!
I learned this week what I don't want to be as a missionary. Elder Howard had a meeting in Des Moines Wednesday and so I went up with him but worked with another elder in the Des Moines area and this elder has just no respect for rules or anything. He insisted we listen to Taylor Swift all day. Amazing, I feel like a sinner for that because she is a very clean artist but it's against the rules that I have committed to keep! I felt horrible. The whole day felt like a waste. Then I went to go pick up Elder Howard after his meeting and walked into the stake center just as the leadership of our mission started to sing the closing song. What a difference in feeling. I know which side of the line I want to be on!
It's nationals in Knoxville this week! The sprint car capital of the world. The population quadruples here this week. Imagine the city of Idaho Falls trying to fit in the city of Rigby. That's about how it feels. Tents, campers, rv's, the whole nine yards everywhere. All to watch people drive really fast on dirt in circles. Whatev. It's fun to watch the drunk people.
Things I learned this week-
-Test your vine in vine swinging activities for longevity.
-Yard sale central is in Iowa, especially when you have the whole country coming to town.
-My dad can knit with the best of them
-Sprint car racing is a big deal...who knew?!
-Hungarian is a tough language. A member speaks it and I am trying to pick it up.
-Knitting is a way to vent!
-Elder Howard is awesome!!!
This week i have pondered a lot about Jesus Christ. I am a representative of him. I am a disciple of Christ. Or at least trying to be. I have been thinking about what it is that I should know about him to express with others and this is my thought... All of the acts of human existence brought about by the fall, Jesus Christ absorbed into himself. He experienced vicariously in Gethsemane all the private grief’s and heartaches, all the physical pains and handicaps, all the emotional burdens and depressions of the human family. He knows the loneliness of those that don't fit in or who aren't handsome or pretty. He knows what it's like to be the last one chosen for the baseball game. He knows the anguish of the parent with a misguided child. He knows the personal hell of the abused child or spouse. He knows these things personally and intimately because he lived them in that Gethsemane experience. Having personally lived a perfect life, he then chose to experience our imperfect lives. In the meridian of time, the center of eternity, he lived a billion, billion lifetimes of sin, disease, pain, and sorrow. God has no magic wand as if to simply wave bad things into nonexistence. The sins that He remits, He remits by making them his own and suffering them. These things can be shared and absorbed but they cannot be waved or wished away. They must be suffered. Thus we owe him not only for our spiritual cleansing, but for our mental, emotional, and physical healings as well for he has born these infirmities for us also. All that the fall puts wrong, the Savior and His atonement put right. It' all part of his infinite sacrifice and his infinite gift. It is something that I cannot comprehend nor will I. But I know that it happened. I know that it cures. I know that it is the only way. That is why I am here. To offer His gift to others. To somehow show the infinite love He had for us, to them. In my mind, it was, is, and will always be love that motivates all of us, even the son of God, to get through the hard times, to serve others and to make it back to our loving God, our Heavenly Father. This is His divine plan. It has his divine signature written all over in it. The biggest of all being that great and last sacrifice which I am and shall be eternally grateful for!
My time is up. I know the gospel brings Joy. It brings an eternal happiness that when followed directly cannot be diminished. I love you all! Seriously I do!
Elder Excell
Q&A, August 10, 2011
1. Do you still call Knoxville home?
Knoxville is still home for me, yes! :)
2. Is Elder Howard sitting at the computer next to you?
Elder Howard is sitting next to me but only for about 24 more hours...
3. Did you end up doing anything extraordinary for your birthday last week?
Birthday packages were the best ever!!! soooooo awesome!!
4. Did you receive a birthday package from a family that loves you?
yes yes yes yes yes!!
5. How do you like Burt's Bees toothpaste?
It's different but it's all natural and i feel healthy just thinking about it. I like it! 9 out of 10 on the tooth paste scale.
6. What shampoo did you buy and what time period in your life did it transport you back to?
I went for a new one to always remind me of Iowa. I bought Tresseme Strengthening. Starting a chapter! no old shampoo!!
7. How did the Branch FHE get started and is it for everyone or just people who don't necessarily have a family at home to have FHE with?
It's just everyone who doesn't really have a family but everyone is invited. Me and Elder Howard just decided it would be great for fellowshipping new investigators and giving them a less threatening approach to the gospel!
8. Was Josh baptized on Sunday? How did it go?
Josh Miller = member of the church now! He was awesome and the baptism was great! More in the letter!
9. Best part of your week? SOOOO many this week! It's been a long week and nuts!
10. I've been wondering about how transfers work. I think you find out on Saturday but what happens after that? What day do you actually make the change?
We make the change on Thursday aka tomorrow.
Does everyone meet at a central location and then make the change and go or does everyone travel seperately?
Everyone being transferred meets in Iowa City and we have a transfer meeting and everyone finds out together. Pretty effective. Then we all take off again.
Does everyone in your whole mission have p-day on Wednesday during transfer week even if they're not being transferred?
Everyone! So every six weeks you can mark your calendar and know it will be a Wednesday!
Knoxville is still home for me, yes! :)
2. Is Elder Howard sitting at the computer next to you?
Elder Howard is sitting next to me but only for about 24 more hours...
3. Did you end up doing anything extraordinary for your birthday last week?
Birthday packages were the best ever!!! soooooo awesome!!
4. Did you receive a birthday package from a family that loves you?
yes yes yes yes yes!!
5. How do you like Burt's Bees toothpaste?
It's different but it's all natural and i feel healthy just thinking about it. I like it! 9 out of 10 on the tooth paste scale.
6. What shampoo did you buy and what time period in your life did it transport you back to?
I went for a new one to always remind me of Iowa. I bought Tresseme Strengthening. Starting a chapter! no old shampoo!!
7. How did the Branch FHE get started and is it for everyone or just people who don't necessarily have a family at home to have FHE with?
It's just everyone who doesn't really have a family but everyone is invited. Me and Elder Howard just decided it would be great for fellowshipping new investigators and giving them a less threatening approach to the gospel!
8. Was Josh baptized on Sunday? How did it go?
Josh Miller = member of the church now! He was awesome and the baptism was great! More in the letter!
9. Best part of your week? SOOOO many this week! It's been a long week and nuts!
10. I've been wondering about how transfers work. I think you find out on Saturday but what happens after that? What day do you actually make the change?
We make the change on Thursday aka tomorrow.
Does everyone meet at a central location and then make the change and go or does everyone travel seperately?
Everyone being transferred meets in Iowa City and we have a transfer meeting and everyone finds out together. Pretty effective. Then we all take off again.
Does everyone in your whole mission have p-day on Wednesday during transfer week even if they're not being transferred?
Everyone! So every six weeks you can mark your calendar and know it will be a Wednesday!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Pictures!!
21... Phew
I made it to adulthood in one piece. I still am not quite sure how and where those 21 years went, not to mention the last week! Aw...father time is such a prankster. One thing that I can say is that I know that I am happier and better than I was one year ago and if I can continue to do that for the rest of my mortal existence then I will be successful in my eyes!
This week has been another great week! Howard is making fun of me because I have 21 years experience of gospel goodness now! Funny eld! (Short for elder) :)
P-day was pretty norm last week! We did have our weekly FHE with the branch! It usually just ends up being us with the bachelors of the branch but they love it and so do we. We are fulfilling a purpose with it so we continue to do it. This week we tried to play a game where we had them draw the plan of salvation on the board with extra points for artistic talent...Well some people can be pretty artistic when given the motivation. It was great and everyone learned quite a bit and the spirit was definitely there! I have learned a great lesson recently...if you want more people to come to your activities...bring dessert. Our numbers grow 10 fold with every dozen cookies provided. Life long lesson learned.
Elder Howard had a tick this week. It was so funny tho because he never saw it til at night and was trying to figure out why he was sooo tired all day. He fell asleep while saying a prayer in a lesson. That was pretty good. I guess ticks take it right out of ya.
This week on Thursday, everything just took a sour note. It didn’t matter what we did towards the end of the day it was just not meant to end pretty or be pretty all the way through for that matter. We went to go teach Dixie, who is a pretty casual investigator about 75 years old and this guy next door just kept saying as we were knocking that she doesn't want to talk to us. And I replied, I want to hear that from her. So Dixie comes to the door and invites us in... in my mind I’m thinking "take that" to the neighbor, well he did take that and brought it back too...about 2 minutes later we see the guy come to the door, doesn’t knock and walks right in Dixie’s home. We were in the process of asking Dixie if she needed help moving some stuff and he barges in and says "you need to leave", I replied "Dixie invited us in sir and we have no reason to not be here" that torched him a bit and said to Dixie, "Dixie do you know who these men are?" she answered, "why yes...they’re missionaries who are so sweet and love to help me"...(point for the elder's team)...he said, "no Dixie...they're Mormons"...we said, "yes sir we are"...he continued for about 10 minutes to anti us as hard as I have been antied before and proceeds to tell us to leave Dixie’s house. We did so and Dixie was so embarrassed. She felt so bad. Poor thing. I just never knew people could be sooo rude. But whatever trever. We stayed patient and calm and I know heavenly father helped us to remain that way.
Then on that same day the next house we go to is Sister Morrow. Member of 40 + years and she just got out of her senior citizen home for rehabilitation and she was starting to walk with a walker. We were so happy to see her walking around...til about 3 minutes later she fell over right on her hip. No fun anymore. She cried pretty good and we just tried our best to comfort. She was embarrassed but we left her with a good thought and she insisted on hugging us telling us that she wouldn’t tell anyone. Oh...sweet old ladies!
Saturday we were asked to go over to this lady’s house that we have knocked several times but she never actually is home during our specified appointment time. She asks us to come over and when we get there she asks us to teach her about parenting. Man...can the list of duties grow longer. I was pretty flabbergasted. I was a 20 year old snot nosed kid being asked how to raise kids...gimme a break! We tried to give her our advice. Told her to have a relationship with god, her family and herself. She had none of the three before.
Josh is getting baptized Sunday! He is 9 years old and a part of a part member family. It will be so good to see and his dad is also very close to deciding. It's so great to see the work that youth do have such an effect on their parents. Josh is a great kid. We are playing baseball with him and his family Saturday! Super excited!!
Things I learned this week!
-Oragel on your companion’s toothbrush makes for a great prank
-Refreshments are the way to multitudes. No wonder Christ fed everyone fish and bread!
-I love quotes. My work on a quote book is in progress.
-Ticks are exhausting
-Burts Bee's has tooth paste...today I will buy some.
-Changing your razor can be the highlight of your week
-Today is new shampoo day as well. I have found that your shampoo choice is essential. The smell of your shampoo can vividly act as a time machine and take you back to any time where you used that shampoo.
-Wise people recognize everyone as friends.
This week I have been thinking a bit about hard work and how important it is. I have been so blessed with the opportunities I have had over the years to work and have a job. I have pretty much maintained a job for about 9 years now if you include missionary service as a job. I have only gone about 3 months without a job in those years. I have absolutely no regrets from it. I love working. I am so grateful that I have had that attribute distilled in me! There is no better lesson to teach someone than how to work. With that lesson, all other lessons are achievable! Work is the miracle by which talent is brought to the surface and dreams become reality. Since my time in Iowa… my work on the golf course mowing has been used, my ice throwing has been used, my experience in moving in and out families has been used. But it all stems from what my mom and dad taught me about work ethic. There really is nothing more key to happiness. It is service that brings happiness and it is work that brings service. So many people we talk to don’t have that appreciation for service and I hope to show them how it has changed me! Hard work defines diamonds from coal. It takes work but the end result is always beautiful.
I love you all! I love being here! I love being 21! I loved your package Robin! I love that I have two more packages on the way! I love the gospel! I know it's true!
Until next week! Transfer week! We'll see how things get shaken up!
Hugs and kisses,
Elder Excell
This week has been another great week! Howard is making fun of me because I have 21 years experience of gospel goodness now! Funny eld! (Short for elder) :)
P-day was pretty norm last week! We did have our weekly FHE with the branch! It usually just ends up being us with the bachelors of the branch but they love it and so do we. We are fulfilling a purpose with it so we continue to do it. This week we tried to play a game where we had them draw the plan of salvation on the board with extra points for artistic talent...Well some people can be pretty artistic when given the motivation. It was great and everyone learned quite a bit and the spirit was definitely there! I have learned a great lesson recently...if you want more people to come to your activities...bring dessert. Our numbers grow 10 fold with every dozen cookies provided. Life long lesson learned.
Elder Howard had a tick this week. It was so funny tho because he never saw it til at night and was trying to figure out why he was sooo tired all day. He fell asleep while saying a prayer in a lesson. That was pretty good. I guess ticks take it right out of ya.
This week on Thursday, everything just took a sour note. It didn’t matter what we did towards the end of the day it was just not meant to end pretty or be pretty all the way through for that matter. We went to go teach Dixie, who is a pretty casual investigator about 75 years old and this guy next door just kept saying as we were knocking that she doesn't want to talk to us. And I replied, I want to hear that from her. So Dixie comes to the door and invites us in... in my mind I’m thinking "take that" to the neighbor, well he did take that and brought it back too...about 2 minutes later we see the guy come to the door, doesn’t knock and walks right in Dixie’s home. We were in the process of asking Dixie if she needed help moving some stuff and he barges in and says "you need to leave", I replied "Dixie invited us in sir and we have no reason to not be here" that torched him a bit and said to Dixie, "Dixie do you know who these men are?" she answered, "why yes...they’re missionaries who are so sweet and love to help me"...(point for the elder's team)...he said, "no Dixie...they're Mormons"...we said, "yes sir we are"...he continued for about 10 minutes to anti us as hard as I have been antied before and proceeds to tell us to leave Dixie’s house. We did so and Dixie was so embarrassed. She felt so bad. Poor thing. I just never knew people could be sooo rude. But whatever trever. We stayed patient and calm and I know heavenly father helped us to remain that way.
Then on that same day the next house we go to is Sister Morrow. Member of 40 + years and she just got out of her senior citizen home for rehabilitation and she was starting to walk with a walker. We were so happy to see her walking around...til about 3 minutes later she fell over right on her hip. No fun anymore. She cried pretty good and we just tried our best to comfort. She was embarrassed but we left her with a good thought and she insisted on hugging us telling us that she wouldn’t tell anyone. Oh...sweet old ladies!
Saturday we were asked to go over to this lady’s house that we have knocked several times but she never actually is home during our specified appointment time. She asks us to come over and when we get there she asks us to teach her about parenting. Man...can the list of duties grow longer. I was pretty flabbergasted. I was a 20 year old snot nosed kid being asked how to raise kids...gimme a break! We tried to give her our advice. Told her to have a relationship with god, her family and herself. She had none of the three before.
Josh is getting baptized Sunday! He is 9 years old and a part of a part member family. It will be so good to see and his dad is also very close to deciding. It's so great to see the work that youth do have such an effect on their parents. Josh is a great kid. We are playing baseball with him and his family Saturday! Super excited!!
Things I learned this week!
-Oragel on your companion’s toothbrush makes for a great prank
-Refreshments are the way to multitudes. No wonder Christ fed everyone fish and bread!
-I love quotes. My work on a quote book is in progress.
-Ticks are exhausting
-Burts Bee's has tooth paste...today I will buy some.
-Changing your razor can be the highlight of your week
-Today is new shampoo day as well. I have found that your shampoo choice is essential. The smell of your shampoo can vividly act as a time machine and take you back to any time where you used that shampoo.
-Wise people recognize everyone as friends.
This week I have been thinking a bit about hard work and how important it is. I have been so blessed with the opportunities I have had over the years to work and have a job. I have pretty much maintained a job for about 9 years now if you include missionary service as a job. I have only gone about 3 months without a job in those years. I have absolutely no regrets from it. I love working. I am so grateful that I have had that attribute distilled in me! There is no better lesson to teach someone than how to work. With that lesson, all other lessons are achievable! Work is the miracle by which talent is brought to the surface and dreams become reality. Since my time in Iowa… my work on the golf course mowing has been used, my ice throwing has been used, my experience in moving in and out families has been used. But it all stems from what my mom and dad taught me about work ethic. There really is nothing more key to happiness. It is service that brings happiness and it is work that brings service. So many people we talk to don’t have that appreciation for service and I hope to show them how it has changed me! Hard work defines diamonds from coal. It takes work but the end result is always beautiful.
I love you all! I love being here! I love being 21! I loved your package Robin! I love that I have two more packages on the way! I love the gospel! I know it's true!
Until next week! Transfer week! We'll see how things get shaken up!
Hugs and kisses,
Elder Excell
Q&A - August 1, 2011
1. What are your plans for the day? How does a missionary in Iowa celebrate his 21st birthday on p-day? :)
You know me...I love writing letters a lot and have some catch up to do there. We have a lesson at 6, branch fhe brought to you by the missionaries at 7 and another lesson at 8 so a good solid day! We also have 2 20 oz. steaks brought from Limpy to grill up!!
2. Do you expect to stay in Knoxville for another transfer or do you think your time there is coming to a close?
I think I will stay but Howard will move on. We find out saturday and just a reminder...p day will be Wednesday next week!
3. What is your favorite thing about the Knoxville/Pella/Pleasantville area?
The landscape! I thought I would miss the mountains but I love the rolling green hills and I love this branch! I feel so close to all of them and we have made great relationships here!!
4. Several people from the ward have been asking about you and a few have even said they wanted to write to you. Have you gotten any mail from people in the ward?
I got a letter from the Hoch's and that was cool. That came on Saturday. Nice people!
5. And, if you haven't already figured it out, my favorite question to ask you - what was the best part of your week?
My favorite answer...you'll have to wait and see in the email! Sufficeth me to say that I can't think of anything I didn't like!
You know me...I love writing letters a lot and have some catch up to do there. We have a lesson at 6, branch fhe brought to you by the missionaries at 7 and another lesson at 8 so a good solid day! We also have 2 20 oz. steaks brought from Limpy to grill up!!
2. Do you expect to stay in Knoxville for another transfer or do you think your time there is coming to a close?
I think I will stay but Howard will move on. We find out saturday and just a reminder...p day will be Wednesday next week!
3. What is your favorite thing about the Knoxville/Pella/Pleasantville area?
The landscape! I thought I would miss the mountains but I love the rolling green hills and I love this branch! I feel so close to all of them and we have made great relationships here!!
4. Several people from the ward have been asking about you and a few have even said they wanted to write to you. Have you gotten any mail from people in the ward?
I got a letter from the Hoch's and that was cool. That came on Saturday. Nice people!
5. And, if you haven't already figured it out, my favorite question to ask you - what was the best part of your week?
My favorite answer...you'll have to wait and see in the email! Sufficeth me to say that I can't think of anything I didn't like!
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