Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Q&A - June 25, 2012
1. How did your p-day moccasins turn out?
They are the coolest things I have ever made and probably ever will make! I was so pleased with them! I will wear them everywhere! I'll try to get a pic this week to show off next week!
2. How often do you do splits with other missionaries? Do you stay in Waverly when you do splits or go elsewhere?
It depends. Usually just once per transfer with the district leader as well as the zone leaders so total of 2 times per transfer and we switch where we go every time.
3. What was the best part of your week?
It seems like this week there were just to many things to limit it down to one thing. This was the best week of my mission so far. I hope I can say that every week from here on out!
They are the coolest things I have ever made and probably ever will make! I was so pleased with them! I will wear them everywhere! I'll try to get a pic this week to show off next week!
2. How often do you do splits with other missionaries? Do you stay in Waverly when you do splits or go elsewhere?
It depends. Usually just once per transfer with the district leader as well as the zone leaders so total of 2 times per transfer and we switch where we go every time.
3. What was the best part of your week?
It seems like this week there were just to many things to limit it down to one thing. This was the best week of my mission so far. I hope I can say that every week from here on out!
Overcoming the marathoners wall
How can it even be plausible that every week of my life I am blessed with so many awesome experiences that each week appears and feels better than the one prior!? How does it seem to happen every single week!? I am so happy to be where I am. I think it is one of the biggest things I have learned while being in Iowa. I have learned how to appreciate now and not focus so much on the future or the past but live today. It has really helped me every week to feel like I am moving forward, and cheerfully might I add. It went by almost too fast!
This week was chuck full of awesome times so let's start last last p-day. After scurrying out of the library we went to Waterloo and made some moccasins. They are the most legit things I have ever owned or made. We used real buffalo hide for the soles and deer skin for the outside and top. We also used legit sinew to sew all the pieces of hide together. It was a lot of fun to make them and learn some Native American culture while doing it. I also learned from sad experience to not call a woman a squaw. I said it jokingly but there is apparently no way to say that jokingly. Take note so you don't make the same mistake.
After we came home from making the moccasins we finally got out air conditioning fixed. We've been living in a 90 degree apartment for the last couple weeks and quite honestly it has been miserable. We made some calls tho and got it going. It was kind of fun to get on the roof with the guy and help him out. I don't think he was probably use to someone helping him do his job but he enjoyed it. He's our good buddy now.
We watched Stacy and Heather play in their Varsity softball game that night and tried to cheer as loud as we could. It was a lot of fun.
Tuesday we woke up to a 70 degree apartment which was actually kind of cold but so much better than waking up and seeing a human sweat mark on your sheets. We did our normal study routine and then we did some service at the library! We are pretty good friends with all the library ladies here. We wrapped some books up in paper for their "Date a book" program. You pick a random book wrapped in paper and are supposed to read it. Sounds kind of fun. I know that I am for sure going to spend quite a bit more time in Libraries and senior centers when I get home. I've come to find those locations somewhat heavenly.
The rest of the week seems like a blur with some standout moments but I couldn't tell you what happened on what day so let me amass them together here in this paragraph.... I killed a cat this week. No I did not mean to. We were driving out in the country trying to find some former investigators and we saw this little kitten. I told Brown to go grab it so he did and brought it back in the car. That alone was really funny to watch. Well we drove it back into town and we couldn't keep it as a pet unfortunately so we decided to give it to the Austin's because they have a lot of animals. So we took it over to their house and after I opened the door to get it out of the back it bolted from the car and down a storm drain. Well we went and got Airyn and told her about the situation and she showed us where the storm drain let out in the field so we went out there to try to find him and rescue him again, even tho I'm pretty sure he was tired of being "rescued" at this point. Well we gave up on the pursuit and we started walking back to the house when Jake, the dog, ran past us into the field. Needless to say he saw the cat and well....attacked. He grabbed it and by the time we had turned around and saw what was happening the kitten was being thrown around like a rag doll. We ran to try to rescue it again and well...after some after some seizure action, he passed on. We did give him a nice burial in the field tho. PETA would be proud I'm sure.
We put the car in a ditch this week as well. I guess in all honesty I put the car in the ditch this week. I learned from it tho. I learned that ditches in Iowa appear to be even and flat almost as if there were no ditch at all. Well it's deceiving and it deceived me. We were luckily close to the member's house where we were trying to arrive for dinner. He got his jeep and pulled us out. Just in case anyone drives a 2010 Chevy Malibu, I will warn you that there is no where to attach any form of towing equipment. We eventually attached the hook end to the engine mount. I wouldn't recommend it but Heavenly Father blessed his missionaries and it sufficed. I will also warn all Chevy Malibu drivers to sell your car now. They are just no good. You know a car is good by it's turning radius and it's windshield wipers. Well we already had to replace the wipers after a mere 20,000 miles and I have gained quite a bit of experience in the 17 point turn due to turning difficulties. It's a seller's market for the Bu right now.
We taught Stacy the best lesson this week and she loved it. She left the lesson saying how she just felt so calm and relaxed and how she never feels that happy. It was clearly evident to her that she was witnessing the feelings and emotions of the spirit. Stacy is a master at the Rubik's cube so I made up a lesson relating to the Doctrine of Christ with the cube. We broke up solving the cube into 5 steps. Namely the bottom cross, bottom corners, middle layer, upper cross, and upper corners. We related each to the steps of Faith, Repentance, Baptism, the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End. It turned out to be phenomenal when we all understood together that the cube is annoying to look at while jumbled and much better when complete just like the gospel! It was genius. Only the spirit could relate a Rubik's cube to the gospel. =)
We also got a miracle phone call this week. I've been praying for a specific lady here named Margaret who the missionaries had taught previously and I felt really good about. We've only met her once and she's been dogging us lately. Well, we took a break with her for about a month and Saturday morning she called us asking questions about what she's been reading in the book or mormon and wanting to come to church this next week. Prayers really are answered. I know it.
Friday we helped Sister Bettis with her house renovation. I'm so glad that we lived in a house with an unfinished basement and built a new house. It's come in handy. We tore down a wall, built a wall, sheet rocked it and some ceiling, and laid some cement board so the tile work can begin. I decided to punch through the wall that we tore down in an effort to express my manliness I guess. After doing so I immediately remember the talk in karate of "Lose the thumbs or lose the thumbs." I forgot to tuck the thumb and about lost it on the opposite side of the wall than my hand. All in all, I am pretty impressed with the work that we did and it was fun to just do it for fun out of service and love for someone else. She's a neat lady.
We found some frogs this week as well. We should really open a zoo with the animals we've captured in this town. It was really funny when they peed on Elder Brown. Both frogs peed on him. It was really funny cause Ryan Austin is 5 and he loves animals. He says he wants to be a zoologist. Anyway we gave it to him and by Saturday morning it ended up in Airyn's bed when she woke up. It was, for those who are wondering, the work of a 5 year old little brother who did it. =)
We've started running a lot lately. We are running in the morning tho. It's funny that running when you least feel like it, right after your eyes open to the alarm ringing, is the most energizing thing you can do for your day. We decided to switch running times because at night there were too many bugs. There are some big flying bugs here that fly right next to the river and it's pretty fun to hit them as you go. We made a competition out of it. Haha. I would recommend to those who run next to a body of water to keep your mouth closed tho. Fireflies taste oddly similar to broken glow sticks in your mouth. I wonder if that's how they make them?
Things I learned this week--
-Lose the thumbs or lose the thumbs
-There is an eternal principle applicable to everything in existence.
-People are awesome.
-The scriptures have every tool that you could find in a self help book or self achievement book. No need to look any further.
Well I'm going to get a little personal here. I hope you don't mind. I don't wish to express the wrong idea in the following paragraph so let me make sure I explain adequately. I have been struggling the last couple weeks to stay motivated. It's tough with time winding down. It reminds me of the feeling when you put your two weeks notice in at the job you are leaving and there is the tempting thought in the back of your mind that says, "Who cares anymore?" Well I have been trying very diligently to push through those feelings the last couple of weeks but have struggled with it a lot. It always seems to be there in mind. I'm sure some of you can relate. I would keep myself up at night just trying to find the shut off switch for this brain. Well I come to you this week a different man than I was previously. (I refer to myself as a "man" only because my mom did recently...I still think I'm a snot nosed kid at heart.) I figured out something internally and I'm not even sure if I could tell you what it is that changed but it did. I guess in giving myself pep talks in the shower I came away wanting to live it out. To break down the mental wall in my head and overcome the block to personal progress it created. If I remember right, most marathoners hit something very similar. I don't want to paint the wrong picture of what a mission is because in no way is it agonizing as a marathon is reported to be but at times it feels like 26.2 miles of long road. I felt like an elephant had jumped out of a tree onto my shoulders and was making me carry it the rest of the way home a couple weeks ago. I came to learn that much like some of my favorite things in life, life is 90 percent mental and the rest physical. It almost seems at times that I am running that marathon of a mission with a lot of bystanders close by. It almost seems as well that some of them are holding a sign in their hands and love to remind you that you are hitting the wall, and that you are almost done! I have learned now tho that the "wall" is mental as well as most things that drag us down. We almost seem to throw out the anchor on ourselves at mile 23. I can offer a few tips for any who have maybe hit a wall in life whether it be spiritual or mental. Tip 1: Hydrate continually. Do not think that because you are so close to the end that you are too good for water. And remember that the words in the scriptures will lead you to the "well of living water." Tip 2: Prepare. Plan out what every step you will take before you even take your foot off the ground. No effort can be wasted. Tip 3: Eyes on the prize, and not on the distractions. You have to stay focused. You have to want to win your marathon more than anything else. When the crowd seems to tease, distract, or pull you down, look forward and run until you get there. "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." (1 Corinthians 9:24)
I love you all so much! Go get em. Whoever "they" might be for you...go get em!
Hugs and Kisses,
Elder Excell
This week was chuck full of awesome times so let's start last last p-day. After scurrying out of the library we went to Waterloo and made some moccasins. They are the most legit things I have ever owned or made. We used real buffalo hide for the soles and deer skin for the outside and top. We also used legit sinew to sew all the pieces of hide together. It was a lot of fun to make them and learn some Native American culture while doing it. I also learned from sad experience to not call a woman a squaw. I said it jokingly but there is apparently no way to say that jokingly. Take note so you don't make the same mistake.
After we came home from making the moccasins we finally got out air conditioning fixed. We've been living in a 90 degree apartment for the last couple weeks and quite honestly it has been miserable. We made some calls tho and got it going. It was kind of fun to get on the roof with the guy and help him out. I don't think he was probably use to someone helping him do his job but he enjoyed it. He's our good buddy now.
We watched Stacy and Heather play in their Varsity softball game that night and tried to cheer as loud as we could. It was a lot of fun.
Tuesday we woke up to a 70 degree apartment which was actually kind of cold but so much better than waking up and seeing a human sweat mark on your sheets. We did our normal study routine and then we did some service at the library! We are pretty good friends with all the library ladies here. We wrapped some books up in paper for their "Date a book" program. You pick a random book wrapped in paper and are supposed to read it. Sounds kind of fun. I know that I am for sure going to spend quite a bit more time in Libraries and senior centers when I get home. I've come to find those locations somewhat heavenly.
The rest of the week seems like a blur with some standout moments but I couldn't tell you what happened on what day so let me amass them together here in this paragraph.... I killed a cat this week. No I did not mean to. We were driving out in the country trying to find some former investigators and we saw this little kitten. I told Brown to go grab it so he did and brought it back in the car. That alone was really funny to watch. Well we drove it back into town and we couldn't keep it as a pet unfortunately so we decided to give it to the Austin's because they have a lot of animals. So we took it over to their house and after I opened the door to get it out of the back it bolted from the car and down a storm drain. Well we went and got Airyn and told her about the situation and she showed us where the storm drain let out in the field so we went out there to try to find him and rescue him again, even tho I'm pretty sure he was tired of being "rescued" at this point. Well we gave up on the pursuit and we started walking back to the house when Jake, the dog, ran past us into the field. Needless to say he saw the cat and well....attacked. He grabbed it and by the time we had turned around and saw what was happening the kitten was being thrown around like a rag doll. We ran to try to rescue it again and well...after some after some seizure action, he passed on. We did give him a nice burial in the field tho. PETA would be proud I'm sure.
We put the car in a ditch this week as well. I guess in all honesty I put the car in the ditch this week. I learned from it tho. I learned that ditches in Iowa appear to be even and flat almost as if there were no ditch at all. Well it's deceiving and it deceived me. We were luckily close to the member's house where we were trying to arrive for dinner. He got his jeep and pulled us out. Just in case anyone drives a 2010 Chevy Malibu, I will warn you that there is no where to attach any form of towing equipment. We eventually attached the hook end to the engine mount. I wouldn't recommend it but Heavenly Father blessed his missionaries and it sufficed. I will also warn all Chevy Malibu drivers to sell your car now. They are just no good. You know a car is good by it's turning radius and it's windshield wipers. Well we already had to replace the wipers after a mere 20,000 miles and I have gained quite a bit of experience in the 17 point turn due to turning difficulties. It's a seller's market for the Bu right now.
We taught Stacy the best lesson this week and she loved it. She left the lesson saying how she just felt so calm and relaxed and how she never feels that happy. It was clearly evident to her that she was witnessing the feelings and emotions of the spirit. Stacy is a master at the Rubik's cube so I made up a lesson relating to the Doctrine of Christ with the cube. We broke up solving the cube into 5 steps. Namely the bottom cross, bottom corners, middle layer, upper cross, and upper corners. We related each to the steps of Faith, Repentance, Baptism, the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End. It turned out to be phenomenal when we all understood together that the cube is annoying to look at while jumbled and much better when complete just like the gospel! It was genius. Only the spirit could relate a Rubik's cube to the gospel. =)
We also got a miracle phone call this week. I've been praying for a specific lady here named Margaret who the missionaries had taught previously and I felt really good about. We've only met her once and she's been dogging us lately. Well, we took a break with her for about a month and Saturday morning she called us asking questions about what she's been reading in the book or mormon and wanting to come to church this next week. Prayers really are answered. I know it.
Friday we helped Sister Bettis with her house renovation. I'm so glad that we lived in a house with an unfinished basement and built a new house. It's come in handy. We tore down a wall, built a wall, sheet rocked it and some ceiling, and laid some cement board so the tile work can begin. I decided to punch through the wall that we tore down in an effort to express my manliness I guess. After doing so I immediately remember the talk in karate of "Lose the thumbs or lose the thumbs." I forgot to tuck the thumb and about lost it on the opposite side of the wall than my hand. All in all, I am pretty impressed with the work that we did and it was fun to just do it for fun out of service and love for someone else. She's a neat lady.
 |
| Ryan Austin with the frog! |
Things I learned this week--
-Lose the thumbs or lose the thumbs
-There is an eternal principle applicable to everything in existence.
-People are awesome.
-The scriptures have every tool that you could find in a self help book or self achievement book. No need to look any further.
Well I'm going to get a little personal here. I hope you don't mind. I don't wish to express the wrong idea in the following paragraph so let me make sure I explain adequately. I have been struggling the last couple weeks to stay motivated. It's tough with time winding down. It reminds me of the feeling when you put your two weeks notice in at the job you are leaving and there is the tempting thought in the back of your mind that says, "Who cares anymore?" Well I have been trying very diligently to push through those feelings the last couple of weeks but have struggled with it a lot. It always seems to be there in mind. I'm sure some of you can relate. I would keep myself up at night just trying to find the shut off switch for this brain. Well I come to you this week a different man than I was previously. (I refer to myself as a "man" only because my mom did recently...I still think I'm a snot nosed kid at heart.) I figured out something internally and I'm not even sure if I could tell you what it is that changed but it did. I guess in giving myself pep talks in the shower I came away wanting to live it out. To break down the mental wall in my head and overcome the block to personal progress it created. If I remember right, most marathoners hit something very similar. I don't want to paint the wrong picture of what a mission is because in no way is it agonizing as a marathon is reported to be but at times it feels like 26.2 miles of long road. I felt like an elephant had jumped out of a tree onto my shoulders and was making me carry it the rest of the way home a couple weeks ago. I came to learn that much like some of my favorite things in life, life is 90 percent mental and the rest physical. It almost seems at times that I am running that marathon of a mission with a lot of bystanders close by. It almost seems as well that some of them are holding a sign in their hands and love to remind you that you are hitting the wall, and that you are almost done! I have learned now tho that the "wall" is mental as well as most things that drag us down. We almost seem to throw out the anchor on ourselves at mile 23. I can offer a few tips for any who have maybe hit a wall in life whether it be spiritual or mental. Tip 1: Hydrate continually. Do not think that because you are so close to the end that you are too good for water. And remember that the words in the scriptures will lead you to the "well of living water." Tip 2: Prepare. Plan out what every step you will take before you even take your foot off the ground. No effort can be wasted. Tip 3: Eyes on the prize, and not on the distractions. You have to stay focused. You have to want to win your marathon more than anything else. When the crowd seems to tease, distract, or pull you down, look forward and run until you get there. "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." (1 Corinthians 9:24)
I love you all so much! Go get em. Whoever "they" might be for you...go get em!
Hugs and Kisses,
Elder Excell
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Q&A - June 18, 2012
1. How are you??
I am doing fantastic! I feel like I'm progressing toward who I want to be and I feel like I am helping others to do the same! =)
2. What's the plan for P-Day today?
We are making authentic moccasins with a man who was baptized recently who is native american! It's going to be so awesome! I think it's probably the most anticipated p-day I've ever had!
3. Does Elder Brown come from a large family? Oldest, youngest, or somewhere in between?
Middle child of 4. I know that means there are two middle children but he is one of them!
4. What are you most looking forward to in the week ahead?
Teaching Stacy again and helping her. I'm also excited because we have planned appointments every day of the week this week!
I am doing fantastic! I feel like I'm progressing toward who I want to be and I feel like I am helping others to do the same! =)
2. What's the plan for P-Day today?
We are making authentic moccasins with a man who was baptized recently who is native american! It's going to be so awesome! I think it's probably the most anticipated p-day I've ever had!
3. Does Elder Brown come from a large family? Oldest, youngest, or somewhere in between?
Middle child of 4. I know that means there are two middle children but he is one of them!
4. What are you most looking forward to in the week ahead?
Teaching Stacy again and helping her. I'm also excited because we have planned appointments every day of the week this week!
Today
I have had such a great week this week! It's had it's ups and downs but at the end of it all I find myself thankful for the ups and doubly thankful for the downs. I feel so blessed to be where I am now and to be doing what I am doing! I also feel so blessed to know what I know and have that peace that that gospel knowledge brings! I can't help, when thinking for more than just a moment, how truly blessed I am. I have an infinite list of things to be grateful for simply because I have been given a seemingly infinite amount of blessings from God!
Last week we were able to accomplish a lot! It was a busy week with a zone conference and exchanges in Cedar Rapids with the zone leaders but it was great! We started the week with a good p-day. We played some ball with each other which ended up in a contest. We played to 11 and played for a DQ Blizzard. I felt almost like a dad when their son just can't play under the pressure of playing with dad. They crumble when dad plays with them because they're trying so hard to win. I did win a good blizzard out of it. Georgia Mud Fudge. My favorite flavor. After that we went and did our laundry at the Austin's and while it was washing, we went and watched a softball game with the family. It was a lot of fun! I really love that family! But I'm also happy the Larson's are back so we can play with them tonight as we do our laundry! I love the people here in Waverly!
Zone conference this week was great! It was bitter-sweet being my last zone conference! And with the way the schedule is right now I probably won't see president or really anyone outside of our district until I go home. That was a pretty sobering thought! But the meeting was great! I actually did a special musical number. I do apologize for not doing the black name tag song dad. I was tempted to try it, and especially for father's day, but I wimped out! Sister Brown and I sang a song together while Sister Minson played the piano and it went really well. I think it was kind of a shock to some people seeing me sing because I just haven't had those opportunities much out here. The meeting was great as well, and as always, made me want to do just a little bit better than I was doing before. We had a really good lunch. We had dutch oven pork sandwiches. Super good. I think my favorite part of the day tho was the trainer's meeting afterward. There was only three of us in the meeting. Two sisters, and myself. We met with President Jeppeson, who is a counselor to President Jergensen. He is a great guy and I've really come to love him! I love the way that he speaks because it is very refined and professional and I like that a lot. I want to speak like that! Anyway we had a great meeting with him. It was a quick hour and a half. I was asked to say the closing prayer and I was very touched by the spirit. I took a moment to pause before saying the prayer, something I wish people did more often. As I did I was completely overcome with the awesome responsibility that had been given to us as trainers and also the awesome blessings that come from that opportunity. It was very good for me!
We drove back to Cedar Rapids to have exchanges the next day but on the way we stopped with a couple other elders at a restaurant called Hu Hot which is a Mongolian grill! It's super good! My diet didn't do so well that day!
Exchanges went really well. We actually met a guy named Pita who spoke Portuguese. I about piddled in my pants because of the excitement! As we started talking back and forth I just had so many memories of being in Brazil! And he gave me the best compliment..."Which part of Brazil are you from?" He thought my Portuguese was so good that I was a native! That made my week! He wasn't interested in our message but it still made my day!
Elder Brown and I went running on Friday night which is the first time I've ran since I was with Elder Fenn. I love running so much now. It seems like everything that I used to dislike when I was younger are now becoming my favorite things. Like tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms to name a few. I actually learned a lot from our little run. We ran around the river which is about 3 miles. I started out at a pretty decent pace and Elder Brown was following me. Well about a mile down the road he had fallen behind probably no more than 400 yards so I kept going. I got back to the starting point and looked back to find Elder Brown no where in sight. As I waited I got a little more nervous, because he wasn't coming. I eventually started running backward from the direction we ran previously and found him. He was walking because his shin splints started bothering him. I gave him a little motivation and we finished it out to the end. But I kept thinking about how sometimes we fall behind in life and we need someone to be selfless enough to come back and get us. Somebody usually who has made their goal and are now working to help others do the same. Sometimes in life we are the one in front and sometimes we are the one behind. Regardless, both are necessary to complete the race together. That being said, I am grateful for my dad who is the runner ahead of me. He has always come back to me to help me finish my race. I will never forget the mission advice my dad gave me when I left. "The mission is a marathon. Each day is a leg. As you run hard to win the leg of the day every day, you will eventually look back and realize that you will win the whole marathon."
I had the chance to exercise those singing talents again at a funeral yesterday as I played the guitar and Airyn and I sang "Nearer My God to Thee". It went really well and provoked some tears from the audience. We set our day to record our album for July 23rd. Hopefully that goes well!
Things I learned this week --
-Mother's Day="Good job moms. we love you." Father's Day-"Alright men we can do better"
-How awesome the circle of fifths is when writing music. Why did I ever quit piano lessons.
-My passions and likes and everything about me has changed dramatically in the last 12 months. I hope you all can recognize me. =)
So I've been trying this week to think of a pump up last paragraph. Usually my last paragraph gives me time to reflect and give myself a spiritual overhaul. So, to all of you who may need a little boost as well, here are my thoughts: Today is your defining moment. Expectations of you seem very high, but you knew that before you set foot in this life; before you signed up to follow the Savior; before you put on that jersey to be on the Master's team. That team has a tradition unlike any other. Those pioneers who have gone before us are the giants upon whose shoulders we now stand. There can be no sitting on the sidelines. We can't wait for somebody else to make it happen. Above all, there can be no compromises. What is being asked of us, is for our performance to come from a deeper place. You've come too far to surrender.I'm not saying that it's going to be easy. You're going to have to work harder than you have ever worked before. But no matter how hard, no matter how tough, you're expected to make a difference. Failure is not an option. There is no other way than greatness, and now it's your time and turn to perform. The question I ask myself and all of you is, are you ready? Today, are you ready? Are you at your personal best? Will you fight? Will you give it your best? Will you stare into the face of the adversary and never surrender who you want to be? Because once you leave this room, people are counting on you. They will know what you can do! They are counting on you to be great. I repeat, THEY ARE COUNTING ON YOU TO BE GREAT. There will never a day go by where you will regret doing what is right. They are counting on you to do all the things that you are supposed to do as a player on the Savior's team. This is your time. Seize the day! Please, never forget why you are here. Never surrender. Never forget who you are. Never forget how much is riding on your decisions. And NEVER forget, that so much...SO MUCH depends on what you do TODAY!!
I love you!
Hugs and Kisses!
Elder Excell
Last week we were able to accomplish a lot! It was a busy week with a zone conference and exchanges in Cedar Rapids with the zone leaders but it was great! We started the week with a good p-day. We played some ball with each other which ended up in a contest. We played to 11 and played for a DQ Blizzard. I felt almost like a dad when their son just can't play under the pressure of playing with dad. They crumble when dad plays with them because they're trying so hard to win. I did win a good blizzard out of it. Georgia Mud Fudge. My favorite flavor. After that we went and did our laundry at the Austin's and while it was washing, we went and watched a softball game with the family. It was a lot of fun! I really love that family! But I'm also happy the Larson's are back so we can play with them tonight as we do our laundry! I love the people here in Waverly!
Zone conference this week was great! It was bitter-sweet being my last zone conference! And with the way the schedule is right now I probably won't see president or really anyone outside of our district until I go home. That was a pretty sobering thought! But the meeting was great! I actually did a special musical number. I do apologize for not doing the black name tag song dad. I was tempted to try it, and especially for father's day, but I wimped out! Sister Brown and I sang a song together while Sister Minson played the piano and it went really well. I think it was kind of a shock to some people seeing me sing because I just haven't had those opportunities much out here. The meeting was great as well, and as always, made me want to do just a little bit better than I was doing before. We had a really good lunch. We had dutch oven pork sandwiches. Super good. I think my favorite part of the day tho was the trainer's meeting afterward. There was only three of us in the meeting. Two sisters, and myself. We met with President Jeppeson, who is a counselor to President Jergensen. He is a great guy and I've really come to love him! I love the way that he speaks because it is very refined and professional and I like that a lot. I want to speak like that! Anyway we had a great meeting with him. It was a quick hour and a half. I was asked to say the closing prayer and I was very touched by the spirit. I took a moment to pause before saying the prayer, something I wish people did more often. As I did I was completely overcome with the awesome responsibility that had been given to us as trainers and also the awesome blessings that come from that opportunity. It was very good for me!
We drove back to Cedar Rapids to have exchanges the next day but on the way we stopped with a couple other elders at a restaurant called Hu Hot which is a Mongolian grill! It's super good! My diet didn't do so well that day!
Exchanges went really well. We actually met a guy named Pita who spoke Portuguese. I about piddled in my pants because of the excitement! As we started talking back and forth I just had so many memories of being in Brazil! And he gave me the best compliment..."Which part of Brazil are you from?" He thought my Portuguese was so good that I was a native! That made my week! He wasn't interested in our message but it still made my day!
Elder Brown and I went running on Friday night which is the first time I've ran since I was with Elder Fenn. I love running so much now. It seems like everything that I used to dislike when I was younger are now becoming my favorite things. Like tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms to name a few. I actually learned a lot from our little run. We ran around the river which is about 3 miles. I started out at a pretty decent pace and Elder Brown was following me. Well about a mile down the road he had fallen behind probably no more than 400 yards so I kept going. I got back to the starting point and looked back to find Elder Brown no where in sight. As I waited I got a little more nervous, because he wasn't coming. I eventually started running backward from the direction we ran previously and found him. He was walking because his shin splints started bothering him. I gave him a little motivation and we finished it out to the end. But I kept thinking about how sometimes we fall behind in life and we need someone to be selfless enough to come back and get us. Somebody usually who has made their goal and are now working to help others do the same. Sometimes in life we are the one in front and sometimes we are the one behind. Regardless, both are necessary to complete the race together. That being said, I am grateful for my dad who is the runner ahead of me. He has always come back to me to help me finish my race. I will never forget the mission advice my dad gave me when I left. "The mission is a marathon. Each day is a leg. As you run hard to win the leg of the day every day, you will eventually look back and realize that you will win the whole marathon."
I had the chance to exercise those singing talents again at a funeral yesterday as I played the guitar and Airyn and I sang "Nearer My God to Thee". It went really well and provoked some tears from the audience. We set our day to record our album for July 23rd. Hopefully that goes well!
Things I learned this week --
-Mother's Day="Good job moms. we love you." Father's Day-"Alright men we can do better"
-How awesome the circle of fifths is when writing music. Why did I ever quit piano lessons.
-My passions and likes and everything about me has changed dramatically in the last 12 months. I hope you all can recognize me. =)
So I've been trying this week to think of a pump up last paragraph. Usually my last paragraph gives me time to reflect and give myself a spiritual overhaul. So, to all of you who may need a little boost as well, here are my thoughts: Today is your defining moment. Expectations of you seem very high, but you knew that before you set foot in this life; before you signed up to follow the Savior; before you put on that jersey to be on the Master's team. That team has a tradition unlike any other. Those pioneers who have gone before us are the giants upon whose shoulders we now stand. There can be no sitting on the sidelines. We can't wait for somebody else to make it happen. Above all, there can be no compromises. What is being asked of us, is for our performance to come from a deeper place. You've come too far to surrender.I'm not saying that it's going to be easy. You're going to have to work harder than you have ever worked before. But no matter how hard, no matter how tough, you're expected to make a difference. Failure is not an option. There is no other way than greatness, and now it's your time and turn to perform. The question I ask myself and all of you is, are you ready? Today, are you ready? Are you at your personal best? Will you fight? Will you give it your best? Will you stare into the face of the adversary and never surrender who you want to be? Because once you leave this room, people are counting on you. They will know what you can do! They are counting on you to be great. I repeat, THEY ARE COUNTING ON YOU TO BE GREAT. There will never a day go by where you will regret doing what is right. They are counting on you to do all the things that you are supposed to do as a player on the Savior's team. This is your time. Seize the day! Please, never forget why you are here. Never surrender. Never forget who you are. Never forget how much is riding on your decisions. And NEVER forget, that so much...SO MUCH depends on what you do TODAY!!
I love you!
Hugs and Kisses!
Elder Excell
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Q&A - June 11, 2012
1. I've been wondering for awhile where your love of Superman comes from? :)
Because I was sick right when I got introduced to Smallville and watched 4 seasons in a week and ever since then I have had to try to convince myself that I am not Clark Kent waiting for my powers to come! I also really kind of enjoy the parallels to Christ.
2. What is your favorite Superman movie?
Smallville I think is the best depiction but I like the newest movie the best! Superman Returns.
3. What is your favorite Superman quote?
"You will be different, sometimes you'll feel like an outcast, but you'll never be alone." Superman says this to the boy whose name I believe is Jason, and in the movie you've just pieced together that it is his son with Lois. And then he says, "You will make my strength your own. You will see my life through your eyes, as your life will be seen through mine. The son becomes the father and the father becomes the son." Those are the last words Superman heard from his father on Krypton. Man I'm a nerd!
4. How are things going with Elder Brown?
Great! I love him!
5. What is the best thing about Elder Brown?
He doesn't sugar coat how he feels. I love that in people.
6. Do you know yet when you will get to go to Nauvoo? Uncle Bruce and Aunt Sue want us to give them a heads-up if we can so that they will know to be watching for you. :)
It will be mid August for sure if we don't go once before that!
7. How many wards are in Waverly? How big is the ward you serve in? Is it a strong ward?
It's a branch of about 80 people. pretty good size for a branch and it's growing a lot!
8. Did you get the Liahona I sent last week with the pictures from Wes & Kenzi's wedding? What did you think?
Oh man...I wish I could have been there! I hope I get to see all those people like the weekend I come home! I miss them all so much!
9. Has it been weird for you the last couple days thinking that Dad is so close to you? It sounds like he is having fun on his "Man Trip" and I've never gotten so many text messages that are pictures of meat in all my life! :)
Haha...it was a little weird the day he flew in but since then not really. I'm just glad I'm not in Des Moines right now!
10. The best thing about this week was...
Steak Dinner!!!
Because I was sick right when I got introduced to Smallville and watched 4 seasons in a week and ever since then I have had to try to convince myself that I am not Clark Kent waiting for my powers to come! I also really kind of enjoy the parallels to Christ.
2. What is your favorite Superman movie?
Smallville I think is the best depiction but I like the newest movie the best! Superman Returns.
3. What is your favorite Superman quote?
"You will be different, sometimes you'll feel like an outcast, but you'll never be alone." Superman says this to the boy whose name I believe is Jason, and in the movie you've just pieced together that it is his son with Lois. And then he says, "You will make my strength your own. You will see my life through your eyes, as your life will be seen through mine. The son becomes the father and the father becomes the son." Those are the last words Superman heard from his father on Krypton. Man I'm a nerd!
4. How are things going with Elder Brown?
Great! I love him!
5. What is the best thing about Elder Brown?
He doesn't sugar coat how he feels. I love that in people.
6. Do you know yet when you will get to go to Nauvoo? Uncle Bruce and Aunt Sue want us to give them a heads-up if we can so that they will know to be watching for you. :)
It will be mid August for sure if we don't go once before that!
7. How many wards are in Waverly? How big is the ward you serve in? Is it a strong ward?
It's a branch of about 80 people. pretty good size for a branch and it's growing a lot!
8. Did you get the Liahona I sent last week with the pictures from Wes & Kenzi's wedding? What did you think?
Oh man...I wish I could have been there! I hope I get to see all those people like the weekend I come home! I miss them all so much!
9. Has it been weird for you the last couple days thinking that Dad is so close to you? It sounds like he is having fun on his "Man Trip" and I've never gotten so many text messages that are pictures of meat in all my life! :)
Haha...it was a little weird the day he flew in but since then not really. I'm just glad I'm not in Des Moines right now!
10. The best thing about this week was...
Steak Dinner!!!
I Love The Lord
Every week I sit down at the same computer and have the same feelings but have yet to find a way to adequately describe them. I feel so much love when I sit in this chair. This chair in all intents and purposes has become a sacred place for me. I love the opportunity that I have every week to hear from my parents and then to write them about what I have been doing. I can't quite explain it but there is something very special about the relationship that I have built with them over the past years and where we now find that relationship today! It is more special to me than I ever thought possible! I love them!
I had a great week and it always continues to get better. I'm not quite sure how that works either but I hope that is a pattern that I can continue for the rest of my life! I'm learning very quickly that yes these have been the best two years of my life but if the next two that follow are not the best two yeas as well than I need to re-evaluate and make them the best two years.
Last week for p-day we had a great day. After our ritual emailing time we went to the church and played ball with just the two of us. Then Airyn came and we worked on some songs for our album which is going fantastic by the way. Afterwards we went to the Austin's to do our laundry because the Larson's are out of town. While our laundry was washing and drying we played some baseball with the boys. It's really tough to play baseball with a chocolate lab in the mix! If you are not on top of that ball as soon as it is either hit or thrown you will experience one of the following; 1) Being tackled by a dog. 2)A long run after the dog who stole the ball. And 3)A slobbery ball in your hand after all is said and done. It was still a lot of fun even tho I experienced all three of those sensations.
You will all be fascinated to know that my Rubik's Cube time is down to 2 minutes and 1 second. I'm just trying to break that 2 minute barrier and I think I have about got it. After reading about my knowledge of Superman and my new found passion of a Rubik's Cube I'm pretty sure I look like a huge nerd! =)
This week we had tons of meetings which just reminded me of the zone leader days. We had a leadership meeting where Elder Poulsen in Waterloo and I got to make the trek to Iowa City which was a lot of fun! It was the first time in a while where I just got to drive for like two hours straight! The meetings were great as well. I always leave those meetings with a renewed desire to be better. It's funny because President Jergensen even asked us at the end of the meeting what we learned from the spirit and I told him that I wasn't sure if I learned anything more than that I need to do better with what I already know. I really just walk away feeling like I have all the tools to be the best me and the best missionary but somehow I lose some vigor in between those meetings and so I recommit to stand a little taller and be a little better! It was kind of sad as well because I realized at the end of the meeting that that will be my last leadership meeting...ever. Some of the missionaries that I saw there I will not see again for a very long time and that kinda broke my heart. It really snuck up on me. This week will be my last zone conference...ever. And I will be bearing my "going home testimony". That's been really hard for me to choke down this week. It's starting to really set in. *Sigh*
I also had another last this week. I had my last interview before I go home with President Jergensen. I love him a lot. He's helped me more than he will know to become who I want to be.
I learned in a very real way this week that some things come to a close a lot more suddenly than you would like. I got a call from a number that I did not know while in Leadership Training. I didn't answer it and largely forgot about it until after the meeting. When I listened to it, the voice mail told me of a recent death in the branch. Brother Hinckle called about an hour after everything happened. I had dinner with this family less then a week ago. He took his wife who was about 60 years old to the gas station to get her work schedule and while there she fell over from lack of oxygen and upon arrival to the hospital she had brain damage and could not generate her own oxygen so they pulled the plug. They had just been married a little over a year before her death. They were waiting to be sealed in the temple. How grateful I am to know of life after death. What comfort I take for granted from the knowledge I have. So I guess it is always true, nothing gold can stay. Enjoy it while it lasts and just like another quote I heard recently...Make the best of the little things now because you never know, years from now they could be the big things."
It's been so hot here lately and muggy to top it all off. It's been in the 90's this past week. Now I don't mind the heat but we don't have air conditioning in our place so we get to sleep in a 82 degree oven this summer. It's been great! =)
We have a new investigator this week as well named Stacy. She is really cool and we really have only been able to work with her because of her member friends. Their example and knowledge of the gospel has been the biggest aid in her preparation. It's been a very big lesson to me of how much I can do when I go home and am not a missionary any longer. Just the example we are can literally convert many children of our Father's.
This week we went to see some less actives not knowing that it was their 10th anniversary. We talked for a while and they had been looking for people to go out to dinner with and no one could so we volunteered! =) It was the best dinner I have ever had! We went to this restaurant called Jack and Arnie's. Well it's a "cook your own" steak restaurant! I had never heard of such a thing. It was delicious. We made our own Texas toast and then they had some potatoes, not to mention the 24 oz. Sirloin! It was so good! The blessings of being a missionary! We also had a great discussion with them. They are a really fun couple.
Things I learned this week--
-The quickest Rubik's Cube time is less than 6 seconds. I'll get there someday.
-Some people can sleep almost anywhere anytime. (Elder Brown)
-Baked good are better from the freezer. Example: Cookies and Banana Bread! Especially when the apartment is 80 degrees.
This week I have started something that was a inspiration from Leadership Training. Like I said before, I heard the spirit tell me that I could be doing so much better. It was just a small voice saying, "come on up to higher ground Elder." So in order to try to do that I am bringing back the 40 Day Fast. I think I have spoken of it before on this blog but to inform those who do not know. It is a process of purification where you start with a fast and try to find those things that kind of poke at your spirit or detract from the spirit of the Lord. After which you proceed to fast from those things for 40 days and replace them with good habits. I have started once again. But I am noticing how much I love the feeling that the spirit brings. I am noticing as i constantly try to improve myself the increase of the spirit that I feel. Not that I believe tears or emotion are necessarily indicative of the spirit but I have noticed myself while trying to maintain more of the spirit through my obedience that I will get choked up more and more as I read a simple scripture or tell of a simple experience. I guess what I've learned from doing so is something I would suppose Joseph Smith himself learned in that temple of Liberty Jail. In those very sacred chapters that came through so much trial and adversity lies a lesson often overlooked. The last three verses have been of increasing importance to me. "Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things. You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." I can testify that the small things make the biggest difference. I can also testify that there is a power in recognizing what is really in our power and what it is not. I know of the happiness that comes and the stress that it left behind in cheerfully doing those things that lie in our power. I can testify that in doing so we will and can see the Lord's arm in all our doings and the salvation of God in our lives! If we will but do the little things or perhaps even just change those little things which are holding us back from doing great things.
I love you all so much! Life is a great refiner but no refiner is greater than that of one's own character.
Hugs and Kisses,
Elder Excell
I had a great week and it always continues to get better. I'm not quite sure how that works either but I hope that is a pattern that I can continue for the rest of my life! I'm learning very quickly that yes these have been the best two years of my life but if the next two that follow are not the best two yeas as well than I need to re-evaluate and make them the best two years.
Last week for p-day we had a great day. After our ritual emailing time we went to the church and played ball with just the two of us. Then Airyn came and we worked on some songs for our album which is going fantastic by the way. Afterwards we went to the Austin's to do our laundry because the Larson's are out of town. While our laundry was washing and drying we played some baseball with the boys. It's really tough to play baseball with a chocolate lab in the mix! If you are not on top of that ball as soon as it is either hit or thrown you will experience one of the following; 1) Being tackled by a dog. 2)A long run after the dog who stole the ball. And 3)A slobbery ball in your hand after all is said and done. It was still a lot of fun even tho I experienced all three of those sensations.
You will all be fascinated to know that my Rubik's Cube time is down to 2 minutes and 1 second. I'm just trying to break that 2 minute barrier and I think I have about got it. After reading about my knowledge of Superman and my new found passion of a Rubik's Cube I'm pretty sure I look like a huge nerd! =)
This week we had tons of meetings which just reminded me of the zone leader days. We had a leadership meeting where Elder Poulsen in Waterloo and I got to make the trek to Iowa City which was a lot of fun! It was the first time in a while where I just got to drive for like two hours straight! The meetings were great as well. I always leave those meetings with a renewed desire to be better. It's funny because President Jergensen even asked us at the end of the meeting what we learned from the spirit and I told him that I wasn't sure if I learned anything more than that I need to do better with what I already know. I really just walk away feeling like I have all the tools to be the best me and the best missionary but somehow I lose some vigor in between those meetings and so I recommit to stand a little taller and be a little better! It was kind of sad as well because I realized at the end of the meeting that that will be my last leadership meeting...ever. Some of the missionaries that I saw there I will not see again for a very long time and that kinda broke my heart. It really snuck up on me. This week will be my last zone conference...ever. And I will be bearing my "going home testimony". That's been really hard for me to choke down this week. It's starting to really set in. *Sigh*
I also had another last this week. I had my last interview before I go home with President Jergensen. I love him a lot. He's helped me more than he will know to become who I want to be.
I learned in a very real way this week that some things come to a close a lot more suddenly than you would like. I got a call from a number that I did not know while in Leadership Training. I didn't answer it and largely forgot about it until after the meeting. When I listened to it, the voice mail told me of a recent death in the branch. Brother Hinckle called about an hour after everything happened. I had dinner with this family less then a week ago. He took his wife who was about 60 years old to the gas station to get her work schedule and while there she fell over from lack of oxygen and upon arrival to the hospital she had brain damage and could not generate her own oxygen so they pulled the plug. They had just been married a little over a year before her death. They were waiting to be sealed in the temple. How grateful I am to know of life after death. What comfort I take for granted from the knowledge I have. So I guess it is always true, nothing gold can stay. Enjoy it while it lasts and just like another quote I heard recently...Make the best of the little things now because you never know, years from now they could be the big things."
It's been so hot here lately and muggy to top it all off. It's been in the 90's this past week. Now I don't mind the heat but we don't have air conditioning in our place so we get to sleep in a 82 degree oven this summer. It's been great! =)
We have a new investigator this week as well named Stacy. She is really cool and we really have only been able to work with her because of her member friends. Their example and knowledge of the gospel has been the biggest aid in her preparation. It's been a very big lesson to me of how much I can do when I go home and am not a missionary any longer. Just the example we are can literally convert many children of our Father's.
This week we went to see some less actives not knowing that it was their 10th anniversary. We talked for a while and they had been looking for people to go out to dinner with and no one could so we volunteered! =) It was the best dinner I have ever had! We went to this restaurant called Jack and Arnie's. Well it's a "cook your own" steak restaurant! I had never heard of such a thing. It was delicious. We made our own Texas toast and then they had some potatoes, not to mention the 24 oz. Sirloin! It was so good! The blessings of being a missionary! We also had a great discussion with them. They are a really fun couple.
Things I learned this week--
-The quickest Rubik's Cube time is less than 6 seconds. I'll get there someday.
-Some people can sleep almost anywhere anytime. (Elder Brown)
-Baked good are better from the freezer. Example: Cookies and Banana Bread! Especially when the apartment is 80 degrees.
This week I have started something that was a inspiration from Leadership Training. Like I said before, I heard the spirit tell me that I could be doing so much better. It was just a small voice saying, "come on up to higher ground Elder." So in order to try to do that I am bringing back the 40 Day Fast. I think I have spoken of it before on this blog but to inform those who do not know. It is a process of purification where you start with a fast and try to find those things that kind of poke at your spirit or detract from the spirit of the Lord. After which you proceed to fast from those things for 40 days and replace them with good habits. I have started once again. But I am noticing how much I love the feeling that the spirit brings. I am noticing as i constantly try to improve myself the increase of the spirit that I feel. Not that I believe tears or emotion are necessarily indicative of the spirit but I have noticed myself while trying to maintain more of the spirit through my obedience that I will get choked up more and more as I read a simple scripture or tell of a simple experience. I guess what I've learned from doing so is something I would suppose Joseph Smith himself learned in that temple of Liberty Jail. In those very sacred chapters that came through so much trial and adversity lies a lesson often overlooked. The last three verses have been of increasing importance to me. "Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things. You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." I can testify that the small things make the biggest difference. I can also testify that there is a power in recognizing what is really in our power and what it is not. I know of the happiness that comes and the stress that it left behind in cheerfully doing those things that lie in our power. I can testify that in doing so we will and can see the Lord's arm in all our doings and the salvation of God in our lives! If we will but do the little things or perhaps even just change those little things which are holding us back from doing great things.
I love you all so much! Life is a great refiner but no refiner is greater than that of one's own character.
Hugs and Kisses,
Elder Excell
Monday, June 4, 2012
Q&A - June 4, 2012
1. Who is your new companion?
Elder Trevor Ronald Brown
2. Where is he from?
Logan, UT
3. Do you have anything in common with him? Tell us a little about him...
We have a lot in common actually. Athletic but played more with motorcycles and atv's. He's the companion that I've been dreaming of to end my mission with! I couldn't imagine better! He's got a lot of fire and will put some youth back in me!
4. Anxious to hear about the Lassen's baptism!
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD
5. How many nights per week do you have to cook for yourselves and how many do you have dinner appointments?
Probably 4 days per week we have dinner appointments and the rest are by ourselves. It's about the best ratio possible because time by yourself is nice and you don't get fat from too much food!
6. What was the most significant thing you accomplished this week?
I watched 4 children of our Heavenly Father come closer to him and be baptized!
Elder Trevor Ronald Brown
2. Where is he from?
Logan, UT
3. Do you have anything in common with him? Tell us a little about him...
We have a lot in common actually. Athletic but played more with motorcycles and atv's. He's the companion that I've been dreaming of to end my mission with! I couldn't imagine better! He's got a lot of fire and will put some youth back in me!
4. Anxious to hear about the Lassen's baptism!
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD
5. How many nights per week do you have to cook for yourselves and how many do you have dinner appointments?
Probably 4 days per week we have dinner appointments and the rest are by ourselves. It's about the best ratio possible because time by yourself is nice and you don't get fat from too much food!
6. What was the most significant thing you accomplished this week?
I watched 4 children of our Heavenly Father come closer to him and be baptized!
Red, White, Orange, Green, Blue, and Yellow!
Before I forget and before I come down from the emotional high I just felt from reading the baptismal update on the mission, I must inform you of some of the best news ever!! Kaytlin Meier, the older sister to Sammy, Maddie, and Riley; as well as daughter to Ben and Tina will be baptized this month!!! I love that family so much and had a chance to teach Kaytlin before I left! I'm so proud of her and happy! There is truly no better feeling than watching someone change for the better and come closer to Christ, whether you are there personally or from a distance! There is a feeling about watching someone make those decisions to follow Christ through baptism that just simply provokes the thought, "I am watching something very right and true right now." What a great calling I have!
I've had such a good 4 days since my last epistle! I had one of those very intricate and sacred experiences to watch an entire family come closer to their Savior and what a blessed experience it was! On Saturday I had the opportunity to watch the Lassen Family, whom I love very much, step down into the baptismal font and make sacred covenants with God that I know, and can testify, will be such a blessing to them in the years to come! I had the privilege to be a witness to those ordinances and as I watched every person be immersed in water and come out with a smile on their face I could not help but think of the purification that I was witnessing! It especially hit me as I watched Lauren, the 8 year old girl of the family, come out of the water. Tears swelled in my eyes and I knew then that what I was watching was divine and good! I am so happy for that family! On Sunday, they asked if I would confirm them all as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I was more than honored. It was very spiritually powerful to all who were in attendance! Tony, the father, also got up because it was fast and testimony meeting and bore a very powerful testimony of his conversion! I was very inspired by his words.
In other news, Elder Brown is my new companion and I could not imagine anyone that I would have wanted to be with more! He is a great kid and he comes from Logan, Utah. He has a lot of "greenie fire" and is ready to get down and get to work! I'm really grateful for his enthusiasm for the work. It really inspires me and helps me to remember what I was like my first transfer! Looking at him and knowing that I was just as innocent in regards to missionary work baffles me at times. But I know as well that I wished was more prepared than I was coming to the field. I'm so grateful for the growth that I have been able to witness in myself! I owe many people in Brazil, Iowa, and everyone in-between for that!
This week since our last Wednesday P-day we have seen quite a few people. I've been trying to introduce Elder Brown to the members as quickly as possible because I know how lonesome you can feel in a new area even with someone attached to your hip 24/7! I think he feels very welcome and comfortable here in Waverly. He really loves the people and I know that that is so important to the work!
I guess my role model got married this weekend! I've always looked up to this kid named Weston Hyde. For those of you who don't know, he's my uncle that is only 2 years older than me. Growing up we did everything together! We ate dirt and worms on the front porch, we slid down his big slide, we made forts, and played tag, and never thought we'd grow up! Well somehow we did! Somehow he's been home from his mission 33 months now and is married. I'm so happy from him. From nearly every person in the family I've heard repeatedly, "He's happier than I've ever seen him!" Thank you for that Kenzi! I love you both! Excited to see you!
One of the funnier moments in the week was actually just this morning when we were doing our companionship study and there was a tap on the door! We opened it up and I'm not sure who was more surprised, the guest or us but the Jehovah's Witnesses thought that they would pay us a visit. I think everyone was a bit taken aback and the conversation that followed started out somewhat rocky and awkward. Anyway I've grown a great respect for other religions. I can very much appreciate those who try to help others by sacrificing some of their time and talents regardless of their religious affiliations. I really did appreciate their visit and the little discussion we had! I hope they have as much success as God will grant them!
Best moment and accomplishment of the week! On Wednesday I became the proud owner of a new Rubik's cube. No, I was not born in the 80's but I've got a lot of enjoyment from it. I had one when I was younger. I don't exactly recall it's location now but I would not be surprised if it ended up in pieces after being thrown at a wall! I was so frustrated by that silly little cube in my younger years up until this Saturday where I have finally completed the puzzle! I'm working on my time and I am now down to 3 minutes and 55 seconds. Not near or close to any records by any means but I'm getting there! I feel so accomplished! Bucket list item; checked off!
Things I learned this week--
- U R Ui Li U Ri Ui L......that's the missing clue to my Rubik's cube follies. (U=Upper R=Right L=Left i=inverse)
-You can tell how long a missionary is out by how many mega pixels his camera has.
-You can tell how long a missionary has been out by when they graduated...2011!!! What!?!?
I had another great opportunity this week to learn more about a very common Bible story that I have heard many times. It just never clicks for me until I'm studying for someone else. I think that's an eternal principle in itself. We get things as soon as we have the motive of doing it for others. But that was not the lesson learned this week. I was studying the story of the prodigal son for a girl here. It came to life for me as a related it to her life. To give a little background on the story, we have a man and his two sons. These are not just servants but his sons just in the same way we are the literal offspring of our Heavenly Father. Both are given in what may be scripturally termed, "All that the Father hath." And each receives his own equal portion. From the story we know that one was reckless with all that was given him and was spent wastefully in a foreign country. How many times do we all do that!? We have been given so much by Father in Heaven and often it ends up squandered. Well when the sum that was given to the son has been completely spent, he finds himself destitute enough to eat from the very troughs of the pigs where he works. Talk about desperation. But when starved from what is so vital to us all, we would fill ourselves with whatever we could. But, often our efforts are in vain, for the very thing we put in to our bodies with the intent to fill us leaves us more unsatisfied than before. But just as we would, the prodigal son "comes to himself". There is a moment of realization that I believe is given by the Spirit of God and we know where we can "eat and not be hungry and drink and not thirst". In the example at hand the prodigal son is reminded of home, where his father's servants are now even eating better than he, who had at one point all the father had. I find it very interesting that this son follows the pattern of the Lord that we learn about in the book of Moses and plans what he will do spiritually before he goes and does it. He plans to go to his father and ask to be hired among the servants, for in his heart he feels totally unworthy to even be called a son! What a trick of the adversary! From perhaps a slightly less spiritual source, even "The Goofy Movie" teaches us very true eternal words, "I'll always be your son!" There is nothing so separating that can separate us from our Father in Heaven. My favorite part, and what I realized stronger than ever tho, is found in the 20th verse of the 15th chapter of Luke. As the son is still a great way off the Father feels he is close and even sees him. In even noticing the attempt being made to come closer, the father runs out to meet his son who was once lost! I testify that this teaches repentance. All of us have distanced ourselves so far from God because of our choices that we have made but when we come to ourselves and plan to go back home, I testify that the Father sees us even from "a great way off" and He comes to our rescue and then in a supreme expression of His love helps us back home. I have felt in my life the Father carrying me back home and I can testify that it happens as we make plans and fulfill plans to go back home to our own "land flowing with milk and honey". To our "promised land". To our dining room table where "we may eat and not hunger and drink and not thirst!"
I love this gospel so much! I feel so privileged to have learned of it so early in my mortal life. I love my Father in Heaven for that grand opportunity. I love you all as well! I miss your stinking guts!
Hugs and Kisses,
Elder Excell
I've had such a good 4 days since my last epistle! I had one of those very intricate and sacred experiences to watch an entire family come closer to their Savior and what a blessed experience it was! On Saturday I had the opportunity to watch the Lassen Family, whom I love very much, step down into the baptismal font and make sacred covenants with God that I know, and can testify, will be such a blessing to them in the years to come! I had the privilege to be a witness to those ordinances and as I watched every person be immersed in water and come out with a smile on their face I could not help but think of the purification that I was witnessing! It especially hit me as I watched Lauren, the 8 year old girl of the family, come out of the water. Tears swelled in my eyes and I knew then that what I was watching was divine and good! I am so happy for that family! On Sunday, they asked if I would confirm them all as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I was more than honored. It was very spiritually powerful to all who were in attendance! Tony, the father, also got up because it was fast and testimony meeting and bore a very powerful testimony of his conversion! I was very inspired by his words.
In other news, Elder Brown is my new companion and I could not imagine anyone that I would have wanted to be with more! He is a great kid and he comes from Logan, Utah. He has a lot of "greenie fire" and is ready to get down and get to work! I'm really grateful for his enthusiasm for the work. It really inspires me and helps me to remember what I was like my first transfer! Looking at him and knowing that I was just as innocent in regards to missionary work baffles me at times. But I know as well that I wished was more prepared than I was coming to the field. I'm so grateful for the growth that I have been able to witness in myself! I owe many people in Brazil, Iowa, and everyone in-between for that!
This week since our last Wednesday P-day we have seen quite a few people. I've been trying to introduce Elder Brown to the members as quickly as possible because I know how lonesome you can feel in a new area even with someone attached to your hip 24/7! I think he feels very welcome and comfortable here in Waverly. He really loves the people and I know that that is so important to the work!
I guess my role model got married this weekend! I've always looked up to this kid named Weston Hyde. For those of you who don't know, he's my uncle that is only 2 years older than me. Growing up we did everything together! We ate dirt and worms on the front porch, we slid down his big slide, we made forts, and played tag, and never thought we'd grow up! Well somehow we did! Somehow he's been home from his mission 33 months now and is married. I'm so happy from him. From nearly every person in the family I've heard repeatedly, "He's happier than I've ever seen him!" Thank you for that Kenzi! I love you both! Excited to see you!
One of the funnier moments in the week was actually just this morning when we were doing our companionship study and there was a tap on the door! We opened it up and I'm not sure who was more surprised, the guest or us but the Jehovah's Witnesses thought that they would pay us a visit. I think everyone was a bit taken aback and the conversation that followed started out somewhat rocky and awkward. Anyway I've grown a great respect for other religions. I can very much appreciate those who try to help others by sacrificing some of their time and talents regardless of their religious affiliations. I really did appreciate their visit and the little discussion we had! I hope they have as much success as God will grant them!
Best moment and accomplishment of the week! On Wednesday I became the proud owner of a new Rubik's cube. No, I was not born in the 80's but I've got a lot of enjoyment from it. I had one when I was younger. I don't exactly recall it's location now but I would not be surprised if it ended up in pieces after being thrown at a wall! I was so frustrated by that silly little cube in my younger years up until this Saturday where I have finally completed the puzzle! I'm working on my time and I am now down to 3 minutes and 55 seconds. Not near or close to any records by any means but I'm getting there! I feel so accomplished! Bucket list item; checked off!
Things I learned this week--
- U R Ui Li U Ri Ui L......that's the missing clue to my Rubik's cube follies. (U=Upper R=Right L=Left i=inverse)
-You can tell how long a missionary is out by how many mega pixels his camera has.
-You can tell how long a missionary has been out by when they graduated...2011!!! What!?!?
I had another great opportunity this week to learn more about a very common Bible story that I have heard many times. It just never clicks for me until I'm studying for someone else. I think that's an eternal principle in itself. We get things as soon as we have the motive of doing it for others. But that was not the lesson learned this week. I was studying the story of the prodigal son for a girl here. It came to life for me as a related it to her life. To give a little background on the story, we have a man and his two sons. These are not just servants but his sons just in the same way we are the literal offspring of our Heavenly Father. Both are given in what may be scripturally termed, "All that the Father hath." And each receives his own equal portion. From the story we know that one was reckless with all that was given him and was spent wastefully in a foreign country. How many times do we all do that!? We have been given so much by Father in Heaven and often it ends up squandered. Well when the sum that was given to the son has been completely spent, he finds himself destitute enough to eat from the very troughs of the pigs where he works. Talk about desperation. But when starved from what is so vital to us all, we would fill ourselves with whatever we could. But, often our efforts are in vain, for the very thing we put in to our bodies with the intent to fill us leaves us more unsatisfied than before. But just as we would, the prodigal son "comes to himself". There is a moment of realization that I believe is given by the Spirit of God and we know where we can "eat and not be hungry and drink and not thirst". In the example at hand the prodigal son is reminded of home, where his father's servants are now even eating better than he, who had at one point all the father had. I find it very interesting that this son follows the pattern of the Lord that we learn about in the book of Moses and plans what he will do spiritually before he goes and does it. He plans to go to his father and ask to be hired among the servants, for in his heart he feels totally unworthy to even be called a son! What a trick of the adversary! From perhaps a slightly less spiritual source, even "The Goofy Movie" teaches us very true eternal words, "I'll always be your son!" There is nothing so separating that can separate us from our Father in Heaven. My favorite part, and what I realized stronger than ever tho, is found in the 20th verse of the 15th chapter of Luke. As the son is still a great way off the Father feels he is close and even sees him. In even noticing the attempt being made to come closer, the father runs out to meet his son who was once lost! I testify that this teaches repentance. All of us have distanced ourselves so far from God because of our choices that we have made but when we come to ourselves and plan to go back home, I testify that the Father sees us even from "a great way off" and He comes to our rescue and then in a supreme expression of His love helps us back home. I have felt in my life the Father carrying me back home and I can testify that it happens as we make plans and fulfill plans to go back home to our own "land flowing with milk and honey". To our "promised land". To our dining room table where "we may eat and not hunger and drink and not thirst!"
I love this gospel so much! I feel so privileged to have learned of it so early in my mortal life. I love my Father in Heaven for that grand opportunity. I love you all as well! I miss your stinking guts!
Hugs and Kisses,
Elder Excell
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