Day 538

Dear Mom,

It's been a pretty good week, We found some more people to teach, I went out with two missionaries this week, one in Brandon, another in Winnipeg! Tommorrow is Zone Conference, when I'll get all those christmas packages that you sent me.. Full of love! Ps. when should I open it? It's going to be hard to not open it right when I get it... On Wednesday I'll get to go up to Flin Flon. It's about 8 hours north of me. I'm excited for that. It's going to be a long exchange, I probably won't be back to my area till late on thursday. :/ But the weekend is prime time so that's when I want to be here.

The Azarcons came to church this week, (The Fillipino Family) and even though they only stayed for sacrament, everyone loved them. They were a huge hit. I hope we can have them back!

The Spanish Elders had a baptism this week, It was the daughter of a guy that was baptized a transfer and a half ago. so that was really good!

Other than that... I gave a talk in church about the gift of Christ. It was good, I read a story in the Dec 2012 ensign that made me choke up a little bit. It was a good story.

We ate papoozas this week (I think that's how you spell it..)

(from previous letter)  How long were your braces on?

I think it was right around a year!!!

Do you spend more time doing administrative, or ministrative duties?  Which would you rather do?

Definitely I'm still mostly a normal missionary, don't you worry.

Are you considered an old missionary?  (not because of years, but time out)

Yes I am. It's sad. 

Do you know when you will be calling us?

Probably in the morning or early afternoon time!

Did you say something about transfers coming up soon?

No, transfers won't happen until Jan 7 I think. Don't you worry.

I love you!!

Love Elder Peterson

Day 531

Brandon is going well, I'm enjoying the service out here. I like Elder Griffin, but I miss Elder Owens in some aspects as well. We just clicked well, which I didn't think would happen before we served together. He sent me an email today.

Do you have any Christmas Ideas for me? Last year I remember clocking in really late on getting Dad his present. Earrings maybe? I don't know. 

Ok, well, I'll get started with my day.  So here are the questions

Do you remember doing that? ( memorizing and reading before  you were 12)

I remember people attempting to convince me to memorize before I was 12.. I knew the fourth Article of Faith for a long long long time. It wasn't till I entered into the MTC that I realized what it was all about.

Do you have any gift ideas for family members? ( I think you have Kamas this year)

What am I supposed to do for her? I can't even find anything that I want to do for anyone

Do you still wear the boots you got when you came?

I've only wore those boots a few times, they're good and everything but they're so heavy. I miss the boots that I have back home. I would say that if he has a good pair of boots (probably warm work boots) he should bring those, otherwise I don't think it will matter all that much if he buys some back home or out here. 90 percent of the time when I need boots, I just wear some black cover-the-ankle (I don't even know what that's called) church shoes that have some insulation and good grip, that I got at a thrift store for two dollars. those are good for anything except maybe service. Sometimes my feet are just cold.

Hows Sandra? Bro Olenick?  Maria?

Sandra is doing just wonderful, I haven't talked to the other two for a week or so. I thought Maria would have come to church but she didn't :/

Hows the weather?

The weather is good, it's still right around freezing, sometimes above, sometimes below. 

Whats the best DL or ZL experience you've had so far?

I really liked being a district leader in Brandon because all of the missionaries that I worked with were in Brandon. The best part was district meetings that were very spiritual and prepared for where you could see that everyone was very active and involved. Being a zone leader is fun too, I like the level of trust and the information that you get, also you can contact more other missionaries than before, but It seems that I rarely have time to do so. I also like to go on exchanges.

I also know that The office has a bunch of old missionary stuff, what's there and the quality of such I couldn't tell you, but they do have some.

I've been glad to get to meet all of these people in Brandon, we have a bunch of exchanges coming up in the next few weeks, hopefully something exciting happens. :) Also I love it here, I could totally stay here the rest of my mission

 

 

Other than that, I know that this gospel is true. It's worked in my life and I've seen it work in others. I am a child of God. So are you. Isn't that enough to help us be good, to reach a little farther, and see our true potential?

I would like to remind you of a line in my Patriarchal blessing about you, which paraphrased is "you have been given kind and loving parents who love the Lord with all their hearts" a literal snapshot of what heavenly father thinks of you. Keep up the good work.

I love you! 

PS. 

If I'm allowed to watch a family movie for christmas, which should I watch? I was thinking maybe big hero six? heard lots of good things about that one.

PPS.

You're the greatest!!

Day 524

Dearest Mother.

This week was good, a lot of driving to Winnipeg and such. I got to spend a little more time with Elder Bingham (not my Elder Bingham) and it was fun. I'm with Elder Griffin now, and he's pretty good. I like the vision that he has and I think that I'll come out of this a lot better than when I went in.

What is your favorite discussion to teach?

I like teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because those plain and precious things are all what it's all about. It's applicable as well :)

How was your awesome Thanksgiving Dinner with the Olenicks? (After I told her we put marshmellows on the yams, I  realized, I hardly ever do that, just butter and brown sugar... ha ha)

It was so good, I was suuuper stuffed after that. I had two pretty big plates and then pie

How is Elder Griffin?  ZL too?  Please elaborate, where from, how long out, etc

He's Zone Leader as well, he's from Spanish Fork Utah, been out 4.5 months. Nice Kid, good morals, good christian background...

The teenage witch thing came from a story we heard about you and a late stop for ice cream at McDonalds... care to share?

Well I'm a little bewildered that you know that story, and I'm not sure why you're asking if you already know, but even so, we went to get ice cream, and then she came to the window, her name was Sabrina, and I knew right off the bat that she was entranced by my dedication to serve the lord.. and also my good looks and charm. So Elder Madsen told me that he'd give me a loonie if I asked her if she was a teenage witch. So I did.

How are your new investigators?  Bro O?  Mission Leader Cousin?

They are about the same. Bro O is being a little bit stubborn, and we haven' t seen "mission leader cousin" for a while.

We were able to teach a lady named Maria, she is such a sweetheart, although she doesn't speak much english, she seems to like us. We all made Baleadas together (very el salvadorian) and had a good lesson. The spirit was strong.

Do you get to help with Christmas stuff?

Yes we do, that's why I'm rushing a little bit, trying to get out of here because we're supposed to help today.

This week was pretty good. Elder Griffin works super hard, it's hard for me to keep up with him. He still needs a little breaking in ;) but he's great.

Do they tell you to get flu shots?

Yes they did, so I did. Watch me get the flu... and kidney stones.. and ulcers. ;)

I love you all, might I remind you that I'll be talking to you within a month!!

Love Elder Peterson

Day 517

Hello!

It's been a really good week, I can't remember what it was I was going to talk about.. I got a flu shot, Elder Owens is getting transferred.... Home. That makes me laugh that you sprayed yourself. Just know I've thought of that as well and I would totally do it again.

We went out to a reserve this week, also we got an appointment for christmas eve a month and a half in advance.. ;)

We have started teaching (Somewhat) two of the people that we've been trying to work with all transfer. Sister Olenick's husband, and Our ward mission leader's cousin. Super great!

I got to go to Winnipeg on Exchange, that was super great, I got to see one of my favorite missionaries, and my favorite member Argentinian family Super great!!

Hey, I hope you have a great week!  Do you have many members from the states up there?  Where are you spending Thanksgiving?

I'm not sure we'll have a place to spend thanksgiving, although we are getting fed everyday until then, that's when we go in for transfers. Good place.

How is your Filipino family, do you still have much contact with them?

Yeah we saw them yesterday, they like us, but we're not sure they really want to progress.

We are, of course, having it here with Grandma and Grandpa.  I get to make the pies.  I'll have to think of some yummy ones.

I didn't hear how your non-birthday dinner was.  I'm sure it was delicious.??

It was really good! Pizza and Cheesecake! how can you go wrong?

I guess I'm doing questions first this time.

What other baptisms are coming up, or is that Charee?

Charee should be coming up, although she's dropped off the planet again, so we're going to have to put her on hold. :(

How was the rededication?

It was good, I enjoyed it, although it was in french. President Eyring was there, he did a good job, although he had one slip up, he said secret rather than sacred and then corrected himself.. Kind of an unfortunate slip huh?

What were Sandra/daughter's reaction to it?

I'm not sure, I think that it was good, but I think it may have weirded them out a little bit. I didn't get to talk to them a lot.

Who did the confirmations?

I did one, and Elder Owens did one.

Is Elder Owens from Alaska, or am I thinking of someone else?  That's nice that he gets to go home before Christmas..

Elder Owens is gonzo, :/ Sad day, he is a good companion.

Have you seen any teenage witches lately?

I don't know where you're getting that from.

Do you know who your new companion is?

I do, his name is Elder Griffin, Nice kid I've heard.

That's all from me this week! have a great one!!

Love Elder Peterson

Day 510

This week was good, we had two exchanges, one with the assistants and one with the Dauphin missionaries, It was a lot of fun I love them all. Drove lots this week, I enjoy that!

How was the baptism, we want to hear every detail?

The baptism was good.

Charee still going strong?

Hit and miss with her, she won't be able to get baptized on the 28 because she didn't come to church, but she probably has a little more to work on. But I believe she could be baptized.

Have you had any other issues with pets?  Stray cats.., etc

Never had any other issues with pets. Not bad!

Do you still help at a shelter?

No we don't. But that's ok, I'm a little allergic anyway.

Whats your favorite "regular" service activity?

I guess I like working at the soup kitchen, and I just like to do dishes.

Is this ward the best at helping with investigators?

They are doing really well at it. There's kind of a revival going on with missionary work, I don't know if that's happening everywhere around the church, but in Brandon it seems like people are getting excited about it. I hope we can teach other people, hopefully these baptisms we've had, and the ones coming up will get all the members just surging with referalls ;)

Sister Olenick said her husband is Catholic, do you get to talk with him, about the church?  She said he comes sometimes

We talk to him sometimes, I don't think that he is super interested, but he did try to refer a guy to us the other day, He's definitely on our side!

Kamas wants to know if you ever see any totem poles.  She said they talked about how Canada has lots of totem poles, in one of her classes at school. 

I Don't think I've seen very many, sad huh?

What are your plans for Thanksgiving?

I don't know what my plans are, thats right around the time that Elder Owens goes home.

Did you already have the temple rededication?  How was that?  Did you get to go?

We do get to go, and it's on sunday. Should be pretty good!

Does Sandra get to go? How old is her daughter?

Sandra and her daughter do get to go! It's going to be so exciting!

PS. 

You thought you were going to get jipped on a baptism story?? It was pretty stressful, we pretty much planned the entire thing. It ended up going well, we had a few good speakers, and then Elder Owens and I sang the spirit of god, because we needed a musical number and didn't have one. Also I got to baptize Sandra and Elder Bingham baptized the daughter Becca. The Confirmation was on Sunday. It's pretty relieving today to not have to worry about it, I'm glad for the experience, definitely a really positive experience for me! We had a potluck after church on sunday and it was really nice, It seemed like she really fit in with the members, It's amazing how much difference it makes!

I've also been asked to not publish the picture of Sandra, so if we can respect that, that would be great :)

Love You!

Elder Peterson

Day 503

Dearest Mother,

This week was a fantastic week, We got a lot of things done, we are doing well, and definitely feeling the Lord's hand in our missionary work. We've been working well and since we've changed the way that we plan (Put goals first) it's been a lot more efficient missionary work. 

I had something else to say, but I can't remember, Also I have to tell you that I'm not supposed to email back and forth with you, but there isn't any limit on the emails you can send, but I'm really only supposed to send one-ish. ;)

We had a bunch of lessons with Sandra, and One with Charee, and we've had members to all of them! so great!!

OK, here come the questions, your favorite part, right?

Of course!!

So I had a question about the picture you put on fb, about the nametag.  Is that another Elder Bingham?  If not, who is that, Elder Binghams, companion? (He posted a picture on his fb page)

No there are multiple Elder Binghams, and both are in our Zone. :)

I'm getting pretty good at recognizing former companions in pictures, even companions OF former companions.  So its important. 

Have you had stake conf?  How was it?  We had one of our sister missionaries speak at the Saturday adult session.  She did a good job.

We did have stake Conference, and it was good. I'm Glad you have good sister missionaries, ours here are really good as well!

Have you had any other health problems?

No?? Not that I know of...

Is your comp also a zl?

Yes he is, We're both reeeeallllly important ;)

Do you ever have any problems with dogs, I may have asked you that before?

Never had any problems with dogs, I never run away, I just stare it down and if it gets close and looks mean than sometimes I lunge at it. I just pretend that I'm not scared and try to show that it should be intimidated by me, not the other way around.

I'd like to hear the pizza story, it sounded like she said it was for your birthday... (I got a message, and later a phone call from a sister in Brandon that told me I had a wonderful son and missionary, we talked for a while)

She just wanted to know what I would ask you to make, and I didn't know so she asked for your phone number, You'll have to call her back you know.. Not for my birthday though, I just told her that's what I would ask you to make if it was my birthday...

How often do people get to go to the temple up there?

The Ward here goes quite a bit, Regina is only four hours away..

Are there any church historical sites up there, it seems like there were some early missionaries up there.

Not really, not that I know of.

How are Charee, and Sandra?

Sandra is getting Baptized along with her daughter this weekend, and Charee has a date for November 28. Super exciting!! Sandra originally had a date for the 21st, but we bumped it up because of the temple rededication. Also I'm not sure what happened with Charee's dad, but we stopped by and he was pretty nice, didn't seem to have a concern, so that threw a little bit of a red flag, but we are working with her again. She came to church on sunday so that was so great to see her. I love what's happening in the mission right now and I am really behind this support for baptisms. I'm so excited today!

Mom I love you for days and I can't tell you how tempting it was to go over to Sister Olenick's and hear her talking to you!!!

You're the best! and God is good!

Love Your best son!!

Elder Peterson

Day 496

We got a letter from his mission president telling us that Ryus was recently made Zone Leader.  He didn't tell us.

Yup I guess the secret is out. But I knew they would send out a letter so I thought I would let it be a surprise. It's been a lot of fun, but it's also a lot of scheduling. Kind of stresses me out because we are having to change things in Brandon and move things around. It's good. We were able to go into Winnipeg and get trained on how to plan correctly. So much Fun!

How were the pyrogies?  Aren't they a polish potato thing?

They're pretty good, but even though they aren't as good, you can get about two pounds of them at walmart for 1.47 CAD

It seems like you have been in Brandon a long time, does it to you too?  We looked and it only since june, but I guess that is a while, 5 months...

Is that the longest you've been in one area?

Swift Current was longer, but my companion goes home this transfer, and I could see me staying one more, making it a seven and half month area.

How are your wonderful investigators?

Really good, We set a date with Sandra to be baptized on the twenty first, church the Sunday after will be cancelled en lieu of the montreal temple dedication. Bishop said that he is willing to have her confirmed and then interview her for a limited use recommend all in the same night. That could be a lot of fun! Not all sales final yet though so we'll see what happens.

 

Kate asked me last night to envision her finishing college and holding a degree.  Then she asked me to tell her what was on the diploma.  I told her what I thought.  What do you envision?

I envision her with a great big... Cosmetology degree!!

Just kidding. but she can do what she wants. I could see her being a lady engineer.

Do you ever use us as examples in your talks, or lessons?

I have, Dad talked to me about home teaching and why it was important to him, and I shared that in one of our district meetings. A few other things as well but none that come to mind.

How was your Halloween?

It was good, we helped someone move, and then we spent the rest of it in our ward mission leader's house. We weren't allowed to proselyte during that time.

Where was that big elk? ( I put this on fb)

On the way from Dauphin. It's a great place. Not really, nice town but the walmart there is kind of run down. Elder Owens was just serving there. we were visiting some missionaries there because it was "White Washed" so we went so he could tell them what he used to do there.

Does it rain lots?

Not really. It's been raining today though.

What did your President do before he was mission president?

i guess you can search him on Google. Tell me what it says.

And I don't even know what to ask for. I want my knife, I'm not too worried about winter, I have tons of things. I even found some electric Gloves that are pretty nice. I don't know what it is. I kind of just aquire things. I have all of the characteristics of a hoarder, so I'll just have to limit those tendencies. I like snacks but also I can buy a lot of those things here. Except for nutter butters I guess. Haha. I Love You Mom.

We talked to Charee's parents and they seem alright with her being baptized. a little perplexing, more to follow.

Love Elder Peterson

Day 489

So that's really exciting, one that across the last several months of my mission, we've found a new investigator almost every week, but usually just one, and Elder Owens and I did our best to show faith to increase that to two investigators, and then we got it done. How great is that!? The other crazy part is that Sandra, while she hasn't been meeting with us for lessons, has been reading The Book of Mormon, and pamphlets on her own. She's great and I love her, and we're excited to see her get baptized and further her relationship with Christ.

That's our week, it's been really exciting, we saw lots of people, lots of missionaries, we've been able to get work done and have fun. Elder Owens is a really good companion, very positive and upbeat, happy go lucky guy.

Thank you for your prayers. I love you.

<3

Love Elder Peterson

Day 482

Sister Peterson,

Well that will be exciting taking Kamas out of school for those, how is she doing with those subjects? how about Korinne? how is life for her?

This week we Made Contact with Charee again, she said she would really like if we tried talking to her Dad. That would be really great if it works out, but man am I nervous!

It was kind of sad everybody had to say goodbye to Elder Bingham, but since he's just in neepawa, he's standing next to me now! 

Prod away for the family history.. just remember how similar Korinne and I are to each other ;)

The only thing that I was thinking would be nice to have, is my leatherman. :) Elder Bingham had one and it made me sure did miss mine.

I found some nearly new Insulated Coveralls at the thrift store today, I thought they only wanted like thirty, and that probably would have been worth trying to pack home, but they wanted 75, they're probably worth between 150 and 200 Can. So we'll see if they're still around when they get cheaper. Any thoughts?

The ones from last letter, favorite scripture hero?

I really like 3rd nephi. He is a great prophet. He sticks in my mind as having some of the most humility, but the most power is given to him as well. Great guy. good morals. Good christian background

The special senior recognition thing, why didn't we do that with you? (remember how Kate was honored at the football game)

I am not sure If I was ever that important. :)

How is the new companion?

I really like him. We get along well! Really positive and upbeat, and I think that he does a really good job.

So Kate said Elder Bingham is finishing as a trainer, how does that work? 

Training lasts for two transfers, so Elder Bingham is finishing someone's training.

Is Halloween big there?

I think it's decent sized, Not like Canadian thanksgiving which is pretty small.

Best service for this week?

We moved two people this week. Some really good members, we helped them pack up their things. They are headed to Kenora. :/ They were really good to me while I was here.

Filipino family?

We haven't seen them Since Elder Bingham left, But I'm sure they will have us over with Elder Owens.

Any new investigators?

No :(

Are you still a DL?

Nope. But we did get a car!

Love you soooo much!!!

Love Elder Peterson

Day 475

This week was good, No complaints. Except I'm getting a new companion, his name is Elder Owens, he was in Dauphin. He is a good missionary, he used to be my Zone Leader so you know he's good. He's kind of a goofball from Alaska. but he is good. It's funny because in the last district meeting I looked at him and I just liked him all of the sudden. I didn't really know what to think before, but it was like someone whispered to me and said "he's a good Elder"

Oh, the question I had last week, maybe its more for a foreign missionary, like things that will help you remember your mission, things you want to share with your family, things that are unique to Canada or your area?  That's what I meant...  Also, when I was asking about Christmas, I meant something like this, something to help you remember the experiences you've had there, momentos, I guess.

Canada doesn't have a lot of Unique things.. except for things with moose on them. One thing I do like about Canada is everyone seems to have a good amount of national pride. Other than that, everything is more expensive up here. Haha.

How is your Filipino family?

They are doing well, We haven't been able to talk to them much. We had an appointment set up last week and it fell through so we were sad, we're going to try and see them before Elder Bingham leaves.

Did the lady watch conference with you or just provide refreshments?

She watched it, I think she even enjoyed it!

What was your best moment this week?

I got to play piano at the other Elder's baptism. The spirit was very strong and I really enjoyed being there. It was nice to contribute to it.

What will you miss about your companion when/if you get transferred?

Elder Bingham is a good missionary, I'll miss his example of service that he shows. He's very thoughtful. Probably my favorite companion.

Are you still helping other missionaries find what they need for a small fee?

Haven't had any treasure finds lately; I usually have my eyes open for garage sales and so forth, but no such luck.

How are your other PI's, did they come around?

Not yet. We're still working on them.

Anything Else? We're expecting to baptize next transfer, so that will be really exciting!

Love Elder Peterson

Day 468

Conference was really good, I really enjoyed it. ps, everyone gave us food yesterday, we had lunch as bishops, then we went to a less active ladies house named Tina, she is a sweetheart, we haven't been able to get her to church, but she feeds us every Tuesday. I don't even know how she does it, but she has all six missionaries every Tuesday, and she always makes the best dinners. We got to go to her house to watch conference for the last session, and she had a bunch of foam fingers and snacks for us to eat. I even tried to let her off the hook for Tuesday night dinner but she said that all of her friends and people are accustomed to her being busy on tuesday night, and if they saw her standing around they would start coming, so "we'd better keep that going"  after that a lady named Sandra dropped off Indian tacos, we put them in the fridge and went to have dinner at our little fillipino families house. We've started teaching them this last week and it's really exciting for me because they are a wonderful little family and the first one I've had the chance to teach. They only sad part is that I'll likely be transferred in a week and a half. :(

My favorite talk was definitely Elder Eyring's he is really the best. He had a good one in priesthood session as well. A lot of the talks for me centered around faith and trusting in the Lord. I think that the thing that stood out to me is that while I believe and even know what the church teaches is true, there are some things that aren't really a reality, things that need to be a little closer to my heart to be impact my life more. I loved Elder Holland's talk on a Mother's love and it made me just want to give my mom a big hug! You're a sweetheart Mom!

Are there very many areas without cars?

Only a few, Now I've had two in a row! :) But that's not a bad thing. It really puts you out to contact people more, walking and riding the bus..

Are you starting to make mental checklists of things you want to remember or take back with you?

Not sure what you mean by that... :)

How was this week, hopefully better?

Really good, especially since we got to teach our family. We taught them about the restoration.  

Has your President given you any advice you could share with us?

I wouldn't mind sharing his advice, but I can't think of what he's given me, He interviewed me a couple months ago, and told me a few of those nice things that when you hear your heart grows three sizes, but when you share, your head grows three sizes, So I'll probably keep those to myself. ;) He's really been changing the mission, he's said now that every companionship should expect to baptize every transfer, so I've got to get behind that and expect it to happen, and then it will!

Best moment for the week (an oldie but a goodie)?

Best moment? I'm not sure, this last week was all pretty good. We were trying to figure out how to teach our fillipino family, then we just said "can we share a spiritual thought with you?" and they Obliged. I was surprised. Simplicity and Boldness are often the best tools to use.

Can you remember getting custom advice from the spirit like Elder Larry Lawrence talked about?

I've definitely had that happen, I think all of us do more than we realize, I think you're talking about the speaker that talked about the girl getting advice to clean her room. The thing is that the Spirit doesn't need us to pray to give us custom revelation, If we're living worthy we should wonder why we're not getting custom revelation all the time. I think it's rarely monumental, but often small things that are the vehicle. Just think back to all the times that things have popped into your head to do, and that was probably the spirit talking to us.

What do you need for your pantry this week?

We didn't spend much, most weeks we only spend about ten or fifteen on groceries, except the beginning of each month we spend close to sixty or eighty together, this week though we're both leery of transfer calls so we are being careful. but today we bought milk, butter, oatmeal and 

What was the best service you did last week?

We got to volunteer for Brandon's largest Garage sale, we met a few people and helped everyone load their junk into a big room, they all set up on little tables hoping to make their fortune, and I wasn't there till the end, but I imagine a lot of people just took their old junk back home. Nothing was very good. We did like the service though. It was like moving someone, except minus the heavy piano and other things.

Ps. What do you mean something meaningful after I get home..? like what?

Day 461

Of course I'd like an update on your people...

All of our people are gone! We had two progessing, one with a Baptismal date. Her parents forbid her from joining, or investigating, (Although she is 19, maybe we can talk some sense into her) and the other declined from having more visits.

Tell me about an interesting person you met recently.  Not necessarily someone you are teaching...

One Drunk guy in the park wanted to fight with me because I told him to not swear at me. haha. we got him calmed down alright and he decided that there was someone else he wanted to fight more.

How are your newly weds doing?

We're supposed to see them on Tuesday, but they haven't really been progressing. We want them to though!!

Is the weather changing?  It cant make up its mind here

Its been in that fifty and sixty degree range, it got up around 80 yesterday though

Are your ward members pretty good at fellowshipping?

They do alright, we're really trying to get them more involved in the work, I think when they meet the people that are coming to church, they'll fellowship them better.

Are you ever scared to talk to people?  or feel intimidated?

All the time, but it often works out for us when we overcome those feelings. Like the other day there were two big white guys in black t-shirts that we walked over to talk to, turned out we knew one of them, and we were able to set up an appointment. He didn't keep the appointment, but it was still good.

Do you ever have preachers confront you?

A little. Actually twice last week we had people confronting us about different doctrinal points. Not preachers, just passionate people that want to shove their thoughts about our faith down our throats. The second was nicer, he invited us to read the book of John, and we gladly accepted if he read three chapters out of the Book of Mormon.

What is the hardest part about being a trainer?

It's not too hard, sometimes I wonder who is training who, although there is a definite weight to it, knowing that everything you do will make a huge impact on this person's mission.

What is the best part about being the senior comp?

You usually get to drive the car. But we don't have one. ;)

Elder Bingham says hello as well, by the way all of you write so late at night, you and dad around midnight, and grandma, taking the cake at 12:50 AM.

Love you so much!

Elder Peterson

Day 454

Speaking of Dentist, I am going to see if I can get to Kenora, Brother Christiansen Will look at my teeth for free.. Now if only I can get over there. Although I've been keeping great care of my teeth and I would be obscenely mad if i had one. haha. This week was good, Everyone got sick except for Elder Bingham and I. Also we had three people say they would convert if we would reintroduce plural marriage.. I told them (None of them were married) that they couldn't even hold on to one, less two! and that once they all have wives (one each) then we could talk.

Thanks for all of your encouragement. You're the best kind of people.

What do you tell people about your magic underwear? (from above)

That's one I'm not really sure what to say anything about.. They'll say something like "You got your magic underwear on?" and I just laugh somewhat awkwardly and say: "haha yup..."

What is the big thing that is happening this week?

I don't know of any big things happening this week, did I say anything about a big thing? I'm just hoping that we can help these people that want to know, to act and get to know for themselves.

What amazing moment happened last week?

Larry And Georgina got married. They've kind of slacked on the commitment level, but we are still working with them.

Well we were kind of in a famine for lessons, but we finally were able to teach a man named Curtis, He's so prepared and I don't think he's quite realized that yet. He says that he believes what Joseph Smith saw one hundred percent, he actually got kind of emotional as we read through the first vision, I did as well.. That's never happened to me before. He's got a lot of opposition, but he is searching for the truth, and he's not willing to take anyone else's word for it. He told us that he wanted to focus on the Bible, so we explained how the Bible and the Book of Mormon are really the same great work.

What are transfers going to bring?

I wish I knew. I'm probably not going to stay in Brandon, that's my best guess.

Do you ever talk to youth about missions? (like pie)

I talk to youth whenever I can but we don't really have enough youth to have anything like pie. I think we only have 5-6 young men.

How are your people ( Charee, etc)

Our people are doing fairly well. Charee has been frusturating lately. She texted us that she was coming to church on Sunday, at eight oclock, and at ten oclock she wasn't there. So we have yet to find out why she didn't make it for a third week in a row. She's definitely prepared but she needs the fellowship, because her friends aren't very supportive.

You want an Analogy for the week? If the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Vehicle to getting us home safe, than the things we do daily to come closer to the savior is the Gas. We can get out and push if we want, and we can probably get some movement, but the movement we'll get is abysmally less than if we would just PUT GAS IN IT.

Love Elder Peterson

Day 447

Hello!

Thanks for all the wonderful emails that you sent me this week!

Today I'm doing well... I'm sitting here at the church just emailing.

Maybe I can think of a few things that you probably don't know about me.

1. Part of the cap on my front tooth chipped. It's not terrible, but it is noticable

2. I have a monster Zitt in the middle of my forehead, I think that my skin is trying to sprout a unicorn horn.

3. I weigh about 185 pounds. Just about exactly what my starting weight was

4. I routinely get asked about my magic underwear

5. I can walk on my hands and do one armed pushups

6. I want to do a backflip, but I'm too scared.

7. I really like the new mission president, It wouldn't surprise me if he got called as a general authority.

8. I expect and want to baptize someone, but I'm willing to keep working and be patient.

9. I eat pretty well, even when not at members houses. Elder Bingham and I buy all of our food together and have a variety of meals. We also have food storage, we only bought milk and syrup this week.

10. I love growing spiritually. It may seem like a no brainer, and an obvious statement from a missionary, but I am sometimes surprised how fulfilling it is to grow spiritually. Real changes happen, things that seemed big, now seem small. Lives are changed, simply because someone cares enough to accept the help that Christ gives, and put in their effort. I always thought of that as something that was too hard, it wasn't a desire in my heart, but as I've done so, I've gotten better. It was funny, when I came out, I don't know if I expected it, but I hoped that I would just become a different person. A dedicated servant of The Lord. And then I got out, and I was no different, I wanted to serve, but what I had to serve with was exactly the tools I had before. It's both a positive thing and a negative, because while it would be nice to have been able to zap into mega missionary mode, It would also mean that when I got home, I would be able to Zap out of it. So because the Lord requires us all to work diligently, persistently, and continually, it means that doesn't all just go away. in order to regress, we have to diligently, consistently, and persistently make wrong choices and ignore the feelings that we have to do the right things!

In other words, we can't make a train go from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, but neither can we stop it that fast. It is good news!

So that's what I've enjoyed, seeing that everyday is a new conversion, building a new testimony. Learning something about the Gospel everyday. It's a pattern I want to have for the rest of my life.

I feel like that's the message that we proclaim. Forget about your sins and misdeeds, start doing good things things. keep doing good things. Christ says "Give your life to me, and we'll make it great!" Faith comes in, just like that Believing Christ book, do we truly believe that Christ can do what he says he will do?

This week we had Elder Renlund of the Seventy come and speak to us. He had a conference talk "Latter Day Saints keep on trying" He was really good. He had a very practical outlook on how we can live the Gospel, and what it does for us. I have to say though, the way that President Craig teaches, he is a very powerful teacher about the real reason we do the things that we do. He always ties things back to basic principles and the spirit is always so strong. We've been talking about how to work better with members, (truthfully one of the hardest yet most rewarding parts of missionary work) I think the church is really moving forward and is very progressive in this work. It's so amazing to see them get involved and help this great work move forward.

I've rambled a lot. My mind has been really all over the place in the last week. I think maybe my brain is being rewired for something else. I'm not for sure though. almost like I'm getting a software update or something.

We planted a bunch of trees in the community, It's been a lot of fun, it was a really good opportunity to get out there and meet new people in a non confrontational way. All the missionaries paired off with people that weren't missionaries and it was successful. Charee hasn't been doing very well, She's dealing with a lot in her own life and her family so we are trying to be sensitive but still show her how this can help her through it.

Also a really nice experience this week was that I was praying before we went to Winnipeg to see Elder Renlund, we had been asked to fast to be receptive to spiritual truths, I had also prayed the night before that I would have the opportunity to help someone, I'm not sure why I prayed for that but when I got there, there was another missionary who I knew really well. We of course sat together and were talking. I found out that he was going through a hard time. I did some digging and found that he was a lot more emotionally distraught and worn out than he showed on the surface. I don't know if what I said made a big difference, but I do know that I felt a spiritual impression that he was the person I had prayed to be able to help, so I did my best. I thought what a tender mercy that I would be privileged to help someone that I cared about, and had in turn helped me before as well. We are called to invite all to come to Christ, that means non members, members and missionaries alike.

Do you often do service in whites and ties?  Why jeans?

I'm not sure why you said "Why Jeans?"

But most of the time if it is a planned service activity, we were jeans and t-shirts, depending on what it is and so on. Like if we are helping people move or going to get very dirty, we'll wear service clothes, if we are just volunteering at a food bank or something than we wear our regular missionary clothes.

Did you like the sushi?  Have you had it before?

I like sushi quite a bit, I had it once in Moose Jaw, it was pretty fun.

Where is Sister Wray going?

She's going to Winnipeg, so not too far. Our new Sister is really good, she works hard and is really enthusiastic.

It feels like its going faster, for you too?

Yeah. It's going faster. I remember how long it felt like it took to get through my own training, and this is taking almost no time at all.. we only have four more weeks of it and It's only felt like it's been a few weeks. :/

Love you all, Have a great week, The Church is True!

Love Elder Peterson