Mon 12/20/2010 12:33 PM
Invierno en Iowa
Bueno Familia!! Feliz Navidad!!!
FIRST OFFF!!! CONGRATS MOM FOR PASSING YOUR PRAXIS!!! THAT’S AWESOME. I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT!!!! Ok, normal lettering now. So basically, I am not really going to write anything this week. [Because he will talk to us on the phone on Christmas].
Tuesday, we went to Cherokee and saw some people, one of which included a toothless old lady and a guy with a shedding dog, which got hair all over my coat. That was super enjoyable. Then we went up to Sioux City for Zone Conference. We stayed with the Spanish Elders. Their apartamento is soooo huge! It’s awesome. Next morning, we drove down to Council Bluffs and had zone conference. It was really enjoyable! We learned about having effective studies. It was really good. Then we had like a Christmas program thingy! It was fun. We did a white elephant gift, I got some Farty Putty. It’s pretty fun for like 15 minutes. I gave a workout scooter deal that I found at Goodwill. It’s pretty legit! But yeah! Then we drove back in like 4 inches of snow!! It took forever! We got to Sioux city at like 7 and had zone activity! - basketball and tim tam slammies!! Twas good. I haven't played basketball forever!!! Because I serve where there is no one to play with!! But yeah! Things are going well!! We had a good lesson with an Hispanic woman. She basically told me that Americans are racista [racists], and that our church will turn her into la migra [a migrant]. Which is NOT true, so I assured her on that fact. She just opened up to me. And no one knows what’s going on but me, everyone else speaks English, and she starts crying, and it was really good. I bore her my testimony and promised her that she would be ok if she follows Christ. It was a way spiritual lesson. We left, and my companion was like. WHAT HAPPENED? Why was she crying? Oh man, good times when I can speak Spanish and others can't! I can't wait to use that tool when I get home. Ha ha. But I also had church for the first time in this area! It was really good. I fasted and prayed for Wally and their family to come to church and set a date for marriage. Guess what? They came, and right after Santa Cena [Sacrament], they asked us if we would be witnesses at their wedding this week. CRAZY!!! The Lord blesses us so much; it is just awesome!
(Testimony of la obra misional [missionary work] for the ward) I cannot believe I have been out over a year now. The time flies when we are doing the work of the Lord. Being a missionary has changed my life so much. It has opened up my mind so much, and has built my testimony even stronger of Christ. First off, the mission is HARD!! Whether it is staying focused or being sad. It’s hard, but it’s worth it. The blessings that the Lord gives us and the spiritual uplifting that we feel, while we are out, is so edifying and amazing. I don't think I would have learned Spanish without the help of the Lord. And sometimes I can't speak Spanish, but as the scriptures say, if you but open your mouth, I will fill it! I can't count on my hands how many times I have been lost and not knowing what to say, or how to say it, and I just start talking and it is exactly what that person needed at that moment. Our Heavenly Father loves us SO much that He knows what each person needs at that exact second in time. And just being that specific tool to share the love from our Father is so beautiful. Nothing out here can be done without the Lord. Nothing. This work is lead by Him, and I feel of His love and presence everyday as I go out to preach the word. I know that this is an important work and what I am doing, what we are doing, is the greatest gift our Father gives us. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to be here where I am at today. And I am so blessed to have the Spirit with me so I can discern the things that the Lord would want to happen if He were here. I love the Lord and I am grateful for His servants that He has sent to help us on our path back to Him. We must never give up on the work of the Lord, whether we be a nursery leader, or a bishop, we must always do what we have been called to do, because we never know whose heart we will touch and what blessings or plans the Lord has in store. I love you all and I am grateful to be serving the Lord out here. I hope that you all can feel of the Spirit of Christ as I do everyday - especially at this time of Christmas. May you all be showered with happiness and joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
I just want you all to know that I love this season where we can remember Christ our Savior. He really did live and He really did bless everyone for the eternities to come. I know, as we are more Christlike at this time of year, we will have the Best Christmas that we can all remember. I love you all and miss you all as well! Have a Merry Merry Christmas!!! love you!!!
con amor siempre,
Elder Bradley Rigby
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Mon 12/13/2010 10:54 AM
Greetings from IowaBueno a la mejor familia en el mundo!!!
So, basically, this last week has been so crazy! I went from loving life, in the nice 50 degree weather of my home away from home in Grand Island, to freezing my tail off in the middle of Iowa! haha. So first off, I know ya'll have a billion questions about Storm Lake. So the lake is frozen over, and yes, I want to go ice fishing, we will have to see about that. But it is a small (English) branch of about 40 active members. Basically, it takes like 10 minutes, tops, to get from one side of town to the other. You guys saw how small it is on Google Earth! There are a bunch of Mexicans that I have to activate. Basically, everyone we teach and talk to can speak Spanish. So yeah, I kind of teach alone, which is not fun at all! I wish they just had it full Spanish team here and we would teach in Spanish and in English. But oh well. I am stuck dealing with this right now.
But it is very cold here. Saturday we weren't allowed to go out at all because there was a blizzard, and if we walked and stuff, apparently, we would freeze. But you know me, that doesn't stop me! So we got all bundled up and walked to a member’s house down the street!
The apartment isn't too bad. The shower doesn’t work well and there is no dishwasher. But that’s about all the complaints I have. I am completely fine with coping with that stuff.
But the work here. So basically I came here and there is nothing going on at all. Like nothing. On a good week, they teach about 2 lessons a week because they couldn't speak to the Spanish people. So yeah, pretty low! So I am here to boost the area back up to speed so the branch has the Spirit and love to do stuff again! And yeah, we are doing that. We taught six lessons alone the last three days. I guess that shows you how many Hispanics there really are! But yeah.
Iowa is pretty weird. I am homesick for Nebraska! I miss my Huskers. All I see is the Cyclones and Hawkeyes stuff. EWWW! But this town is really small and I imagine it should be fine for me. It depends on how the next couple to three weeks go! But I feel like it’s just a place where I can really start over. I mean, it’s my second year, and I am in a new area. I think the Lord wants me to start it off strongly. I really have to trust in Him here. Because there is a lot to do! I am excited to do it though! My companion is Elder Friddle de Castledale, Utah. He is pretty new. But yeah. I feel bad for him because he just kind of sits there the whole time while I speaka da Spanish! Oh well! But he is a good kid and we are doing well. But yeah!
Things are going really well here. I had a chance to meet a family, who we are working with, and I see them getting baptized soon, if they get married. The mom is a member, but just barely got reactivated. And her brother-in-law just got baptized last transfer. So things in their family are going well. We have taught them twice. One time just about the Book of Mormon, and we answered some questions and last night about Mosiah 3:19. Today, we are going over again to watch The Testaments with them! So it should be good! We were supposed to have them at the church yesterday night for the Christmas Devotional, (yes, I am in the boonies and we had to wait a week to get the devotional,) but no one showed, except the branch mission leader. I even made brownies!!! Oh yeah, church was canceled yesterday because of the weather. Basically all the roads are just ice here - not too much. But I love driving in it! You know me! Things are going really good. This place is going to build my testimony a lot, and I have a really good feeling about it! And while I DO miss Grand Island a lot, it’s ok! I said bye to all the members on Wednesday in Grand Island and that was tough! I love them so much. I wish I could finish my mission there. I am praying for it and you should pray for me too. Because I love that place! But yes! Not too much else to talk about! I am still saving up, for in a couple weeks we talk! I can't wait!
So, basically, things are going really well. It all depends on your attitude on how your altitude is! So I have decided to take the attitude change and just be happy and serve all that I can. I cannot believe that I have been out a year. It is so crazy how fast the mission goes! but I love it so much. And I love the Lord. I have learned so much about myself and about the gospel and there is no other place in the world I would rather be right now than on the mission. I love you all so much and I miss you too! Love you all! Have a great last week of school and keep it cool!
Con amor siempre mis queridos!
Elder Bradley Rigby
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| Raking leaves in Grand Island - a lot of leaves. |
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| Bundled up for icy cold weather |
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| It's really cold here. Just check out the temperature on my car dash below. |
6 December 2010
Mon 12/6/2010 1:30 PM
Cosas Pasaron
Why hello there all ya'll!!
So this week nothing special happened at all! It was kind of a weird week. But a lot of people weren't home, but we did contact some inactives who I have never seen in my life! - which was super- deee-duper good! I love Grand Island, but I think I am leaving. I have grown a lot here and I love the people so much! But we will see what happens with the transfer this Thursday. There are 3 new Spanish speaking missionaries coming in,so we will have to see where there go and what not. I will let you guys know next Monday, I guess!
So this week we really tried to find some new investigators and it didn't work out too well...We taught a lot of people and got some referrals, but it just didn't work out! Norberto is kind of falling off the map and what not, so that kind of stinks. But Sajid and Lorenzo are always there. Sunday, they both expressed to me that they would like to be baptized next month and I am like, “Great! Finally!” So I hope they go through with it, with or without me! We did see a lot of inactives this week. In one person's case, we set an appointment with her, went back and she wasn't there. Which was weird. Two days later we get a call from her, and she tells us to come over. So we go over and she has this huge growth on her neck that I didn't notice before. She asked for a blessing, so we gave her one. Now I think, that if we had gone there the first time, maybe she wouldn't have even asked for a blessing. And maybe that blessing will be a miracle and change her life back to the church! I hope so. The surgery went well we hear. So we will see!
We, as always, had the pot luck yesterday, which was super awesome. We had tons of food!! but no one came....:( We made a mountain man breakfast and deviled eggs...it was really good. It was sad because we had knocked on so many doors and invited so many people to come, and like only 20 people were at church! :( Oh well. They have their agency. I just can't wait until the veil is lifted from all of our eyes, and the people are like "Oh no, what did I do by sending those missionaries away?" haha. Then they can receive the fullness of the gospel and enjoy the blessings, just as we do! But all in all, it wasn't that bad of week! It was just a long week of no one really home. Which is really weird, usually, we contact a lot of people! Oh well.
Well, seems as if it is wrap up time. This week I read some pretty sweet stuff about Elijah and how in Malachi it talks about him coming again and what not. It’s so awesome how they already came to the temple and restored the keys. I just think it’s such a beautiful thing to know that we have all the restored keys to the earth hoy en dia. And that we can enjoy them all we want, as long as we do what the Lord says. Because "I the Lord am Obligated when ye do what I say" and it’s true. When we do what He says, He will immediately shower the blessing upon us. I love you all and I am so grateful to have your sustaining support in my life. I pray for you all daily and pray for the spirit of the Lord to be upon you. I urge you to think of the Savior every day, and do something for someone else during this time of year, just as the Savior would do for His children. I love you and miss you. Vayan con Dios siempre!
Con amor siempre,
Elder Bradley Rigby
Cosas Pasaron
Why hello there all ya'll!!
So this week nothing special happened at all! It was kind of a weird week. But a lot of people weren't home, but we did contact some inactives who I have never seen in my life! - which was super- deee-duper good! I love Grand Island, but I think I am leaving. I have grown a lot here and I love the people so much! But we will see what happens with the transfer this Thursday. There are 3 new Spanish speaking missionaries coming in,so we will have to see where there go and what not. I will let you guys know next Monday, I guess!
So this week we really tried to find some new investigators and it didn't work out too well...We taught a lot of people and got some referrals, but it just didn't work out! Norberto is kind of falling off the map and what not, so that kind of stinks. But Sajid and Lorenzo are always there. Sunday, they both expressed to me that they would like to be baptized next month and I am like, “Great! Finally!” So I hope they go through with it, with or without me! We did see a lot of inactives this week. In one person's case, we set an appointment with her, went back and she wasn't there. Which was weird. Two days later we get a call from her, and she tells us to come over. So we go over and she has this huge growth on her neck that I didn't notice before. She asked for a blessing, so we gave her one. Now I think, that if we had gone there the first time, maybe she wouldn't have even asked for a blessing. And maybe that blessing will be a miracle and change her life back to the church! I hope so. The surgery went well we hear. So we will see!
We, as always, had the pot luck yesterday, which was super awesome. We had tons of food!! but no one came....:( We made a mountain man breakfast and deviled eggs...it was really good. It was sad because we had knocked on so many doors and invited so many people to come, and like only 20 people were at church! :( Oh well. They have their agency. I just can't wait until the veil is lifted from all of our eyes, and the people are like "Oh no, what did I do by sending those missionaries away?" haha. Then they can receive the fullness of the gospel and enjoy the blessings, just as we do! But all in all, it wasn't that bad of week! It was just a long week of no one really home. Which is really weird, usually, we contact a lot of people! Oh well.
Well, seems as if it is wrap up time. This week I read some pretty sweet stuff about Elijah and how in Malachi it talks about him coming again and what not. It’s so awesome how they already came to the temple and restored the keys. I just think it’s such a beautiful thing to know that we have all the restored keys to the earth hoy en dia. And that we can enjoy them all we want, as long as we do what the Lord says. Because "I the Lord am Obligated when ye do what I say" and it’s true. When we do what He says, He will immediately shower the blessing upon us. I love you all and I am so grateful to have your sustaining support in my life. I pray for you all daily and pray for the spirit of the Lord to be upon you. I urge you to think of the Savior every day, and do something for someone else during this time of year, just as the Savior would do for His children. I love you and miss you. Vayan con Dios siempre!
Con amor siempre,
Elder Bradley Rigby
Monday, November 29, 2010
29 November 2010
Mon 11/29/2010 1:25 PM
Dia de Pavo
Why Hello There!!
So as I am writing this letter, the first snow is falling down. :( Ugh! We had such a streak without it! But oh well, what can you do? This last week was actually a really boring week.....a lot of people, because of the holiday, didn't really want to see us. But oh well!!! I can't even remember what happened this week. It was kind of long this week. But we did get in to teach a couple people!
Norberto is still going on, but we only found him at home once last week. He continues to be golden, but is kind of falling off the map. So that’s no bueno! Also with Jose. So basically he got paid this week, and just went and got drunk, bought play boys, and basically got kicked out of his trailer. So yeah, he is dropped.....which is bad. Then we still have the ongoing saga with Lorenzo and Soledad. They are doing really well. We had a lesson with them on Saturday, and they were asking us about baptism a lot. It was kind of interesting. Maybe they are getting closer to getting married! I hope so! They came to church on Sunday, which was just great! It was good to see them there! I hope they get baptized someday. It would be good for them! We also have Sajid, who is difficult to find as well! Oh well, we will keep going on en la obra! It’s crazy how fast November went by. I can't believe it’s almost December and my year mark. I haven't been out that long have I? No way!!!
So Thanksgiving was super awesome! We played football! and we made some delicious foods! Turkey, yams, cranberry sauce, potatoess, gravy, I made 2 pumpkin pies!, rolls, etc. It was so bomb! Then we took it to the Catalan's, and they had made some tortillas and what not and some Mexican drinks! Then we feasted! It was really good! They brought some non-member family so we taught them! It was so enjoyable! The Catalan's always bring us so many investigators! It’s great! They brought us one on Saturday - another Norberto that owns a local store. He is way intelligent and we taught him and he had tons of questions. But it turned out pretty good! So he is a future hopeful!
So yeah, that was basically the week. Church was good, kind of boring. but oh well! Last night we helped decorate the Absher’s house. It was pretty fun! Today, I think we might put the lights on the outside. We will see.
Well, I just want you all to know how grateful I am for all of you! I pray for each of you every day and hope your well being is good. We must all be grateful for all the things that our Father in Heaven has given us. I know I am so grateful for Family. It is the best thing that I have in this life and the only thing that makes me happy. I miss you all and love you all! Have a great first week of December!
con amor siempre,
Elder Bradley Rigby
Dia de Pavo
Why Hello There!!
So as I am writing this letter, the first snow is falling down. :( Ugh! We had such a streak without it! But oh well, what can you do? This last week was actually a really boring week.....a lot of people, because of the holiday, didn't really want to see us. But oh well!!! I can't even remember what happened this week. It was kind of long this week. But we did get in to teach a couple people!
Norberto is still going on, but we only found him at home once last week. He continues to be golden, but is kind of falling off the map. So that’s no bueno! Also with Jose. So basically he got paid this week, and just went and got drunk, bought play boys, and basically got kicked out of his trailer. So yeah, he is dropped.....which is bad. Then we still have the ongoing saga with Lorenzo and Soledad. They are doing really well. We had a lesson with them on Saturday, and they were asking us about baptism a lot. It was kind of interesting. Maybe they are getting closer to getting married! I hope so! They came to church on Sunday, which was just great! It was good to see them there! I hope they get baptized someday. It would be good for them! We also have Sajid, who is difficult to find as well! Oh well, we will keep going on en la obra! It’s crazy how fast November went by. I can't believe it’s almost December and my year mark. I haven't been out that long have I? No way!!!
So Thanksgiving was super awesome! We played football! and we made some delicious foods! Turkey, yams, cranberry sauce, potatoess, gravy, I made 2 pumpkin pies!, rolls, etc. It was so bomb! Then we took it to the Catalan's, and they had made some tortillas and what not and some Mexican drinks! Then we feasted! It was really good! They brought some non-member family so we taught them! It was so enjoyable! The Catalan's always bring us so many investigators! It’s great! They brought us one on Saturday - another Norberto that owns a local store. He is way intelligent and we taught him and he had tons of questions. But it turned out pretty good! So he is a future hopeful!
So yeah, that was basically the week. Church was good, kind of boring. but oh well! Last night we helped decorate the Absher’s house. It was pretty fun! Today, I think we might put the lights on the outside. We will see.
Well, I just want you all to know how grateful I am for all of you! I pray for each of you every day and hope your well being is good. We must all be grateful for all the things that our Father in Heaven has given us. I know I am so grateful for Family. It is the best thing that I have in this life and the only thing that makes me happy. I miss you all and love you all! Have a great first week of December!
con amor siempre,
Elder Bradley Rigby
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| utting the turkey at Thanksgiving dinner. |
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| Scrapimg off the inch of ice from my widshield. I'm so glad winter is here. |
22 November 2010
Mon 11/22/2010 3:08 PM
Arribas y Abajos
Pues hola,
So this week was suuuuuper de duper busy! Our p-day we spent decorating the George's house for Christmas. It was so fun! I love those old people. It was really fun! I installed a timer too, so they don't have to get up and do it. Man, it was good. The work this week wasn't as good as normal because we had a lot of other stuff to do.
Wednesday we had district meeting and afterward we had to translate for the bishop storehouse people. It’s amazing how much the people get from that place. But at the end of that, they had like 10 boxes left over....so they gave it to us! So we have a whole lot of food now. But we gave a lot of it to our investigators and what not. They need it more than we do. So yeah, that took a while. Plus, Elder Meza had his ingrown toenails taken out that day, so we couldn't work at all after that. So I just worked out, took a nap, studied. It was boring....haha.
But....with the baptisms. Jose: We went over to do his interview, and he pulls out a pack of cigarettes.....and we are like, “What the?” OK. You can't get baptized and proceeded to teach him everything over again. Hopefully he will feel better and get baptized. Then Norberto: We went and did his interview - he passed every question except....are you ready to make this covenant? and he said, “No.”....so that was sad.....but oh well. Everyone has their agency. So we are just going to continue with them! So that was all I remembered from the work this week,.because not much went on! But it’s ok! We were doing some good stuff!
So the greatest thing happened though, this last weekend. The Spanish Meeting. So we left from Grand Island and picked up people in Columbus and went to Omaha! It was like a road trip. We went to the Sandoval's and had dinner, and they made me a cake! Sister Rivera was there and she got me some gifts. They are such nice people! We played some games and then left and slept in the North's apartment with Elder Orellana and Elder St. Clair. They are so funny. I was laughing all night!
Saturday, we woke up and went to Gandolfo's. Man it was good!!! Then we had the meeting until like 3. It was really good! It was all in Spanish and it was really fun trainings. So it wasn't as boring as a zone conference! I loved it. It was also good to see some people I hadn't seen in months! It was just a really fun time. I really loved it a lot. I couldn't have had a better birthday weekend! After that, we went to the Temple in Spanish, and that was so great! It’s been a while since I have gone to the temple and it was really good. I learned even more stuff! It’s true, you learn stuff each and every time you go. After that, we got to go through the trail center and look at the Christmas stuff. Then we all went out to eat in South Omaha at the Mexican place. It was so good! By the time we ended, it was like 9:45. So we started driving. We got to Columbus at like 11:30, dropped them off, then continued onto Grand Island and arrived here at like 1:30. Yeah, late night. But we had permission to do it. So we grabbed all our mail (including those heavy boxes ya'll sent me!) and went to sleep. We woke up at 9 and went to church and I was dying. I was going to fall asleep and it was the primary program as well. I was just wanting to sleep all day. But we went and taught Jose, and Sergio, and Lorenzo, and had dinner with the Catalan's and it was good. Finally, I went to sleep and man I slept good!
Today is great! I loved all the grand presents you sent me. You guys are too nice! I love you all so much! I love all the gifts! Thanks for not sending candy. You know I am trying to get off sweets. I mean it’s hard enough with Christmas and such coming up. People just give us fattening stuff. But the birthday has been great. We have a dinner at 5. so p-day is cut a bit short! Oh well, I love you each. Just know that I do. I will have more time next week! It was a really happy week, besides the baptism part! But all is well conmigo. I hope all you have a grand semana of Thanksgiving. GIVE. Give all you can to the Lord and to others, and you will be more happy than you have ever been. We find in the scriptures that “Love thy God” is the first commandment, and then “Loving thy brother” is the second. And by loving our brothers, we give to them, and by giving to them, we are giving and loving our Heavenly Father. I know that that is real, because I have felt that! I feel that giving is so much better than taking and we will become more Christ-like by doing so. I love you all and I GIVE my prayers and love to you always and hope all is well back home. This 20 year old still gots work to do! Love ya and miss ya! Enjoy the week!
Con amor siempre,
Elder Bradley Rigby
ps. It’s my birthday. I am 20. WOOHOO!!!
Arribas y Abajos
Pues hola,
So this week was suuuuuper de duper busy! Our p-day we spent decorating the George's house for Christmas. It was so fun! I love those old people. It was really fun! I installed a timer too, so they don't have to get up and do it. Man, it was good. The work this week wasn't as good as normal because we had a lot of other stuff to do.
Wednesday we had district meeting and afterward we had to translate for the bishop storehouse people. It’s amazing how much the people get from that place. But at the end of that, they had like 10 boxes left over....so they gave it to us! So we have a whole lot of food now. But we gave a lot of it to our investigators and what not. They need it more than we do. So yeah, that took a while. Plus, Elder Meza had his ingrown toenails taken out that day, so we couldn't work at all after that. So I just worked out, took a nap, studied. It was boring....haha.
But....with the baptisms. Jose: We went over to do his interview, and he pulls out a pack of cigarettes.....and we are like, “What the?” OK. You can't get baptized and proceeded to teach him everything over again. Hopefully he will feel better and get baptized. Then Norberto: We went and did his interview - he passed every question except....are you ready to make this covenant? and he said, “No.”....so that was sad.....but oh well. Everyone has their agency. So we are just going to continue with them! So that was all I remembered from the work this week,.because not much went on! But it’s ok! We were doing some good stuff!
So the greatest thing happened though, this last weekend. The Spanish Meeting. So we left from Grand Island and picked up people in Columbus and went to Omaha! It was like a road trip. We went to the Sandoval's and had dinner, and they made me a cake! Sister Rivera was there and she got me some gifts. They are such nice people! We played some games and then left and slept in the North's apartment with Elder Orellana and Elder St. Clair. They are so funny. I was laughing all night!
Saturday, we woke up and went to Gandolfo's. Man it was good!!! Then we had the meeting until like 3. It was really good! It was all in Spanish and it was really fun trainings. So it wasn't as boring as a zone conference! I loved it. It was also good to see some people I hadn't seen in months! It was just a really fun time. I really loved it a lot. I couldn't have had a better birthday weekend! After that, we went to the Temple in Spanish, and that was so great! It’s been a while since I have gone to the temple and it was really good. I learned even more stuff! It’s true, you learn stuff each and every time you go. After that, we got to go through the trail center and look at the Christmas stuff. Then we all went out to eat in South Omaha at the Mexican place. It was so good! By the time we ended, it was like 9:45. So we started driving. We got to Columbus at like 11:30, dropped them off, then continued onto Grand Island and arrived here at like 1:30. Yeah, late night. But we had permission to do it. So we grabbed all our mail (including those heavy boxes ya'll sent me!) and went to sleep. We woke up at 9 and went to church and I was dying. I was going to fall asleep and it was the primary program as well. I was just wanting to sleep all day. But we went and taught Jose, and Sergio, and Lorenzo, and had dinner with the Catalan's and it was good. Finally, I went to sleep and man I slept good!
Today is great! I loved all the grand presents you sent me. You guys are too nice! I love you all so much! I love all the gifts! Thanks for not sending candy. You know I am trying to get off sweets. I mean it’s hard enough with Christmas and such coming up. People just give us fattening stuff. But the birthday has been great. We have a dinner at 5. so p-day is cut a bit short! Oh well, I love you each. Just know that I do. I will have more time next week! It was a really happy week, besides the baptism part! But all is well conmigo. I hope all you have a grand semana of Thanksgiving. GIVE. Give all you can to the Lord and to others, and you will be more happy than you have ever been. We find in the scriptures that “Love thy God” is the first commandment, and then “Loving thy brother” is the second. And by loving our brothers, we give to them, and by giving to them, we are giving and loving our Heavenly Father. I know that that is real, because I have felt that! I feel that giving is so much better than taking and we will become more Christ-like by doing so. I love you all and I GIVE my prayers and love to you always and hope all is well back home. This 20 year old still gots work to do! Love ya and miss ya! Enjoy the week!
Con amor siempre,
Elder Bradley Rigby
ps. It’s my birthday. I am 20. WOOHOO!!!
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| Birthday at the Catalan's. Pushing your face into the cake is a tradition. |
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| Me with my Birthday presents from home. |
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| All of the Spanish speaking missionaries in the mission. |
15 November 2010
Mon 11/15/2010 2:09 PM
Pasame la Salsa por favor!
Feliz 15th de Noviembre Muchachos!
Tues we went and helped Hermana Blanca move. We had Jose come with us! It was so funny. We just moved like a couple of Mexicans - threw stuff in the truck and just went. When Elder Meza asked Hermano Catalan where the tie downs were, he pointed to us. So we sat in the truck holding all the stuff down so it wouldn't fly out. I loved it. Elder Morrill made a video of me just holding stuff and trying not to fall off the truck. Don't worry, the other trailer was only like 2 blocks down. Jose is progressing really well though! We taught him the commandments and all the lessons this week and he is doing really well. He still kind of acts like a homeless guy, but, oh well. We went on Sunday to go remind him about church, and he said I am ready. I asked him, “Have you showered?” and he was like, "no....why?" I was like, “For church!! Go shower.”So yeah, he is going to reach his date if he doesn't drink. He has pretty good support. Noe Catalan takes him every day and they go work and do service! So it’s good!
Norberto is progressing really well as usual! He is so chosen, he just accepts everything we tell him. Seriously, Word of wisdom, chastity, 10 commandments. All he says is, "if God wants me to do this to become closer to Him, I'll do it!" I am so excited for him. It’s crazy how we just ran into him accidently and now he is getting baptized. The Lord really did send us there for him, and in that exact time and place the Lord wanted that to happen. He is so cool too, and he gets so excited when we talk to him in English. He is learning it right now, which is awesome. But I can't wait to see him raise up out of the water clean! He has had a tough path getting here from Cuba. But man, what blessings he will have now because the Lord found the exact time he needed the Gospel!!
Lorenzo and Soledad. Still the same thing....man. I don't know what else to do for them! Monday night we had a really good lesson. I kind of started it off and I really didn't say anything until the end of the lesson. I was just sitting there thinking of what to say to them that could help them. My companions were reading scriptures and having a discussion with them, and I was just sitting there. Finally a pause came, and I had a feeling to just tell them we love them and that I love them. So I started basically just telling them that we are here because we love them. We aren't here just because it’s our job, but because we love them, and Heavenly Father loves them. And it was so crazy. Soledad and Lorenzo both teared up, and I had never seen that before. It’s just crazy how the Lord wanted them to hear that at that moment. As we left, the greenie said, "OH Elder Rigby - bringing in the Spirit" and all I said to him was "I didn't do anything, I just opened my mouth" and it’s true. I don't do anything out here. I really don't. I just put myself in a place where the Lord wants to talk to His children.
We also had Zone Conference this week; it was really good. We learned a lot of stuff and a lot of things are changing in the Missionary Department. Like now they don't want to focus on the 6 week transfers schedule. So instead of having like zone activity, temple trip, and district activity, once every 6 weeks, we have it like monthly. So zone activity one month, district activity another month, and temple trip every other month. So that kind of stinks....but oh well. I guess they are changing everything up for a reason, just like that meeting everyone had on Saturday. There must be a reason for all this change. We may not like it, and it may be different, but oh well! We just gotta do it. After zone activity, Mac (Elder McClain) and I had to go to the George's and get some jumper cables for President because his battery died. This, while everyone else was playing dodgeball. It was good. Mac has been one of my really good friends on my mission. So we had a good talk. When we got back we played dodgeball. I hit like 5 kids in the face..... I felt bad. One kid I hit made his glasses fall off. I felt so terrible! That kind of stuff always happens to me. I don't even try and it just happens. He was alright!
The rest of the week was good. Sunday went well. We had 4 people to church. But only Brother Catalan was there on the stand…and me. I had to speak. So I sat by Brother Catalan so it would look like we had more priesthood authority presiding over the branch. But yeah, everything is going really good here, just need to find some more investigators! Because we have 2 getting baptized next week! But I am loving it here in Grand Island, I don't want to leave it. I have really grown as a missionary and a person here and I really do love it here! But we always have to say goodbye at some point! It will be sad, But I hope I get to stay another transfer!!!
WELL. I think I am pertaneer done here! I want you all to know that I love you and miss you every day. But we are all here for a reason, and it is hard as well. The mission can be compared to life, us as missionaries leave our homes and we miss our families and they miss us, but for life, we leave our heavenly family, and Father, and He misses us so much! But He knows, as all of you know, that it is good for us to be here, and we grow and learn and become more like Him. I pray for you all every day, and I hope that you are all doing your best to become as our Father in Heaven. I love and miss you all so much! Have a great week in the labor of our Father.
con amor siempre,
Elder B. Rigby
Pasame la Salsa por favor!
Feliz 15th de Noviembre Muchachos!
So this week went super fast and I have no idea what we even did. So this email will be kind of short, I guess. But, oh well. The weather here is still very pleasant. I don't think it’s that cold. Everyone else does. But it’s like 50 degrees and it feels good!!! All is well though! We are just doing work and having fun at the same time. And of course being tired! That happens in the mission. Everyday I come home, and Elder Morrill and I are in bed by 10. The greenie is still hopping around. But man....I feel like an old man. Just getting in bed early, I like sleep though. I miss sleeping in! Now if I wake up at like 8, I am sure I will feel the same as when I used to sleep in until 12, because I am used to 5:30 every morning!!! So 6:30 for me is sleeping in!
Norberto is progressing really well as usual! He is so chosen, he just accepts everything we tell him. Seriously, Word of wisdom, chastity, 10 commandments. All he says is, "if God wants me to do this to become closer to Him, I'll do it!" I am so excited for him. It’s crazy how we just ran into him accidently and now he is getting baptized. The Lord really did send us there for him, and in that exact time and place the Lord wanted that to happen. He is so cool too, and he gets so excited when we talk to him in English. He is learning it right now, which is awesome. But I can't wait to see him raise up out of the water clean! He has had a tough path getting here from Cuba. But man, what blessings he will have now because the Lord found the exact time he needed the Gospel!!
Lorenzo and Soledad. Still the same thing....man. I don't know what else to do for them! Monday night we had a really good lesson. I kind of started it off and I really didn't say anything until the end of the lesson. I was just sitting there thinking of what to say to them that could help them. My companions were reading scriptures and having a discussion with them, and I was just sitting there. Finally a pause came, and I had a feeling to just tell them we love them and that I love them. So I started basically just telling them that we are here because we love them. We aren't here just because it’s our job, but because we love them, and Heavenly Father loves them. And it was so crazy. Soledad and Lorenzo both teared up, and I had never seen that before. It’s just crazy how the Lord wanted them to hear that at that moment. As we left, the greenie said, "OH Elder Rigby - bringing in the Spirit" and all I said to him was "I didn't do anything, I just opened my mouth" and it’s true. I don't do anything out here. I really don't. I just put myself in a place where the Lord wants to talk to His children.
We also had Zone Conference this week; it was really good. We learned a lot of stuff and a lot of things are changing in the Missionary Department. Like now they don't want to focus on the 6 week transfers schedule. So instead of having like zone activity, temple trip, and district activity, once every 6 weeks, we have it like monthly. So zone activity one month, district activity another month, and temple trip every other month. So that kind of stinks....but oh well. I guess they are changing everything up for a reason, just like that meeting everyone had on Saturday. There must be a reason for all this change. We may not like it, and it may be different, but oh well! We just gotta do it. After zone activity, Mac (Elder McClain) and I had to go to the George's and get some jumper cables for President because his battery died. This, while everyone else was playing dodgeball. It was good. Mac has been one of my really good friends on my mission. So we had a good talk. When we got back we played dodgeball. I hit like 5 kids in the face..... I felt bad. One kid I hit made his glasses fall off. I felt so terrible! That kind of stuff always happens to me. I don't even try and it just happens. He was alright!
The rest of the week was good. Sunday went well. We had 4 people to church. But only Brother Catalan was there on the stand…and me. I had to speak. So I sat by Brother Catalan so it would look like we had more priesthood authority presiding over the branch. But yeah, everything is going really good here, just need to find some more investigators! Because we have 2 getting baptized next week! But I am loving it here in Grand Island, I don't want to leave it. I have really grown as a missionary and a person here and I really do love it here! But we always have to say goodbye at some point! It will be sad, But I hope I get to stay another transfer!!!
WELL. I think I am pertaneer done here! I want you all to know that I love you and miss you every day. But we are all here for a reason, and it is hard as well. The mission can be compared to life, us as missionaries leave our homes and we miss our families and they miss us, but for life, we leave our heavenly family, and Father, and He misses us so much! But He knows, as all of you know, that it is good for us to be here, and we grow and learn and become more like Him. I pray for you all every day, and I hope that you are all doing your best to become as our Father in Heaven. I love and miss you all so much! Have a great week in the labor of our Father.
con amor siempre,
Elder B. Rigby
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| Moving Sister Blanca - Mexican Style |
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| Elder Power Ranger |
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| King-sized cookie for Ted george |
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| Me and my companions |
08 November 2010
Mon 11/8/2010 2:30 PM
Paso un Nuevo
Good Afternoon Everyone-
So first things first. So right after we left the library, we received a call from President Kunz. We were thinking, “Oh, what did we do? I swear we didn't do anything!!” Then the second thought was, “Oh, he probably wants us to do something in the Spanish meeting on the 20th.” So Elder Morrill answers....and he just kept saying, “Yes, ok, uh huh.” Then he hangs up and just looks at me. And I am trippin!! And he said. “We are training a new missionary.” And I was like, “Aahhh....shoot.” And so yeah! On Tuesday, we received Elder Meza de South Jordan, Utah. So yeah. My life just got even more interesting. We are stressed out of our minds for this Elder, Because he is definitely a greenie and definitely just came from the MTC. So yeah. That’s how the week began. Crazy huh? So Tuesday, except for the morning, we spent prepping for him and kind of showing him around. But Tuesday morning, we taught Norberto. He is just so perfect and loving. He is totally going to meet his date of the 21st of Nov. I am so pumped! After that, we went and had interviews with President. I think it’s the best interview I have ever had with President. it was good. After that, we went and picked up the newbie and then went to lunch with our district. So that was good. After that we just went and saw people. We saw Lorenzo. He is doing well. We just taught him a little bit. Nothing too special.
Wednesday. We just got to work with the new Elder. I can't really remember what we did. But it must have been super good, I guess, since I forgot. We had some lunch at Fazolis and oh yeah. This is a good one. So our first day with the new guy. We went to the lady with the naked kid...ha ha. Oh man. So that kid was running around naked again, and this lady is breastfeeding, and the greenie is just freaking out. I was laughing so hard at him. Now I am used to it because that’s just how the culture is. But, man o man, he was freaking out. We had a good laugh about it afterward. It was actually a really good lesson! She asked a lot of questions and we had the answers. We invited her to church, but she never showed. Oh well, we have faith! We also introduced him to the George's, I don't think I have ever written about them, but they are like grandparents to me. They are just really awesome and funny. So we took him to meet them and ole Ted George isn't a member. So I always try to baptize him. I always say, "Ted, wanna get baptized this Sunday?" and this time he told me, "When the huskers win a national title, I will think about it. But until then, I am the bus driver to purgatory" ha ha. I love that guy so much. He is a really good guy though. Just an old man, but yeah, they're a hoot.
We met with Norberto three times this week. Each time he was like, “If that’s what God wants me to do, I will do it because I know He wants what’s best for me.” It can't get much better than that! We also showed Lorenzo the movie "Together Forever" (I fell asleep during it.) He said he really loved it and wants to show Soledad, so maybe she will have more desire to get married! We will see! We also taught that Jose guy that we met at the church cleaning! We set him for baptism as well! He will be baptized on the 21st as well if he fulfills everything. He and Norberto came to church Sunday and they both loved it! So I hope things will just get better and better with them! I am pretty sure things are going to be well with them! I have so much faith in them!
Things are going well though. It’s still crazy that it hasn't snowed yet. It’s been really warm. I still am wearing short sleeves! But Sunday was really crazy though! We had potluck and what not. A lot of people showed up! It was great. I think they showed up for the food, but hey, they came to church! And hopefully experienced something new! But yeah! It has been a good week! We have zone conference this week. So that should be good! But yeah! I’m just loving life. I’m getting used to training. Oh, we got cut 250 miles. I don't know why. So I called and complained because, without those miles, the work will not go on in this area! Because it’s huge. And plus, we are driving to Omaha on the 20th for the Spanish meeting. Other than that, all is well. I’m just losing weight or trying. We had a dinner and lunch Wednesday - Sunday. So that threw me behind on the diet. But, oh well! Asi es la mision!
Well, I am out of time this week. But I just want you all to know how much I love you and thank you for continually praying and giving support to me, but more importantly, to our Heavenly Father. I really gained a testimony this week how much He really does love us and really does want the best for us. At times we may feel as if it’s hard and we can't do it, but know that the easy way out is never the right way. I always remember the quote by Gordon B. Hinckley "I never said it would be easy, I said it would be worth it" and that’s just how it is. The mission is NOT easy by all means. But I have come to find out that it is worth it. Some way, some how, we will always see the better part of things after we have done them in faith and with love. I love you all and I hope that you will put more faith and love in our Heavenly Father as He has done for us. I love ya, and I miss ya, have a great Spirit filled week!!.
con amor siempre,
Elder Bradley D. Rigby
ps. 11 months? Where did that come from? It’s going fast!
Paso un Nuevo
Good Afternoon Everyone-
So first things first. So right after we left the library, we received a call from President Kunz. We were thinking, “Oh, what did we do? I swear we didn't do anything!!” Then the second thought was, “Oh, he probably wants us to do something in the Spanish meeting on the 20th.” So Elder Morrill answers....and he just kept saying, “Yes, ok, uh huh.” Then he hangs up and just looks at me. And I am trippin!! And he said. “We are training a new missionary.” And I was like, “Aahhh....shoot.” And so yeah! On Tuesday, we received Elder Meza de South Jordan, Utah. So yeah. My life just got even more interesting. We are stressed out of our minds for this Elder, Because he is definitely a greenie and definitely just came from the MTC. So yeah. That’s how the week began. Crazy huh? So Tuesday, except for the morning, we spent prepping for him and kind of showing him around. But Tuesday morning, we taught Norberto. He is just so perfect and loving. He is totally going to meet his date of the 21st of Nov. I am so pumped! After that, we went and had interviews with President. I think it’s the best interview I have ever had with President. it was good. After that, we went and picked up the newbie and then went to lunch with our district. So that was good. After that we just went and saw people. We saw Lorenzo. He is doing well. We just taught him a little bit. Nothing too special.
Wednesday. We just got to work with the new Elder. I can't really remember what we did. But it must have been super good, I guess, since I forgot. We had some lunch at Fazolis and oh yeah. This is a good one. So our first day with the new guy. We went to the lady with the naked kid...ha ha. Oh man. So that kid was running around naked again, and this lady is breastfeeding, and the greenie is just freaking out. I was laughing so hard at him. Now I am used to it because that’s just how the culture is. But, man o man, he was freaking out. We had a good laugh about it afterward. It was actually a really good lesson! She asked a lot of questions and we had the answers. We invited her to church, but she never showed. Oh well, we have faith! We also introduced him to the George's, I don't think I have ever written about them, but they are like grandparents to me. They are just really awesome and funny. So we took him to meet them and ole Ted George isn't a member. So I always try to baptize him. I always say, "Ted, wanna get baptized this Sunday?" and this time he told me, "When the huskers win a national title, I will think about it. But until then, I am the bus driver to purgatory" ha ha. I love that guy so much. He is a really good guy though. Just an old man, but yeah, they're a hoot.
We met with Norberto three times this week. Each time he was like, “If that’s what God wants me to do, I will do it because I know He wants what’s best for me.” It can't get much better than that! We also showed Lorenzo the movie "Together Forever" (I fell asleep during it.) He said he really loved it and wants to show Soledad, so maybe she will have more desire to get married! We will see! We also taught that Jose guy that we met at the church cleaning! We set him for baptism as well! He will be baptized on the 21st as well if he fulfills everything. He and Norberto came to church Sunday and they both loved it! So I hope things will just get better and better with them! I am pretty sure things are going to be well with them! I have so much faith in them!
Things are going well though. It’s still crazy that it hasn't snowed yet. It’s been really warm. I still am wearing short sleeves! But Sunday was really crazy though! We had potluck and what not. A lot of people showed up! It was great. I think they showed up for the food, but hey, they came to church! And hopefully experienced something new! But yeah! It has been a good week! We have zone conference this week. So that should be good! But yeah! I’m just loving life. I’m getting used to training. Oh, we got cut 250 miles. I don't know why. So I called and complained because, without those miles, the work will not go on in this area! Because it’s huge. And plus, we are driving to Omaha on the 20th for the Spanish meeting. Other than that, all is well. I’m just losing weight or trying. We had a dinner and lunch Wednesday - Sunday. So that threw me behind on the diet. But, oh well! Asi es la mision!
Well, I am out of time this week. But I just want you all to know how much I love you and thank you for continually praying and giving support to me, but more importantly, to our Heavenly Father. I really gained a testimony this week how much He really does love us and really does want the best for us. At times we may feel as if it’s hard and we can't do it, but know that the easy way out is never the right way. I always remember the quote by Gordon B. Hinckley "I never said it would be easy, I said it would be worth it" and that’s just how it is. The mission is NOT easy by all means. But I have come to find out that it is worth it. Some way, some how, we will always see the better part of things after we have done them in faith and with love. I love you all and I hope that you will put more faith and love in our Heavenly Father as He has done for us. I love ya, and I miss ya, have a great Spirit filled week!!.
con amor siempre,
Elder Bradley D. Rigby
ps. 11 months? Where did that come from? It’s going fast!
Monday, November 1, 2010
01 November 2010
Mon 11/1/2010 1:01 PM
Dia de Los Muertos y Translados
Bueno Bueno Bueno!
So this week was really busy, but really went well! We met two new people who want to be baptized and yeah. Things are going well. I received a new Companero. Se llama Elder Morrill. He is from the Cedar Hills/Highland area of Utah! We get along like peas and carrots! We have made some really good goals for ourselves and we are going to baptize this transfer, not only for the Lord, but for the Branch. I think it’s exactly what we need right now, here in Grand Island. Plus it would make President Absher (Branch President) pretty happy. When a baptisms happen, it really brings people up in the branch and what not! So yeah. I am really excited for this transfer. We have some good things going on. We have a Spanish meeting on the 20th and we might be going to Omaha another time to see a family go thru the temple! - which will be an awesome experience to witness! I am loving the mission a lot! It’s just getting better and better. Right now we are doing this thing called "fasting for 40 days" I think I said something about it before. But by purifying myself I have received the Spirit more and more and it’s just amazing to see the difference in our lessons, my Spanish, and just everything else! It’s just going dandy right now.
So at the beginning of the week, I just remember teaching Norberto Guerrero, who is set for the 21st of this month. We really focused on the Authority of Christ and the Priesthood, and every single question we asked, he just answered perfectly. He is so chosen, it’s insane. After we got done talking to him, I asked him about being baptized and he said, “Yes, yes, I will.” It was great. All he has to do is come to church and keep the commandments, which is a lot of stuff to do. But yeah! I have faith. We also did some service that day. We mowed a lawn and moved some railroad ties, but nothing too much.
Wednesday, we had district meeting, then lunch, then district activity, and we played some ball. It was fun. We did that until like 4! Then we found out about transfers, so we just visited people that Elder Stephenson wanted to see and take pics with. We also went to the Halloween Carnival. It was pretty fun! So yeah.
Thursday, I received my new companion, Elder Morrill. I just took him to see people in the ward and introduce him and what not.
Friday, I can't remember much.
But Saturday was a good day! We cleaned the church at 8am. The Catalans brought some guy with them. We thought he was a member, then all the sudden he is asking about baptism and what not. So we showed him the font and explained it. We asked him if he wants to be baptized and he said, “SHooooree!” haha. It was funny. His name is Jose. We will see what happens with him. He has a lot of member support, so it’s good! Later that day we taught Norberto again and we taught the Plan of Salvacion. We were like, “Besides baptism, what other steps would you need to take to get closer to the Celestial Kingdom?” and he said, “Going to church.” We were like BAM! He is so golden! I can't wait to see him get baptized! Also, later that night, we taught to some drunk guy. Man, he was messed up. We kind of played around with him for a little bit and then left because he wouldn't shut up. Drunks are so fun. . . not!
Halloween was really kind of boring. We went to Stake Conference in Kearney. I saw some members over there that I knew before and what not. We saw some missionaries! It was good and yeah! The theme was temples, which is cool, because I am reading a temple book right now on my free time. It was fun and what not. After that, we came home and ate and then, seriously, just passed out on accident. All of a sudden, we were talking and then we were out. We woke up and were like. Oh man!!! So we hurried and left and got some visits in before we had to be in by 6pm. It was funny. We managed to see one kid, but that’s it. Not much. So we got home and ate dinner with our members and then passed out candy to the kids. Then we basically just read books for like 4 hours. I was kind of a long, but alright.
I love the mission so much! Good things are going on right now! Love you all and miss ya all!
con amor,
Elder Bradley Rigby
Dia de Los Muertos y Translados
Bueno Bueno Bueno!
So this week was really busy, but really went well! We met two new people who want to be baptized and yeah. Things are going well. I received a new Companero. Se llama Elder Morrill. He is from the Cedar Hills/Highland area of Utah! We get along like peas and carrots! We have made some really good goals for ourselves and we are going to baptize this transfer, not only for the Lord, but for the Branch. I think it’s exactly what we need right now, here in Grand Island. Plus it would make President Absher (Branch President) pretty happy. When a baptisms happen, it really brings people up in the branch and what not! So yeah. I am really excited for this transfer. We have some good things going on. We have a Spanish meeting on the 20th and we might be going to Omaha another time to see a family go thru the temple! - which will be an awesome experience to witness! I am loving the mission a lot! It’s just getting better and better. Right now we are doing this thing called "fasting for 40 days" I think I said something about it before. But by purifying myself I have received the Spirit more and more and it’s just amazing to see the difference in our lessons, my Spanish, and just everything else! It’s just going dandy right now.
So at the beginning of the week, I just remember teaching Norberto Guerrero, who is set for the 21st of this month. We really focused on the Authority of Christ and the Priesthood, and every single question we asked, he just answered perfectly. He is so chosen, it’s insane. After we got done talking to him, I asked him about being baptized and he said, “Yes, yes, I will.” It was great. All he has to do is come to church and keep the commandments, which is a lot of stuff to do. But yeah! I have faith. We also did some service that day. We mowed a lawn and moved some railroad ties, but nothing too much.
Wednesday, we had district meeting, then lunch, then district activity, and we played some ball. It was fun. We did that until like 4! Then we found out about transfers, so we just visited people that Elder Stephenson wanted to see and take pics with. We also went to the Halloween Carnival. It was pretty fun! So yeah.
Thursday, I received my new companion, Elder Morrill. I just took him to see people in the ward and introduce him and what not.
Friday, I can't remember much.
But Saturday was a good day! We cleaned the church at 8am. The Catalans brought some guy with them. We thought he was a member, then all the sudden he is asking about baptism and what not. So we showed him the font and explained it. We asked him if he wants to be baptized and he said, “SHooooree!” haha. It was funny. His name is Jose. We will see what happens with him. He has a lot of member support, so it’s good! Later that day we taught Norberto again and we taught the Plan of Salvacion. We were like, “Besides baptism, what other steps would you need to take to get closer to the Celestial Kingdom?” and he said, “Going to church.” We were like BAM! He is so golden! I can't wait to see him get baptized! Also, later that night, we taught to some drunk guy. Man, he was messed up. We kind of played around with him for a little bit and then left because he wouldn't shut up. Drunks are so fun. . . not!
Halloween was really kind of boring. We went to Stake Conference in Kearney. I saw some members over there that I knew before and what not. We saw some missionaries! It was good and yeah! The theme was temples, which is cool, because I am reading a temple book right now on my free time. It was fun and what not. After that, we came home and ate and then, seriously, just passed out on accident. All of a sudden, we were talking and then we were out. We woke up and were like. Oh man!!! So we hurried and left and got some visits in before we had to be in by 6pm. It was funny. We managed to see one kid, but that’s it. Not much. So we got home and ate dinner with our members and then passed out candy to the kids. Then we basically just read books for like 4 hours. I was kind of a long, but alright.
I love the mission so much! Good things are going on right now! Love you all and miss ya all!
con amor,
Elder Bradley Rigby
Thursday, October 28, 2010
25 October 2010
Mon 10/25/2010 11:01 AM
Movando y Nuevo
Bueno Familia,
So today is quite a gloomy day itself. But it’s ok. I love Fall! This week was such a crazy, busy week. I don't know how we got to go to work and what not. It was just crazy.
Tuesday, we helped Adalberto and his family move. No one showed, so, of course, we did all the work. Then we helped some old man out later! Then all the missionaries from the west had arrived, so we kind of had to cater to them. So no work was done.
Wednesday we had a zone conference in Lincoln. It went until like 6. So we got back at like 8. So no work again. But the zone conference was really good! We learned about purifying ourselves and fasting to rid ourselves of the things that hinder the Spirit! It is cool. I think I am going to do it. I need to improve myself cada dia! We also learned about teaching people, not lecions. So just teaching to what Heavenly Father wants them to hear! So yeah, it was super good!
Thursday. We finally had the day to work!, so we did! Nothing all day....crazy huh? Because, in the morning, we went to the dentist with the Catalans to translate. I don't know dental terms, so that was hard to do. But I did it and now I know some dental terms. It took forever though. You know how dental offices are! So yeah....after that we just kind of contacted references until we had a team up at like 7. We went with our President and Jesus Arvizo. I went with Jesus because I speak more Spanish and what not. We visited that guy in the hospital and he is finally home!! So it is so good to see that. We taught a part member family, they were way cool! I had never met them before, but ya! And then we taught this lady who hasn't been to church in 20 yrs. And while I was teaching I had a feeling to share the Sacrament Prayer with her. After I finished with that, tears filled her eyes and she said, “I haven't heard that in a long time. Thank you.” Then she said, “Missionaries always bring a special spirit to the home.” So that was cool! And then we went home! It was a good night!
Friday we were kind of busy with planning and service until like 3. But it was good, because right after that, The Catalan's came on a team up with us. First, we went and saw Lorenzo. He has been mega sick. So we talked about the priesthood and what not. After that, we asked if he wanted a blessing. Immediately after that, he said, “Rubi! You do it.” I said sure, of course. While I was giving the blessing, it seriously felt like I wasn't even there. It felt as if I was in a different dimension and I just let the Lord take over. It was so awesome. The Priesthood is real! It’s crazy. think in this area, have done more service and given more blessings than all my other areas combined. But the rest of the night the Catalan's just took us to people’s houses that we didn't know. We would start the lessons, and they would teach the rest of them! It was great. Then we ended up at a Mexican restaurant and it was delicious!
Saturday- So pretty much everything shuts down here once the Husker game starts. So it’s hard. But before that, we taught two new guys! They are so chosen. One of which is Vicente. He is buscando a nueva iglesia ahrita. Sorry, ha, he is looking for a new church right now, but is having some doubts. So we really focused on prayer. I hope all went well! We are probably seeing him tomorrow. After that, we saw Norberto! He just accepted everything we said. So he is a new hopeful. Later that day, we went and saw Olga and made sure she was coming to church and what not. She said, “Yup, yup.” So yeah, she just needs to get married! ugh! Later that night, we ended up teaching the Catalan’s sister while her husband was smoking a big, fat, Cuban cigar and drinking vodka. Man was that interesting. I am used to the drunks now though....sad huh? Oh well! But yeah, we’re just trying to get people to church! Sajid finally came to church. He said he still wants to get baptized but needs us to teach him. So yeah. Olga and her two kids came too. So things are going well here. We just need to get people to the waters! So many people are so close! ahh! But last night was crazy. Sergio was hammered again. So we rebuked him bigtime! We said, “You gotta change and you need to repent. But yeah, he was like, ”I can't i can't.” So oh well, we try our best with him. but I don't know! We will see what happens!
Today, we are just going to work out. It’s the last week of the transfer, and yeah, we are both sick of each other to be quite honest. So yeah, that’s what’s going on. I am working out again and losing weight. People say I look skinnier, so that is good! The reason I wrote also "movando" is because the Romeros are moving also! Like two of the strongest families in our ward are just peacing out. So yeah. It’s kind of been a tough week in the branch. We will make it through though! I know it!
Ok, with the fishing excursion, we just went to a bunch of local lakes and went fishing! Not too much! We caught a bunch of bass, walleye, croppee, and some catfish. It was really fun. We went with ol’ Mike McCain! He is legit. Yes, we can go fishing on the mission. Just as long as we don’t go on the boat or in the water.... and it’s on p-day. So it’s completely fine! It'd be just like going golfing or playing basketball.
So Halloween is coming up! Craziness! We have Stake Conference that day in Kearney. So I will be seeing some past people I know! We don't get to be out past 5 on Halloween. So, sorry, I won't get candy. I don't want it. Candy is so terrible for me! I need to keep the fat off. It’s so hard! But you know me, I gotta look good! ha.
So yeah, this week was really good. It feels like I have been out for like 2 days, not almost 1 year. It’s so crazy. But I have noticed the change in myself and all the wonderful memories I have with the wonderful people of Nebraska!! So yeah! Things are going well! I love you all so much and I hope you have a wonderful Halloween and great week! Love you all!
con amor,
Elder Bradley Rigby
Movando y Nuevo
Bueno Familia,
So today is quite a gloomy day itself. But it’s ok. I love Fall! This week was such a crazy, busy week. I don't know how we got to go to work and what not. It was just crazy.
Tuesday, we helped Adalberto and his family move. No one showed, so, of course, we did all the work. Then we helped some old man out later! Then all the missionaries from the west had arrived, so we kind of had to cater to them. So no work was done.
Wednesday we had a zone conference in Lincoln. It went until like 6. So we got back at like 8. So no work again. But the zone conference was really good! We learned about purifying ourselves and fasting to rid ourselves of the things that hinder the Spirit! It is cool. I think I am going to do it. I need to improve myself cada dia! We also learned about teaching people, not lecions. So just teaching to what Heavenly Father wants them to hear! So yeah, it was super good!
Thursday. We finally had the day to work!, so we did! Nothing all day....crazy huh? Because, in the morning, we went to the dentist with the Catalans to translate. I don't know dental terms, so that was hard to do. But I did it and now I know some dental terms. It took forever though. You know how dental offices are! So yeah....after that we just kind of contacted references until we had a team up at like 7. We went with our President and Jesus Arvizo. I went with Jesus because I speak more Spanish and what not. We visited that guy in the hospital and he is finally home!! So it is so good to see that. We taught a part member family, they were way cool! I had never met them before, but ya! And then we taught this lady who hasn't been to church in 20 yrs. And while I was teaching I had a feeling to share the Sacrament Prayer with her. After I finished with that, tears filled her eyes and she said, “I haven't heard that in a long time. Thank you.” Then she said, “Missionaries always bring a special spirit to the home.” So that was cool! And then we went home! It was a good night!
Friday we were kind of busy with planning and service until like 3. But it was good, because right after that, The Catalan's came on a team up with us. First, we went and saw Lorenzo. He has been mega sick. So we talked about the priesthood and what not. After that, we asked if he wanted a blessing. Immediately after that, he said, “Rubi! You do it.” I said sure, of course. While I was giving the blessing, it seriously felt like I wasn't even there. It felt as if I was in a different dimension and I just let the Lord take over. It was so awesome. The Priesthood is real! It’s crazy. think in this area, have done more service and given more blessings than all my other areas combined. But the rest of the night the Catalan's just took us to people’s houses that we didn't know. We would start the lessons, and they would teach the rest of them! It was great. Then we ended up at a Mexican restaurant and it was delicious!
Saturday- So pretty much everything shuts down here once the Husker game starts. So it’s hard. But before that, we taught two new guys! They are so chosen. One of which is Vicente. He is buscando a nueva iglesia ahrita. Sorry, ha, he is looking for a new church right now, but is having some doubts. So we really focused on prayer. I hope all went well! We are probably seeing him tomorrow. After that, we saw Norberto! He just accepted everything we said. So he is a new hopeful. Later that day, we went and saw Olga and made sure she was coming to church and what not. She said, “Yup, yup.” So yeah, she just needs to get married! ugh! Later that night, we ended up teaching the Catalan’s sister while her husband was smoking a big, fat, Cuban cigar and drinking vodka. Man was that interesting. I am used to the drunks now though....sad huh? Oh well! But yeah, we’re just trying to get people to church! Sajid finally came to church. He said he still wants to get baptized but needs us to teach him. So yeah. Olga and her two kids came too. So things are going well here. We just need to get people to the waters! So many people are so close! ahh! But last night was crazy. Sergio was hammered again. So we rebuked him bigtime! We said, “You gotta change and you need to repent. But yeah, he was like, ”I can't i can't.” So oh well, we try our best with him. but I don't know! We will see what happens!
Today, we are just going to work out. It’s the last week of the transfer, and yeah, we are both sick of each other to be quite honest. So yeah, that’s what’s going on. I am working out again and losing weight. People say I look skinnier, so that is good! The reason I wrote also "movando" is because the Romeros are moving also! Like two of the strongest families in our ward are just peacing out. So yeah. It’s kind of been a tough week in the branch. We will make it through though! I know it!
Ok, with the fishing excursion, we just went to a bunch of local lakes and went fishing! Not too much! We caught a bunch of bass, walleye, croppee, and some catfish. It was really fun. We went with ol’ Mike McCain! He is legit. Yes, we can go fishing on the mission. Just as long as we don’t go on the boat or in the water.... and it’s on p-day. So it’s completely fine! It'd be just like going golfing or playing basketball.
So Halloween is coming up! Craziness! We have Stake Conference that day in Kearney. So I will be seeing some past people I know! We don't get to be out past 5 on Halloween. So, sorry, I won't get candy. I don't want it. Candy is so terrible for me! I need to keep the fat off. It’s so hard! But you know me, I gotta look good! ha.
So yeah, this week was really good. It feels like I have been out for like 2 days, not almost 1 year. It’s so crazy. But I have noticed the change in myself and all the wonderful memories I have with the wonderful people of Nebraska!! So yeah! Things are going well! I love you all so much and I hope you have a wonderful Halloween and great week! Love you all!
con amor,
Elder Bradley Rigby
18 October 2010
Mon 10/18/2010 11:50 AM
Bueno Bueno Bueno
Why hello there peeps,
So this week was really short. So not much to talk about with ya'll! I think half the time I say the same things in the email. But whatever. I gotta write something down to ya'll! We had kind of a mediocre week. It was weird; every set appointment we had or team up got canceled....so that’s normal, but every back up we had planned was there. It was so great! We only taught 17 lessons and had 2 people to church, but yet it was still a good week.
As we taught this week, I focused more on following the Spirit and asking really good questions. It really made my teaching a lot better. Because then the investigator teaches himself a lot of the lesson and learns more. One experience this week was with a woman named Madelena. I started out just asking questions, like “Do you believe in the BOM?”, “Do you believe in Jose Smith?”, and I finished with , “Will you come to church on Sunday?” She said, “No.” So we are like, “What?....You just said you believe in all that stuff.” Way weird. So I kept asking questions and like teaching how we only need one church on the earth and how Jesus only established one doctrine and in one way. She was like. “Ok ok ok ok ok.” So I asked her again, “Will you come to church?” and she said, “Yes.” So it’s so awesome to see that when you ask questions and find more of the doubts in people they come to realize the truthfulness. Sadly when we arrived Sunday with a member, she was not there. But it was still cool!
So one Zoram Quintana came to GI this week and his buddy Marvin (who I actually had Spanish with). Anywho. Short story. We went and did missionary work with him, because Quintana served here, and we went to the hospital to visit this guy who has been there for a while. It’s sad, but seriously, it was way good. We just started visiting with him and Quintana just was saying thanks and stuff for being so hospitable to him and what not. Then the most awkward silence went on, it was crazy. But I was just filled with the Spirit and so was Quintana. The guy just started crying and professing his love for the missionaries and how much they bless our lives and stuff. I was like wow. It was just a really riveting experience with him and with a former missionary.
With Victor (I think I talked about him before), he is a really great guy. Very kind and very believing. So we tried to set him for baptizm and he said, “No” and that he didn’t feel prepared. So we just kept teaching and promising him blessings, and we asked him again if he would be baptized. He said, “Yes.” He wouldn't accept a date, but he does want to do it! So that is super good. If only like 50% of the people that I set would get baptized, it would be awesome. But it rarely happens. I have faith that one person will be baptized someday! It will happen! We should have a baptism coming up in the next couple weeks - Sajid. We just got him and his novia hitched on Saturday. But we still need to teach him stuff and he needs to come to church with his wife, who is a member. The wedding was so short. Like 5 minutes. I love it. It was like bam bam, bam, bam, kiss and gone! But we are hopeful for him. He really loves the church and really wants to get baptized. We’ve just got to teach him.
So a crazy story from last night! The Catalan's invited us over for dinner last night at like 7:30. So we went over, and Raquel y Adalberto were there. These two families are probably my favorite here. They are so great! Anywho, we ate dinner and kind of went into a Bible study and what not, which was good. The Rios's are moving this Wednesday, but hopefully the Lord will change their minds. They are very young in the church. It gets to be like 8:30 and we are thinking that we should go. But something told me to stay. As we stayed, the Rios just start fighting about their marriage and blah, blah, blah, and talking about separation. I am like, “No, no, no, you are such good people. This should not happen.” So the Catalan's did most the talking and stuff. But then like 9:15 rolls around and I still feel like we need to stay. So we do. Then I stood up and bore my testimony about how marriage is tough but the blessings are worth it. I said, “I am very young, and maybe don't know too much, but I know if you move to Texas, that it will be a hard to stay in the church. And for this, you should stay. You were baptized here. You have a ward family here who loves you and wants you to succeed. And before anything else, the Lord wants you to ask him first before anything happens.” Now I normally wouldn't say that....but it just came out. I am pretty sure the Lord was speaking exactly through me. Then 9:30 rolls around and things are more content and I still have the feeling to stay! So we say a prayer, and like a minute goes by. Then the Rios family asks for blessings. And as I am giving Raquel her blessing, I just feel so great and spiritual, and tears roll down my face as I am giving this choice daughter the counsel she needs from her Heavenly Father. The power of the priesthood is so real. Last night testified of it more to me than ever. I know that we needed to stay there so I could give her that blessing at that time. How great is that??? :)
So -- other updates, I can't think of any. Saturday, we went out with ole Brother Guerrero. Man, I swear like 10 pieces of food hit me in the face. I am just trying not to laugh or like throw up. I just keep composure and wipe myself off. Oh man.
Oh, we went to a baptism on Saturday too. The kid being baptized was like not all there, but accountable enough to be baptized. A Sister was giving a talk on the Gift of the Holy Ghost. She is like, “You are going to get the Holy Ghost tomorrow”, and he said, "Does it come in like a gift wrapped box like for Christmas? or what is it?" I laughed so hard, but it was cute and funny.
Things with my comp are alright. I have been with him for 3 months, and let’s just say that I am ready for transfers. :) “That’s all I have to say about that.” -Forrest Gump.
So that’s it for me today. I love you all so, so, so, so, so much and I wish the best for you! This week we have a zone conference down in Lincoln again. So that will be fun to see some people. We are going fishing again today! I just love fishing. It is so fun! Last week was good. We just got a bunch of little fishies with the member! Well. I love you all so much! May God bless you as you keep your covenants! Love ya and miss ya!
Con amor,
Elder Bradley Rigby
Bueno Bueno Bueno
Why hello there peeps,
So this week was really short. So not much to talk about with ya'll! I think half the time I say the same things in the email. But whatever. I gotta write something down to ya'll! We had kind of a mediocre week. It was weird; every set appointment we had or team up got canceled....so that’s normal, but every back up we had planned was there. It was so great! We only taught 17 lessons and had 2 people to church, but yet it was still a good week.
As we taught this week, I focused more on following the Spirit and asking really good questions. It really made my teaching a lot better. Because then the investigator teaches himself a lot of the lesson and learns more. One experience this week was with a woman named Madelena. I started out just asking questions, like “Do you believe in the BOM?”, “Do you believe in Jose Smith?”, and I finished with , “Will you come to church on Sunday?” She said, “No.” So we are like, “What?....You just said you believe in all that stuff.” Way weird. So I kept asking questions and like teaching how we only need one church on the earth and how Jesus only established one doctrine and in one way. She was like. “Ok ok ok ok ok.” So I asked her again, “Will you come to church?” and she said, “Yes.” So it’s so awesome to see that when you ask questions and find more of the doubts in people they come to realize the truthfulness. Sadly when we arrived Sunday with a member, she was not there. But it was still cool!
So one Zoram Quintana came to GI this week and his buddy Marvin (who I actually had Spanish with). Anywho. Short story. We went and did missionary work with him, because Quintana served here, and we went to the hospital to visit this guy who has been there for a while. It’s sad, but seriously, it was way good. We just started visiting with him and Quintana just was saying thanks and stuff for being so hospitable to him and what not. Then the most awkward silence went on, it was crazy. But I was just filled with the Spirit and so was Quintana. The guy just started crying and professing his love for the missionaries and how much they bless our lives and stuff. I was like wow. It was just a really riveting experience with him and with a former missionary.
With Victor (I think I talked about him before), he is a really great guy. Very kind and very believing. So we tried to set him for baptizm and he said, “No” and that he didn’t feel prepared. So we just kept teaching and promising him blessings, and we asked him again if he would be baptized. He said, “Yes.” He wouldn't accept a date, but he does want to do it! So that is super good. If only like 50% of the people that I set would get baptized, it would be awesome. But it rarely happens. I have faith that one person will be baptized someday! It will happen! We should have a baptism coming up in the next couple weeks - Sajid. We just got him and his novia hitched on Saturday. But we still need to teach him stuff and he needs to come to church with his wife, who is a member. The wedding was so short. Like 5 minutes. I love it. It was like bam bam, bam, bam, kiss and gone! But we are hopeful for him. He really loves the church and really wants to get baptized. We’ve just got to teach him.
So a crazy story from last night! The Catalan's invited us over for dinner last night at like 7:30. So we went over, and Raquel y Adalberto were there. These two families are probably my favorite here. They are so great! Anywho, we ate dinner and kind of went into a Bible study and what not, which was good. The Rios's are moving this Wednesday, but hopefully the Lord will change their minds. They are very young in the church. It gets to be like 8:30 and we are thinking that we should go. But something told me to stay. As we stayed, the Rios just start fighting about their marriage and blah, blah, blah, and talking about separation. I am like, “No, no, no, you are such good people. This should not happen.” So the Catalan's did most the talking and stuff. But then like 9:15 rolls around and I still feel like we need to stay. So we do. Then I stood up and bore my testimony about how marriage is tough but the blessings are worth it. I said, “I am very young, and maybe don't know too much, but I know if you move to Texas, that it will be a hard to stay in the church. And for this, you should stay. You were baptized here. You have a ward family here who loves you and wants you to succeed. And before anything else, the Lord wants you to ask him first before anything happens.” Now I normally wouldn't say that....but it just came out. I am pretty sure the Lord was speaking exactly through me. Then 9:30 rolls around and things are more content and I still have the feeling to stay! So we say a prayer, and like a minute goes by. Then the Rios family asks for blessings. And as I am giving Raquel her blessing, I just feel so great and spiritual, and tears roll down my face as I am giving this choice daughter the counsel she needs from her Heavenly Father. The power of the priesthood is so real. Last night testified of it more to me than ever. I know that we needed to stay there so I could give her that blessing at that time. How great is that??? :)
So -- other updates, I can't think of any. Saturday, we went out with ole Brother Guerrero. Man, I swear like 10 pieces of food hit me in the face. I am just trying not to laugh or like throw up. I just keep composure and wipe myself off. Oh man.
Oh, we went to a baptism on Saturday too. The kid being baptized was like not all there, but accountable enough to be baptized. A Sister was giving a talk on the Gift of the Holy Ghost. She is like, “You are going to get the Holy Ghost tomorrow”, and he said, "Does it come in like a gift wrapped box like for Christmas? or what is it?" I laughed so hard, but it was cute and funny.
Things with my comp are alright. I have been with him for 3 months, and let’s just say that I am ready for transfers. :) “That’s all I have to say about that.” -Forrest Gump.
So that’s it for me today. I love you all so, so, so, so, so much and I wish the best for you! This week we have a zone conference down in Lincoln again. So that will be fun to see some people. We are going fishing again today! I just love fishing. It is so fun! Last week was good. We just got a bunch of little fishies with the member! Well. I love you all so much! May God bless you as you keep your covenants! Love ya and miss ya!
Con amor,
Elder Bradley Rigby
Thursday, October 14, 2010
13 October 2010
Wed 10/13/2010 3:15 PM
Semana de Milagros
Why Hello there!
So it’s been such a crazy week, it seems, man. I have not had time to even sit. It’s so crazy. So the reason this week was bittersweet is just because Elder Moore went home. That was sad. But it’s been going well! We taught 20 lessons last week and had 7 people to church! It was madness. We had Olga and her kids to church and 4 random people to church that we never thought would come! We thought they came because of the Potluck. Which is probably true. But hey, they felt the Spirit hopefully! But the week kind of started out really good. It just got slower and slower! But, hey, it’s all good. We taught some really good peeps and had some good experiences with them.
On Tuesday we had like no where to go. So we said a prayer and asked for some guidance. After the prayer, I looked on the map and saw a street name "Vandergrift" Now that wouldn’t stand out to anyone right? Because it’s random. But I kept looking and my eyes kept hitting that. Anyway, so we go there and we found 2 Hispanic families living by there! Crazy, huh? The Lord really does guide this work a lot! We also taught all new people that day. It was just a really good day. We haven't seen the people since! But hey, we will be able to see them again soon!
Another thing was during a lecion, we were teaching Olga's brother-in-law. He didn't want to read the Book of Mormon. I was like, “Oh yeah? Just the Bible is correct?” So I whipped out my Bible and threw down on him! I just read all the scriptures talking about the restoration and the Book of Mormon. And then I marked 2nd Nefi 29 for him to read. It talks about how some people will say only the bible is correct but Nephi just throws down on them. The Gospel is so true for so many reasons, and it makes so much sense! After that, he was kind of like dumbfounded by the fact that all these things could be true. But with Olga, she needs to get married....ugh. She has been with the guy for like 15 years and never got married! It’s strange. We are going to do it. We are going to see her tonight and hopefully baptize all the kids first and then the parents will come around. So pray for them!
We also ran into a guy this week named Victor. He was just sitting on his porch. So we sat down with him and had a good little talk. Next thing we know we are setting him for baptism! It was so cool. He liked just believed everything we said and just really enjoyed it. So we have high hopes for him as well! We also set Lorenzo Martinez again. He said he is going to try and get Soledad to come around so he can get baptized. Like all our investigators need to get married. It costs 15 bucks to do it. I was like, “Heck, I will pay for you! Just get it done, son! You're missing out on all the blessings!!”
So the work here is really going upward, I can tell! I just can't wait for these wonderful souls that I am working with to make it to baptism. It will change their lives as well as mine! I know this week is kind of a short update and I am sorry for that. But it has been a learning week and a week of miracles. We don't have a ton of time as you know, but I just want you all to know how much I love you, and want you to know that this gospel is so true. Just heed to the words of our leaders and you will never ever be lead astray. And you will always have the happiness and love of the spirit of the Lord. What a great time and age to be living in, to be examples and lights to the world. I love you all and I miss you all! May God bless you with His spirit and love every day. Thanks for the Prayers and Love for all the missionaries out here. We really do feel it. Vayan con Dios!!
con amor siempre,
Elder Bradley D. Rigby
Semana de Milagros
Why Hello there!
So it’s been such a crazy week, it seems, man. I have not had time to even sit. It’s so crazy. So the reason this week was bittersweet is just because Elder Moore went home. That was sad. But it’s been going well! We taught 20 lessons last week and had 7 people to church! It was madness. We had Olga and her kids to church and 4 random people to church that we never thought would come! We thought they came because of the Potluck. Which is probably true. But hey, they felt the Spirit hopefully! But the week kind of started out really good. It just got slower and slower! But, hey, it’s all good. We taught some really good peeps and had some good experiences with them.
On Tuesday we had like no where to go. So we said a prayer and asked for some guidance. After the prayer, I looked on the map and saw a street name "Vandergrift" Now that wouldn’t stand out to anyone right? Because it’s random. But I kept looking and my eyes kept hitting that. Anyway, so we go there and we found 2 Hispanic families living by there! Crazy, huh? The Lord really does guide this work a lot! We also taught all new people that day. It was just a really good day. We haven't seen the people since! But hey, we will be able to see them again soon!
Another thing was during a lecion, we were teaching Olga's brother-in-law. He didn't want to read the Book of Mormon. I was like, “Oh yeah? Just the Bible is correct?” So I whipped out my Bible and threw down on him! I just read all the scriptures talking about the restoration and the Book of Mormon. And then I marked 2nd Nefi 29 for him to read. It talks about how some people will say only the bible is correct but Nephi just throws down on them. The Gospel is so true for so many reasons, and it makes so much sense! After that, he was kind of like dumbfounded by the fact that all these things could be true. But with Olga, she needs to get married....ugh. She has been with the guy for like 15 years and never got married! It’s strange. We are going to do it. We are going to see her tonight and hopefully baptize all the kids first and then the parents will come around. So pray for them!
We also ran into a guy this week named Victor. He was just sitting on his porch. So we sat down with him and had a good little talk. Next thing we know we are setting him for baptism! It was so cool. He liked just believed everything we said and just really enjoyed it. So we have high hopes for him as well! We also set Lorenzo Martinez again. He said he is going to try and get Soledad to come around so he can get baptized. Like all our investigators need to get married. It costs 15 bucks to do it. I was like, “Heck, I will pay for you! Just get it done, son! You're missing out on all the blessings!!”
So the work here is really going upward, I can tell! I just can't wait for these wonderful souls that I am working with to make it to baptism. It will change their lives as well as mine! I know this week is kind of a short update and I am sorry for that. But it has been a learning week and a week of miracles. We don't have a ton of time as you know, but I just want you all to know how much I love you, and want you to know that this gospel is so true. Just heed to the words of our leaders and you will never ever be lead astray. And you will always have the happiness and love of the spirit of the Lord. What a great time and age to be living in, to be examples and lights to the world. I love you all and I miss you all! May God bless you with His spirit and love every day. Thanks for the Prayers and Love for all the missionaries out here. We really do feel it. Vayan con Dios!!
con amor siempre,
Elder Bradley D. Rigby
04 October 2010
Mon 10/4/2010 11:35 AM
Semana De Conferencia y Mucho Trabajo!
Que onda???
So yah. This week was really good. We worked so hard this week and gave like 4 blessings. We did service like every day. It was a weird week. Just everyone in the ward needed our help and also the English wards. They don't call the sisters, they call us. It was so weird, but it was a good week. Teaching was alright. We are struggling to get a lot of investigators right now, but we are hitting it big with the less-active people. So every appointment scheduled, we have a less-active as a backup. So every investigator wasn't there, so we taught the less-active people, and they were always there. It was so cool and good. We got most of them to come to at least one or two sessions of conference! So it was super good! We didn't have any way, awesome lessons this week, nor any crazy spiritual experiences, just the great feeling that I always have when I am serving other people. As some people would say, "Service is like peeing your pants: everyone can see what you did, but only you get the warm feeling." I truly believe that.
So the service opportunities we did: Wednesday morning we had to crawl underneath a trailer and turn someone's water back on and then paint her kitchen! This lady is an old, crazy lady. She looks a bit grumpy, but she is soooo funny! Oh my gosh. She doesn't believe in prophets at all. Weird huh? So every time I see her, I always bring up prophets and see how angry she gets. It’s so funny! I just keep doing it though. Thursday, we helped another old dude, Brother Guerrero. He is American, but speaks Spanish. He is our usual team up. But we moved like three tractor buckets of dirt into his backyard and took some window coolers out of his house! Then later that day, we went and watched a kid’s football game. It was way fun! He is in 8th grade, I think? So it would've been like Colt playing, which was cool. It made me miss football a lot. Oh well!!! Then Saturday was the usual Habitat for Humanity!
On the missionary part of things, seriously though, we tried like so many people this week! No one was home to teach except for the less-actives, which is fine by me! But our primary objective is to bring others to Christ, not ones who have fallen away. I mean, we care for them too, but you know what I am saying! Oh well. I think this next week will be a lot better. We also gave two blessings to two newborns. I didn't take part because I have been coughing up a storm. I didn't want to get the babies more sick. Babies are so cool. Crazy how they just come from Heaven. It’s a great principle. Every baby I say Jesu Cristo to, smiles. So you know that they just left his presence and that’s why they can't speak yet? The Plan of Salvacion is awesome!
And now to conference. I LOVED CONFERENCE!!! I always do. It was a lot about missionary work, and that wickedness never was happiness and Plan de Salvacion. It is just so awesome to be able to hear all the General Authorities speak to us. Everything applies to what I need in my life at the moment. I took like 10 pages of notes. They are all in Spanglish too. But I don't really have a favorite talk, I loved them all. But some stuff did stick out to me a lot: The fly fisherman with Elder Ballard, the Cow and the Fence with Elder Arnold, Elder Lawrence’s talk when he mentioned sleepovers and stuff and how parents need to be bold with their children, oh and how Elder Holland just bore testimony of his mission his whole talk. I love that! Man the gospel is just so great! I could go on and on for hours about conferencia! But I don't have that much time, as you know!
So I got to see Luz this weekend! It was good to see her. We talked about when I baptized her. How we were both so nervous. It was a good little talk with her. She came to visit with her husband, who baptized the familia Catalan. So it was good to see them. Things are going super well here. I am just loving the mission more and more. I can't believe the time is going so fast. It’s so crazy. I know that this church is true. There is no way that it’s not! The conference just strengthened my testimony more and more of missionary work and how important it is that we do it all our lives! And part of missionary work is raising kids in the gospel! So thanks Mom and Dad for being great missionaries and always watching out for your crazy son Bradley. But always heed to the Prophets and Apostles words. They speak truth and love from our Beloved Heavenly Father. I love this so much!
Well, this is it for the weekly update of me and my life! I love you all and thanks for the love and support you give me each and every week! You are all the greatest things ever! We all are part of a very important work, and we should be consecrated in it! I love you all. Have a fantastic week!!
con amor,
Elder B-Rad Rigby
Semana De Conferencia y Mucho Trabajo!
Que onda???
So yah. This week was really good. We worked so hard this week and gave like 4 blessings. We did service like every day. It was a weird week. Just everyone in the ward needed our help and also the English wards. They don't call the sisters, they call us. It was so weird, but it was a good week. Teaching was alright. We are struggling to get a lot of investigators right now, but we are hitting it big with the less-active people. So every appointment scheduled, we have a less-active as a backup. So every investigator wasn't there, so we taught the less-active people, and they were always there. It was so cool and good. We got most of them to come to at least one or two sessions of conference! So it was super good! We didn't have any way, awesome lessons this week, nor any crazy spiritual experiences, just the great feeling that I always have when I am serving other people. As some people would say, "Service is like peeing your pants: everyone can see what you did, but only you get the warm feeling." I truly believe that.
So the service opportunities we did: Wednesday morning we had to crawl underneath a trailer and turn someone's water back on and then paint her kitchen! This lady is an old, crazy lady. She looks a bit grumpy, but she is soooo funny! Oh my gosh. She doesn't believe in prophets at all. Weird huh? So every time I see her, I always bring up prophets and see how angry she gets. It’s so funny! I just keep doing it though. Thursday, we helped another old dude, Brother Guerrero. He is American, but speaks Spanish. He is our usual team up. But we moved like three tractor buckets of dirt into his backyard and took some window coolers out of his house! Then later that day, we went and watched a kid’s football game. It was way fun! He is in 8th grade, I think? So it would've been like Colt playing, which was cool. It made me miss football a lot. Oh well!!! Then Saturday was the usual Habitat for Humanity!
On the missionary part of things, seriously though, we tried like so many people this week! No one was home to teach except for the less-actives, which is fine by me! But our primary objective is to bring others to Christ, not ones who have fallen away. I mean, we care for them too, but you know what I am saying! Oh well. I think this next week will be a lot better. We also gave two blessings to two newborns. I didn't take part because I have been coughing up a storm. I didn't want to get the babies more sick. Babies are so cool. Crazy how they just come from Heaven. It’s a great principle. Every baby I say Jesu Cristo to, smiles. So you know that they just left his presence and that’s why they can't speak yet? The Plan of Salvacion is awesome!
And now to conference. I LOVED CONFERENCE!!! I always do. It was a lot about missionary work, and that wickedness never was happiness and Plan de Salvacion. It is just so awesome to be able to hear all the General Authorities speak to us. Everything applies to what I need in my life at the moment. I took like 10 pages of notes. They are all in Spanglish too. But I don't really have a favorite talk, I loved them all. But some stuff did stick out to me a lot: The fly fisherman with Elder Ballard, the Cow and the Fence with Elder Arnold, Elder Lawrence’s talk when he mentioned sleepovers and stuff and how parents need to be bold with their children, oh and how Elder Holland just bore testimony of his mission his whole talk. I love that! Man the gospel is just so great! I could go on and on for hours about conferencia! But I don't have that much time, as you know!
So I got to see Luz this weekend! It was good to see her. We talked about when I baptized her. How we were both so nervous. It was a good little talk with her. She came to visit with her husband, who baptized the familia Catalan. So it was good to see them. Things are going super well here. I am just loving the mission more and more. I can't believe the time is going so fast. It’s so crazy. I know that this church is true. There is no way that it’s not! The conference just strengthened my testimony more and more of missionary work and how important it is that we do it all our lives! And part of missionary work is raising kids in the gospel! So thanks Mom and Dad for being great missionaries and always watching out for your crazy son Bradley. But always heed to the Prophets and Apostles words. They speak truth and love from our Beloved Heavenly Father. I love this so much!
Well, this is it for the weekly update of me and my life! I love you all and thanks for the love and support you give me each and every week! You are all the greatest things ever! We all are part of a very important work, and we should be consecrated in it! I love you all. Have a fantastic week!!
con amor,
Elder B-Rad Rigby
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| The family tradition of making carameled popcorn at conference time is carried on in the mission field. |
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| The Spanish often read my name as Elder Ruby, so here I am on North Ruby street |
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| Out standing in my field . . . or rather in a Nebraska field |
27 September 2010
Mon 9/27/2010 11:27 AM
Enfermedad!
Sup sup sup!
So this week was another “not good” week. We were sick for like 2 days! - my companion one day and I the other. It was not fun at all! So the work has kind of slowed down a lot! But yeah, this email is going to be ultra short too! Sorry Sorry Sorry. I think this week will be a lot better for the work.
It’s been weird though. The weather has cooled way down and I love it! We've had some crazy weather going! There has been so much rain lately. The streets were flooded. It was super awesome! We tried seeing people during the rain because we didn't want to be outside, ya know? This was Friday because Wednesday my companion was sick and Thursday I was! It did not go our way this week Veronica still hasn't returned. Friday, we tried seeing people all day; we got to teach some less-actives. Sergio has been struggling with drinking hugely this week because he lost his job, and he is moving. So we went over there and he is completely wasted off his rocker. So we took all his alcohol and we dumped it out. He got mad at us, but I said, “Sergio, we are your friends and we care about you. Quit wasting your dang life away. The Lord does not want this.” He sat down and was like. “Ahh.....your right. I need to become closer to the church.” It was awesome. I was kind of blunt. But, oh well, sometimes that needs to happen, eh? After that, we actually were driving by and saw Lorenzo and Soledad. It’s been a couple weeks since we've seen them because we wanted to give them a couple weeks. They are good. We taught them about church and invited them to come, but they didn't show up. Which made us sad, but hopefully they can come to conference and see the Prophet speak. We also got permission to take them to the Trail Center in Omaha. So I will be heading up there sometime next month!
Saturday we built that house. I spent most of my day pouring cement for a basement of the house! Meanwhile, Elder Stephenson was building a shed. It is so fun being there. We get to tell about our gospel and church a lot and I get to learn how to make a house. It is really awesom! After that, we went to a baptism for the sisters again. I don't like being in the same city as the sisters, they just make us feel like doo-doo. But, oh well, we went because we had actually taught this lady and her husband a couple times. It was good. Afterward, she asked Elder Stephenson to confirm her a member of the church. It was random, but cool! After the baptism, we taught this lady named Maria. She is a great lady and has a great spirit. She believes everything we tell her. The one holdback is that her son is always running around with no pants on! It’s like, “Put some pants on kid.” And I am talking about the church here and then she starts breastfeeding....and I am like, uh.....this is really awkward. But we continued on with the lesson and made it through and then left. Great lesson, just some awkward moments.
Yesterday, Sunday, we had Sajid at church. His baptism is coming up soon. We just need to teach him! He is way hard to get a hold of! But church was good. After church, we had a good dinner and talked with Adalberto about being a husband with the priesthood. I like Adalberto. We have good deep talks with him all the time! So yeah.
Today we are going to give a blessing to a new born who is struggling. So I will have to be dressed up as a doctor! After that, we are going to do some fishing! But yeah, that’s the weekly update for ya'll!
Basically, this week should be super good because we are super healthy. Well I still have a little cold, but it should be a ton better and I look forward to it! I am so excited for the things we have going on. I hope more comes! I really am going to focus on just teaching to the people's needs this week and just put myself aside. I’ll just get into the work even more! Sometimes I lose desire and it’s hard. But I just have to get back up and keep going or else it’s pointless! I love you all and I hope you have a fantastic conference week-end and be edified by the spirit of our beloved Prophet and apostles. Listen to them. They make more sense than many think! I love you all and miss you all!
Con amor, siempre,
Elder Bradley Don Rigby
Enfermedad!
Sup sup sup!
So this week was another “not good” week. We were sick for like 2 days! - my companion one day and I the other. It was not fun at all! So the work has kind of slowed down a lot! But yeah, this email is going to be ultra short too! Sorry Sorry Sorry. I think this week will be a lot better for the work.
It’s been weird though. The weather has cooled way down and I love it! We've had some crazy weather going! There has been so much rain lately. The streets were flooded. It was super awesome! We tried seeing people during the rain because we didn't want to be outside, ya know? This was Friday because Wednesday my companion was sick and Thursday I was! It did not go our way this week Veronica still hasn't returned. Friday, we tried seeing people all day; we got to teach some less-actives. Sergio has been struggling with drinking hugely this week because he lost his job, and he is moving. So we went over there and he is completely wasted off his rocker. So we took all his alcohol and we dumped it out. He got mad at us, but I said, “Sergio, we are your friends and we care about you. Quit wasting your dang life away. The Lord does not want this.” He sat down and was like. “Ahh.....your right. I need to become closer to the church.” It was awesome. I was kind of blunt. But, oh well, sometimes that needs to happen, eh? After that, we actually were driving by and saw Lorenzo and Soledad. It’s been a couple weeks since we've seen them because we wanted to give them a couple weeks. They are good. We taught them about church and invited them to come, but they didn't show up. Which made us sad, but hopefully they can come to conference and see the Prophet speak. We also got permission to take them to the Trail Center in Omaha. So I will be heading up there sometime next month!
Saturday we built that house. I spent most of my day pouring cement for a basement of the house! Meanwhile, Elder Stephenson was building a shed. It is so fun being there. We get to tell about our gospel and church a lot and I get to learn how to make a house. It is really awesom! After that, we went to a baptism for the sisters again. I don't like being in the same city as the sisters, they just make us feel like doo-doo. But, oh well, we went because we had actually taught this lady and her husband a couple times. It was good. Afterward, she asked Elder Stephenson to confirm her a member of the church. It was random, but cool! After the baptism, we taught this lady named Maria. She is a great lady and has a great spirit. She believes everything we tell her. The one holdback is that her son is always running around with no pants on! It’s like, “Put some pants on kid.” And I am talking about the church here and then she starts breastfeeding....and I am like, uh.....this is really awkward. But we continued on with the lesson and made it through and then left. Great lesson, just some awkward moments.
Yesterday, Sunday, we had Sajid at church. His baptism is coming up soon. We just need to teach him! He is way hard to get a hold of! But church was good. After church, we had a good dinner and talked with Adalberto about being a husband with the priesthood. I like Adalberto. We have good deep talks with him all the time! So yeah.
Today we are going to give a blessing to a new born who is struggling. So I will have to be dressed up as a doctor! After that, we are going to do some fishing! But yeah, that’s the weekly update for ya'll!
Basically, this week should be super good because we are super healthy. Well I still have a little cold, but it should be a ton better and I look forward to it! I am so excited for the things we have going on. I hope more comes! I really am going to focus on just teaching to the people's needs this week and just put myself aside. I’ll just get into the work even more! Sometimes I lose desire and it’s hard. But I just have to get back up and keep going or else it’s pointless! I love you all and I hope you have a fantastic conference week-end and be edified by the spirit of our beloved Prophet and apostles. Listen to them. They make more sense than many think! I love you all and miss you all!
Con amor, siempre,
Elder Bradley Don Rigby
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
21 September 2010
Tue 9/21/2010 12:16 PM
Semana de un Setenta y Translados
Bueno bueno bueno!
Este semana estaba muy lento.....haha. Like nothing went at all; I am serious. We only taught like 8 lessons and yeah - just a way slow week. Then transfers were this week, of course. So yeah, not too much. I was also sick! I have a cold or something or it’s my allergies. I’m pretty sure it’s a cold because my eyes are completely fine. Don't worry, I am fine. Sunday I had like food poisoning or something. I don't think Elder Stephenson cooked our fish all the way....before he fed it to me. That’s why I usually cook. But yeah, it was just a grand ole week! So I will get started on this letter.
Tuesday – I can't remember anything at all. We taught Soledad.....she feels like everyone hates her because she is holding Lorenzo back and stuff. Man, it wasn't the greatest lesson, so we are gonna give them their space and stuff. But yeah!
Wednesday - I seriously think nothing happened except we visited some less-actives this day. Like I said, the whole week was like this. It was raining and just gloomy a lot. So the days went the same way.
Thursday - We found out about transfers and such.(Brad and his companion are staying together in Grand Island) and we had dinner with Brother McCain. He is awesome. That’s where we go fishing. Our steaks weren't finished, so he said,.”Go fishing for a little bit while I cook.” So I cast like 15 casts and didn't get anything. I gave the pole to Elder Stephenson and he cast one cast and caught a 16 inch, large mouth, bass. I was like - are you serious? It was funny. I made him gut it though. It was cool. Then we ate some delicious man food and had good talk. After that, we went to the Catalan's and taught their son about the mission. We kind of had a bible study with some recent converts there too. It went really well. Elder Stephenson knows the Bible well, much better than I do. So that worked out.
Friday – We woke up and went to take the sisters to the transfer point. We had to stay there and help out. It was good to see all my buddies that were leaving the zone, especially Elder Burton. I will miss him. He is going up to Sioux City. So he went from the farthest west to the farthest east. I hope to see him again. Oh well. After that, we had some studies and some weekly planning. During the day, I can't remember anything, but we did teach a lady piano. It was good! So yeah!, not much.
Saturday - We would've gone and done service, but Elder Stephenson was sick!! So we stayed home until like 3, then we went and taught some people, and yeah....then we went to see Angel and invite him to the night activity. We showed up there and only Adalberto and Angel were there. We played around the world and had like a gospel discussion. It was good. I got 2nd place to a Mexican in basketball! Man, he was nailing shots left and right. I was sad...oh well. After that, we went and introduced ourselves to the Catalans sister and yeah, her husband had a huge ole cigar. Man, Cuban guy too. We only stayed for like 10 minutes, then left!
Sunday - I woke up coughing and throwing up and being sick.....so I just stayed in bed like all day until we left for Lincoln that night. We stayed at some old dude’s house with the ZLs. It was weird....and I got like 2 hours of sleep, which was really miserable!
Monday - So we showed up at the thing and just sat there for like 2 hours because they were late! Sister Kunz and President Kunz trained first on the Doctrine of Christ. It was really good. Then Sister Ellis got up and just talked about the mission and staying positive and doing your best. It was really good. I liked it a lot! Then Elder Ellis got up and talked for a good 3 hours! It was really long!, but it was really good. He spoke on having the Spirit of God in our work and making sure the investigators have it too. He gave a bunch of scriptures and everything. It was really good. I enjoyed it a lot. After it was all done, we stayed in Lincoln for like 3 more hours because some missionaries left with Elder Springer’s stuff and didn't come back until like 6. So we got home at like 8 last night. So we just stayed home. I was soooo tired! So we hit the hay!!
Tuesday – Today, we have some lessons with some less-actives. That’s all I know of. We might go fishing today. I am not sure!
Well, so I am very hopeful for this coming week! I think good things will happen this transfer. We just gotta keep going, ya know? It’s crazy how it’s almost October! Time flies like crazy! But things will pick up. I trust the Lord's judgment because he prepares the way for us and guides us to where and who we need to go to! I love this place so much. I am really happy I decided to serve a mission. Yes, I miss home. I always will. But there is nothing I love more than the spirit of this work that I am doing right now! I love you all so much and I hope you have a fantastical week! Love ya and miss ya!
Les quiero mucho!!
Vayan con Dios siempre!
Elder Rigby
Semana de un Setenta y Translados
Bueno bueno bueno!
Este semana estaba muy lento.....haha. Like nothing went at all; I am serious. We only taught like 8 lessons and yeah - just a way slow week. Then transfers were this week, of course. So yeah, not too much. I was also sick! I have a cold or something or it’s my allergies. I’m pretty sure it’s a cold because my eyes are completely fine. Don't worry, I am fine. Sunday I had like food poisoning or something. I don't think Elder Stephenson cooked our fish all the way....before he fed it to me. That’s why I usually cook. But yeah, it was just a grand ole week! So I will get started on this letter.
Tuesday – I can't remember anything at all. We taught Soledad.....she feels like everyone hates her because she is holding Lorenzo back and stuff. Man, it wasn't the greatest lesson, so we are gonna give them their space and stuff. But yeah!
Wednesday - I seriously think nothing happened except we visited some less-actives this day. Like I said, the whole week was like this. It was raining and just gloomy a lot. So the days went the same way.
Thursday - We found out about transfers and such.(Brad and his companion are staying together in Grand Island) and we had dinner with Brother McCain. He is awesome. That’s where we go fishing. Our steaks weren't finished, so he said,.”Go fishing for a little bit while I cook.” So I cast like 15 casts and didn't get anything. I gave the pole to Elder Stephenson and he cast one cast and caught a 16 inch, large mouth, bass. I was like - are you serious? It was funny. I made him gut it though. It was cool. Then we ate some delicious man food and had good talk. After that, we went to the Catalan's and taught their son about the mission. We kind of had a bible study with some recent converts there too. It went really well. Elder Stephenson knows the Bible well, much better than I do. So that worked out.
Friday – We woke up and went to take the sisters to the transfer point. We had to stay there and help out. It was good to see all my buddies that were leaving the zone, especially Elder Burton. I will miss him. He is going up to Sioux City. So he went from the farthest west to the farthest east. I hope to see him again. Oh well. After that, we had some studies and some weekly planning. During the day, I can't remember anything, but we did teach a lady piano. It was good! So yeah!, not much.
Saturday - We would've gone and done service, but Elder Stephenson was sick!! So we stayed home until like 3, then we went and taught some people, and yeah....then we went to see Angel and invite him to the night activity. We showed up there and only Adalberto and Angel were there. We played around the world and had like a gospel discussion. It was good. I got 2nd place to a Mexican in basketball! Man, he was nailing shots left and right. I was sad...oh well. After that, we went and introduced ourselves to the Catalans sister and yeah, her husband had a huge ole cigar. Man, Cuban guy too. We only stayed for like 10 minutes, then left!
Sunday - I woke up coughing and throwing up and being sick.....so I just stayed in bed like all day until we left for Lincoln that night. We stayed at some old dude’s house with the ZLs. It was weird....and I got like 2 hours of sleep, which was really miserable!
Monday - So we showed up at the thing and just sat there for like 2 hours because they were late! Sister Kunz and President Kunz trained first on the Doctrine of Christ. It was really good. Then Sister Ellis got up and just talked about the mission and staying positive and doing your best. It was really good. I liked it a lot! Then Elder Ellis got up and talked for a good 3 hours! It was really long!, but it was really good. He spoke on having the Spirit of God in our work and making sure the investigators have it too. He gave a bunch of scriptures and everything. It was really good. I enjoyed it a lot. After it was all done, we stayed in Lincoln for like 3 more hours because some missionaries left with Elder Springer’s stuff and didn't come back until like 6. So we got home at like 8 last night. So we just stayed home. I was soooo tired! So we hit the hay!!
Tuesday – Today, we have some lessons with some less-actives. That’s all I know of. We might go fishing today. I am not sure!
Well, so I am very hopeful for this coming week! I think good things will happen this transfer. We just gotta keep going, ya know? It’s crazy how it’s almost October! Time flies like crazy! But things will pick up. I trust the Lord's judgment because he prepares the way for us and guides us to where and who we need to go to! I love this place so much. I am really happy I decided to serve a mission. Yes, I miss home. I always will. But there is nothing I love more than the spirit of this work that I am doing right now! I love you all so much and I hope you have a fantastical week! Love ya and miss ya!
Les quiero mucho!!
Vayan con Dios siempre!
Elder Rigby
13 September 2010
Mon 9/13/2010 12:01 PM
Holla Holla Holla
So what is up mi familia!!!
So this week seemed so boring and so fast. We taught a lot and I went on exchanges. This week seriously blew by - like it is such a blur! Wowee. But it was a good week. It was very gloomy because of the weather. It’s been misting all week. It doesn't rain, but it mists. It’s weird. But, oh well. So I can't remember much from this week, so it might be a tad short, depending on my insights.
Tuesday - Hmmmmm.......let’s see. What did we do this day?....I honestly don't remember Tuesday.
Wednesday - We had district meeting. It was really good, then after, we had district lunch… then district activity. The reason we have all these things on the same day is because everyone is so far away. It’s rare we get to see each other. After all this, I went on exchanges up to the boonies of Oneill, Nebraska. It’s a small, small, small, town. There are only like a 1000 peeps in it. I went with Elder Springer (from Provo. I served around him in Lincoln. He is in videos and pics before) and Elder Francis, who is waiting for his visa. But it was way fun. It was a two day exchange because it’s far away. So yeah. It was a good break though from my companion. I mean not a break, but, yeah, when you are around someone for 24/7 it’s nice just to chill. We taught a couple people that night. They are funny up there. But I almost started teaching in Spanish like four times.
Thursday – We were still in Oneil. We went and saw people all day. It was funny, they have like three 9 year old investigators and it’s so fun teaching them because you have to be super simple. So it’s good. But Elder Springer said that, when I was there, it was the most reverent they have ever been. ha. I guess I am good with kids? But it was fun just dealing with simple kid questions. Later that day, we had dinner at a bowling alley and the mom is an inactive lesbian. It was really awkward. You know me, I am so good at making things awkward, but we talked to her about the church and yeah. I don’t know. It was a weird situation. But after that, we had a good night. Just chilled.
Friday – We exchanged back and I can't really remember much from this day. We taught our set Veronica, who is the niece of the Catalan's. So that was a good lesson. Then we had some dinner after. It was really fun. I love the Catalans, they are such a good family. I am so happy they are moving into a new house. They deserve it. And the Rios family was there. They are awesome too. Adalberto is so funny! They are moving into a house too, out of the trailer, so we are very happy for them. They now see the blessings of the Gospel. It’s awesome.
Saturday - So this day, we did service all day, except at night. I am not even kidding. It was like everyone needed our help. It was crazy. In the morning, we lay sod at the Catalan’s new house, then we went and actually framed another house. I love this Habitat for Humanity thing. I learn a lot and get to have experience with people. Every single time we get a referral from it. After that, Adalberto needed help moving his stuff to his house too. So we did that. We had like an hour break, so we showered and then we went to the dedication of the new house for the Catalans. It was great. Everyone talked to us and asked what we do. The Catalans shared their testimony and what not. Then I had to translate for the contractor and stuff telling Noe Catalan how to use the house and stuff. It was hard because I don't know how to say some stuff. Like mortgage? Just random things like that. So yeah. After that, someone donated beds to their house, so we moved all that in for them. Then Adalberto needed help again! So we went and helped him. Then, after that, it was time for the Saturday Night Activity. I was so tired. No way I could play ball. Luckily, the cub scouts had their pine wood derby. So I was like YES!!! But a less active and our other set, Sajid, were there. So we taught something out of the Book of Mormon and they loved it. Sajid should be baptized a couple days before Halloween. So I hope that goes through. He is a cool guy. I like him a lot. After that, it was like 8:30pm and we hadn't eaten dinner, so we went to Little Ceasers, got a pizza, and just sat on a bench eating it. It was good.
Sunday - So the night before, my companion got bit by a bug. He was up all night like dying. It was weird. So I didn't sleep at all. So we told our president we had to catch some zzzz's real fast. So went back to sleep for about three hours so we could function. We went to church. Not one investigator came to church. It was sad. Not a ton of people were there. Oh well, it was a good meeting. Elder Stephenson spoke for like 25 minutes and it was hard to understand, but I am proud of him for at least doing it. Later, we helped the Catalans again because he didn't remember how to work the washer, dryer, and the temperature set. So I went and fixed him all up with that and helped him out. Then we had dinner with the Romeros, another cool family. He gives me so many sports updates, and he has been in the church his whole life. So he is a good guy. I like that family a lot. They are funny. After that, we tried seeing some people, but couldn't really find them....it was kind of a boring night. So we got home and kind of just chatted it up with President Absher. So yeah.
Monday – Today, we are kind of just chilling, I think. Not much to do. Oh well. Tonight we have a ward family night at the Catalans new house. It should be fun and we should have some investigators there. We will see.
Well, so the transfer is pertaneer finished. Transfers are Friday. And will I go or stay? I am not really sure. But I do know one thing, whatever happens, happens because the Lord wants it to happen. I love this work so much. It’s weird. The longer I am out, the more and more I love it. And the less and less I remember home. Like at my 6 months mark, it’s like, ah, at home I would be doing this and this right now. But now it’s like, Hmmmm. What can I do to be a better missionary? or Who needs the gospel today? It’s just so awesome how close I grow to the Lord each and every day. I am still not even as close as I could be, but I am getting better every day. I urge each and every one of you to do that. Reading and praying every day will change your life, as it has changed mine. I love you all so much and thank you for all the support and love you give me! I hope you have a wonderful week. Love ya!
Love always,
La mejor guapo hombre en el mundo,
Elder Bradley Rigby
Holla Holla Holla
So what is up mi familia!!!
So this week seemed so boring and so fast. We taught a lot and I went on exchanges. This week seriously blew by - like it is such a blur! Wowee. But it was a good week. It was very gloomy because of the weather. It’s been misting all week. It doesn't rain, but it mists. It’s weird. But, oh well. So I can't remember much from this week, so it might be a tad short, depending on my insights.
Tuesday - Hmmmmm.......let’s see. What did we do this day?....I honestly don't remember Tuesday.
Wednesday - We had district meeting. It was really good, then after, we had district lunch… then district activity. The reason we have all these things on the same day is because everyone is so far away. It’s rare we get to see each other. After all this, I went on exchanges up to the boonies of Oneill, Nebraska. It’s a small, small, small, town. There are only like a 1000 peeps in it. I went with Elder Springer (from Provo. I served around him in Lincoln. He is in videos and pics before) and Elder Francis, who is waiting for his visa. But it was way fun. It was a two day exchange because it’s far away. So yeah. It was a good break though from my companion. I mean not a break, but, yeah, when you are around someone for 24/7 it’s nice just to chill. We taught a couple people that night. They are funny up there. But I almost started teaching in Spanish like four times.
Thursday – We were still in Oneil. We went and saw people all day. It was funny, they have like three 9 year old investigators and it’s so fun teaching them because you have to be super simple. So it’s good. But Elder Springer said that, when I was there, it was the most reverent they have ever been. ha. I guess I am good with kids? But it was fun just dealing with simple kid questions. Later that day, we had dinner at a bowling alley and the mom is an inactive lesbian. It was really awkward. You know me, I am so good at making things awkward, but we talked to her about the church and yeah. I don’t know. It was a weird situation. But after that, we had a good night. Just chilled.
Friday – We exchanged back and I can't really remember much from this day. We taught our set Veronica, who is the niece of the Catalan's. So that was a good lesson. Then we had some dinner after. It was really fun. I love the Catalans, they are such a good family. I am so happy they are moving into a new house. They deserve it. And the Rios family was there. They are awesome too. Adalberto is so funny! They are moving into a house too, out of the trailer, so we are very happy for them. They now see the blessings of the Gospel. It’s awesome.
Saturday - So this day, we did service all day, except at night. I am not even kidding. It was like everyone needed our help. It was crazy. In the morning, we lay sod at the Catalan’s new house, then we went and actually framed another house. I love this Habitat for Humanity thing. I learn a lot and get to have experience with people. Every single time we get a referral from it. After that, Adalberto needed help moving his stuff to his house too. So we did that. We had like an hour break, so we showered and then we went to the dedication of the new house for the Catalans. It was great. Everyone talked to us and asked what we do. The Catalans shared their testimony and what not. Then I had to translate for the contractor and stuff telling Noe Catalan how to use the house and stuff. It was hard because I don't know how to say some stuff. Like mortgage? Just random things like that. So yeah. After that, someone donated beds to their house, so we moved all that in for them. Then Adalberto needed help again! So we went and helped him. Then, after that, it was time for the Saturday Night Activity. I was so tired. No way I could play ball. Luckily, the cub scouts had their pine wood derby. So I was like YES!!! But a less active and our other set, Sajid, were there. So we taught something out of the Book of Mormon and they loved it. Sajid should be baptized a couple days before Halloween. So I hope that goes through. He is a cool guy. I like him a lot. After that, it was like 8:30pm and we hadn't eaten dinner, so we went to Little Ceasers, got a pizza, and just sat on a bench eating it. It was good.
Sunday - So the night before, my companion got bit by a bug. He was up all night like dying. It was weird. So I didn't sleep at all. So we told our president we had to catch some zzzz's real fast. So went back to sleep for about three hours so we could function. We went to church. Not one investigator came to church. It was sad. Not a ton of people were there. Oh well, it was a good meeting. Elder Stephenson spoke for like 25 minutes and it was hard to understand, but I am proud of him for at least doing it. Later, we helped the Catalans again because he didn't remember how to work the washer, dryer, and the temperature set. So I went and fixed him all up with that and helped him out. Then we had dinner with the Romeros, another cool family. He gives me so many sports updates, and he has been in the church his whole life. So he is a good guy. I like that family a lot. They are funny. After that, we tried seeing some people, but couldn't really find them....it was kind of a boring night. So we got home and kind of just chatted it up with President Absher. So yeah.
Monday – Today, we are kind of just chilling, I think. Not much to do. Oh well. Tonight we have a ward family night at the Catalans new house. It should be fun and we should have some investigators there. We will see.
Well, so the transfer is pertaneer finished. Transfers are Friday. And will I go or stay? I am not really sure. But I do know one thing, whatever happens, happens because the Lord wants it to happen. I love this work so much. It’s weird. The longer I am out, the more and more I love it. And the less and less I remember home. Like at my 6 months mark, it’s like, ah, at home I would be doing this and this right now. But now it’s like, Hmmmm. What can I do to be a better missionary? or Who needs the gospel today? It’s just so awesome how close I grow to the Lord each and every day. I am still not even as close as I could be, but I am getting better every day. I urge each and every one of you to do that. Reading and praying every day will change your life, as it has changed mine. I love you all so much and thank you for all the support and love you give me! I hope you have a wonderful week. Love ya!
Love always,
La mejor guapo hombre en el mundo,
Elder Bradley Rigby
7 September 2010
Tue 9/7/2010 11:50 AM
Semana de Algo
Bueno bueno familia!
So sounds like you have had more of a busy week than me! haha. Good work! It’s so crazy though. This week is the last full week of the transfer and we are in September now! What the heck! Time is flying by way too fast! I don't know where it goes. Honestly! I am almost at the 9 month mark and then the year. The way things are going, it'll be Christmas tomorrow. But it was an alright week. We had some really good lessons. It was just dandy and it was a fun week!
Tuesday - We had interviews with the President. Mine went well. After that we taught Soledad and Lorenzo with Adalberto. It went really well! But they still won’t accept a fecha bautismal. But it was a really good lesson! I just hope Soledad finds her answer soon! After that not much happened, we just tried contacting peeps and they weren't home!
Wednesday – I can't remember anything from this day....hahah. Uh......it was a great first day of September! There ya go!
Thursday - So we had a pile of like 20 referrals. So we went and tried to contact them all. We only ended up teaching one of them. It was a good lesson, except for the little boy running around naked the whole entire time. It was like, “Uh.....put your clothes on little kid, we are here to talk about Jesus now.” Finally, he put some pants on. It was really good; we have a return appt. with them. Then we had a meal with a family and they wouldn't turn off the TV. They were watching the Passion of the Christ. Man. We ate and got outta there, that movie is so terrible! Like really? Focus on His life, not His death in such a terrible manner. So we shoveled down our food and left because I did not feel the Spirit at all. The family didn't come to church on Sunday. That movie was terrible!! Even the parts that I saw just in the corner of my eye. Man, I was ticked off. We ate and said, “Well, bye.” So we went and had a lesson with a recent convert and got the Spirit back. We felt better. The Spirit is so vital. We should just focus on what our Savior did for us. Man, stupid Mel Gibson and his dumb movie! Pushing people away from the Lord.
Friday - So nothing happened this day. We had weekly planning. We had received a referral that morning and I had a good feeling to go see them. So we did. We went on a little road trip to Sutton, NE., about an hr away from here. Nowheresville. But we found the person and taught her the first lesson and she cried and so did her son. Then come to find out, she is the daughter of someone in our ward who is active and teaches Sunday School! So that was good. So we ran over to the member’s house and told him that we are teaching his daughter, and tears were brought to his eyes, and he said, "Miracles happen every day in this gospel. I have waited 30 years for my daughter to finally accept the lessons. And now, here you are." BAM! I was like. Holy cow, we gotta teach this person more. She has family support and everything! The only problem is, she lives an hour away and we don't have many miles. So we are praying that it will work out! After that, we came back. Elder Stephenson taught some lady piano while I sat there just talking to some baby....haha. The lady said I had to sit and talk to the baby. I decided I don't want to have kids for a while, because of the mission. Babies just make me mad out here. They are always crying and distracting the lessons. I am just like, “Come on, put a binky in it and let us teach.” Don't worry, mom and dad, I still want kids, just not for a while. I need a break!
Saturday - We tried seeing people all day, but nothing happened! We did have a new investigator at ward sports night! We were tired though, so we conked out like right when we got home.
Sunday - Fast Sunday. One investigator showed up. The sobrina de la familia Catalan. The Catalans get us more people to teach than ever. But yeah. She came and we didn't have to do anything because it was testimony meeting. Oh wait, I had to translate for the High Council guy....I did a horrible job. I didn't know words to like say stuff. I don't know. But after church, we had our pot luck. It was so good! I love pot lucks!
Monday -We tried seeing people all day! No one wanted to let us in! So we went to our appointment at 5 with the Catalan’s sobrina. It was really windy outside and we were barbequeing. So it was hard to teach her. But we did and we set her for baptism! She has three kids and is a single mom! So she needs the church! We are here to help her! I hope she goes through with it! Oh, also, speaking about baptism. Guillermo got baptized on Friday! I am so happy for him! Also, Lisa George, who I taught in Kearney, got baptized. So my seeds have now grown! It’s super Great! I love it out here!
Tuesday – We worked out this morning. Then we're here. After this, we are going to go fishing!!!! yay! with Brother McCain! So I am pumped!
WELL, ya'll jus great! I am glad to hear everyone is doing ok. I am doing just dandy. I’m just being happy and teaching the Lord's gospel. It is really great. I love it so much out here and I won't come home ever! I am at the point where it’s just going great. Things are really picking up and I am loving it. I love you all so much and thank you all for the support and love you give me! I hope you have a fantastical week full of everything! Love ya!
Love always,
la mejor persona en el mundo
Elder Bradley Don Rigby
Semana de Algo
Bueno bueno familia!
So sounds like you have had more of a busy week than me! haha. Good work! It’s so crazy though. This week is the last full week of the transfer and we are in September now! What the heck! Time is flying by way too fast! I don't know where it goes. Honestly! I am almost at the 9 month mark and then the year. The way things are going, it'll be Christmas tomorrow. But it was an alright week. We had some really good lessons. It was just dandy and it was a fun week!
Tuesday - We had interviews with the President. Mine went well. After that we taught Soledad and Lorenzo with Adalberto. It went really well! But they still won’t accept a fecha bautismal. But it was a really good lesson! I just hope Soledad finds her answer soon! After that not much happened, we just tried contacting peeps and they weren't home!
Wednesday – I can't remember anything from this day....hahah. Uh......it was a great first day of September! There ya go!
Thursday - So we had a pile of like 20 referrals. So we went and tried to contact them all. We only ended up teaching one of them. It was a good lesson, except for the little boy running around naked the whole entire time. It was like, “Uh.....put your clothes on little kid, we are here to talk about Jesus now.” Finally, he put some pants on. It was really good; we have a return appt. with them. Then we had a meal with a family and they wouldn't turn off the TV. They were watching the Passion of the Christ. Man. We ate and got outta there, that movie is so terrible! Like really? Focus on His life, not His death in such a terrible manner. So we shoveled down our food and left because I did not feel the Spirit at all. The family didn't come to church on Sunday. That movie was terrible!! Even the parts that I saw just in the corner of my eye. Man, I was ticked off. We ate and said, “Well, bye.” So we went and had a lesson with a recent convert and got the Spirit back. We felt better. The Spirit is so vital. We should just focus on what our Savior did for us. Man, stupid Mel Gibson and his dumb movie! Pushing people away from the Lord.
Friday - So nothing happened this day. We had weekly planning. We had received a referral that morning and I had a good feeling to go see them. So we did. We went on a little road trip to Sutton, NE., about an hr away from here. Nowheresville. But we found the person and taught her the first lesson and she cried and so did her son. Then come to find out, she is the daughter of someone in our ward who is active and teaches Sunday School! So that was good. So we ran over to the member’s house and told him that we are teaching his daughter, and tears were brought to his eyes, and he said, "Miracles happen every day in this gospel. I have waited 30 years for my daughter to finally accept the lessons. And now, here you are." BAM! I was like. Holy cow, we gotta teach this person more. She has family support and everything! The only problem is, she lives an hour away and we don't have many miles. So we are praying that it will work out! After that, we came back. Elder Stephenson taught some lady piano while I sat there just talking to some baby....haha. The lady said I had to sit and talk to the baby. I decided I don't want to have kids for a while, because of the mission. Babies just make me mad out here. They are always crying and distracting the lessons. I am just like, “Come on, put a binky in it and let us teach.” Don't worry, mom and dad, I still want kids, just not for a while. I need a break!
Saturday - We tried seeing people all day, but nothing happened! We did have a new investigator at ward sports night! We were tired though, so we conked out like right when we got home.
Sunday - Fast Sunday. One investigator showed up. The sobrina de la familia Catalan. The Catalans get us more people to teach than ever. But yeah. She came and we didn't have to do anything because it was testimony meeting. Oh wait, I had to translate for the High Council guy....I did a horrible job. I didn't know words to like say stuff. I don't know. But after church, we had our pot luck. It was so good! I love pot lucks!
Monday -We tried seeing people all day! No one wanted to let us in! So we went to our appointment at 5 with the Catalan’s sobrina. It was really windy outside and we were barbequeing. So it was hard to teach her. But we did and we set her for baptism! She has three kids and is a single mom! So she needs the church! We are here to help her! I hope she goes through with it! Oh, also, speaking about baptism. Guillermo got baptized on Friday! I am so happy for him! Also, Lisa George, who I taught in Kearney, got baptized. So my seeds have now grown! It’s super Great! I love it out here!
Tuesday – We worked out this morning. Then we're here. After this, we are going to go fishing!!!! yay! with Brother McCain! So I am pumped!
WELL, ya'll jus great! I am glad to hear everyone is doing ok. I am doing just dandy. I’m just being happy and teaching the Lord's gospel. It is really great. I love it so much out here and I won't come home ever! I am at the point where it’s just going great. Things are really picking up and I am loving it. I love you all so much and thank you all for the support and love you give me! I hope you have a fantastical week full of everything! Love ya!
Love always,
la mejor persona en el mundo
Elder Bradley Don Rigby
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