Hello everybody
So, I'm sure you're wondering why I picked this particular title, and I'll tell you in a little bit, but first, I'll get to a bit of what's been happening here in Sun Valley.
So, we have this amazing family who is getting ready to be baptized this week. Their names are Lordes, Maria, Julia, and Dionicio Martinez. We've been teaching them for a while, but they're super ready. We're thinking that we'll be able to baptize Maria and Julia and maybe Dionicio this week. Lordes knows it's true, but wants to wait for her kids to start listening. We have no problem with that. All we have to do is burn through the last of the commandments and they'll be ready by this sunday, which is when we're thinking of doing it. What's really great about them is that Maria and Julia can't read, and Dionicio is confined to a wheelchair from suffering a stroke, but when we go over, and when they've come to church, they've said that they've felt something that they've never felt in the other churches they've been to, and they want that feeling with them. So, yeah, they're beyond ready, and I'm super excited, because they'll be my first baptisms on the mission. I'm super happy about that.
As far as anyone else, we've been trying to get in with a good family. The mom in there is reading the Book of Mormon regularly, and feels that it's true. The husband, as far as I know, likes what we're teaching, and the children do, too. However, we're worried because their nine year-old daughter is being visited by Jehovah's Witnesses. Not good at all. We figure it won't be much longer until spanish ones start visiting to talk to the parents, which is what we don't want. Jehovah's Witnesses are nice people, but they can sometimes really hinder the work. It stinks to have to compete, essentially, against them, but the truth shall always triumph.
Also, we have a young investigator who is reading the Book of Mormon. We were actually quite surprised when he texted us at 9:30 one night, asking what exceedingly and other words meant. When we heard that, we were like "YES! YES! YEEEEEEEESSSS!" It's always good to know that your investigators have been reading. Other than that, we've been working to get new investigators from other referrals.
Okay, so I'm sure you're all wondering why I'm super special. Here's why: In Lake L.A., I was thinking about Pokemon, and I thought I'd give a shot at trying to name the first 151 pokemon. I did that, no problem. Then, I went further and started naming 152 to 251. I stopped for a while, and put it away. But, back here, it's crawled back out of the hole, and I'm now two away from having that one done. Then, I decided to check how super crazy I was, and started doing 252 to 386. I'm now two away on that one as well. Then, just to make completely sure I had gone bonkers, I went from 387 to 493, which I'm four away from having that one finished. You people are free to tell me how super crazy I am, considering how I'm able to name about 485 of 493 Pokemon, but I think I just have a few too many problems that need addressing soon. Anyways, that's my interesting thought for the week, and take care.
Elder Shepherd
Monday, July 25, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
how is the new area?
Well, hello all you children out there.
I'm sure you're all wondering what the heck happened this week in Sun Valley California. It's nothing too special, although a few interesting things did happen at some points.
On Monday, I had to be down here fairly early, which was sad because I didn't get to do a whole lot with the people in Lake L.A., though it was nice to be back in the valley.
On Wednesday, just before Elder Potter and I were about to go out, my trainer, Elder Houghton, showed up at our apartment with his family. I'd heard a lot of good things about them, and it was really interesting to meet them. He was done with his mission on Wednesday, and he decided to visit his son, me. As far as his family, they're all really cool. Also, his sister, Tiffany Houghton, has made some songs, and has released them. She's really good. If you haven't heard any of her songs, look her up. She always would love more fans, as her dad told me, and why not? Her music rocks.
As far as the area goes, it's super ghetto here. There's a lot of poor houses, apartments, and people, but I don't mind. I actually love the valley the most of any part of the mission. The desert just isn't my cup of (herbal) tea. We're working hard, and we're getting ready to have a few baptisms fairly soon. I'm getting super excited, and so is Elder Potter. As far as Elder Potter, he's super cool. We're both ready and willing to work hard, and we are ready to give it our all. I bet it won't be long before I start having pictures on my camera of baptismal whites. Those are fun.
Also, just a random thought for those who care, but last Wednesday marked the day that I've been a missionary for 400 days. That's weird. I'm not too sure how I got to this point, but it's pretty cool. Anyways, that's about it.
Actually, I just remembered something. Last night, when we were on our way home, we got stopped by a born-again christian. He asked us to pull out our bibles and look up Matt. 23:15. For those who know that chapter, that's the chapter where Jesus denounces the scribes and pharisees as hypocrites. As soon as I heard that, I knew we were in for a bashing. I won't go over the needless details, but it was super annoying. I think born-again christians are some of the hardest people to try and teach. They focus simply on being baptized. The great thing is that as soon as you're baptized, it doesn't matter what the heck you do in this life, you're saved.
Anyways, I'm running out of time, so I gotta go.
Elder Shepherd
I'm sure you're all wondering what the heck happened this week in Sun Valley California. It's nothing too special, although a few interesting things did happen at some points.
On Monday, I had to be down here fairly early, which was sad because I didn't get to do a whole lot with the people in Lake L.A., though it was nice to be back in the valley.
On Wednesday, just before Elder Potter and I were about to go out, my trainer, Elder Houghton, showed up at our apartment with his family. I'd heard a lot of good things about them, and it was really interesting to meet them. He was done with his mission on Wednesday, and he decided to visit his son, me. As far as his family, they're all really cool. Also, his sister, Tiffany Houghton, has made some songs, and has released them. She's really good. If you haven't heard any of her songs, look her up. She always would love more fans, as her dad told me, and why not? Her music rocks.
As far as the area goes, it's super ghetto here. There's a lot of poor houses, apartments, and people, but I don't mind. I actually love the valley the most of any part of the mission. The desert just isn't my cup of (herbal) tea. We're working hard, and we're getting ready to have a few baptisms fairly soon. I'm getting super excited, and so is Elder Potter. As far as Elder Potter, he's super cool. We're both ready and willing to work hard, and we are ready to give it our all. I bet it won't be long before I start having pictures on my camera of baptismal whites. Those are fun.
Also, just a random thought for those who care, but last Wednesday marked the day that I've been a missionary for 400 days. That's weird. I'm not too sure how I got to this point, but it's pretty cool. Anyways, that's about it.
Actually, I just remembered something. Last night, when we were on our way home, we got stopped by a born-again christian. He asked us to pull out our bibles and look up Matt. 23:15. For those who know that chapter, that's the chapter where Jesus denounces the scribes and pharisees as hypocrites. As soon as I heard that, I knew we were in for a bashing. I won't go over the needless details, but it was super annoying. I think born-again christians are some of the hardest people to try and teach. They focus simply on being baptized. The great thing is that as soon as you're baptized, it doesn't matter what the heck you do in this life, you're saved.
Anyways, I'm running out of time, so I gotta go.
Elder Shepherd
Monday, July 11, 2011
A new transfer, a new companion, a new area, but the same old valley...
Hello everyone
As the title to this email points out, I have been transferred. I am now in the North Hollywood 4th ward, spanish, and my companion is Elder Potter. He seems like a really cool guy, and I feel like I'm already bonding super well with the members here. It was a member who gave me a ride down here from Lake L.A. Even though I'm excited to be in a new area, and back in the freakin' San Fernando Valley, I'm really going to miss a lot of the elders I left back in the desert. Elder Ulloa is one I'm going to miss a lot, too. He and I became such good friends, and the sad thing is that this is his last transfer, so this is very likely the last day I'll ever see him.
Anyways, I bet a few of you are wondering why I got transferred so quickly. I was only in Lake L.A. for two transfers (12 weeks), so here's the reason. An elder was transferred up there, with Pres. Martin intending to have him take Elder Huskinson's place as Pres. Gonzalez' right hand man in the branch. The branch is so small, and the members are so new that they have little idea of organization. So, the missionaries, namely the DL, handle some of the stuff. However, this elder didn't meld very well with the branch, so Elder Huskinson was kept up there for at least another transfer, and I'm now back in the valley. If not, I probably would be getting a new companion in Lake L.A. today, but no, I'm now standing in a library in Burbank writing this email. Even though I'll miss the people I've met, I won't miss the heat. The desert has been really hot as of late, and it's not been pleasant. Although it's a bit humid in the valley right now, it's much cooler than normal. That I can live with.
So, here's my new address:
Elder Marcus Shepherd
9057 Cayuga Ave.
Sun Valley, CA 91352
I'll talk to you all next week, and take care.
Elder Shepherd
P.S. This last saturday was my 13 month mark. That's freaky that I have less than a year left.
As the title to this email points out, I have been transferred. I am now in the North Hollywood 4th ward, spanish, and my companion is Elder Potter. He seems like a really cool guy, and I feel like I'm already bonding super well with the members here. It was a member who gave me a ride down here from Lake L.A. Even though I'm excited to be in a new area, and back in the freakin' San Fernando Valley, I'm really going to miss a lot of the elders I left back in the desert. Elder Ulloa is one I'm going to miss a lot, too. He and I became such good friends, and the sad thing is that this is his last transfer, so this is very likely the last day I'll ever see him.
Anyways, I bet a few of you are wondering why I got transferred so quickly. I was only in Lake L.A. for two transfers (12 weeks), so here's the reason. An elder was transferred up there, with Pres. Martin intending to have him take Elder Huskinson's place as Pres. Gonzalez' right hand man in the branch. The branch is so small, and the members are so new that they have little idea of organization. So, the missionaries, namely the DL, handle some of the stuff. However, this elder didn't meld very well with the branch, so Elder Huskinson was kept up there for at least another transfer, and I'm now back in the valley. If not, I probably would be getting a new companion in Lake L.A. today, but no, I'm now standing in a library in Burbank writing this email. Even though I'll miss the people I've met, I won't miss the heat. The desert has been really hot as of late, and it's not been pleasant. Although it's a bit humid in the valley right now, it's much cooler than normal. That I can live with.
So, here's my new address:
Elder Marcus Shepherd
9057 Cayuga Ave.
Sun Valley, CA 91352
I'll talk to you all next week, and take care.
Elder Shepherd
P.S. This last saturday was my 13 month mark. That's freaky that I have less than a year left.
Monday, July 4, 2011
WHERE'S THE LOVE...
Seriously?
I opened up my email inbox this morning, and all I see are the two emails I receive every week: The one from Pres. Martin, and the email about my MSF card finances. Nothing at ALL from family, friends, people who partly give a crap, etc...I can't believe this at all. This is probably the first time in my whole mission (MTC included) that I've opened my inbox to absolute emptiness. *sigh* Here I am, being diligent in sending emails, and I get no love from anyone who may partly love me. Why.........
Anyways, apart from the lack of amor, things have been going okay here. I'm coming up on the end of another transfer this week, so if you have any letters or packages (mom, where is it?) that you want to send me, please send them a week from now, as I may be gone. I don't think I'm leaving this area, but I have a sure feeling that one of us is being transferred. We don't know, but we may find out tomorrow. One of the APs (my trainer, actually) is leaving, and a slot is open for a new AP. I honestly think Elder Huskinson has all the stuff to be a good AP, but we don't know. There are tons of missionaries here, and only one of them will be the AP. We'll see. If we don't get a call today or tomorrow, it's not happening. However, I'm getting the sick feeling in my stomach that I'm going to train. I don't know why, but that's just how I feel. I don't know, but I think it may happen. I don't think I'm ready to train, but we never know.
As far as missionary work, we've been trying to recover from a slow few weeks. We've been trying to find new people, and it's been working, but a lot of our potentials and investigators that we have had have been going awol on us. We're not too happy about that, but that's what's happening. We did find a good potential family that could totally get baptized. Time will tell, though.
So, that's about it. Once again, don't send letters or packages until next monday, when I have word on my fate, but I'll still be on email for another 30 minutes or so if somebody takes a bit of time for some lovin' for Shepe. (That's the nickname that every one here has given me, because Shepherd is a bit hard to pronounce for latinos, so Shepe is my nickname here.)
With love (since I have some to actually share)
Elder Shepe
I opened up my email inbox this morning, and all I see are the two emails I receive every week: The one from Pres. Martin, and the email about my MSF card finances. Nothing at ALL from family, friends, people who partly give a crap, etc...I can't believe this at all. This is probably the first time in my whole mission (MTC included) that I've opened my inbox to absolute emptiness. *sigh* Here I am, being diligent in sending emails, and I get no love from anyone who may partly love me. Why.........
Anyways, apart from the lack of amor, things have been going okay here. I'm coming up on the end of another transfer this week, so if you have any letters or packages (mom, where is it?) that you want to send me, please send them a week from now, as I may be gone. I don't think I'm leaving this area, but I have a sure feeling that one of us is being transferred. We don't know, but we may find out tomorrow. One of the APs (my trainer, actually) is leaving, and a slot is open for a new AP. I honestly think Elder Huskinson has all the stuff to be a good AP, but we don't know. There are tons of missionaries here, and only one of them will be the AP. We'll see. If we don't get a call today or tomorrow, it's not happening. However, I'm getting the sick feeling in my stomach that I'm going to train. I don't know why, but that's just how I feel. I don't know, but I think it may happen. I don't think I'm ready to train, but we never know.
As far as missionary work, we've been trying to recover from a slow few weeks. We've been trying to find new people, and it's been working, but a lot of our potentials and investigators that we have had have been going awol on us. We're not too happy about that, but that's what's happening. We did find a good potential family that could totally get baptized. Time will tell, though.
So, that's about it. Once again, don't send letters or packages until next monday, when I have word on my fate, but I'll still be on email for another 30 minutes or so if somebody takes a bit of time for some lovin' for Shepe. (That's the nickname that every one here has given me, because Shepherd is a bit hard to pronounce for latinos, so Shepe is my nickname here.)
With love (since I have some to actually share)
Elder Shepe
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