tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35520057116286480972024-03-13T15:31:31.398-07:00Elder Jacob McCallsonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-54819475358247986712016-04-13T06:33:00.001-07:002016-04-13T06:33:27.446-07:00December 12, 2015HEY Y'ALL!<br />
This week was good. Quick and Short. It only feels like a few days since I last emailed home. I really don't have much to report, sorry.<br />
We did have a less active we are working with bring a non-member friend to church! It was awesome!<br />
<br />
During this Christmas Season, all of you should go to <u><span style="color: blue;">Christmas.mormon.org</span></u> and check out the cool video they have on that site. Also, check out the other ones they have been making!<br />
<br />
Also, please remember to spread the Spirit of Christ first in your home with your family and then with those that you associate with.<br />
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Love, <br />Elder McCallson<br />
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#CHRISTMAS'DABOMB<br />
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Went on exchanges with my Zone Leaders and some Elders in my District. Both times I went tracting which is my least favorite missionary activity. But hey, I guess I am good at it. There was this one door we knocked, the guy unlocks and opens, smiling, and says "come on in"...SKETCHY!! We don't know his name nor have we seen him before so we of course do what any rational person does, we walk in and sit down on his couch. I stand up and shake his hand after he LOCKS the door and make the comment, "I am not trying to lock you in, I just want to make sure the door seals". I don't remember his name but it was fun. We talked about Jesus and how he wasn't really born in December. Sorry for those of you who didn't know that before you read this. :P<br />
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I also got to work on my Spanish a little. We were with the Spanish missionaries when we were tracting, so one of us went with one of them and we would take turns speaking if it was the language we were called to. So it was fun. So all of that was with Elder Ohman, who is in my District.<br />
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One of my Zone Leaders is Elder Bowler who came into the mission with me. So it was awesome to get to see the different teaching styles and experiences we have had over the last 16 months. We reminisced on the MTC days and how much we have both grown since then. Apparently he thought I was anti-social or something...:P I probably was.<br />
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Thanksgiving was AWESOME!! We had our real dinner at the Ciccarello's, they are awesome! We also had a few others invite us over for pie and things. So over all it was a good day. I am sad and happy because I have a car. I am sad because I now have to work out extra hard to keep off the weight that I lost but I am happy because we are able to make more visits in a day and it is cold outside so I don't have to walk out in it!!<br />
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Love, <br />
Elder McCallsonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-28165504619219155092016-04-13T06:15:00.000-07:002016-04-13T06:15:13.708-07:00November 23, 2015Just another day in paradise. The weather is still on the decline and we are supposed to get some snow before Thanksgiving. This new ward that I am in is awesome! They really love the missionaries. The biggest thing is now turning that love for us into love for those we can teach. By that I mean, help us find. I have found that most people don't want to come outside when it is 40 degrees and below, to talk to you. It is kind of hard for us :(<br />
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I don't have much more news than that at the moment as this week was mostly a get-to-know-the <br />
-ward week. I can't wait till next week!<br />
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Love you all!<br />
Elder McCallsonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-11409863578526889062016-04-13T06:04:00.001-07:002016-04-13T06:10:25.800-07:00November 16, 2015<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Sorry I didn't write last week. We were going out to lunch as a District and so I chose to sacrifice my email time so that we could get it done before our Zone's p-day activity.<br />
<br />
Well, we had transfers. I am now in the Boise North Stake. It is going to be Awesome! Elder Giler is my new companion.<br />
<br />
Had a lot of "goodbye"s and "see ya later"s but I know that I am not far. Literally from the edge of this area I can see that ward. :P It might be hard for a bit because all the people in that ward were awesome!!<br />
<br />
I will have to go back for some investigators' baptisms. They were so close...they came to church all three hours. (well, she did. He had to take the 3yr and 1yr olds home for naps.) But they both liked it!<br />
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Sorry, not much else.<br />
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Elder McCallsonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-72884575146634814232016-04-12T05:03:00.002-07:002016-04-12T05:03:29.969-07:00November 2, 2015This week was AWESOME! We had Elder Martino of the 70 come and tour our mission. We sat for nearly 6 hours to hear him speak and teach us how we can be more effective. I am not sure how to write out what he taught as most of it was missionary stuff. Sorry this is so short but ran out of time. It keeps slipping away from Elder Farnsworth and me. I wish things would just slow down for a moment and we would be able to get our feet on the ground and get things done but it just seems like there is not enough time to do anything. <br />
<br />
HALLOWEEN! We watched Meet the Mormons and The Testaments. I will write more next week.<br />
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Love you all<br />
Elder McCallson<br />
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Elder Martino and part of my mission<div align="center">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-25973937390764701032015-10-27T10:34:00.001-07:002015-10-27T10:34:14.411-07:00October 26, 2015<div>
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<div>
We had Leadership Exchanges this week. It
is when we swap with missionaries across the mission instead of just
within the District or Zone. We found two new investigators, and by that
I mean for the other Elders area that I was in. Micky and Shaylee. They
are awesome. Micky wasn't sure if God existed but he prayed at the end
of the lesson which is a huge thing. Shaylee believed in a God and has
gone to different churches with her friends, including ours, but has
never really studied Him.<br /></div>
We also have a baptism coming up
in the District. She has been through a lot as she has made the decision
to be baptized. She got kicked out and disowned by her parents. Quit
collage so she could pick up a full time job so she can live and has had
a few other hurdles to get over. She and her boyfriend were having
problems. But when she had finally made the decision to be baptized and
work with him she said it was a whole lot easier than she thought it
would be. 1 Nephi 3:7 at work!! I love it when the scriptures can be
applied to our lives.<br /></div>
We also taught Marisa and Ryan about
the Word of Wisdom, which I thought would be difficult to share and have
them accept the invitation to give up coffee, tea and alcohol. They had
made a few comments before we taught this lesson about how they liked
the flavor of beer and wine and when we go over they almost always have a
bottle of tea in the front room. But all that day I was praying that
Heavenly Father would soften their hearts to accept this commandment and
to strengthen mine and Elder Farnsworths to say what He wanted us to
say. Well when we got to the hard part of inviting them they readily
accepted. I was almost stunned. ASK AND YE SHALL RECEIVE! <br /></div>
We
helped re-roof a house which was a lot easier than I thought it was
going to be. Mostly because we just put the new roofing onto of the old.
I really liked it!<br /></div>
Well this next week is going to be
awesome! I want to hear one time this week that a scripture applied to a
time in your life. YES I WANT YOU TO EMAIL ME. <a href="mailto:jacob.mccallson@myldsmail.net" target="_blank">jacob.mccallson@myldsmail.net</a>
just click it and write. I made it easy. These times happen all the time
you just have to have your eyes open and your heart more open.<br /></div>
Love you all,</div>
Elder McCallsonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-19109075779085791842015-10-24T19:27:00.003-07:002015-10-24T19:27:50.686-07:00October 19, 2015<div>
This week was good. We were packed with service. Elder Farnsworth
is a big bike guy and there is this second chance exchange place that
asked for our help to fix/repair the bikes so they could donate them to
Bikes for Boise or something like that. So we now have an ongoing
service project. It is fun because I get to learn how to fix my problems
on my bike.</div>
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<div>
We also helped a family split
wood. For 6 hours. Funny enough though only my right hand thumb hurts.
Where as the other elders that helped said they hurt all over. We all
walked away with minimal injury. One got hit in a bad place by a piece
of wood that was on the splitter that jumped off. I dropped a hundred or
so lb stump on my toe. It is good I think I don't think it is broken.</div>
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Other than that this week kind of just slipped by. I was surprised when <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1684728183" tabindex="0">Sunday</span> came around.</div>
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Love,</div>
<div>
Elder McCallson</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-48555711600749552522015-10-24T19:23:00.000-07:002015-10-24T19:23:05.503-07:00October 12, 2015This week was awesome!!<br />
<div>
Josh was Baptized!! Pic further down. The
ward has been working with and on him for the last three years when his
mom was baptized. He finally decided it was time for him to make this
covenant.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We also found two new investigators
Micah and Heydn (no i did not misspell his name). They are 9 and 12 and
their dad was baptized a little over a year ago and have been attending
church with him but have never really had an interest in being baptized.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Something
I have noticed in just this last month or so is that the youth of the
world are searching for God. It has been interesting as most of our
investigators are youth. I guess after the strict years of religion
pushing then with the generation of step off we are hitting a generation
who wants the love that only Heavenly Father can provide.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
My
testimony is that there is some things that only God can provide and
that only parents can come close to, insert a word that is stronger than
copy, in the lives of the children of men. We are just like children
when it comes to our problems. I have see a few kids that kick and
scream when they don't get what they want so they turn to things that
make them more unhappy and others that take it patiently until they
either get their way or figure ways that work just as well. That is what
I think Christ was saying when he told us to be like a child. We just
get caught up often in the heat of the moment and through a temper
tantrum and blame the only being in the universe that cares more about
our happiness than his own.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When times are
going rough remember one that some one has it worse than you but two
there is always a Father in Heaven to turn to instead of the things of
the world that bring only temporary happiness then greater anger,
sadness, frustration, etc. </div>
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Josh's Baptism</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-71943619740103627902015-10-24T19:20:00.001-07:002015-10-24T19:20:18.334-07:00October 5, 2015<div>
This week was fantastic. With General Conference and the service we
got to do it just flew by. This was the last week of the transfer.
Elder Farnsworth and I are still together for at least one more. It is
crazy because most of the missionaries I know are going home now. My
trainer just went home.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think one of the
hardest things is when people ask how long have you been out, or how
long do you have left. I don't really want to think about it. It makes
me a little sad. I have been out for over a year already and I am still
learning so much. I don't want it to end.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This
conference was awesome!! I just sat and listened as they spoke. It was
amazing to me to have very little distractions and just listen intently
on what they were speaking. One of my favorite parts was Elder Holland's
talk about mothers. Before you do anything bad think of your mother
(Butchered that quote). Really though that has been one of my biggest
motivators to do what is right. It has helped get me to where I am now.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
know that our experience here on earth is only a fraction of what our
Heavenly Father feels for us but I know that He is even more saddened
because we move ourselves from Him.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But through
the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ we can come to our Father in
Heaven. I really think that that was one of the biggest things talked
about in General Conference. </div>
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SO IF YOU DIDN'T WATCH IT GO TO <a href="http://lds.org/" target="_blank">LDS.ORG</a> AND WATCH IT!!</div>
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I love you all,</div>
<div>
Elder McCallson</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-9032985896794002502015-10-24T19:19:00.000-07:002015-10-24T19:19:01.377-07:00September 28, 2015<div>
This week was a little slow. We had this list that we have been
working through to see if anyone is interested in us sharing our message
at their house. So far no one has really been enthusiastic about us
coming back, but we have found a few people that missionaries have
stopped by in the past and said we could come back. They just follow
that up with "I'm, [insert religion here]."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, we are excited for General Conference this Saturday and Sunday!! Most
of our investigators have said that they would watch it, they also said
that we could come and watch it with them so that we can explain things
that they don't understand. We has Marisa and Ryan come to church and
the first time was when we got a new Bishop on a fast Sunday then they
came this last week which was the Primary Program and the next week is
General Conference then we will be back at a fast Sunday again. They are
just not able to see how a regular Sacrament Meeting is like. Anyways
Ryan grew up with no real religious background so we are building up his
faith that there is a God. He has always believed that there was a
higher power but never really had something to hold on to. So we had a
great opportunity, to compare to the scriptures, like Ammon and King
Lamoni. He is always thinking and pondering what we say and then asks
questions. His wife, Marisa grew up Catholic but left when it seemed to
her to be all about the money. She has asked some of the deeper
questions like infant baptism and what a high priest is. They are
awesome!!</div>
<div>
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<div>
Josh is one of the other really
moving investigators. He has a baptismal date for the 10th of October.
We could really use your prayers to keep him on track. His mom is a
convert of about 2 years and his dad is a less active member. His sister
Grace just turned 8 and wants to be baptized and so we are teaching
both of them. It has been awesome to see the difference from those who
really haven't had a religious background to those that have been going
for the last 3 years and just never decided to be baptized.</div>
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<div>
Other than that not much else has happened.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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LOVE,</div>
<div>
ELDER McCALLSON</div>
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District in September 2015</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-65111786788031934502015-10-24T19:14:00.001-07:002015-10-24T19:14:34.153-07:00September 21, 2015<div>
We had a blast this week. It started off pretty tough though. I had
this horrible runny nose which is still persisting today. I have gotten
up a few times just writing this email to blow my nose. On Monday we
had a Zone P-day and played Mario Cart Balloons where we tied three
balloons around our ankles and tried to kill eachother... I mean pop the
other missionaries balloons. I had a killer headache and so I had this
other missionary hand me like 3 ibpros and 2 advils. I think they may
have been trying to kill me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We also were able
to hid from all the others that we had made two cheesecakes that
morning. Elder Farnsworth made a Peanut Butter Oreo cheesecake and I
made a Chocolate Marble Cheesecake with Strawberry filling and Chocolate
fudge on the top.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tuesday we took them to our
District meeting where we also had our mission president, President
Winder, and his wife there to have interviews with us. Needless to say
they really enjoyed it. So did we and our District. Later that night we
taught some investigators that a member had been working with for the
past 4 months or so and they agreed to be baptized. Now we just have to
set a date.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On Wednesday we had a new
missionary training meeting for Elder Farnsworth. They gave us some
really great ideas on how we can better do street contacting which we
have turned into tracting. Well contacting names that missionaries left
behind. The reason I say names is because they had two full sheets of
names and addresses with no information. So that is a bit annoying. But
hey we have had a great time getting the door approach down.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Later
in the week we had a non-member give us casserol, a European squash,
some apples, and some baked potatoes. It was great. I am not sure how
interested they are in hearing the message we have to share but they do
love the missionaries. I have found that there are really two kinds of
people up here. Those who hate missionaries (not just LDS ones but any),
and those who think it is really neat that we are out here serving the
Lord. There might be a small minority of people who really don't care
what we are doing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Other than that we really didn't have much else happen this week.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love,</div>
<div>
Elder McCallson</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rainbow</div>
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Another Beautiful Sky</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-76142595967262714022015-10-24T19:11:00.000-07:002015-10-24T19:29:35.659-07:00September 14, 2015<div>
This week was awesome! I am not sure what to write about though. We
had an opportunity to go to the Temple this week. That always makes
things better. We also set a baptismal date with a 14 year old boy that
has just been hesitating to get baptized for the last 3 years. </div>
<div>
We
also have been working on getting our investigators to church. That has
been one of the greatest problems I have run into on my mission. JUST
COME TO CHURCH!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One of the greatest miracles I
have had on my mission is to come to truly understand my relationship
with my Father in Heaven. All the doctrine and speculation aside, I have
found that Heavenly Father is constantly reaching out to us to bring us
back into His light. As I have tried to go closer a wider and wider
chasm seems to appear. The more I try to change to become like Christ
the farther I feel at times. As missionaries we teach about the Gospel
of Jesus Christ. Faith in Christ, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the
Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End. Well, I have already
been baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. But what of Faith
and Repentance and Enduring? I always though the I had good faith,
knowing that it could always be stronger, but until I had to put it to
the test to defend the Church and Christ from others; my faith has
increased so much. Now repentance. First repentance isn't a bad thing,
nor is it always because you sin. If you take the work repentance it
means to change from who you are to who God wants you to be. That has
been a great struggle for me. I would have never said that I was a very
prideful person, but as I have been trying to give my whole heart and
soul to God; I have really come to see how much work I have to do. I
guess that is also what it means to Endure. My thing is that I don't
want to just Endure I want to Endure Well. To go from I am doing this or
that because I have to, to I am a disciple of Jesus Christ because I
want to be. I have found that that is the best change that anyone here
on earth can make. I can honestly say that since I have been out I have
changed on many things. I know that Heavenly Father loves each one of us
as His children. We are of Noble Birth. Nothing is impossible with the
Lord.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you all!</div>
<div>
Elder McCallson</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake, YUM!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elder Farnsworth and Me</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Elder Farnsworth and PB Cup Cheesecake<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-56112603793194150292015-10-24T19:06:00.002-07:002015-10-24T19:06:35.659-07:00August 31,2015<div dir="ltr">
<div>
This
week was awesome! I have a new, new companion, Elder Farnsworth. He
just stepped off the plane Tuesday. He is awesome. I know that this next
transfer is going to be fantastic. Mostly because he gets my obscure
movie quotes and reminds me of Elder Jared Morris. I will try to send a
picture next week of the two of us but we will have to see if I can
remember.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have noticed many things on my
mission, but one of the biggest things is...I forget easily. If I don't
write it in my planner then I completely space whatever it was that we
were suppose to do. I am so glad that we are in companionships because
at least one of us remembers to write something down so we don't forget
everything.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am not really sure what else to
write. It gets harder and harder, while you are on a mission, to think
of things to write home about. We have slowly been cleaning up all the
potential people that may or may not be interested in hearing our
message. It is hard because they never seem to be home when we stop by. I
sometimes wonder if missionaries just talk to the person outside then
write their name down as a potential investigator and forget to go back,
so that when another missionary, me, gets to the area they think,"Sweet
look at all the work we have to do!" Then as you proceed down the list
just about everyone says they are not interested in listening to us. It
is heart breaking at times because I want them to know the Joy and
Blessings that the message of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus
Christ can bring them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I can also tell that the
adversary is working on them too. We come across some very rude people
that don't use very nice words when telling us to leave. Also as we ride
down the streets sometimes you can hear people yell things.</div>
<div>
My
personal thoughts on this is why do they yell at us? Do the Jehovah's
Witnesses get yelled at when they are walking down the road proselyting?
If so, why? "Can't we all just get along?" I was always taught if you
don't have something nice to say, yell at the person to make them want
to yell at me back to get our points across... oh wait, it may have been
DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL! But, everyone has their agency some just are
not as smart when it comes to using theirs... I am not sure if that is a
nice thing for missionaries to say but, i'm only human; and I am trying
to be like Jesus. So I don't yell back or anything and I try to think
that maybe they just had a bad day or experience with a member and when
they really come to know about the Church they will change their mind.
It is just getting the opportunity to go back and teach that is the hard
thing, because they have already decided that they are not interested
in anything we have to say.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But, all in all,
most of the people we come into contact with are really nice at turning
us away. They say how appreciative they are that we are out here sharing
our message about Christ but they already found Him and are good. So we
just have to smile and try a little more to see if they might want us
to come back, but then some start to get agitated and tell us a little
more forcefully that they are not interested. We have to just smile and
wave goodbye. Then we write their name down for the next set of
missionaries to stop by... :P</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Summer is on the
downhill slide. I thought that when summer started that work would go
up due to people being home. But here it is the complete opposite.
Everyone wants to get out of the heat and go to the lake. So things will
start to get back to normal as people will be in town.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Side
note: will someone find me a definition for what a Christian is? Or if
there are multiple definitions or classifications would you send those
to me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elder McCallson</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elder Farnsworth, the new arrival</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-79742470471504634082015-10-24T19:00:00.003-07:002015-10-24T19:00:46.222-07:00August 24, 2015<div>
This week was awesome! We are still working on finding new investigators and teaching but, all is well.</div>
<div>
Elder
Davis got transferred to Boise Central Stake where I use to be. Not the
same ward but the same district I was in. I am still a District Leader
and a trainer. I will get to meet the fresh meat... I mean, new
missionaries on Tuesday, as that is the day they step off the plane to
get to Boise. My District has grown from 3 companionship including my
own to 4. We added another set of Elders. Elder Lowe and a new
missionary who will also be stepping off the plane Tuesday.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The
Meadowlark ward, the ward we covered the last three weeks, was sad to
see us go. I didn't realize how much the loved us until the Bishop took
us aside, when he learned that we were getting transferred out, and told
us that he had talked with President Winder to keep us serving in his
ward. I think that was the first time a Bishop has wanted me to stay in
his ward. Or at least told me that he wanted us to stay.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We
also had to leave behind our new convert, Cheri, but I will still get
to see her as the ward is still in my District and I will get to go on
exchanges there at times.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I left my camera behind so I will send pictures next week.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
know that my Redeemer lives, I know that He is ever watchful and knows
when we are strongest and when we are weakest. I know that He allows us
to be tempted but that if we turn to Him in all we do He will give us
strength beyond anything that we could imagine. I know that as we grow
our relationships with our families through faith in Jesus Christ that
we will come closer not only to each other but to our Heavenly Father
and the Savior. If you truly search for Heavenly Father in your life He
will show Himself. But only to those who are willing the change their
hearts, views, and ideas about what they have been taught to the Truth
that He has to share. He is waiting to bless you, will you delay?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Peace be unto you,</div>
<div>
Elder McCallson</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-52723558526425779412015-10-24T18:59:00.000-07:002015-10-24T18:59:09.647-07:00August 17, 2015<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
This
week was awesome! We had a baptism in our ward Cheri. She was totally
prepared to learn and grow in the Gospel. The Elders met her
about 12 weeks ago, then they got transferred out and Sister missionaries
came in and started to teach her. Then they got moved out prematurely
and we finished the teaching and the baptism. She gave up coffee and
smoking from the time that the missionaries taught her about the Word of
Wisdom. She is a walking miracle.<br /></div>
We also met a
Pentecostal minister who started to teach us about the Bible. It was
fun that as his translator was explaining things and names that we
readily agreed with the people he was talking about and the stories he
was sharing. He was quite surprised about all the stories and
understanding we had. Oh by the way, he is from Tanzania (in Africa). We
are going to go back and ask some questions that we ran out of time to
ask last time. But, before that, there were all these people sitting on
this front porch so Elder Davis said we should go talk to them. So we
went back and the first real teaching after they asked their basic
questions of Do you believe in the bible and Jesus Christ, they then
went straight into Baptisms for the Dead. It was crazy as when one person
would walk inside another person would come outside so we would have to
reexplain what we had already said to the others and then they would
start to bring up different ideas and doctrine into the conversation. It
was great as there was a husband and wife that were there that as we
spoke and shared our testimonies and understandings that they started to
soften. But then there was this one guy that couldn't help but yell as
he was trying to show that he was right and we caught him in a few
traps of his own words. Then the pastor came and I ended up talking to
him through a translator as Elder Davis was able to talk with the
husband of the previously mentioned couple. While the wife translated
for me to the Pastor.<br /></div>
We also on top of all that had a Zone
Conference which was fantastic! IT was a real boost to my spirit as we
talked about how we can better teach and listen to our investigators and
other. We really worked on finding root problems and concerns instead
of trying to throw on Band-Aid (Copyright)[I don't know how to make the
symbol ;) ] on every problem or what we may think the problem is. I then
also realized that I know a lot of people. As we were there and had
some time to mingle I was able to talk to a lot of missionaries that I
had not seen in a long time.<br /></div>
I wish I had pictures to send
of the baptism but my Blender Bottle(copyright) broke and water-logged
my bag so I had to let the camera dry before I tried to turn it on. Yes
mom it still works.<br /></div>
I look forward to this next week.</div>
Love,</div>
Your friendly neighborhood missionary.</div>
<div class="yj6qo ajU">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-19051387300660895992015-10-24T18:54:00.001-07:002015-10-24T18:54:19.949-07:00August 10, 2015<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
Blog:</div>
This was the
first full week of having a second ward here. I can honestly say that I
have never been more busy in my whole mission than I am right now.<br /></div>
I
has been amazing to see the strength that God gives as He lends greater
responsibility to His children. One of the things I have learned this
week is that we truly are weak in all things compared to Christ. The
thing that taught me that is I often wonder why people do dumb things,
myself included. Why do we argue, point blame, backbite, degrade, etc.?
Then I think how much I need to work on those things. It is really a
great self check as you see things that bug you that other people do,
cause often I have found that those are the things that I need to work
on.<br /></div>
This upcoming week we have two baptisms scheduled. So it is going to be a busy Saturday for us.<br /></div>
We
had a great training on Friday that really puts how simple the
teachings of Christ are into simple ideas and words. I have often
wondered why people say there are things that Christ has said that we
just <b><i>cannot</i></b> understand. I think we often forget the simple
nature of what he has said, "ask and ye shall receive, knock and it
shall be open unto you." That has been one of the biggest focuses in
teaching. We are here to invite those we come into contact with, to ask
so they can receive.<br /></div>
The summer is winding down this week
as more people are getting ready to go back to school. It is so much
easier to contact people during the summer because they are outside, whereas during the winter it has been a lot harder to get into people's
homes. Really getting their door open is what is hard.<br /></div>
I look forward to these next few weeks as the change of the seasons brings nicer weather.<br /></div>
Party on,</div>
Elder McCallson<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A green smoothie?</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Homemade Cheesecake</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-26907970699220766652015-10-24T18:43:00.001-07:002015-10-24T18:45:52.895-07:00August 3, 2015<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Blog:</div>
<div>
This week was awesome! We had
Leadership Exchanges (three zones get together at the mission office
where we switch companions for a day, the senior companions have a
little training meeting too) my companion was Elder Hull. I had met him
one time before when I was in my first area. We got a lot of work done. It was great.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We also were called up by our
Mission President to cover another ward. So, with that ward added on we
now have very little time for anything. This is the second time that I
have had the opportunity to balance two wards. By that I mean being
the first set of missionaries to cover both those wards. It is fun and
exhausting and exciting all at the same time. The only problem is we
don't know if we are going to continue to serve there or if it is just
for the rest of the transfer. So we shall see.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This
month we were invited by the Summerwind ward to read the Book of Mormon
in the month (August Rush). So, I naturally accepted. I have done this
before and had it as a goal for the new year to do it every month, the
only problem is that some days you just don't have enough time to read
all that you need to and study for your lessons and prepare this and go
here or there. So it kind of dropped off.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am excited
to start the month of August off with a firm resolution to trust firmly
in the Lord and search His word. I love you all.</div>
<div>
Elder McCallson<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bullseye! I didn't make it, my companion, Elder Davis did!</div>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-33323727500326593602015-10-24T18:40:00.003-07:002015-10-24T18:40:48.100-07:00July 20, 2015<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
Blog:</div>
I really don't have much to report
this week as all our time was spent catching me up on the people we are
working with, meeting with the Auxillary Leaders (Relief Society and
Primary mostly), and the Ward Mission Leader. I had my first district meeting
which was on planning, and had to kick a dead horse, in a sense, because
I have no new ideas on how to plan better. We will see how my next one
goes.<br /></div>
We did however find a new investigator. So that was awesome!<br /></div>
I love you all,</div>
Elder McCallsonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-2543319134658439722015-10-24T18:38:00.004-07:002015-10-24T18:38:34.148-07:00July 13, 2015Well this is an interesting week. I knew that I was going to be
transferred so I started making my rounds to say goodbye to all the
awesome people. It was a bitter sweet moment for me. I really feel like I
am understanding what other missionaries were talking about.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
always thought that 6 months really isn't enough time for you to become
close with lots of people, but I was proved wrong. I know that I will
miss them but no where is really far in this mission. So I will see them
around.<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I didn't expect what happened with this
call. I am now a District Leader and follow up training a
missionary, Elder Davis. It will be really interesting to see how it will
all turn out. Please and thank you for the prayers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
The
Last Zone P-day we had was okay. We had an elder bring this game called Munchkin and I ended up getting roped into a 2 1/2 hour game. Other
than that this week was full of contacting with no real "success" as
people would classify it. On Saturday Eagle had this thing called "Eagle
Fun Days". They had this great parade that marched down State Street, but
at the end, the fire department gots out their hoses and the people of
the community brought water guns and there was a huge water fight. Needless
to say...we got wet!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am glad that I had the great opportunity to meet the people of Eagle and serve them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I really ran out of things to write. </div>
<div>
Just be good,</div>
<div>
Elder McCallson</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-7930043489752473862015-10-24T18:34:00.001-07:002015-10-24T18:34:16.936-07:00July 6, 2015This week was the 4h of July. I could literally see 20 different shows
from our loft. We had to be in by 8 and I guess that was good because I
really wanted to light off fireworks and because I am a missionary I
can't, so that was a load taken off my shoulders.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The
family we live with left for a vacation so they asked us to take care of
their dogs, fish, and turtle. We later learned that they had been in a
car wreck with a horse in Wyoming. That was interesting. They are all
good but the car I guess was totaled.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The heat has been horrible...being over 100 all week long. Until Sunday, that is, when it rained and dropped to 72.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We
helped some non-members move to a new house...which is still in the
mission so I may have the opportunity to serve in their ward.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Other
than that I am looking forward to this next week. We will see on
Saturday if I get transferred or if I have the opportunity to stay here.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope all is well back home.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
God be with you till I write again,</div>
<div>
Elder McCallson</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-12773054682794876782015-06-30T03:07:00.001-07:002015-06-30T03:26:40.688-07:00June 29, 2015<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
Monday was great. We had a zone p-day of
basket ball and volleyball. It was nice to have time to really play and
relax as that last week was crazy. Got haircuts.</div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2049791207" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tuesday</span></span>
we had to finish the service that we started. We have some awesome pics
but I need to get them from the other missionaries. A full day of
contacting and almost no doors opened.</div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2049791208" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Wednesday</span></span>
was good. We had lunch with a single sister and her home teacher. They
had panda express and I had Subway only because I am not that big of a
fan of panda... they made fun of me. But it was all good. Elder Castillo
was able to get to the physical therapist again so that is making it
easier on our work load. Or we can work more because he is in less pain.</div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2049791209" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span>
was district meeting and interviews with president. It was weird
because my interview was way shorter than anyone else's. Tried some more
contacting...by the way this was the first day it was really over 100
for a majority of the day and we didn't have enough miles for the rest
of the month so we had to ride our bikes. The only real problem was that
Elder Castillo wrecked his back tire so we borrowed Elder Garcia's tire
while we took his into the shop. (Later we learned that the gear was
rusted on there so bad that they couldn't get it off to do the necessary
repairs so he has to buy a new one).</div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2049791210" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span>
service. We helped this non-member family with some work around their
house. We have helped them in the past cutting and moving wood and junk
so that they could really get started on cleaning up the yard. Well we
went over with a weed whacker and they had a lawn mower. I started
whacking and brother Young (the non-member) started mowing when about 30
mins in it caught on fire literally so we had to stop. We helped clean
up some of their yard and load up their truck to take stuff to the dump.
That night we had my first birthday party with the Hall's in the ward.
They are moving and wanted to throw me a party before either they left
or I did. We watched Meet the Mormons.</div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2049791211" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">SATURDAY</span></span>
BIRTHDAY!!! It started with service at a less actives house. We were
helping clean up his barn and we were doing some sweet parkour around.
Well I did at least. We then drove home got ready and went to lunch with
some members in our ward as they wanted to treat me to lunch at a local
Mongolian restaurant. It was awesome! We then tried to visit some other
people who of course didn't open their doors. It was turning out to be a
pretty bummer birthday. Until we went to the Thorn's for dinner. We
went to Chipotle it was so good. We hung out for a little while there as
we let our stomachs settle for the cake she had made for me. Double
Chocolate We then went to the Stadler's who wanted to take me out for
ice cream. I was completely full by this time and both Elder Castillo
and I thought we were going to die. It was a great day all in all.</div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2049791212" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span> we were in meetings all day, which was good with me. From <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2049791213" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span> to <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2049791214" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span> the temp was over 100 everyday. So I was fine being in a nice ac'd building. Had a quick dinner and that was pretty much it.</div>
<div>
I
am really looking forward to this next week as we are getting more
organized with who we can visit and when is the best time. I am really
grateful for all the help and strength that you are all to me.</div>
<div>
Elder McCallson</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why I Love My Weight</div>
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Birthday at the Stadlers<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-44069830916855422015-06-30T03:02:00.001-07:002015-06-30T03:02:11.290-07:00June 22, 2015<div>
Not much time today sorry.<br />This week was great so I will go over the highlight reel.</div>
<div>
On
Monday we had a great meeting with the primary president who use to be
the relief society president so now she know everyone. She gave us quite
a few people to stop by and with great hopes we started the week.<br /></div>
<div>
Tuesday
we started on some of the names she gave us and what a success. We met
with sister Su, who's first question was "who sent you?" It was
interesting to watch her turn from sort of a clam all tight and close to
really opening up and showing us a great pearl of a daughter of God. We
met another member who was moving and accepted our help but we had to
wait til the following day. We met with a gentleman who is not a member
but comes to church pretty regularly. We are going to work on him to see
if he has any interest in increasing his knowledge and faith in the
Savior or in other words invite him to take the lessons.<br /></div>
<div>
Wednesday
we helped that family move out as their land lord sold the house out
from under them.... that is happening quite a bit here in Eagle right
now... Met with our new eternal investigator. He is going through quite a
bit right now but said he is grateful for our visits and that he may
want to be baptized but not right now. So we are going to let the Spirit
work on him for a little bit.<br /></div>
<div>
Thursday we had the
worst and best service ever. We layered rocks around a new man made pond
in a subdivision. I will try to get pics for it. We couldn't finish it
all in one day so we went back Saturday. Met the Hranacs in the ward,
they have a turtle.<br /></div>
<div>
Friday was district meeting. We then finished cleaning up sister Blodgett's, bamboo lady, yard.<br /></div>
<div>
Saturday
some service as previously mentioned above as we also helped a less
active member who wasn't even there. Random call from a member for
service they too are moving but not because their land lord sold their
house but because they let him know that they were building a house and
moving out in a few months so he was going to raise their rent $1000. So
they were happy to leave.<br /></div>
<div>
Sunday... Father's day. Two missionary farewells and a missionary home coming. It was awesome!</div>
<div>
Love, </div>
<div>
Elder McCallson</div>
<div align="center">
Turtle and Me</div>
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Awesome Sign!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-68505092901290287772015-06-23T20:09:00.001-07:002015-06-23T20:09:04.127-07:00June 15,2015<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
Monday was great! It was a zone
p-day we played rugby almost the whole time. It was 98 degrees and the
sun was out in full strength. So, being the type of person I am, I got a
headache that night because I didn't drink enough water. But, we had an
awesome dinner. Crapes! They were so good.<br /></div>
Tuesday went
fast. We had district meeting that morning. It was really weird because
it was so silent. Mostly because we kicked the sisters out of the
district. We then tried some contacting but really no one was out as it
was just about as hot as it was Monday. We had dinner drop off of pasta
casserole. It was good but no meat. I was a little disappointed. But we
looked out our window and saw a member across the street who needed some
help moving dirt. So we rushed out to help him as all our other plans
had cancelled on us that night. We worked with him for about 2 hours.
Also, the young men's president and a few priests left to go harvest a
pig for a party the 4th ward youth were going to have Wednesday night.
So they came back, this happened while we were working on moving the
dirt. We saw them come back and wanted to see it. We ended up helping
them dig a hole, start a fire, put the pig on it, and cover it for the
party. Needless to say that took us to the end of the night. I felt very
accomplished.<br /></div>
Wednesday was slow to start. By the time
lunch rolled around not much had happened. We visited Curtis. He has had
a very hard life. Most people we have talked to about Curtis say that
he is completely changed from the way he was before he became a member
of the church. He laughs and talks now where as before, they say, he was
a very quite and almost bitter man. And with all the things he has told
us I can see why. We then left to visit some more people in the 3rd
ward. We met this brother and boy was he one weird dude. We got in there
and started to talk with him and he started to talk about menopause....
I think that is how you spell it... anyways he said that he was this
tough farmer now he sometimes catches himself tearing up a commercials.
Anyways... it was great to get to know him and his wife. We then road
from there to dinner. Sweet and sour chicken and rice. It was really
good. We then went from there to help with the pig. We unburied it, and
moved it to the grass where it just started to fall apart as we
unwrapped it. It was great! The only problem was that we didn't dig the
pit big enough or deep enough and only half of the pig cooked. So we got
to take some home and try and cook it.<br /></div>
Thursday we had
this thing called Just Serve that started. It is where we as
missionaries serve without proselyting. It was really weird as we
cleaned some class rooms at a school. It was gross to think how dirty
the desks and chairs and room was after a year of school. I am glad that
I don't have to go to school anymore.... well until I get back that is.
I think that almost all of our investigators are tired of seeing us as
no one would open their doors. I guess this is the curse of Summer.
Dinner finally rolled around and we got to have some fun on stilts
before as we waited for the husband to get home. We then road to church
for our 4th ward correlation meeting and were able to make some good
visits.<br /></div>
Friday was a special day as we got a car. A Jeep
Compass. My only real problem with it is my sister bought one and the
sister missionaries in Star had it so it has been forever in my mind
that it is a girl car. My companion keeps trying to reassure me that
it's not but I probably won't change my mind. As missionaries we have an
allotted amount of miles that we get to dive each month. Well the
sisters that had the car before us when they dropped their car off 10
days into the month drove 400 miles. To put that into perspective in my
last area for the first 3 months of my mission I had a car and we got
about 450 miles for the month. Now this area is a bit bigger so we would
get more than that but I am not sure how much more. So we are have to
watch how much we drive until we are told how many we get. We gave it a
wash and vacuumed it out... it was a mess.... filled up the tires that
were low and then had to pick up some Elders for service. We almost have
all the bamboo gone from the sisters yard. It has only taken us 2-3
months. We then visited another sister from the 3rd ward that really
likes it when we stop by. Had dinner, then met with our eternal
investigator of the 4th ward. By that we mean that he is slowly making
progress but keeps refusing to be baptized. He wanted to watch a movie
about Joseph Smith that he found and we were kind of worried that it was
an anti-mormon movie but to our surprise it was Joseph Smith Prophet of
the Restoration on Netflix. He also prayed when we asked him to. So we
are not really sure what else to do with him...<br /></div>
Saturday we
helped do some service for a brother in the 4th ward that lives in the
5th ward with his girlfriend who is sort of taking the lessons. So as
missionaries we teach only those in our area. But, there are sometimes
boundary exceptions like this brother lives in another ward but his
records are in our ward because he is building a house in our ward.
Anyways we did quite a bit of clean up as he is wanting to start
landscaping. Went home weekly planned had some studies. Went to dinner.
Tied to contact some more but no luck. But, we again looked out our
window and this same brother was now spreading mulch. So we ran over and
helped with that. We then had smores and I was so happy. I have wanted
those for so long.<br /></div>
Sunday was crazy. Now that we have two
wards we also have double the meetings to go to. We had ward council for
both wards at 9 then 3rd ward correlation at 10 and sacrament for 3rd
ward at 11 we then are a little lunch at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1872454074" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">12:30</span></span>
then went to sacrament for the 4th ward. We drove home in time for us
to leave for dinner. Again our plans cancelled on us so we really didn't
have much to do the rest of the night. Made a few stops at members we
hadn't seen in a while. One of them is moving as they closed a deal on
their house on Saturday the full price they asked for. The couple that
bought it is from California and thought it was a great deal. This is
one of the big homes on one of the wealthiest streets in all of eagle.
So this was not cheep. But hey, I guess moving from where houses are
insane to where only the big houses are crazy is good.<br /></div>
This
week was a little slow in all. But, I know that this next week will be
awesome! I am really excited to be able to get around faster now that we
have a car. I really hope I have more fun stories to tell you about
next week. I love you all.<br /></div>
Elder McCallson<br />
<div align="center">
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<div align="center">
Buried Pig </div>
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Walking on Stilts</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-60784745503056478252015-06-23T20:00:00.001-07:002015-06-23T20:00:18.244-07:00June 8, 2015Monday was interesting. First day of having two wards. We called people
to make appointments to meet the ward mission leader but no luck but we
were able to call him and set up an appointment. We had dinner with
pretty much no luck.<br />
<div>
<br /><div>
Tuesday started off with us going to a
physical therapist for my comp. He gave him some exercises to do. We
then started looking through our new area book for the 3rd ward. It was
crazy. There were people they wanted us to visit so.... we did but,
still no luck. Got back to get ready to go to meet our ward mission
leader. He is going to do one of the pageants in Nauvoo so he has a huge
beard. He gave us some more people to visit. We then had a double
booked dinner so we went on splits. I went with a family in the 3rd
ward. The Wilcox's. Elder Castillo went with Bro McDonald. It was
awesome. I had burritos that were really good. A little blackened just
because their daughter forgot to keep checking on them. We then stopped
by the Zollingers to set up our dinner for the next day and see how
their friend is doing.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wednesday we
stopped by a family that is getting ready to move. So they need some
yard work done. We cleared out quite a bit of grass and shrubs. We then
started in on our list of people to visit. We stopped by a sister, Sister Conrad. We then proceeded to take two hours to talk to her. She
is awesome. But no one else really opened their door. We went to dinner.
Fajitas, so good.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thursday was good. We did our
weekly planning which took forever. We read through every note and
person that the Sisters made. We then stopped by Sister Blodgett to set
up service for the next day. Tried a few more people with really no luck
in finding what we wanted. We had dinner with the Bartels. They are a
blended family that is working on getting sealed in the Temple with
their kids. It is awesome to see the progress that they are making. They
have some of the greatest kids. In fact it almost makes me feel like I
am home. They are constantly sarcastic and jump on every chance they can
to point out how right they are. But, in the end they all are close and
really help each other. It really reminds me of home. ;) Tried to have
ward correlation in the 4th ward but no one showed...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Friday
was our Zone Meeting. President and Sister Winder came, it was one of
the best Zone meetings I have ever been at. We then went to IPC for
lunch where I realized how much it sounds like a great idea to have all
you can eat pizza but when you get to the point where you have eaten all
you can you really hate it. Luckily though we had service right after
at Sis Blodgett's. We are making progress, slowly, but it is looking
better. We then had dinner at the Thorne's. The picture is what we had. Yes, I
made it on my own, Mom. :P We then got a ride to a non members, the
Stadlers ,who I helped move in and it looks as though I will help them
move out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Saturday was crazy. More contacting
with no success. It was a little demotivating to have so many people but
no doors open on a Saturday. Oh well. We had a referral that we
contacted but they said they weren't interested. Finally met with the
Elder's Quorum President of the 3rd ward. He is awesome! Had Bro
Schrader pick us up for dinner. It was date night for him and his wife
but he cancelled to feed us... she wasn't super thrilled about that.
But, I hope that she is over it. :/</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sunday flew
by. We had our regular morning studies then had a ward mission
correlation meeting in the 3rd ward at 10. With 3rd ward Sacrament at
11. It was a fast and testimony Sunday so we were asked to introduce
ourselves as this was the first time we had nearly full ward exposure.
It was a great meeting. Really no time was spent in silence. There was
always someone sharing the blessings from the Lord they had received. We
then went to the next class, Gospel Principles. There was a Brother in
there that said that the Sisters the week before had said they would
teach the class the next week. Well here we were, no time to plan to
teach and we rocked it. It was on missionary work so we really didn't
need time to prepare but it would have been helpful for at least a 10
min notice. We then went from there to the 4th ward Sacrament. During
the Sacrament a kid was whistling Jingle Bells. It was fun to watch
everyone try to figure out where it was coming from. We were in the back
as we got out of the other class a little late and the only available
seats were in the back. It turned out to be a really good meeting
though. I really wanted some one to figure out a way to use jingle bells
in their testimony, but no one did. We had to then run from there to a
lesson that was set up by our ward mission leader for a man he is
helping find a job. It was a great first meeting and he took a Book of
Mormon and asked us to come back!! MIRACLES! We then got dropped off for
the last hour of 4th ward. Elders Quorum. The lesson was on Families
can be together forever but ended up being a talk about speculation and
opinions on what is going to happen after this life. But, it really
helped me thing about how this life is just a blip in the grand scheme
of our eternal existence. We then went to the Jamison's for dinner.
Meatball Subs. They were really good. As I was sharing my spiritual
thought some kids knocked on the door. They answered and one of them
asked " Do you want to buy pine needles to cure cancer?" The other kid
held up a few of the pine needles. The family politely said "No." We
then proceeded to laugh. Also my companion felt something under him and
pulled out a Pokemon thing, two drum sticks, and a pencil. Funny things
you find in your couch. Finally we ended our night at the Stadler's again
as they invited us over to play games. I won crazy 8's, go fish, and a
snowball fight. Then again the snowball fight was unbalanced as it was 5
of us on their daughter that is 7... They asked us for help on a house
that they are looking at buying and have already started plans to demo
and rebuild parts of it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week was awesome!
It was hard because of all the riding that we had to do and not knowing
where we were going. We are starting to learn the layout of the other
ward and will hopefully get a car this next week. But, who knows really.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
really want you to take a moment today and the rest of this week to
ponder the miracle of you. By that I mean, look at what the Lord has done to get
you where you are right now. OR how you got yourself where you are now
and how the Lord can help bring you back to where you will be best and
happy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love,</div>
<div>
Elder McCallson</div>
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Escallop and Bread, YUM!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08245150787728178017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3552005711628648097.post-40048311923373887382015-06-23T19:39:00.001-07:002015-06-23T19:39:14.213-07:00June 1, 2015<div>
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<div>
Monday was not a
P-Day. So we tried to get out and do a little proselyting. But, Elder
Castillo wasn't feeling too well. We eventually had dinner with a doctor
that night (coincidence?) and they diagnosed him with Bronchitis so
they took him in and gave him an inhaler, which he had lost in his first
area, and a breathing treatment. He started to feel better right away.<br /></div>
Tuesday
was better. We were able to get out and actually proselyte. But, of
course the day that we can get out, no one answers the door. So we pretty
much walked around trying to contact anyone that would open the door
for us.<br /></div>
Wednesday was P-Day. TEMPLE P-DAY! It was great to
get to go that far out of the area and the Temple was the perfect topper
to change the bummer last week to make this week the best. It was
suppose to be a Zone P-Day but the rest of our Zone had their P-Day on
Monday except for all us in Eagle. So of course we didn't do anything.<br /></div>
Thursday
was a good day. We spent most of the time packing as we had to move out
of the Thorne's because their daughter is coming home from her mission
and they wanted to repaint and fix a leak they had before she came home.
SO, we kicked the sister missionaries out of one of the apartments in
our area so that we could live there. It felt like sweet revenge for
loosing my car to some sisters earlier in my mission.. but, I'm not
bitter about that at all. ;P Later that night we had our Book of Mormon
Basics class... I took charge as no one knew who was suppose to. It was
the best. Not because I took charge but because the people that came
participated and helped it be one of the most spiritual classes we have
ever held.<br /></div>
Friday was District Meeting It was great!
Probably the best one I have ever been to. We went to Mongolian for
lunch. I still couldn't eat all that I had taken. But am getting better
at seasoning it and making it taste delicious as it melts your face off
because of how hot I make it. We then returned home to get our stuff
into a truck to move it to the new place. I always wanted to live there.
But, we didn't unpack because we had no idea what was going on with
transfers and we wouldn't get the call until Saturday. So we went out
and visited a few people in attempts to get some work done.<br /></div>
Saturday
was agonizingly long. But, we kept a good face about it. We helped
clean the church building, went to the Throne's for Saturday morning
waffles, helped move the last of the mission's stuff out of the basement
and into a truck. Headed back as we were going to lunch with a member
who wanted to thank us for helping clean the building. Went back and
changed. Still no call. Went to lunch a Dicky's BBQ (that is some good
food right there). It is just so expensive. Got back and like magic we
got the voice-mail. We kicked the sisters our of Eagle and now we cover
both Eagle 4th ward and Eagle 3rd ward. So we had to go and let people
know that we were staying. Stopped by our ward mission leaders house to
show him a map of our new area. Biked as fast a possible to get back for
dinner. We had it with the Nielsen's and Curtis Puckett. Now Brother
Nielsen is a vegan but isn't for PETA. He is doing it for his mom. But
he helped make a pork roast that Curtis had bought for us to eat. It was
good and I was surprised that he made it... then he told us his wife
had made it. So that took away from it. :P<br /></div>
Sunday was good.
We had a sister from the third ward speak in our ward as when she left
she was in the fourth ward but it split while she was out. It was one of
the best home coming talks I have ever heard. We then talked with some
more people trying to get some more info on the new ward that we are
covering. Got to second hour for a bit, it was good. We then had to wait
for the Sisters to get us their area book so that we can see what they
have been up to and who they are teaching and who they think we should
go see. So we missed third hour but it was okay because I already knew
what it was about. One of the nice perks about being a missionary is that
often you may get information even before Bishops do. Strengthen Faith
in the Home through Sabbath Day observance (Or at least how I think it
should be worded.) Went home with our ward mission leader to have
dinner, TACOS!! Then we had the person that had cancelled dinner call us
and ask if we are coming over. So we ended up having two dinners. But
it was one of the best I had ever had. They made pork chops that didn't
taste like pork and some kabobs. It was really good.<br /></div>
I am
looking forward to the challenge of serving in two wards. I ask for your
prayers for strength and for success. I have really come to understand
the power of combined faith. Prayer is an essential way for us to not
only communicate with our Father in Heaven but also to bring about the
miracles associated with the combined faith of those participating.<br /></div>
Keep
in mind that you are loved by a GOD. Three actually (The Father, The
Son, and the Holy Ghost). All you have to do is ask and He will give you
an answer. There is real power in reading the words of God. Remember to
read as a family and to build the faith of your children and your faith
as you <i>live</i> the gospel not just profess it.<br /></div>
Love,</div>
Elder McCallson <br />
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