I have no choice but to know the power of my own "Free Will"

     I just had a mind blowing experience. One for my own history book. I don't know exactly how to describe the feelings accompanying it, but mostly it's comfort and inspiration. I know God has a plan for me, but I need to choose it. That has never hit home harder than it has this week. I know this post may be a lot to read but I'm mostly writing it for me. So you don't have to read all of it if you don't want to. I just know that I need to record the thoughts and experiences of this week somewhere, and seeing as I'm better at typing then I am at writing I decided to do it here.

     It all started with a little chat from an unexpected person. I was sitting at home, kinda depressed about life. Nothing seemed to be going the way I wanted. I had missed some opportunities I was excited for, I felt I had almost shut the door on other opportunities but don't know how. I was just not in the best of moods. For some reason this friend decided to come over, and just hang out. He may have been the last person I'd expect to come. Well we get talking about life. The usual subjects, school, girls, and work. Mostly girls. He gave me some advice that has since changed the course of my life. He told me to set some goals of things I could accomplish, but would take a lot of effort and will power to do. So I did. I decided this year I'm going to run a marathon.

     Since then, everything has changed. As I've been training for my marathon, I've seen certain things change in my life. I've been more confident, had more energy, and am able to focus more on my studies now then ever before. I've even felt more spiritual then I have in a long time. Now the best part is that it all started with a decision I made. The plan to, no matter what pain, anguish or exhaustion, complete the 26.2 miles.

     Now the scary part. So about a week after I made my choice and started training, I found myself studying the very thing that has changed the course of my life. Free will. My ethics and values class had me listening for almost an hour to two psychologists debate about the reality of free will. Whether it exists and therefore we have the ability to change the course of our lives in a matter of seconds, or it does not and our lives have already been predetermined, therefore making free will the simple result of cause and effect with the electric impulses in our brains. Well, I'm not one to be able to focus on two people talking for an hour then read pages and pages of what they had talked about without giving my thoughts a little break. So that was my plan as I was studying the hall of flags on campus. Well my break was a book. "Mere Christianity". As you may have read in my previous blog this book didn't give me the break I was looking for. Instead, I was lured into the idea of a common sense of right and wrong and the power our decision can make. So basically the opposite of the lecture I was listening to earlier. This of course had me stop and think about what I really believe about free will. Well, at that point my spirituality and possibly my own arrogance took over. I saw that a world without free will is a world without hope. Without peace or excitement, without adventure and curiosity. None of the greatest feelings would exist if we could not will our own decisions. With this thought I closed my book and computer and went to study something a little easier to learn. Biology.

     My experience couldn't end there though. Seeing that I had some free time on my hands tonight I decided to watch a movie before going to bed. I chose a movie I didn't know anything about, but I've seen it on my roommates shelf for a while and was curious to see it. The movie was "The Adjustment Bureau". If anyone knows anything about this movie it's about the power of free will. After the end of the movie and thinking all about what has happened to me recently I can't help but think I've learned one of the biggest lessons of my life. All the time we worry about doing the right thing. Fearing that a wrong choice could yield some horrible consequences. Well I've been reminded now that the best part of life are those opportunities. The chance to choose to take a chance. We have an enormous potential in us to be incredible people. It all comes down to our choices. From big choices like deciding what school to go to or who to marry. To the little choices of choosing to keep the feet moving for another .2 miles even though the rest of our body may be screaming to stop. These choices form who we are and what we can become. I've come to the ultimate conclusion that no matter what certain experiments say, with our agency we cause all the effects in the world.

Free will

Look at you. You're reading my blog. What made you decide to read my blog? Is it that you and I are somewhat acquainted or related so you feel an obligation or a duty to read my post and determine for yourself what you now think of me? Maybe you find the blog more interesting than listening to your biology professor lecture on the structure of atoms and isomers in a 25 L beaker of water. These could be some of the many possibilities as to why you are now reading this. Now let me entertain another thought for you. Studies have shown that before you clicked to read, or even consciously recognized the choice before you, you chose. Your brain is constantly working and in use. You subconsciously make the decision of what to do before you even know you have the decision. Some of the worlds most renowned scientists argue the fact that we have no real "free will" but that your choices and decision are merely an effect to a cause. A result of the electric activity going on in your brain stimulated by previous events. Thus our lives, no matter what we do, are predetermined.
      Well at least that's what my ethics class wants me to believe. I had a kind of interesting experience today as I sat studying at school. I would read and study my ethics class homework, then take a break and read from a book I'm interested in. The interesting part was that at one point I was reading how scientists want to prove that we have no free will, then for leisure I would read from C.S. Lewis' book "Mere Christianity" stating that all human being are obligated to obey all laws except the law of nature which we choose to disobey. It was almost my two interests and passions fighting each other. On one side, science and health, and on the other spirituality.
      Well, as of now the spirituality took over. Lewis talked of the idea that everyone in the world believes in a right or wrong. If they say they don't, simply break a promise and they will say you are in the wrong for doing so, assuming that there was a standard to be kept. An unspoken law agreed to by both parties that the promise would be kept. This is why we have free will. Naturally we see every being understanding and comprehending this unspoken law. Whether or not they follow it is up to them. Lewis also points out that although we may know of this law we don't always obey it. In fact we disobey it almost every day. We make excuses to not do something because of our extenuating circumstances. We didn't call our friend because we were simply too busy. Broke the rule. How you never would have promised to so-and-so to do that one thing if you would have known how busy you would be at the time. Either way we have all made those excuses and we made a choice to do so, it wasn't simply an electronic impulse to the brain but something deeper.
     Although free will is true, I don't believe it to be free. There was price paid by a perfect man. A man who never made those excuses, a man who on on his way to see a friend who he had promised to see helped others on the way, and when learning about the death of his friend, broke the law of physics to bring him from the dead and fulfill his promise. Choice came with a price, and consequences have been paid for, if we so choose.
     Needless to say I had an exciting study and read today, because I chose to.

What are your thoughts?

The Dilemma

As the time of pens, pencils, and horrible biology teachers comes to an end I find myself in a small dilemma. With the holiday’s sneaking around the corner, and hot chocolate beginning to fill my soul, I ask myself one question. How am I going to go skiing this season?!

It's one of great importance. I haven't flown the powder, or cut through the heavenly substance called snow for some time now. The dilemma is that I can't afford a pass at this time nor do I have the equipment. So I'm left to explore other possibilities to bring my dream to a reality. These include but are not limited to the following.




1) Sell my soul to the devil.

2) Give plasma every day I can, then I may have enough to ski the last day of the season.

3) Sell all my belongings, quit school and get three more jobs. One including scooping up poop behind elephants during the parades. Where I'm going to find a parade in the winter is another dilemma.

4) Invent a bestselling app. possibly including animals skiing, flying or crashing into other animals to solve a puzzle of sorts.

5) Lastly, in a desperate attempt to enjoy the season, I could simply rob a financial institution, blame it on someone’s identity I stole and spend the rest of my life avoiding authorities.

If you have any other ideas, please let me know. Also if you know any deals on skiing I'm game.

Let it snow!

Who Knows How Words Are Formed.

Well, I'm full of turkey goodness, and there's a nice breeze coming in the window. But, before I start thinking of sugar plums and mangers, I want to reflect a little more on the great things that have happened in the last few days of which I'm grateful.

1) I'm grateful for cold weather. Without the cold, sitting cozy with a blanket and a cup of Stephen's Gourmet French Vanilla wouldn't mean nearly as much! All of my winter jackets and sweaters would be obsolete. And, seeing the world pure and white right after a good snowfall would be nonexistent.

2) I'm thankful for jobs that aren't the best. Sure I may get yelled and cussed at a lot while I talk on the phones. I may sound like a drone answering the phone with the same phrase day after day, but at least I'm not scooping up poo. Also, I look forward even more to the time where I can be sitting in my own practice giving sight to the blind.

3) I'm grateful for tools, jerks, and punks. Hey, someone has got to make the good guys look good. We may not get noticed as much, but I feel we're just gaining more and more brownie points to get the best of the best.

 So, this thanksgiving I find myself really finding the best in everything. I don't mean to complain, I just want people to know it's not the end. Have fun. You only live once, so live high and righteously. Life would be so boring if we had all we wanted. Really, who knows what's in store for us. I'm so glad I can't learn it all at once, because then I get to keep learning. If you keep looking down, then you miss all the stars above. Stop being grumpy and just enjoy what you have!

After all, there's only 28 more sleeps till Christmas!!

Old Friends

This last weekend I was reacquainted with a new friend. One I had missed for quite some time. Almost two years to be exact. A real top notch pal. The kind who always makes you feel good no matter what your mood. After a grueling weekend of studies and more studying of the complicated eukaryotic and prokaryotic world, my friend really made my weekend and helped me see that there is more to life than simply studying. Who could have guessed that I would be reunited with him so soon? I didn't even expect it when I called on him late Friday night. Yet I found myself at 11:00 pm going to the Creamery on 9th to meet up again. I only know a few people that don't get a long with him, and that's not really their fault for having a medical condition. Everyone else though can't resist the dark complexion, smooth personality and of course the delicious taste. Oh Creamery Chocolate Milk, how I've missed you!

Summer is here!

Tonight I found myself watching the Taylorsville dayz firework show from my roof. It's one of the best parts of living where we are, we can watch all the neighboring city do their fireworks, from our own roof.
Well the warm summer night and the flashing lights got me thinking of some past 4th of July experiences. Here are a few to note.
Childhood-
I remember always watching Dad set off the pack of fireworks he bought from Macey's. Of course I always wanted to light it and then when I did I found it it's still just as exciting if you don't have to light it. I also remember my sister would be watching it from her room cause she didn't like the loud noises, we kept telling her she was the loud noise.
Of course there were always the home-made ones. Competing against the neighborhood kids as to who could have the loudest M80. Plus we can't forget the giant one, MOAHB what a beauty.
You can't forget the family trip back east. I don't remember the fireworks as much as I remember trying to get back to the car. The minute the last fire work finished burning, the heavens opened and unleashes one of the most powerful rainstorms I've ever experienced. That's why I remember trying to get back to the car before we all got hypothermia.
High School-
Some of the best dates I've been on include watching the Murray Fireworks cuddled up next to a girlfriend. Of course it got a little scary when a nearby tree caught on fire.
Mission-
My first 4th of July was spent in the MTC. We had the "great opportunity" to watch the presidency put on a play about the founding fathers getting their temple work done. The acting was average, so the story saved the show. Afterwards some 3000+ missionaries stood outside the MTC trying to catch a glimpse of the nearby fireworks. My group mainly just played ninjas.
For the one in the field it was about the same as the MTC. Our apartment was too short to really see any fireworks, all we saw was a colorful glow in the sky. We did have fun with some glow sticks in the apartment.
Future-
Who knows what the rest of my 4th's will be like. I hope one time I get to play a night game where the whole baseball diamond is lit up by fireworks. Just a little bucket wish addition.
I'm excited also to see what this year and next bring. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
All and all I realized today that summer has come. Fireworks, yard work, and hamburgers and hot dogs. All accompanied with Giants baseball. What a great time of year!
What do you remember?

Home

Well, it's done. I can't believe it but I have finished the best 2 years. It was incredible. I see that my parents posted some of my letters here, well they only describe half if that, of what I experienced. If you want the whole story your going to have to ask me. I'd love to tell you!

My parents decided to shock me back into te world by taking me on a week long cruise to Mexico! Personally I think they were just using me for my spanish. Well I had a blast! And well, the stage couldn't keep me away for too long cause on the last night on the boat I was in costume, singing and dancing as... James Brown! A small white kid playing a black guy. There's a first for everything.

As far as now, it's getting on with normal grown up life. I got a job a week after I got back. I do customer service for Propay. Some calls I even take in spanish! I'll be starting school in August. Hopefully starting the journey to become an Optometrist (eye doctor). So in the meant time. I'm looking for a car! I never thought finding a car would be this tough! I'm a little nervous cause the loan is in my name. Which means I actually have to become a responsible adult! Bleh!

Well that's it for now. Pictures coming soon!

Well it has been quite the interesting week here at beautifil beach city Malaga Cove. (The city is actually Torrance, Redondo Beach, and Lomita, but the area is Malaga Cove)

Last monday we had a great dinner/ FHE. It was with the Zimmerman family and the French Family. Bro. French is somewhat investigating the church and has been for awhile. We listened while Sis. Zimmerman talked about CTR and what it stands for. It was really just an oppurtunity to show Bro. French how the gospel is made for the family. After that we checked a less active who actually answered the door and let us in! She had been out of town for a few months and that why neither of us really knew her. The coolest part was when she started talking about the eye disease she has. I don't remember what it's called but she told us of how she has a plastic cornea, and take chemo-drops. I loved listening to her describe the procedures and stuff the doctors had to do. I think I'll be an optometrists just so I can fix mine and her eyes.

Tuesday was pretty good, we did some tracting in the morning but didn't have a whole lot of success. Then we had our lunch appointment with Sis. Duffin. Somehow we started talking about my eye doctor and she was describing where her doctor's office was (cause he's a member) and she said something about Yogurtland and E. Garrett got really excited. Neither of us had been there but had heard that it was a really really really good frozen yogurt place. So when she found out we hadn't been she gathered her kids and car keys and took us. E. Garrett has gone everyday since. Not me cause I had splits, but it is really good. There's only two in the mission and we are lucky to have one in our area. So after yogurt and candy on top, we walked down to have a lesson with Robert & Rita. This was at the Villar home. What a great lesson! We set a baptismal date with them for August 29th. We are now trying to keep them excited about it up until them. We had them write it down and promise they are going to write it on their calenders and everything.

Wednesday we had to do our weekly planning cause we had Zoneconference on thursday, so we didn't have as much time as usual during the day since weekly planning takes 3 hours. However we still got some good done. We had a little scare at dinner, well not even a scare just a funny story. Sis. Bluemel asked us to do the tea bag lesson, but we didn't have any tea bags on us. So she goes and gets her own, which were huge! Anyway we do the lesson as usual and Elder Garrett held it in his hand. Usually we ask whoever were teaching to hold it, this time for some reason I asked E, Garrett. So we light it on fire and watch it burn. If all is right it's supposed to fly up in the air before the flame hits his hand. I don't know if it was the tea bag or just bad luck but it didn't fly up and soon Elder Garrett was getting the flaming bag off his hand as soon as possible. Luckily nothing was burned, except his hand was a little red. It was pretty funny and I'm sure Sis. Bluemel wont let us forget it. I pack tea bags in my bag now, and they are the kind I know will work.

After all there's only 4 more sleeps 'til Christmas... Day

That's the Muppet Christmas Carol song if anyone didn't catch that.

First things first... Investigators!

I think I told you about Jose last week. Wow! Jose is so prepared to hear the gospel. He did throw some curveball's here and there but so far, he should have his interview on saturday or sunday! He's been one of the best investigators any missionary can ask for. Here's an example why, we went by his house this morning to teach him the 3rd lesson with the 10 commandments. (3rd is Faith, repentance, baptism, holy ghost and endure to the end) We get ther and he had not only read Alma 32 which talks of faith, but he had gone on the church website and looked up "the gospel of Jesus Christ" and when we got there this morning he had the entire thing mapped out with questions on the sides answered with BOM scriptures. Like "what is faith?" and he wrote Alma 32, and a Mosiah scripture. SO COOL!! We're going by and teaching him every day so he can still get baptized the 30th. I know president said we would see miracles in December but I never expected anything like this. So awesome the people the Lord has prepared for us to meet. He's pretty much teaching us!

Guadalupe and Marco are still as solid as ever. They had some questoins on the word Apostasy the other day. Oh yeah they got that question cause they were reading the Gospel Principals book. They are just about the coolest mexicans I know. It was really fun we went with them to the Ward Christmas Party and just ate and talked for a while. Marco and I started talking about our most memorable Christmas, he alsmost got teary eyed, It was really cool. I felt like he really opened up and just let me see the real him. They've had so many big aswesome chasnges in their lives with the gospel, I love the power it has to bless those willing to seek for truth!

We set a baptismal date with Yanira, I dont' know if I talked much about her, we had tracted into her and later her boyfriend joined the lesson. He ended up not being interested but she still was. She's a Mother of 3 but all 3 are still in El Salvador while she tries to earn money here in America for them. They all want her to come back but she wants them to come here. She's really curios about the Book of Mormon and really wants to know it's true. The problem is getting her to do what she said she'll do. She'll read, it's the coming to church that's hard. Other then that she's doing great!

Tito, pues, Tito was a referall. He says "puess" every other word... you think I'm exagerating. "Pues" is a filler word like "well". Anywho, he is really smart and know a lot. I just don't think he listens very much, or if he does he's having troubles connecting the dots. We still committed him to baptism and I hope he goes through with it, we haven't been able to contact him in awhile though so I hope it wasn't just a one or two time thing with him.

Nancy and Maria, we tracted into them this week and they turned out to be really really interested. She read and prayed about the Book of Mormon and got... somewhat of an answer. She's still caught up on the fact that Joseph Smith saw God. She keeps saying that God is so powerful that nobody can see him. We tried to show her other prophets like Moses talked with God face to face, but she still isn't 100 % sure on it. I think it will disolve when her testimony of the Book of Mormon gets stronger. Her and her Mom Maria are really awesome though. The other night we were going over to teach them and saw the Mom outside working on the car, we stopped by and asked to help but she was just waiting on her husband but we did get to help with some yard work. So we were raking leaves and she was still waiting by the car, she comes over to us and askes us if we would say a prayer with this drunk guy who started talking to her. He comes over and starts telling us how bad he feels, how he feels like Gods trash and that God never would listen to him. He was really wasted. So knelt down in his driveway, Elder Thiriot gave a great spanish prayer, then it took another 20 minutes to get him off and on his way. I don't know if it helped him but the situation really just put us in the right mood. After the prayer we had a good spirit and had a great lesson with Nancy and Maria. Still want to know more before they commit to baptism but I think they are well on there way for it. I can't wait to see them baptized, I just know it will make their lives so much happier. They're a great family already, and I know the gospel can only make things better for them.

Well with all that, we only had Jose, Guadalupe and Marco show up to church. Just means we gotta keep working harder!

So... I get to call on friday!! I did get some more information on that. Since you didn't really tell me any time I'm guessing anytime will be fine with you. I can only call after 7 here so that will be sometime after 8 there. So that's when you can expect my call, sometime between 8 and 830. I only have 45 minutes but I'm excited.

That's about it, I'm sending a little package with some dumb things in it. Not a lot though cause I don't have much to send. I'm sending it today though so you probably won't get it for Christmas.

Other then that I'm floored that Liz is engaged, sorry to hear that linda passed away, and proud of my older sister clearing up a lot about the church with her co-workers, that makes our job as missionaries a lot easier, especially when they know we don't worship Joe with our 6 wives. :)

Well, I'll talk to you on Friday!!

Elder Groves

More and more and more rain. 12/15/09

It's been coming pretty good here. I think Elder Thiriot and I finally figured out a good way to waterproof everything in our bags so they get ruined and un readable.

Had some good lessons this week. Thursday we had a return appointment with a girl we tracted into named Linda. She didn't have much of a religeous background, which is wierd here cause usually everyone wants to tell you everything they know, but the lesson went really well. We topped off thursday night with a lesson on obedience and prophets to Guadalupe and Marco. We didn't get much teaching done because the members we brought ended up talking a lot, but it was really good because Guadalupe and Marco really needed some friends other then us. Especially since their baptismal date is so far away.

Friday was a lot more tracting in the rain, plus I've been sick with a cold (probably due to the rain) and a stomach ache. There aint a chance I'm gonna let it keep me off the streets! So we tracted and had some really good lessons. Especially with Jose. We set a baptismal date with him for the 29th of December. Also, he came to church!! Whoot! Only for 2 hours but we'll work on the third. He had to run to work. That's the big thing we gotta work out tonight.

Also on friday night we had a Christmas Fireside at the Mission home. Bro and Sister Blackburn and our (english stake in my area) Stake president spoke. It was really good, a great talk on the atonement and some good food. Elder Thiriot and I tried to sing "O Holy Night" It didn't go as well as we had planned but still pretty decent.

Saturday we tried to talk to everyone to make sure they were coming to church. I think 4 of the 7 or so came. So it actually turned out really well. Still have a lot of work to do especially if we're to have a baptism by the end of the month.

Yesterday was Zone Conference and it lasted the whole day practically! When we got home we had an hour to work then we had to be home for the night. It was one of the best ZC's I've had so far. A lot on spiritual and personal efforts. President Blackburn gave an awesome talk on the light of Christ and the Holy Ghost. Sister Blackburn told a Christmas story called "May God Bless your way" it was really good.
After all the training we had a big Christmas Feast! We even had roast beast! After the dinner there was a little Christmas Program, Santa even came. President Blackburn read The Grinch and gave us all a really nice keychain of the CLAM. A really good night to bring in the Spirit of Christmas, I just wish I had a voice to sing the Christmas Hymns.

That's about it for this week. Still pushing and working hard, going to work even harder after Zone Conference. Transfers are coming pretty soon, the 23rd, which makes it really hard for those missionary's getting transfered to a new area two days before Christmas. I think Edler Thiriot and I will stay though, I'm not too worried.

Enjoy the snow!

Elder Groves

You had snow... we had rain. 12/9/09

First off, sorry. I forgot to tell you its Temple P-day, so that's why you're getting this on Wednesday.

There is so much to say! What a week and a half!! To make sure I don't miss anything I'll go by day.

Tuesday the 1st:
Elder Thiriot went on splits with our district leader in his Area, so it was me and his trainee Elder Davis for tuesday. Well we didn't get a lot of work done on account that Elder Davis got some kind of Stomach bug and was confined to his bed all day. So Elder Thiriot and Elder Clark took the scheduled appoitments we had that day and I got caught up on my BOM reading. I don't know if I told you but the mission is trying to read the BOM and the New Testament before December ends. So I sat in and read all day while Elder Davis slept off his sickness. Also what happened tuesday was that Christian and Jasmine had their baptismal interviews. About an hour before we had them scheduled the mom calls me. We have had a hard time getting the mom to be supportive of her kids getting baptized. I talked to her for an hour on the phone and convinced her to let the kids be interviewed. She hates me now, but they were interviewed. She wasn't there for the interview so she couldnt sign the form saying it's ok for us to baptize them.

Wednesday 2nd:
Did a lot of tracting, with little success. A lot of riding too, If I did gain any wieght, it's gone now. Tried to go by Christian and Jasmine to get the mom to sign the paper, but no one was home.

Thursday 3rd:
A lot more tracting, some return appointments, some less actives who still aren't very interested. Tried Christian and Jasmine, no bueno.

Friday 4th:
We wake up, do our studies, then half way through our language study we have to go to the store to get some immodium and some gatorade because Elder Thiriot is sick and we will be in the apartment all day. I read from the beginning of Jacob to the middle of Alma within those three days. Elder Clark and I try to stop Christian and Jasmine, still no answer.

Saturday 5th:
Elder Thiriot is up and running and we're both eager to get some work done. First thing, GET THE PAPER SIGNED!! We got some luck this time and found Rosa, the mom, home. We talked to her on the porch, she told me she didn't like me, actually wouldn't talk to me for the first few minutes and made her some translate because Elder Thiriot's spanish isn't that great yet. We told her that Missionary's have been coming by for months now and there isn't anything else we can teach the kids. She still didn't think they were ready for baptism. So we said if they don't get baptized, we don't come over cause we are on the lords time and need to be teaching the people ready to do his will. She said fine and that she'll still take them to church and everything. So we dropped C&J, the day before their baptism.

Sunday 6th:
Church was good, Guadalupe came and her husband!!! They also came to the Christmas Devotional with us that night and watched Lilia ( the referral I had from Compton) get baptized. Guadalupe really liked the baptism and the devotional. Then we went finding for the rest of the night.

Monday 7th:
You had snow, we had rain. All day. Lots of it too. Cold rain. On bikes. Wet. Cold. Hard.
My rain jacket and sweater work really good. Just that I think I lost a couple fingers and toes. I'm suprised I'm not sick from Monday. We tracted most of the day in the rain. One of the last doors we knocked on was a guy named Jose. In his mid 20's from mexico. We didn't even say what we were doing and he let us right in. He said he had been praying all night the night before that God would send him some one to teach him the word. He knew that we were answers to his prayer. He had a lot of questions, we had a little bit of time. So we answered as many as we could and set up an appointment for the next day.

Tuesday 8th:
Did some good tracting with some good success. Met with Jose, who still had a lot of questions and really liked to talk. It was hard to get controll of the conversation but when we did it was really good! We gave him a Book of Mormon and he told us when he knows it's true then he'll need to be baptized. He just needs to come to church and then he's practically wet.

So this week has been pretty crazy. The last couple days have been pretty cold. I don't know if it's just cause I'm already used to California weather but it's been pretty cold here lately. We had a good day at the temple today, a little scary half way through our session when the lady in the head couple passes out at the alter. She hit her head on the alter and on the floor when she went down. They brought up a wheel chair and she's going to be fine. Apparently she had been sick, still not something you usually see during an endownment session.

I got that it's starting to look more like Christmas in Utah. I see decorations, we sing songs, but it still doesn't feel like christmas until there is snow. So could you just send some our way. It's kinda sad the only Christmas Decorations we have are a nativity Elder Thiriot's parents sent, and a Santa in a Jet Airplane throwing out gifts. (The airplane is my favorite) Don't worry, you'll get my SD card soon Mom.

Well that's about it for this week. We got a lot of follow up appointments for next week with some promising people. We're working hard, but so is the advisary. Hopefully the spirit of the season will help us out.

I love you all and hope you enjoy the snow for me!

Elder Groves

Turkey day for the homeless

The week started with a lot of ups and went down from there.

To start off, Elder Thiriot and I had to go to the mission home on tuesday. I spent the night monday trying to get us a ride there, turns out practically everyone had already teamed up. I guess I missed the boat. So we biked it! Before leaving tuesday morning I asked around to find out the best route and the quickest way. I found one that I was told would take about 30 minutes on bike. We leave and head off on our journey. After many very hard hills to ride up and an hour later we finally arrive at the mission home, dripping with sweat. We go in and get some good training. Luckily we were able to find a ride home, but it was a nice adventure to begin the week.

We finished that day by dropping the Rodelo family. Turns out she's only letting us in every time because her mom sent us over. She's actually been going to another church and like it better. We asked her to keep reading and call us when she knows it's true. I think some other Elders in a few months may have some better luck with them.

Then for dinner that night we went to visit Noah and his family. Noah is awesome!! He's a recent convert of less then a year and he's the only member of his family. He has the missionary's over for dinner every week in hopes that they can start teaching his family. It seems like this family has been hit with the gospel a lot, so we decided rather try and shove it down their throats we'd rather build a lot of trust first. I don't think it will be that difficult considering they whole family is way into music and especially choir music. I plan to bring some of the new sheet music mom sent to see what they think. Right now they go to a catholic church, I think Noah goes to both so he can keep his family together.

We've had a lot of daily contact with Christian and Jasmine, which has turned out to be really good. They will be having their baptismal interview tomorrow! We had a really good lesson with them on sunday, yesterday, and their mom was there. The mom is still a little anti-baptism. She kept saying they don't know enough to make a big decision. The good thing is that she will still let them be baptized. Well she left it up to them and they said "I'm getting baptized, and I'm proud of it!" Awesome!! They also came to the baptismal service, with their mom! They were all excited showing her all the different rooms where they have class on sunday and everything. I hope the mom will see how the gospel has changed her kids and finally feel that she needs it too.

Thanksgiving was a great day... ish. We started by doing a service project. We made T-shirts, with a 3 nephi reference talking about looking to to christ and enduring to the end. We had that on the front and painted stuff on the back. My three included the following:
"We've got all the answers!"
"Have a blessed day! 'The Mormons'"
"Got Sheep? We do!" John 10:16 3 Nephi 12

Then after making them we handed them out to the Homeless on skidrow. That was pretty fun. I had a homeless guy guess that I was from Salt Lake City Utah. After that we helped a family move out of our area to Elder Amundsens area... thieves! We had to cancel our first dinner appointment though cause the moving took longer then we thought. It's ok, it was only a pitty appointment. We had a second dinner appointment with the Ortega Family and Elder Clark (my DL) and his companion Elder Davis. We had to get special permission to have more then one companionship at the dinner but it was fun. We had Mole that was so good! So kinda a different Turkey day, since I didn't have any turkey. Still very enjoyable.

The rest of the week goes down hill from there. We had to drop a lot of people, Elder Thiriot's back light got stolen on his bike, and we didn't have a single investigator with a baptismal date come to church. Victor was never there for his appointments, we got special permission from the AP to wake up at 2 in the morning to call him and remind him of church. (he gets home from work at that time) He told us he's been studying for a test, so we told him when he's done and has read the Book of Mormon, to give us a call.

Miguel, we had a discussion with Miguel but it was more like with his wife. She finally said she would come to our church... they didn't. Also they stood us up on our appointment, which is like the third time. So we wrote a kind note saying that our time is precious and to call us when they are ready to do the things necesarry.

We also tried to set a date with Guadalupe again but they don't even want to get married til January. We gave them Alma 4 to read, which says don't procrastinate the day of your repentance, and told them we would come back on monday to see how it went. and if they didn't read, we can't come over. Crazy things this week! The thing is Guadalupe was the only one who came to church! It's her husband that doesn't want to get married. She wants it, just doesn't want to go over her husband to get it.

That's it for me, I'm glad to hear you had a great Turkey day! I hope everyone ate a lot of stuffing for me! I'm very happy to hear the result of the BYU game. Word around the mission is that now they play USC? If that's so, the stadium is just south of my area! They had a USC and UCLA game the other day and from what I hear, every street withing 5 blocks were packed!

Christmas season is approaching, and sad to say, I don't have very many Christmas CD's. Just you know, putting that out there, in case you were wondering... yeah....

I love you all! I'm glad to hear all is going well at home. Keep up the prayers. This time we gotta pray for more investigators to teach! Thank you som much!

Love, Elder Groves!

Week 2!

And we're off!
Things have really started to pick up around here in LA. we now have 5 investigators with baptismal dates!

Christian and Jasmine:
We have been doing a lot of daily contact with them to get them to be prepared for december 6th. We have been working hard, and so far so good. We had a lesson with them on sunday and it went really well. I just wish the Mom could have the same excitement they do about their baptism. We're working with it though. They didn't come to church yesterday because of family problems. Other then that they seem to be well on their way to a white December! Their date is Dec. 6th.

Miguel:
I don't know if I told you much about Miguel but he is a referral we recieved. His wife and Mother-in-law are members and his wife really wants to be sealed in the temple. He's kinda a laid back guy, but he does want to get baptized. His date is for the 13th of December. The only thing with him is that he goes to a ward outside the Mission. They are supposed to go to our ward, Barrio 6th, but they have been going to a ward in Glendale for years and don't want to leave. I'm gonna talk to president about it and get his opinion on what we should do.

Victor:
He is a man in his 20's that the other Elders have been working with. It took a while but we finally got in touch with him. He's really willing and wants to be baptized. He has yet come to church though. The other Elders even gave him a shirt and tie, still hasn't come. He's a difficult man to contact, but when we do he's solid!

Valeria:
She's a 10 year old sister of 2 recent converts in the ward. She wants to get baptized but doesn't want to put the effort into reading and going to church. Her mom isn't that great of an example, she's a less active from equador who loves the missionaries but doesn't come to church. I think Valeria has the idea that if Mom doesn't go she doesn't need to. Ugh! She is the most frustrating one yet!


The Rodelo Family:
Daily contact is what is going to save this family. Our first lesson with them was Elder Thiriot's first day. It was one of the hardest lessons! They are a very quite family. However, we've learned a lot about them and really have got them to open up since we've seen them everyday. Come to find out, the mom can't be sitting for too long or she gets sick. That's why when they come to church they only come for sacrament meeting. They are a really good family though, with lots of potential! We just need to become their best friends so they are willing to make the sacrafices to see the blessings.

Guadalupe, Marco Antonio & Tony:
This week we're going to make some big headway on getting them married. They both want to do it, we just need to help them get it done!
We tried to set a marriage date, but they want to talk to the bishop first. I know that once they are married, they will be ready for baptism. She is really excited, him on the other hand is a little hesitant. She even asked us if she could get baptized with out him. Sure as long as she's married. We taught Law of Chastity this week, it was one of the least awkward Chistity lessons I've seen. They set up a time for the Bishop on Tuesday.

Other then that we've been booked with potential, doing a lot of daily contact with each Investigator and teaching some less actives. We haven't had a lot of time tracting which is really good. We are definately a lot more busy here then I ever was in Willowbrook.

For Thanksgiving, we're having 2 dinners. One American (so I can get my turkey and taters!) and then one Hispanic. I don't really know what to expect at the Hispanic dinner.

I don't know if I explained our Area well last time so I'll give it another go. Olympic down to Venice, until it hits the 110 freeway, then it goes to washington. And Wester to Alameda. It's a lot of apartments and it's actually a big area, but we only work half of it. We have the Staples Center (where the Lakers play) and the LA Convention center. Plus parts of the "The Alley". It's 90% Hispanic which I love!!

We had a really fun Turkey Bowl today, with some other zones in the mission. Ironically, every game tied.

Anywhoo that's all for this week, I'm about to be booted off.

I love you all! I loved the Scary Dinner pics, I think the Garden Gnome takes the cake, after the Brindle of course ;)

Pray for these investigators, pray that we can get them to church! Thank you miss you, love you!

Elder Groves

"Que hace un pez? Nada!!"

LA 6th Downtown!!

Cheerio family!
I say Cheeerio because my new companion is from England!! He is an American Citizen though. His name is Elder Thiriot (Theory-ought, or ut) He is awesome! He loves to just get out there and get busy. That's why I felt so bad yesterday cause I accidently locked us out of the apartment, and we had to spend an hour trying to pick the lock, open windows, call the mission home. Come to find out, our neighbor has a spare.
We are in LA 6th Downtown. Our northern border is, Olympic. Our southern border is Venice, until the 110 then it drops to washington. Our western border is... western. I don't know the name of our eastern most street. Sorry, I think it might be the border of the Mission but I don't know. I'll let you know next week. We do have the Staples Center and part of "The Alley" in my area. We rode by it the other night and saw all the Laker fans going around in their yellow jersey's that say Kobe, Luckily we don't have a lot of work that far east. Your christmas presents will all be from the alley though! ;) It's hard flush training! I have no idea where I am and I have to be perfect doing it. A lot of pressure, good thing my Greenie and I get a long. The people here are really great though, a great place for Elder Thiriot to start his mission. It's mostly spanish, infact the Elders before us didn't even have one english investigator, so that means we both are going to be learning a lot of spanish! It's total bike and I love it! I feel nice and exhausted at the end of the day, which practically gaurantees a good nights rest.
We set two baptismal dates this week, Christian and Jasmine, they ar 15 and 12 I think. We met them and set a date, they actually have had all the lessons and a date before but the mom didn't feel like they were ready to make the commitment. So we told her we'll set a date, teach all the lessons again. She was good for that.
We also have Gaudalupe and Marco, we tried to set a date with them but they weren't as excited. They kept saying they weren't ready. Tried and tried convincing them but to no avail. We did set a goal to get them married. Infact Gaudalupe came to church on sunday, and the bishop had a meeting with all the investigators. She came out beaming and said that she has an appointment with the bishop tuesday to get started on the marriage process. WoooHoo! Way to go Obispo Estrada!!
We're trying to see if we can get some investigators from some lpart member family's, and of course a lot of tracting. There is a lot of work here in this area. The field is white (or more like brown cause you don't find many white people besides missionaries) and all ready to baptize!!
Cool story, So we tracted into a guy who had had the discussions in El Salvador, we talked to him a little about that and then tried to set up a return appointment. He was not willing to set up a return appointment, then somehow we got talking about him and family and him looking for a job, normal stuff, we related it back to the gospel and how Family is center in God's plan. He had turned right around, we set up an appointment and as we were leaving he repeated the time and said he would be waiting cause he has a lot of questions. I think people just see the tag and don't know that we are people and talk about normal things. We just know why we do the normal things and where were going when we do the good things. I dunno maybe you just had to be there but I thought it was one of the best tracting contacts I've had so far.
Well I guess this E-mail is long enough, I've blabbered on and on so I will now go back home so I can switch my laundry. Sorry I didn't get any pictures this week, I'll send a few next week to show you how LA 6th Downtown is all about!

I love you, take care of that beautiful snow that is falling, play in it lots for me!!

Love, Elder Groves!

Transfers! 11/9/09

Where I go nobody knows! Just follow your nose! or maybe not. I tried to send some pictures, but it kept kicking me off, when I'm done with this letter I'll try again.
Transfers have arrived! I'm leaving. I'm heading to downtown! I'm going to be in what's called the LA 6th Area. I'll be on total bike! Plus! I'm going to be the lead companionship of Barrio Sexcto, or 6th ward. My area as far as I can tell is going to be majority spanish, that I'm way excited for! I hope it's a long good while before I get called to an English area. The area itself is just south of "The Alley" I don't know the exact borders but I'll let you know next week. I can tell you that the Staples Center is in my area, that will be interesting. So that is transfers... almost. My new companion is going to be, well I don't know yet. I'll meet him on wednesday when he comes in from Provo. So I'm going to be flush training downtown, with a lot of spanish. Pray for me. It's pretty exciting, I'm way ready for something new and new challenges and I know it will definately be challenging. Elder Oswald is leaving too, he's just going north of our area, they are opening a new area there and so he'll stay in the apartment that we're in now but drive to his area everyday. So our area will be flushed, which is too bad cause we just got a crazy cool new investigator.

Her name is Lilia, she was a referrall Elder Amundsen and I got but couldn't contact cause she was in Tiajuana Mexico. I met have told you about her before, I don't remember. But she's way cool, I went over with a kid from the ward and taught her on wednesday. When we got there her Son-in-law was there. First thing he said to us was, "Hi, I'm Catholic" For the next 20-40 minutes he asked us all kinds of questions and tried to argue with us about our beliefs, saying were wrong because we believe this and stuff like that. I was scared for a little bit we had only taught Lilia once before and now she has to hear this. However the conversation soon turned to her defending us and saying the Catholics are wrong, she said stuff like we should only worship one God and things like that. It soon turned into an argument with jsut those two. She finally ended it by saying, "I'm looking for the right church, right now I'm studying with these guys, the Mormons, nothing you can say will change that." WOOOHOOO!! Go Lilia! So we taught her a first, committed her to watch the Restoration DVD and committed her to come to church on sunday. But the story doesn't end there.

We give her a call on sunday to reminds her of church, we call around 8 and church starts at 930. She said she was up and already getting ready, also said that during the week she went and found the church so she could find it again on sunday. She must have gone to church right after that cause she beat us there. After all the meetings she came up to me and said she wanted to go see the baptism that was going on tonight, not expecting her to say that we unfortunatley had an appointment, that didn't stop her. She went anyway. We get a call later that night from another Elder saying that he was talking to Lilia at the baptism and she was telling him how much she liked it and that she wanted to get baptized, so he set a date with her for Dec. 6th. How crazy is that! She committed herself to baptism!! I love this work! We have an appointment with her tomorrow so we can get started, then the new Elders will have to take over. So cool though! It makes me feel that all the work I've done in this area with tracting and finding has finnaly paid off.

Well that seems to be all I have time for this week, I'll let you know all about "Mi Hijo" next week. Until then, stay strong, stay true, and keep praying! Love you all!

Elder Groves

Hallow-boring! 11/2/09

Yeah, it was a pretty boring Halloween. We had to be in at 6 and couldn't leave the apartment the rest of the night. We cleaned and ate the Halloween candy Mom sent. Other then that it was a pretty normal day.
On monday we had a fun Noche De Hogar, we taught about the war chapters in the Book of Mormon and had people be the mounds of dirt and the timbers and towers that Moroni made to protect his city (the city was someone sitting in the middle) so the Lamanites (Anthony and Sergio) couldn't attack with arrows and stones (paper airplanes and paper balls). They loved it, as did we doing it. Alma 49 and 50 if your interested. We related it to how we have to protect ourselves by reading scriptures attending church, and so forth. If one of those fail, our city and families are in danger.
Tuesday night I went on splits in Watts. That rocked pretty hard core! I was with my DL's greenie who felt bad because all our appointments were falling through, we got some good contacts tracting though.
Wednesday was Zone Conference, that was pretty cool. I got to see a lot of Elders I hadn't seen in a while. President set a new challenge for next transfer, he calls it a "white" Christmas in LA. He wants every single companionship in the mission to have at least one baptism next transfer. Then in January after the transfer we're having a mission wide conference to evaluate. Pretty cool. I'm really really excited about it. Especially because everyone seems to think I'm going to be flush training next transfer, I won't know for sure til president starts making calls this weekend, so I'm not going to be saying anything. I do think I'll be transfered though. THey also talked a lot about obedience at ZC. My companion took it... good? When we got home that night he smashed both his guitars, threw away half his books and everything else he had been collecting. He was going crazy. It's a good thing. He's really stepped up his game.
We also had a lesson with Anthony, we wanted to teach him how he can recognize the spirit. We watched the restoration DVD and then taught him how the spirit feels. We had him go get his blanket, wrap it around him and describe to us how it felt. Then we had him take it off and ask Heavenly Father if Joseph Smith really was a prophet. After the prayer we asked how he felt, he couldn't believe it. He said he felt exactly like the blanket was on him. He was loving it! It was so cool to see the light bulb go on. That kid is going places!
Thursday we did a lot of finding, actually found some too! Made a few return appointments and taught Sergio, tried the blanket thing but he couldn't say a sincere prayer. He just kept laughing. Oh well maybe it's not for everyone.
Friday was car free day, no one in the mission was alowed to use a car. We had an appointment with Keri, but she wasn't there and we haven't been able to contact her since. We've tried everyday and will continue til we can find out what happend.
So, friday after dinner, we go outside to get our bikes and head up to a service project we had scheduled with the ward. Or bikes were gone. We walked to and fro looking for them, and they were no where to be seen. Finnaly a lady came up to us asking if we had put our bikes by a sign down the street, yes, she had one in her house but a Hobo took the other one. When she saw him take it she put the other one in her house to keep it from getting stolen. Mine was... in her house. My companion's bike got stolen by a bum. We had to bum a ride or walk the rest of the day. He's still mad about it, I'm just glad we never found the Hobo, cause I don't think I could stop my 300 lb companion from rippin him a new one.
Saturday was boring Halloween, it was fun to see little kids dressed up and having fun, and we did get a lot cleaned in our house. Cause it definatley needed it.
Sunday, oh sunday. We didn't have a great sunday. None of our investigators came to church. Granted, we only have two right now. IT seemed everyone's investigators were coming but ours. So we were feeling a little depressed and decided to skip english ward in the afternoon and go out and work. The first referral we looked up was Lilia. She was a really good lesson. She wants to know if it's true but... can't read. I really gotta figure out how to get past this obstacle, it's coming up a lot more then you'd expect in LA.
After Lilia we went to a baptismal service of the ward, which was a little depressing too. So tomorrow we're going to push hard to find those investigators that are just waiting!
I hope all is well, Mom told me a little about scary dinner but not much. I can't wait til pictures. I'll send some more pics home. That's it for this week, until then. Good morning, and in case I don't see ya, good afternoon good evening and good night!

Love y'all!

Elder Groves

Weird... 10/26/09

A lot of ... things happened this week. To start off we dropped Salvador. We asked him about his baptism and how he felt... come to find out he didn't know that the Book of Mormon is true. So we left him to read and pray about it. He said he did... at 3 in the morning after he came back from Knotts berry Farms, and said God has something for him just not right now. Sad but if he's not ready we're wasting the Lords time. Hopefully some other Elders will pick him up and start teaching again. Kinda like we did with Rosio.
We had a great lesson and re-established her testimony in the Book of Mormon. I think Salvador kinda woke us up on some of the fundamentals, then last night went and taught her about the plan of Salvation and The Word of Wisdom... That's her stumbling block. She said she has drunk Cofee and Tea since she was little and doesn't see why it's bad. We tried telling her the only thing that matters is that God told us no. She didn't buy it. She did say she would give Shirley a call and ask her what she thinks. So at least she feels comfortable with the members we bring. She is going to come to Noche De Hogar tonight so maybe some of the people there can help her.
Keri... oh Keri.... Keri got into a car accident thursday night. She and Brooklyn are ok. She broke open her knee and has some staples in it. Brookyn got a couple of stitches in her forehead. We went by and visited friday, Keri can't walk very well but Brookyn seems to have more energy than the Energizer Bunny. So Keri didn't come to church this week and neither did Rocio. I know if we can get them to church, meet some other members, get them excited about being a member, then the road to baptism will be a lot easier. Church seems to be the problem with a lot of people. No wonder our Zone Goal is based around that. We need your prayers this week for these two to get to church!
Other then them we don't have any other investigators, we have a couple potentials but nothing really solid. We've had around 13 hours of finding/tracting this week. That's the most I've had in my mission so far. They're out there, we're just trying to get to them.
I heard about BYU, that stinks. It stinks so bad I can smell it from here! Go Phillies though! Even though I was a little partial to the Angels considering my location.
Halloween is this week, I think I'm going to be a missionary. We actually have to be in our apartments at 6 and can't leave. But we get to treat it as a P-day, write letters, clean, play guitar. We just can't leave our apartment nor give out candy, even if it's glued to a pass along card. I'm excited to get some pictures of Scary Night though! I'll send more pictures next week, I just gotta find what ones I want. Plus I'll send back the SD card.
The work is slowing, but we're doing our best not to. Pray, we could use the help. I love you all, enjoy the snow, I know I'm gonna miss it!

I learned this week from a guy off the street, Jesus lives in the sun, and there is a hidden military base in Compton. Think about that for a while...

Love you! Elder Groves!

Rain anyone? 10/19/09

We had 2 almost 3 days of complete rain here! It was crazy, it just wouldn't let up. Which was a big bummer for me cause we couldn't go out and ride bikes. We've been doing that ALOT more, since our limit on our miles for the car got cut. It's ok, gives me more excercise! Plus I getta try out all the stuff on my bike, which I found out is pretty slow... oh well just makes me work harder!
A pretty wierd week this week, with the rain and all. I found my companion hates to tract, which is hard. We do a lot of tracting here, well more now then when I was with Edler Amundsen, but it puts us both in a downer mood. That with the gloomy weather has kinda made it a tough week.
I did get to go on splits with our DL Elder Tillman. He's one of the best missionary's. I really learn so much from him, I'm glad we did it when we did cause it gave me a boost to get things rolling in my area with my companion.
Our investigators are ... doing. Still church is the big problem. So far we've only had Salvador come the last 2 weeks. We had do drop Oscar and Janet cause we just can't get time to teach them, plus they aren't coming to church. We tried to set a Bap date with Keri, she was really really hesitant. She would tell us what she needs to do but is still really scared about making the change. With a lot of help from the lord we got one! I still feel she's pretty shakey about it though. Plus she's never been to church, she was supposed to even come to a baptismal service but didn't show! I've grown to love these people, and I wish they could see how the gospel will bless their lives in ways they can't tell right now. They just need to show a little faith!
On splits Elder Oswald taught Rocio, and got a baptismal date! WooHoo! Now we have to figure out how to get her to church so she can get baptized.
Salvador told us he isn't ready for baptism, he totally is though. He just said he has some more questions to iron out, but I think he wants to know everything before he gets baptized, which is not going to happen.
Other then that we've been tracting and working on some potentials that we found in our Area book. The works going... slowly but surely.
On other news, we've been asked to look for an apartment in our area. Which means it pretty likely that our area gets split this transfer. I never thought it would be this hard to find an apartment around here, with all the people moving out. The trouble is finding one SMALL enough. With this searching and the fact that President told me at Interviews that a lot of the people from my transfer are going to become seniors and trainers soon, a lot of the other Elders (especially my companion) think I may be training this next transfer. I don't know about training but I think I could become senior. Anywhoo, off to work we go!
I love you all and miss you, pray for church attendance and that we can find some more people to teach!

Always remember... "Jesus loves Compton"

Elder Groves!

10-13-09 Candy?

Hey family of man all across utah and the country!
This week has been quite the Roller Coaster. I didn't e-mail yesterday because the library was closed for Columbus Day, we didn't even know it was Columbus day til we tried going to the library. Missionaries are a little shelterd at times. Anywho, here I am today, alive, breathing and teaching the good news!
Last week was pretty interesting, We have had some great things come to pass, and Satan has won a few battles as well. To start out we taught the entire plan of Salvation to Keri, it was pretty quiet because her little 3 year old Brooklyn had fallen asleep. To give you a little bit about Keri, just think of a quiet Rena. We taught her and commited her to come to church. She called us around 10:00 sunday morning saying she wasn't feeling good so she didn't go to work... but she still coming to church and needed directions. WooHoo!! So we waited at church until about 1:15 then called her, she said her car broke down (overheated) and couldn't find a way to get there, but she also said nothing is going to stop her from coming this week. So its really good to see her desire to come to church. I know she has been so well prepared to recieve the gospel... even though it took 4 other missionaries to do it.
That's kinda what we are picking up on, playing a little clean up with the former investigators in the area, Because we taught another girl who I think 4 or 5 other companionships have taught, her name is Rosio. She has a 6 year old girl Ashley. We commited Rosio to baptism for the 8th of November. She couldn't come to church last week because she had to work, but we hope and plan to see her this week.
Salvador, he is the story of the week! We couldn't stop by on tuesday this week but we've been trying to daily contact him as much as possible, so we swung by to say hi on friday, he wasn't there but his brother was working on a bike. Come to find out Elder Oswald knows quite a bit about fixing bikes. So he took of his jacket, rolled up his sleeves and got tinkering! I sat and talked with his mom in spanish for awhile, it was a really good oppurtunity to meet the family and really let them know we're good guys. Who knows maybe we'll start teaching them sometime soon. We pray so! After tinkering and talking for awhile, Salvador shows up! So we talked with him for awhile, we set another baptismal date for the 25th. He really only has one more lesson to go, we asked him if he got to watch any of conference and he started talking about how passionate Elder Holland was! Booh Yeah!! On top of all this he came to church on sunday in a suit! He is getting serious about getting saved! I'm so stoked for the huge progress he's made this week. Pray that he can make even more the coming week so he can get baptized.
On a downer note, we had a good lesson with Oscar this week. We had arranged for a member to meet us there, but we were on bike and got about 20 minutes behind schedule. So we finnally get there and he and Hermano Jerez were just talking up a storm! They talked about scriptures, baptism, repentance, prayer.. almost everything! We had a really good lesson with him and set up a return appointment for Sunday... so where's the downer you ask? Saturday night comes around I give them a call for a reminder of church and... they say they can't cause they are taking the kids to the dentist. Dumb! Then on top of that they cancelled the appointment we had with them. I was so frustrated after that. We swung by yesterday and set up another appointment, if they don't keep anymore commitments they're going to be dropped until maybe some other missionaries can play clean up.
So a lot of up and downs this week. Also we've done a lot of finding work. Looking through our area book, we made a huge map of our area with colors and pins and the whole ten yards, we haven't found a lot but a little.
I did get to see one of the people I taught while I was in the trio get baptized yesterday, it was a really good service... but... we had to improvise a while because we filled the font too hot. Kinda funny that it was too hot this time and not too cold. When we asked Marie how it felt she just said it was a nice warm bath.
The work is going, my companion and I are trying our best to get along. We either have really good days, or really hard days. But maybe your right Dad, I'm just getting prepared for something. I just need to get through this transfer then we'll see what's after that mark. They might be splitting our area cause we have to look for another apartment in the northern part of our area.
I love you all, I thank you so much for your love and support. I wouldn't be able to do this without you.
Hasta luego!
Elder Groves

10/5/09

That's my new comp. Elder Oswald. He's from American Fork and has 3 months left, he's already getting a little trunky. He's... well... interesting. He started the transfer saying... "There are a few things you need to know about me" that was at like, 10 am wednesday morning. We didn't get out and working til 3. I hope this goes by faster then I think it will. He's really cool at times and I'm impressed with some of the ways and tactics he uses while teaching. He is also very loud, very messy, and has anxiety and ADHD. It's going to be a very interesting transfer. I think Heavenly Father is testing my patience with this one. This is his second time being Senior companion, and he goes home in december.
Also he's testing me with my area. We had 3 people we wanted to see at church this week and all fell through. We did have a pretty good lesson with Salvador, we brought a member and her really seemed determined to follow through on everything we asked. We stopped by a couple days later un announced just to see how he's doing and all the fire and enthusiasm he had befor was gone. I called him saturday night to remind him about coming to church to watch a session of conference with us and he said he wasn't going to cause he had work. I kinda got frustrated and just told him that he needs to focus less on work and more on his spirituality. I hope he didn't get the wrong impression.
We've had a lot of hit and miss this week with all our investigators. It's tough, cause when I was with Elder Amundsen we were going nuts with all our investigators, now it's really slow and everywhere else is going crazy. I just pray for one baptism this transfer and I'll be happy.
Conference was awesome! It was a whole lot different sitting and watching it in a chapel rather then at home while dad makes breakfast. It still was really good and really powerfull. I can't wait til the Ensign comes out so I can learn it all again! Like I said we didn't have any investigators come, but if they did they would have heard exactly what they needed to hear. Everytalk I thought of one of our investigators who that talk would especially help. Luckily I could watch them all in english and the one spanish building we did go to were showing both. Had that not been the case I don't think I would have had learned as much as I did.
That's about it for this week, we didn't teach very many cause a lot cancelled, our area did change to a car/bike area so I'll be using my bike a lot more. I hope everyone enjoyed conference, it was fun to see some boys I recognized in the aaronic priesthood choir for priesthood session. I didn't see any from our ward though, what's up with that?! 66th we gotta represent!
I did try to attach some pictures this time 174 is at Edwin's baptism, 188 is the baptism of the two boys sergio in blue and anthony in the suit. 200 a sign we found at a church in our area, pretty rockin right?! 202 The Avila-Hernandez family, Elder Amundsen's last day in the area. They were a less active family we've been having Family Night with. She makes some Chile Rellenos that blow Gecko's out of the water! One of my favorite family's in the area.
I hope that explained them well enough. I hope all is well back home, it's starting to get cooler here, we have to wear our jackets every night after 6:00. Hasta luego!

Elder Groves