From Tucker's October 26, 2011 e-mail:
Hey everyone!....thanks for the emails this week it was fun hearing about all your lives. I gotta say this last month has just flown by. It went from being super nice at the beginning of the month to freezing cold. It has been raining for the past 3 or 4 days now. It has rained non-stop for the past two days. Overall though it isn't too bad we just had to switch to our winter gear super fast. haha It is definitely making it hard to go out and run in the mornings. I have been absolutely terrible at it this transfer haha. We are making a stand this week though and gonna force ourselves to get moving.
So Danny is getting hitched soon? haha that is crazy. Who's the girl that he's marrying? Anyone I know? What kind of car did Andy and Clara buy? I would definitely go with the superman costume for Sawyer. How did the other cousins do in their football seasons? Ben...Jack, Sammy, Andy's team? Is Ben tearing it up in high school ball?
Well we are coming to a close for this transfer. Right now it's mid-way through week #5 and my roomies all think I'm gonna be moved somewhere else. I had not even thought about going somewhere else. For me it feels like I just arrived here even though it was more than 4 months ago. I would really like to stay for another transfer but unfortunately it's not up to me. I would really love to do another transfer with Anziano Hardy. I think we've worked really well together this transfer, and it's been a lot of fun. It's been fun serving with so many companions, heck I've had 7 companions in 8 transfers. It's 8 companions if you include the MTC. It's difficult to really teach with great unity in only 6 weeks of living together. I think thus far I've handled it pretty well, and adapted to the constant changing. After all it's not what I want but what the Lord wants and I'm perfectly fine with that.
This week has been pretty fun though. Our English class is going well and we are getting lots of people coming and learning. We do need to adapt a little bit of our church's message into the other stuff. We start with prayers, most of the time and sometimes end with them. Usually that all depends if the members are there helping us teach the class. It's really fun though and I'm enjoying it a lot.
Our new convert Edmond has been struggling a lot lately. His financial situation is not improving seeing that he has no job. His landlord is threatening to kick him out for not having money to pay rent. We've been praying a lot and trying to help but assuring him everything will be OK. He is doing a great job of hanging in there, but it's definitely hard on him.
Ettore and his family are doing really well. They struggle to get to church sometimes because they don't always have a car. Ettore's stepfather has one but he is not a member and usually takes it on Sundays leaving them with no way to get to church. The members have been good though with trying to provide rides. They are both super awesome and Ettore has really meshed well with the GANZ(young single adults). He participates often in the activities that they do.
Antonio is doing GREAT! We are also gearing up for his baptism(will I be around for it, who knows?) He has a great friend already in the ward in Mario, who helps us often with his lessons. Tammaro is doing OK but still his problems from his failed marriage and not having money just keeps interfering with our teaching. It's obviously great to listen to them and their concerns but the gospel of Jesus Christ is what will help them through their problems. If they would just be patient and listen then they would certainly be blessed. I also realize how much we need to be patient and just love them. I realize everyday how much more I need to grow my love for everyone.
It was great to see our long-time investigator Steven finally come to church! He's the 18 year old who is very involved in his other church. He called us early Sunday morning to inform us(he actually called and said "I'm calling to inform you that I will be coming today") that he'd be coming with his friend, new-convert, Castro. The next time we met with him though he was confused to the fact that there were no drums, loud singing, and dancing in our sacrament meeting...AGHHHHHH...haha. Apparently there is a verse in the Bible talking about King David, and how there was dancing and drums and what not....Steven likes that verse a lot..haha. His constant "examples"(which do not EVER relate to the topic of discussion) are never ending. His questions that do not relate in anyway sometimes are just more funny than anything. We are continuing to work with him though because he has a desire to know and follow our Savior Jesus Christ. Charity and love are the keys. Without them we are nothing, as it says in Corinthians 13(i think it's 13)
Hope the Cards win.....lame the Utes suck.....Packers! yeah......Jazz? Chissà (who knows)?
Well I love you all.
Ci sentiamo la settimanna prossima (Until next week)
Monday, October 31, 2011
"We Trusted in Him and He Delivered"
Tucker's E-mail from October 20:
Why........does the sporting world have to be going so well right now? Packers undefeated and the Cards in the World Series? what more could a sport junkie be missing? haha and I'm only sort of kidding.
Anyways I laughed for a good couple minutes at Andy's costume haha. What was he thinking? I definitely loved the shark and shrimp? costume of Ruby and George. George looks so happy to be wearing it. haha
We've been making some strides lately to increase our teaching pool and find the time to find. We've been teaching Antonio, Tammaro, Steven, Edmond and others so much that we have been finding it hard to find others to teach. Having to say that we are teaching too much would sound crazy to almost anyone here in the mission. We have really been striving though to plan better and more effectively so we can fit in more time to do strada, casa and parco. haha It's a feeling I've never had before that I'm not doing enough finding work. We have some pretty solid people in our teaching pool right now and it's awesome. I think as we really exert ourselves though and strive to find more of God's elect children that he will bless us and guide us to them.
Edmond has been just awesome. He has really felt the blessings already of being a baptized member with the Holy Ghost. He just seems more happy and more enthusiastic about everything. He's started becoming friends with the other African new converts in the ward. We are currently working to really integrate the African new converts into the ward. Frankly the ward doesn't do a good job at all of calling them if by chance they couldn't come to church. They don't really look out for each other at all. I feel so blessed to live in Utah where the wards are strong and united. Me and my district need to just create our Title Of Liberty and hoist it around church the next couple months until they get the idea. We need to hit them with something so that when they aren't helping each other and loving one another they will feel it in their lives and feel prompted to do something on their own(without having the missionaries having to push them constantly along).
Anyways, Ettore is doing OK I guess. He's been coming to a few of the ward activities but has not come the last couple weeks to church. He works a lot and is super awesome but we really need to talk about the importance of weekly church attendance and the blessings that come from it. His family, Anna, Richie, and Chris are all doing well and yeah they are pretty strong. We visit them weekly and the mom Anna is such an awesome lady.
Well as far as the investigators go, we are teaching Antonio, Tammaro, Andy and Steven still. Antonio is progressing very well to his date on Nov 5. He loves meeting with us and seeing us often. We might have some problems though because there is some sort of issue to whether or not he has the ability to make decisions for himself. Before you start laughing or something, the guy is pretty normal. One of the members who's been helping us out with every lesson has told us that Antonio has a card saying he can't make decision on his own(the whole thing is super complicated). Antonio seems relatively normal though to us, and, in fact, there are others we are teaching that are probably more weird.
Tammaro is about 45 years old and he is always talking about the problems with his ex-wife who is apparently crazy now or something. We struggle at times to teach him because he will interrupt and talk about his problems. We are coming up with a way to talk first about all his problems and then teach him the missionary lessons. When we do teach him it takes a lot of guidance from the spirit. He is really cool though and is really open with us.
Everyone else is still in the "works" and coming along slowly but surely. We have about 4 or 5 others who are investigators but finding the time to see us is difficult for them. We are hoping they can make some big strides in the next couple weeks.
It seems to me that a lot of Africans come to Italy because they are looking to make money. I wish we could just send an African back to Africa so he could tell the rest that there aren't any jobs. They all come looking for work and they all never find any. They also think that because the Euro is better than their currency they will make lots of money but they just don't get it. There are no jobs for them and who wants to hire somebody who doesn't speak any Italian?....it doesn't make sense sometimes. It doesn't bother me at all that they are here because they are awesome people. The only thing I would say is that they are seriously better off economically in Africa.
Well we had a really cool miracle story this week while we were doing casa. We started doing finding work around 5pm last Monday. After the first hour we just felt the area we were at wasn't going very well. We then prayed and decided to go to our back-up area. We got there and then said another prayer to decide which palazzo we should enter. We then both felt inspired to do the pink palazzo instead of the other two big green and red palazzi.
After knocking on the second door we were welcomed by and elderly Italian couple. After introducing ourselves and we started to speak to them about Jesus Christ. They told us they were Catholic and then invited us in. They told us that they were not really interested in changing religions but would listen to our message. They talked to us about their family and how their son had recently been married and we talked to them about the Restoration. After thanking them for their time and kindness we proceeded down the palazzo to the other doors.
After knocking on another floor we found ourselves talking with a lady in her 60's. We talked a lot about the confusion in the world about religion. She explained how great it would be if we could all be united. We agreed! We talked back and forth about the blessings of the gospel and there was an awesome presence of the spirit. Before we could even extend an invite to here, she invited us to join together and come to her church. We politely declined but gave an invite to here to pray about what we'd said.
After saying bye to the elderly lady we were able to enter in and speak with a small group of youth in their early to mid-twenties. Again we were able to speak about the Restoration of the gospel and present them with a Book of Mormon. They were super funny and nice about it all but didn't have too much interest. We left though having placed a BoM and receiving one of their phone numbers.
As we got to the bottom of the palazzo we met an African women in her 40's or 50's. We did a quick presentation and she told us she was tired and didn't have time to speak with us. I quickly asked where she was from and she told us she was from Ghana. I talked about how I hear it's a wonderful place and we sort of transitioned into how the Gospel blesses the family. She told us how her young daughter had recently died and how it's really hard on her. We came soaring back to give a quick but strong testimony of the Plan of Salvation. Immediately we saw the glow in here eyes of hope and she told us we could come inside. Two minutes ago she was just telling us how tired she was and how she didn't have any time!
As we entered she left into another and came back with her older sister. We introduced ourselves again and they introduced themselves. We then started talking about the Plan of Salvation with Agnes and Abigail. It was super powerful and super spiritual being able to bear testimony to them about how Abigail could see her daughter again. We were able to set up another appointment with them and get their numbers.
We soon exited the apart in shock of what had just happened. Two hours earlier we had entered the palazzo not really knowing what to expect. What a great miracle we had just experienced. I had had one other experience in which I entered 3 times while doing casa but besides that nothing. It was such a testimony for me to see how Heavenly Father guided us to that specific palazzo. We trusted in him and he delivered.
Well I love you all so much and I will just end on that.
If you are thinking about stuff to send me for Christmas...hot chocolate would be a good idea.
Love you all.
Go Cards.........who woulda thought?.....me!
Why........does the sporting world have to be going so well right now? Packers undefeated and the Cards in the World Series? what more could a sport junkie be missing? haha and I'm only sort of kidding.
Anyways I laughed for a good couple minutes at Andy's costume haha. What was he thinking? I definitely loved the shark and shrimp? costume of Ruby and George. George looks so happy to be wearing it. haha
We've been making some strides lately to increase our teaching pool and find the time to find. We've been teaching Antonio, Tammaro, Steven, Edmond and others so much that we have been finding it hard to find others to teach. Having to say that we are teaching too much would sound crazy to almost anyone here in the mission. We have really been striving though to plan better and more effectively so we can fit in more time to do strada, casa and parco. haha It's a feeling I've never had before that I'm not doing enough finding work. We have some pretty solid people in our teaching pool right now and it's awesome. I think as we really exert ourselves though and strive to find more of God's elect children that he will bless us and guide us to them.
Edmond has been just awesome. He has really felt the blessings already of being a baptized member with the Holy Ghost. He just seems more happy and more enthusiastic about everything. He's started becoming friends with the other African new converts in the ward. We are currently working to really integrate the African new converts into the ward. Frankly the ward doesn't do a good job at all of calling them if by chance they couldn't come to church. They don't really look out for each other at all. I feel so blessed to live in Utah where the wards are strong and united. Me and my district need to just create our Title Of Liberty and hoist it around church the next couple months until they get the idea. We need to hit them with something so that when they aren't helping each other and loving one another they will feel it in their lives and feel prompted to do something on their own(without having the missionaries having to push them constantly along).
Anyways, Ettore is doing OK I guess. He's been coming to a few of the ward activities but has not come the last couple weeks to church. He works a lot and is super awesome but we really need to talk about the importance of weekly church attendance and the blessings that come from it. His family, Anna, Richie, and Chris are all doing well and yeah they are pretty strong. We visit them weekly and the mom Anna is such an awesome lady.
Well as far as the investigators go, we are teaching Antonio, Tammaro, Andy and Steven still. Antonio is progressing very well to his date on Nov 5. He loves meeting with us and seeing us often. We might have some problems though because there is some sort of issue to whether or not he has the ability to make decisions for himself. Before you start laughing or something, the guy is pretty normal. One of the members who's been helping us out with every lesson has told us that Antonio has a card saying he can't make decision on his own(the whole thing is super complicated). Antonio seems relatively normal though to us, and, in fact, there are others we are teaching that are probably more weird.
Tammaro is about 45 years old and he is always talking about the problems with his ex-wife who is apparently crazy now or something. We struggle at times to teach him because he will interrupt and talk about his problems. We are coming up with a way to talk first about all his problems and then teach him the missionary lessons. When we do teach him it takes a lot of guidance from the spirit. He is really cool though and is really open with us.
Everyone else is still in the "works" and coming along slowly but surely. We have about 4 or 5 others who are investigators but finding the time to see us is difficult for them. We are hoping they can make some big strides in the next couple weeks.
It seems to me that a lot of Africans come to Italy because they are looking to make money. I wish we could just send an African back to Africa so he could tell the rest that there aren't any jobs. They all come looking for work and they all never find any. They also think that because the Euro is better than their currency they will make lots of money but they just don't get it. There are no jobs for them and who wants to hire somebody who doesn't speak any Italian?....it doesn't make sense sometimes. It doesn't bother me at all that they are here because they are awesome people. The only thing I would say is that they are seriously better off economically in Africa.
Well we had a really cool miracle story this week while we were doing casa. We started doing finding work around 5pm last Monday. After the first hour we just felt the area we were at wasn't going very well. We then prayed and decided to go to our back-up area. We got there and then said another prayer to decide which palazzo we should enter. We then both felt inspired to do the pink palazzo instead of the other two big green and red palazzi.
After knocking on the second door we were welcomed by and elderly Italian couple. After introducing ourselves and we started to speak to them about Jesus Christ. They told us they were Catholic and then invited us in. They told us that they were not really interested in changing religions but would listen to our message. They talked to us about their family and how their son had recently been married and we talked to them about the Restoration. After thanking them for their time and kindness we proceeded down the palazzo to the other doors.
After knocking on another floor we found ourselves talking with a lady in her 60's. We talked a lot about the confusion in the world about religion. She explained how great it would be if we could all be united. We agreed! We talked back and forth about the blessings of the gospel and there was an awesome presence of the spirit. Before we could even extend an invite to here, she invited us to join together and come to her church. We politely declined but gave an invite to here to pray about what we'd said.
After saying bye to the elderly lady we were able to enter in and speak with a small group of youth in their early to mid-twenties. Again we were able to speak about the Restoration of the gospel and present them with a Book of Mormon. They were super funny and nice about it all but didn't have too much interest. We left though having placed a BoM and receiving one of their phone numbers.
As we got to the bottom of the palazzo we met an African women in her 40's or 50's. We did a quick presentation and she told us she was tired and didn't have time to speak with us. I quickly asked where she was from and she told us she was from Ghana. I talked about how I hear it's a wonderful place and we sort of transitioned into how the Gospel blesses the family. She told us how her young daughter had recently died and how it's really hard on her. We came soaring back to give a quick but strong testimony of the Plan of Salvation. Immediately we saw the glow in here eyes of hope and she told us we could come inside. Two minutes ago she was just telling us how tired she was and how she didn't have any time!
As we entered she left into another and came back with her older sister. We introduced ourselves again and they introduced themselves. We then started talking about the Plan of Salvation with Agnes and Abigail. It was super powerful and super spiritual being able to bear testimony to them about how Abigail could see her daughter again. We were able to set up another appointment with them and get their numbers.
We soon exited the apart in shock of what had just happened. Two hours earlier we had entered the palazzo not really knowing what to expect. What a great miracle we had just experienced. I had had one other experience in which I entered 3 times while doing casa but besides that nothing. It was such a testimony for me to see how Heavenly Father guided us to that specific palazzo. We trusted in him and he delivered.
Well I love you all so much and I will just end on that.
If you are thinking about stuff to send me for Christmas...hot chocolate would be a good idea.
Love you all.
Go Cards.........who woulda thought?.....me!
Friday, October 28, 2011
"What Baptism? ... My Baptism"
E-mail from October 13, 2011 Hey everyone! what's cooking?
We we have had a really inspiring, fun, kick butt week. It included companions getting sick, setting more baptismal dates, having a baptism etc....We did have a baptism this week though it was very hectic, very stressful in a way, but overall a great spiritual experience.
So the baptism was set to be around 7 pm. We got a call from Edmond early in the morning saying "Why did you choose Felix to baptism me?". Earlier in the week he had asked us if Felix could baptize him. Anyway, we were like "uh....because you wanted him to do it." He went on to tell us how he would prefer someone else to do it, preferably me or my companion. We were a little shocked and confused with this but finally after talking with him we decided to have my companion baptize him. Apparently he didn't want a Nigerian baptizing him. We had to make an awkward call to Felix saying that Edmond didn't want him to do it. I felt so bad too because Felix was super super excited to do it. Anyway, 5 PM rolls around and we get a call from Edmond saying "I'm locked out of my house and my roommates aren't answering their phones". haha He went on to tell us that if they didn't come back before the baptism that we should just move the baptism to next week. haha We were like "NOOO....Edmond if they do not come back by 6:30 just come straight to the church. He told us OK and that he would.
Finally it got to be around 6:30 so we called him and asked if he had gotten inside yet and he told us no. We told him to come to the church, but he told us that his friend had taken his bike and he didn't have a way to get to the church. haha By now I was just like aghhhhhh. haha Of course all this would happen. Luckily we had a brava member there who said we could go in her car and pick him up. So we dashed over there and he was there waiting in his church clothes. Apparently his friends had just gotten home and he had just enough time to change. He even brought along his older brother who is not a member. haha The dude had the coolest "African" suit ever. The baptism went really well and Edmond just kept saying how happy he was.
I was able to do my first confirmation the following day as I conferred upon him the gift of the Holy Ghost. haha Man I was soooo nervous but it went pretty well. He has already started his role as a member in helping others come unto Christ. We had a lesson set up with him the other day and right before the lesson he gave us a call asking if we could come early. He went on to say that he had brought friends to his house to listen to us, but they had to leave soon. He wanted us to hurry so we could teach them.
One of the other cool fruits from Edmond's baptism is based around Andy. Andy has been coming to church for about 2 months. He really likes church but every time we try to set somethings up he doesn't have time. This last Sunday after the confirmation of Edmond, he came up to me and started saying..."sooo...the baptism". Remembering that I'd forgotten to invite him to Edmond's baptism I said "Oh I'm so sorry, this week has been really busy and I spaced it, man, I'm so sorry". He said it was OK then again he said "soo..the baptism". This time I was kinda confused so I asked him "Andy, what baptism?". He then responded, "my baptism!". I laughed and said Andy that is great but dude, we have to teach you first. I pulled out my planner and showed him all the lessons we would have to teach him. We then fixed a day to see each other that week and we set a baptismal date. haha The guy is super, super cool and we are excited for him.
We also had success in setting a date with this older man, Moreno for the 5 November(can you believe it's already November?). He is very quiet and I think he might have a speech problem. Antonio is making lots of progress as well and we've been able to teach him quiet a lot. We are thinking he will be ready to be baptized by the 5th of November as well. He is probably more ready than anyone else at this point. His desire to be baptized is really strong as well. We are really trying to help him with forgiveness though because of some family issues. He is making lots of changes in his life and is seeing many of the blessings from it already!
Well lately we've really been focusing a lot on the Book of Mormon. We have been taking seriously the talks of the Apostles and of our leaders. I've spent a lot of time the last few weeks in district meetings to discuss the importance of the Book of Mormon and the way we can use it in our missionary work. It is great to hear you are all striving to be better at reading and finishing the Book of Mormon. I know I've been trying to kick my butt into gear and reading it a lot more. With all we do and with how crazy missionary life can be I sometimes find it hard to find good quality Book of Mormon reading time. It is one of my biggest goals right now. Of course, I read when studying for lessons but it's a little different. I'm looking forward to really dedicating myself to reading intently daily.
Unfortunately, I haven't really been able to remain in great contact with any of the people I have baptized. I kinda just spaced all of that when I would leave a city. I never remembered to get their addresses and what not. I will have to get my butt into gear and get them from other missionaries. I do keep hearing though that Biyao is doing great and is just awesome. I heard Domingo is doing awesome but from the other I haven't heard any news. The 8 africans are gonna be tough because they all live in a hotel. I will probably just send letter through other missionaries to them or something.
It sounds like you all doing great. That is too bad that Oly lost. I bet Lisa was very, very sad seeing as she couldn't even play. Hopefully she doesn't blame herself for the loss. I did get a pretty good laugh about the story with Mark and the pistol (elk hunting). haha. I can just see that happening.
Well, that is super cool the Cards made it past the Phillies; man I hate the Phillies ... and Yankees and Red Sox. Hopefully they can go all the way! I kinda guessed the Utes would get torched this week. Does the new quarterback show any promise?
Well, I love you all and will talk to ya next week.
We we have had a really inspiring, fun, kick butt week. It included companions getting sick, setting more baptismal dates, having a baptism etc....We did have a baptism this week though it was very hectic, very stressful in a way, but overall a great spiritual experience.
So the baptism was set to be around 7 pm. We got a call from Edmond early in the morning saying "Why did you choose Felix to baptism me?". Earlier in the week he had asked us if Felix could baptize him. Anyway, we were like "uh....because you wanted him to do it." He went on to tell us how he would prefer someone else to do it, preferably me or my companion. We were a little shocked and confused with this but finally after talking with him we decided to have my companion baptize him. Apparently he didn't want a Nigerian baptizing him. We had to make an awkward call to Felix saying that Edmond didn't want him to do it. I felt so bad too because Felix was super super excited to do it. Anyway, 5 PM rolls around and we get a call from Edmond saying "I'm locked out of my house and my roommates aren't answering their phones". haha He went on to tell us that if they didn't come back before the baptism that we should just move the baptism to next week. haha We were like "NOOO....Edmond if they do not come back by 6:30 just come straight to the church. He told us OK and that he would.
Finally it got to be around 6:30 so we called him and asked if he had gotten inside yet and he told us no. We told him to come to the church, but he told us that his friend had taken his bike and he didn't have a way to get to the church. haha By now I was just like aghhhhhh. haha Of course all this would happen. Luckily we had a brava member there who said we could go in her car and pick him up. So we dashed over there and he was there waiting in his church clothes. Apparently his friends had just gotten home and he had just enough time to change. He even brought along his older brother who is not a member. haha The dude had the coolest "African" suit ever. The baptism went really well and Edmond just kept saying how happy he was.
I was able to do my first confirmation the following day as I conferred upon him the gift of the Holy Ghost. haha Man I was soooo nervous but it went pretty well. He has already started his role as a member in helping others come unto Christ. We had a lesson set up with him the other day and right before the lesson he gave us a call asking if we could come early. He went on to say that he had brought friends to his house to listen to us, but they had to leave soon. He wanted us to hurry so we could teach them.
One of the other cool fruits from Edmond's baptism is based around Andy. Andy has been coming to church for about 2 months. He really likes church but every time we try to set somethings up he doesn't have time. This last Sunday after the confirmation of Edmond, he came up to me and started saying..."sooo...the baptism". Remembering that I'd forgotten to invite him to Edmond's baptism I said "Oh I'm so sorry, this week has been really busy and I spaced it, man, I'm so sorry". He said it was OK then again he said "soo..the baptism". This time I was kinda confused so I asked him "Andy, what baptism?". He then responded, "my baptism!". I laughed and said Andy that is great but dude, we have to teach you first. I pulled out my planner and showed him all the lessons we would have to teach him. We then fixed a day to see each other that week and we set a baptismal date. haha The guy is super, super cool and we are excited for him.
We also had success in setting a date with this older man, Moreno for the 5 November(can you believe it's already November?). He is very quiet and I think he might have a speech problem. Antonio is making lots of progress as well and we've been able to teach him quiet a lot. We are thinking he will be ready to be baptized by the 5th of November as well. He is probably more ready than anyone else at this point. His desire to be baptized is really strong as well. We are really trying to help him with forgiveness though because of some family issues. He is making lots of changes in his life and is seeing many of the blessings from it already!
Well lately we've really been focusing a lot on the Book of Mormon. We have been taking seriously the talks of the Apostles and of our leaders. I've spent a lot of time the last few weeks in district meetings to discuss the importance of the Book of Mormon and the way we can use it in our missionary work. It is great to hear you are all striving to be better at reading and finishing the Book of Mormon. I know I've been trying to kick my butt into gear and reading it a lot more. With all we do and with how crazy missionary life can be I sometimes find it hard to find good quality Book of Mormon reading time. It is one of my biggest goals right now. Of course, I read when studying for lessons but it's a little different. I'm looking forward to really dedicating myself to reading intently daily.
Unfortunately, I haven't really been able to remain in great contact with any of the people I have baptized. I kinda just spaced all of that when I would leave a city. I never remembered to get their addresses and what not. I will have to get my butt into gear and get them from other missionaries. I do keep hearing though that Biyao is doing great and is just awesome. I heard Domingo is doing awesome but from the other I haven't heard any news. The 8 africans are gonna be tough because they all live in a hotel. I will probably just send letter through other missionaries to them or something.
It sounds like you all doing great. That is too bad that Oly lost. I bet Lisa was very, very sad seeing as she couldn't even play. Hopefully she doesn't blame herself for the loss. I did get a pretty good laugh about the story with Mark and the pistol (elk hunting). haha. I can just see that happening.
Well, that is super cool the Cards made it past the Phillies; man I hate the Phillies ... and Yankees and Red Sox. Hopefully they can go all the way! I kinda guessed the Utes would get torched this week. Does the new quarterback show any promise?
Well, I love you all and will talk to ya next week.
"You are doing an amazing work, keep going and preaching the word"
From Tucker's October 5, 2011 E-mail:
The Utes' loss has left me in such a traumatized state that I really don't feel like writing this week. I wish I could say that but nah...it didn't really affect me at all. I can say I am super excited when they win but when they lose it does nothing....Sounds like I'm becoming a real missionary huh?
I also just hit my hump day! I have come to realize that I am pretty content with where I'm at language wise. I still have a long ways to go 'til I can really master it but I have an entire year. I just need to keep pushing myself to study the language and practice, practice, practice. Living in four is soooooo hard haha. It's not that we are apostate in any way it's that we love to just talk with each other during our lunch period or when we come home at night. We are figuring how to work it out though and limit our conversation so we can study and continue are regular missionary schedule.
Well, the work is really coming along here in Modena. The new companionship of missionaries that just opened here are really flourishing. They are just kicking some Italian butt and really doing awesome. We are also doing very well and we are preparing for Edmond's baptism this weekend. He originally asked me to baptize him but I persuaded him that it'd be better if a member did it. He's super pumped and actually called me the other morning to tell me he had a dream about me??? haha He called and just started telling me how I was amidst all these people and I was preaching them the word of God. He said they were all listening to me and were cheering or something. haha After he got done telling this short little synopsis of the story he says " So yes, I just wanted to tell you that you are doing an amazing work, keep going and preaching the word". He's super cool and we are excited for him.
We'll conference was really super cool eh? It was awesome for us because we had about 6 investigators come(four Italians). We watched in English while they sat next to members watching in Italian. They all said how much they loved it and thought it was super amazing. None of them watched all of conference but they all watched at least one or two sessions. Our only problem with these Italians is that they are all single men. haha they are all a little bit awkward/weird. They aren't super weird or anything, but it's no mystery why they are single. We are having a blast though teaching them often and helping them know of the restored gospel and the wonderful blessings that come from it.
I wrote down in my journal some of my favorite talks from conference but I didn't bring it with me so I can't remember real well. I do know that I loved Elder Callister's talk about the Book of Mormon. He brought up so many awesome points and it was just super bold. The man from the Seventy who talked about "Looking Up" gave a really cool talk as well. I think he said at the end something like Look Up, Step Up and then Cheer Up. Elder Holland was also very bold in inviting the young men to get ready for their missions because we need "battalions of misisonaries". My other favorite was Elder Christofferson's on repentance. There were a lot of talks I really loved so I look forward to reading them when we get the Liahona.
Well....that's about it with everything here. Let's hope Hill and her team can kick butt in state. How's everything going with Andy and Clara? Do you think I should send an email to them and express my sadness that Clara has yet to write me a single word?...haha I might have to.
Sounds like everything is going great. I think my biggest goal right now is to just become better at teaching. I am able to use the language I just need to become a better teacher. It's something that seemed really hard to develop because I couldn't speak before but now I have no excuse. It's time to turn on the after burners and start declaring repentance unto God's children with power and authority, no fear and with a desire for the welfare of their souls....I think it's a good goal...what do you think?
Think up some funny pranks I can pull on Anziano Frustaci's companion, Anziano Owens. He dumped a bucked of ice cold water on me last week and then this morning we all woke up to find our fingernails and toenails painted red. haha freaking nerd told us he stayed up 3 hours last night trying to do it. The kid is hilarious though.
Well I love you all...Talk to ya next week. Dad, just cause the Utes lose doesn't mean ya don't have to send an article. I would still enjoy it tons....grazie...
Ciao
The Utes' loss has left me in such a traumatized state that I really don't feel like writing this week. I wish I could say that but nah...it didn't really affect me at all. I can say I am super excited when they win but when they lose it does nothing....Sounds like I'm becoming a real missionary huh?
I also just hit my hump day! I have come to realize that I am pretty content with where I'm at language wise. I still have a long ways to go 'til I can really master it but I have an entire year. I just need to keep pushing myself to study the language and practice, practice, practice. Living in four is soooooo hard haha. It's not that we are apostate in any way it's that we love to just talk with each other during our lunch period or when we come home at night. We are figuring how to work it out though and limit our conversation so we can study and continue are regular missionary schedule.
Well, the work is really coming along here in Modena. The new companionship of missionaries that just opened here are really flourishing. They are just kicking some Italian butt and really doing awesome. We are also doing very well and we are preparing for Edmond's baptism this weekend. He originally asked me to baptize him but I persuaded him that it'd be better if a member did it. He's super pumped and actually called me the other morning to tell me he had a dream about me??? haha He called and just started telling me how I was amidst all these people and I was preaching them the word of God. He said they were all listening to me and were cheering or something. haha After he got done telling this short little synopsis of the story he says " So yes, I just wanted to tell you that you are doing an amazing work, keep going and preaching the word". He's super cool and we are excited for him.
We'll conference was really super cool eh? It was awesome for us because we had about 6 investigators come(four Italians). We watched in English while they sat next to members watching in Italian. They all said how much they loved it and thought it was super amazing. None of them watched all of conference but they all watched at least one or two sessions. Our only problem with these Italians is that they are all single men. haha they are all a little bit awkward/weird. They aren't super weird or anything, but it's no mystery why they are single. We are having a blast though teaching them often and helping them know of the restored gospel and the wonderful blessings that come from it.
I wrote down in my journal some of my favorite talks from conference but I didn't bring it with me so I can't remember real well. I do know that I loved Elder Callister's talk about the Book of Mormon. He brought up so many awesome points and it was just super bold. The man from the Seventy who talked about "Looking Up" gave a really cool talk as well. I think he said at the end something like Look Up, Step Up and then Cheer Up. Elder Holland was also very bold in inviting the young men to get ready for their missions because we need "battalions of misisonaries". My other favorite was Elder Christofferson's on repentance. There were a lot of talks I really loved so I look forward to reading them when we get the Liahona.
Well....that's about it with everything here. Let's hope Hill and her team can kick butt in state. How's everything going with Andy and Clara? Do you think I should send an email to them and express my sadness that Clara has yet to write me a single word?...haha I might have to.
Sounds like everything is going great. I think my biggest goal right now is to just become better at teaching. I am able to use the language I just need to become a better teacher. It's something that seemed really hard to develop because I couldn't speak before but now I have no excuse. It's time to turn on the after burners and start declaring repentance unto God's children with power and authority, no fear and with a desire for the welfare of their souls....I think it's a good goal...what do you think?
Think up some funny pranks I can pull on Anziano Frustaci's companion, Anziano Owens. He dumped a bucked of ice cold water on me last week and then this morning we all woke up to find our fingernails and toenails painted red. haha freaking nerd told us he stayed up 3 hours last night trying to do it. The kid is hilarious though.
Well I love you all...Talk to ya next week. Dad, just cause the Utes lose doesn't mean ya don't have to send an article. I would still enjoy it tons....grazie...
Ciao
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