26 July 2010

Mon 7/26/2010 11:54 AM

Semana de Nuevos Misioneros!

WHAT IT DO FAMILIA!!

So this week, first off, we got two new missionaries. They are in the south. Elder Finnerty, who is from Sandy, Utah, he's way awesome! And Elder Thorpe (greenie), from Phoenix, AZ. So yah. That was a huge burden lifted off my shoulders for sure! It’s been great. But yeah, this week like nothing happened. I swear. So this email will be short because, yeah, I can't really think of what to say? Sorry! But I'm trying! Here we go!

Tuesday - We went and had lunch with a family. They made this stuff that’s called mole. I hate it. It’s so disgusting! It’s like eating charred bricks in a tortilla. But yeah, I threw it up after. It was sick. But later, we went and taught the Loeza family. They are the family of 9! Los padres son miembros. I mean, they are members, but the 7 kids aren't. It’s really hard to get them all in one place, but once we did, we taught about the importance of going to church and following the profeta. They have tons of questions always. But we try to do our best with all of them.

Wednesday -So first off, we had to go meet the new missionaries and give them the keys to the other apartment and give them their phone. Then it was off to district meeting. It was fun! After district meeting, I went on exchanges out to Fremont with Elder Werrett. (I go home with him.) We seriously knocked doors all day and nothing - nothing at all. But then Elder Werrett was like, “Let’s go take a picture of this cool place.” So we did and we were just about to go home and this car pulls up and this lady gets out. Her name is Trina. We taught her like a first lesson right there on the street and she was wanting to learn more. So we made a return appointment for the morning. It’s crazy how the Lord works. He waits until your just about the go home for you to find someone. So diligence is a huge deal in missionary work. We were like....holy cow, going from nothing to something! After that, we had a good talk with Papa G, whose the member that the Elders live with. He's an awesome guy. He comes to like all the missionary things because he's pretty much part of our mission. It’s great!

Thursday - We went and taught Trina with a member and it went great! We started just asking her some deep questions, because we had no idea what to teach her. So we just started asking her questions and I had the thought to ask her about Christ. And then, bam, she started into Christ. And then Elder Werrett had a feeling to ask her about if she knows where we come from and where we go. Next thing we know, we're teaching the Plan of Salvacion. It was great. The Spirit really does direct us what to say and what to do. The rest of the day, after we exchanged, composed of eating dinner and kind of showing the new guys around Omaha. It was fun!

Friday -Nothing happened this day. Seriously nothing! Everyone canceled. So we just walked around and got sweaty. It was one of those down days!

Saturday - We woke up and went to 24th street and picked up trash with the ward for like 3 hrs! There is so much trash on the streets here. It’s so crazy. It’s like, doesn't anyone care about the streets and how they look? Turns out they don't. But after that, we went home and showered and went to the Bautistas and ate some lunch. It was yummmy! Then, after that, we taught them about the temple and going there and making sure that they come to church and stuff! After that, just more tracting until Irma (recent convert) called us and we went and had a great discussion with her. But she never showed up at church yesterday. dang it!

Sunday – We went to Ward Council and it was great. The ward is really starting to pick up. And the bishop is just being awesome about it. So I think things will definitely pick up. So as I walk in to church, Elder Finnerty says, “I love your outfit.” And I was like what the....ha. Then I realized it. I was wearing my blue slacks with my black suit coat. I was like, oh my gosh. I look like a dork! So Starkey and I went out to the car to go change it and Guiermo shows up to church! We were like, “What the....we haven't been able to get a hold of him all week!”So that was super awesome! We were way pumped. So I went and changed my suit coat and just took Guiermo to church basically. But then Sacrament came and when investigators come to church, I love the Spirit of Sacrament, but the talks are always scary. And yup, what do ya know, the talks were on FHE and the Temple - both things that Guiermo doesn't know yet. So the whole time, all he was doing was asking questions to me and looking confused. I was just praying that I would make sense enough for him. At the end of church, he's said, “I like this place. I definitely want to come back. Everyone is nice and I love learning. So you guys are coming over to my house on Tuesday and teaching me more.” We're like for sure! Oh man, I'm so excited for him! Then the rest of the night we went to dinner and then ya!

Monday – Today, we didn't do much. After this, we have zone activity with President and it should be pretty fun!

Well family, I love you so much. Sorry I kind of ran out of time this week. It’s because we had some fun at the gym. But next week we will plan to end earlier so I have some time to do some detailed emails for you! I love you all so much! Keep diligent in your callings. Diligence is huge in the Lord's eyes. We will be so rewarded if we keep diligent and patient! I love you all. Thanks for all your support and prayers for me! I love you so much!

Love always,

Elder "Pepino" Rigby

See photos below

19 July 2010

Mon 7/19/2010 3:38 PM

Semana de Color!

Buenos Tardes Familia!

K, so first off. I forgot my planner so this email will be a little bit shorter because the week is just a blur! So I'll try my best to tell you as much as I can. This week was SOOOOOO hot. Wednesday was the worst day ever and we've been running low on miles, so we've succumbed to walking - which I absolutely hate to do in the heat. Plus, I’m a Spanish missionary - we don't walk. Ha-ha. But seriously, every doorstep we just sweat, sweat, and sweat. It’s so insane. All I do is drink water. It’s so crazy. But it’s fun. Just way different! But it was a good week. It went by so, so, so, so, fast! It’s crazy. I swear the months are just going by like nothing else. It’s so crazy! But the week was great; we had a lot of team ups this week, so it was way awesome to see the ward kicking in. I'm excited to see missionary work go on! But then again, it’s the Lord's time, not mine. I mean it’s been like 6 months since my last baptism, but our ZL has gone 1.5 years without one. So, it honestly isn't all about those at all. I mean I'm just doing what I need to do! :) Anyway, I'll get started.

Tuesday - uh....I can't remember anything. Elder Starkey went on team ups and Peccori and I tried some people but no luck. Boring day!

Wednesday - We walked around for what seemed forever. I was sweating so bad! But we did manage to find a new investigator! Guiermo. He's just great. He wants to be baptized and is always looking to learn more. It’s just great! So he's a hopeful for the week! And when we got to dinner at the Robles house, we moved a wooden swingset! It was insanely heavy, so I sweat some more. Then after that, obispo came and picked up Elder Peccori, Elder Starkey, and me and we went to the Sandoval’s house. By the time we got there, there was a huge! Huge! huge! thunderstorm. Like trees falling down in the road and crazy. I have a video of me dodging things as we're driving home. It was so fun. I love rough weather! So we went home early that night because we were advised to do so, because there was a possible tornado. It didn't happen though! dang it!

Thursday - So this day changed my outlook on the mission big time! It was great. We had our mission training! It was super great. I loved it so much and I felt the Spirit a ton! They made a new District video. It’s focusing more on teaching! it was great! I really did enjoy it. It lasted until about like 4. Then we went and taught Guiermo. The lesson before, he had offered us like 20 bones for the BOM. We're like, its free.Then he's like, well, I want to feed ya sometime. I said maybe next time (just totally kidding) and that day we had our lesson and I was ready to go, but I noticed in his prayer, he blessed the food. I was like.....uh? We have a dinner at 6 but we can't just say no. So he pulled out the lasagna and we ate there! Then we left and went to our dinner appointment and ate some more. Two meals - too much! I was so full. I wanted to throw up after that. So after that, wow, I was beat. But we went and taught some less-actives and then helped Sister Rivera out with some stuff! Then we went home and I collapsed.

Friday - Nothing much happened this day at all. We found a lost sheep though. We found a family of 9!!! That’s right, 9! The parents are members, but the kids aren't. We taught them the first lesson and it was really great! We challenged them to come to church, but they work on Sunday's. But I hope things start turning up for them. I don't remember anything else this day.

Saturday - We had some service in the morning as a zone. We cut trees down for like 2 hours, it was so fun. It was way hot though. I got a tan though! :) But while we were there, the assistants told us that we would be getting a new Spanish missionary this week. Weird. But we'll see where he goes. I think it'd be smart to have two area's in “O”town. But it’s the Lord's will, not mine! Then we were supposed to go to the trail center with Guiermo, but he canceled. He got stuck in Columbus with car trouble. So he didn't come to church either. So we had to improvise. So we went and saw a recent convert - which was great because she came to church the next day!

Sunday - Same old Sundays. We went to church, then to Torres house to eat. Then we went and had family home evening with the Sandovals! I love Sunday's. They are definitely more low key.

Monday - So we went to the YMCA today all morning. then came here. Then after this, I have no idea. Then we have a dinner and a lesson afterward! So ya! Good times.

Well, this week I have definitely learned to be more humble, I think. As I was praying the other day, I was wondering how I could be a better missionary. I had the answer to be more humble. So I've definitely been doing that. It’s very humbling every single time we eat at someone's house. These families, some of them, can barely feed themselves and yet they are always willing to give us something. It’s so great to see that. I think that giving our time and service to the Lord and our family we will be much better off. You know, amidst the things we have in our lives, I think sometimes we forget why we are really here. It’s "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man"(Moses 1:39) and its great. We are so blessed to be here and to have chosen this path. I'm so grateful for the oppurtunidad that I have to be a missionary and to serve the Lord. I know that as I magnify my calling, I become closer to the Lord. So I urge each of you to do that this week. Magnify your calling and humble yourself and see what more you can give. I love you all so much, and I miss you a load! But I know this is where I need to be right now. I love you all! Have a great week!

Love always,

Elder Bradley Don Rigby

12 July 2010

Mon 7/12/2010 12:39 PM

Semana del Mundial!

SUUUUPPPP!

So yeah, its semana del mundial because no one wanted to talk to us because the world cup was going on! And like no one came to church because the game started like right when church did I guess. Crazy stuff going on. But the work is looking up, I think. I think, if not this week but next week, it will go a lot better. I don't mind it though. We are kind of a putting this ward back together right now, which is good. After it’s all good to go, the work will start going faster because when the ward is doing hometeaching, and their callings, then the missionary work is going a lot better! Well I'll get going. This will be quick. Just highlights of the days! Because not much really happened!

Wednesday - We had district meeting in the morning, and I trained on personal conversion. I think it’s probably the most spiritual training I've ever given! - Which was sweet. I got a lot of comments so I was happy about that! Then nothing really happened all day. Then we went to the Goff's for dinner. I like going there, they feed us some American food! - which is better for my diet! After dinner, Ii went with Brother Goff and we taught two families that are less active in our ward. We taught one about the temple and one about just coming to church! It was really good! Then went home and jumped rope, like I do every night!

Thursday - This day was horrible. Like no one was home at all and no one wanted to talk to us! It’s just how things go out here. Then we had dinner with the Rivera's, which is always fun! After that, we went to see a family. They said, “Nope. Busy.” Gosh! So then at like 7:30 we went to a baptism of a child of a less active that we've been working with. The father couldn't do it, so we kind of had to step in and direct things so the child could be baptized. None of us did the ordinance, but it was still good! I had to play the piano . . . almost. Ah. I wish Ii would've not quit! I'm an idiot for quitting piano. They always need people to play and I can't! Anyway, after that, I can't remember what we did.

Friday - We had lunch with the Sandovals, which was fun. It’s always fun to go over there! After that, we went and saw Moises because I haven't seen him forever! He's doing well. He's kind of disinterested in the church right now, so that’s not so good. After him, we had some weekly planning. Then we had dinner - just some pizza. Then a member called us to come and bless their store. ?? Most random thing I've ever done. But we did it. They aren't in our ward. I wish they were. They are a Hispanic family, but they don't want to drive to our church, so they go to an English ward. Dumb huh? I mean, seriously, that’s just lazy. The pioneers walked like. . . hmmm, let’s see. . . . FOREVER to get to somewhere they could be safe. And these people are complaining about the church being ten minutes away? People these days are ridiculous. I mean it’s not that bad. Plus, it’s just an act of faith. There is like 6 families that do that. I think we should just get a bus for all the Hispanics here. Ha-ha. Then they would come to church every week! :) I'm grateful for the people that come every week to our ward. They are showing great effort to our Father above.

Saturday - Started off the day with a turn over appointment from the sisters! It was good. Two guys that have already been to church! It was a great lesson we taught them about the restauracion, I think they really accepted it, because both of them have been searching for a true church in their lives. So yeah, After that, we went and ate some lunch. The rest of the day we seriously saw like no one. World cup is just making it difficult! But we did happen to teach a less active family, which was good! They came to church the next day too! So that was super good! And that was pretty much it!

Sun - Just a normal Sunday! There were a lot of people there, but not as much as who should've been because of the world cup. But that’s over now, so hopefully things will turn right-side up for us on the investigator side and such! I had to translate for this guy that was there. It was so hard. I understand it just fine. But I kept like just going back into Spanish!, not English. It was funny, but it worked out. Oh, and I guess Luz (Brad’s first baptism) got married this last week! They announced her as Sister Arrellano!? I guess they had a wedding of like 5 people! They didn't invite anyone. But it’s cool. She said that she wants me at the temple for sure - which is the goal! So that’s great! I'm excited for that! I'm happy for her. She's married to a RM, so that is way good. After church, we had dinner with the Torres family. They are so funny. I just make jokes the whole time and everything. It’s great! After that, we went to contact a referral and he gave us the bird. Ha-ha-ha-ha. I was laughing so hard because the sisters said it was a great referral and he wants to be baptized. We knock on the door and all I see is the finger. I was like, “Oh man, some people have no idea when they think someone is golden.” Ha-ha. It’s funny. But yeah.

Well, that’s it for this week! I've learned this week to be patient, humble, and diligent! It really does help to use those three things in life. If anything is needed on my mission though, for sure, it’s patience. It’s crazy to see the change in my life. You all would be surprised how patient I am now. I just laugh at everything. But I love it so much. I know this is where I need to be right now in my life! Thanks for all the love and support you all give me! Love and miss you all! Have a great week in the vineyard of the Lord!

Love always,

Elder Bradley Rigby

06 July 2010

Tue 7/6/2010 2:34 PM
Dia De Indepedencia!

Hola Chavos! Como estan??

Well, this week was super stressful. But it’s cool. Missionary work is stressful wherever you go. It’s just super overwhelming with all of everything here in the biggest city in our mission! It’s chill though. I've been losing weight more too. So the stress is good because it keeps me busy, and I lose weight. Both things I enjoy! But it was a fun week too. Time is going by so super fast. Ever since I got pass my 6 month mark, it’s like, bam, bam, bam. Just so fast! I can't believe it’s July as well. Not gonna lie, at night I was like. hmm....this time last year I was making bombs with Tanner, chatting with the parentals on the back deck, making fun of Colton, texting Jess random things. Good times. But it’s interesting to be out here during these times. Very different! But I'm totally down with it! Well, I better get started on the week!

Monday - I saw Elder Moore at bass pro shops. We had a good talk. I miss that kid. We really were good teachers together and stuff. I know that if he and I served together again, we'd be awesome, but it’s what the Lord desires! After P-day stuff, we went out to the Gaytans and had some taco's. Then we went to go see some referrals, but they weren't home. Then went to the game with a family for FHE. It was so fun! I got splashed by some barf though. :( Ha. It was sick! But it was a good game and we made it home before 930. Perfect!

Tuesday - So we were out of driving miles, so we walked all day! I have never walked so much in my mission. But in a weird way, it was really enjoyable. But we only taught one person the whole day, Brother Martinez, who doesn't come because he's sick of lazy people in the Ward. So he pretty much got offended. So yeah, but he's a really good guy. He wants to help the missionaries out a lot, but he is just looking for a job right now. We had dinner with the Rivera's. it’s always fun to go over there and eat with that family.

Wednesday - We walked all day this day again. We didn't really have a lesson until the night. We had team ups with the ward mission leader. Elder Peccori went with him and they taught some less-active members. Elder Starkey and I visited like 4 people that I had taught before when I was here.They were really happy to see me again! So I set up some return appointments with them! It was way legit! I'm excited to keep teaching them and maybe see that one of my planted seeds will grow. If not, it’s ok! I've realized that it doesn't matter how many baptisms you have, or if your numbers are the best, just as long as you keep going and try hard. So I've humbled myself a lot more now and decided, “Sure, people may not listen to me or may not make it to baptism with me, but later they will.” And I'm proud to have done that! :) Anyway, after we got done, we started walking back to Brother Goff's house. A member, who is a college student, gave us a ride and offered to come out with us. So we're pumped about that. When we arrived at the complex, there were like 4 skunks just roaming around. So Elder Starkey, the members, and I were just playing around with them. Don't worry, we didn't get sprayed.

Thursday - This day was busy, busy, busy. We woke up and went to the store and post office and then drove like 30 minutes to district meeting. It was a good meeting! After, we made pancakes. I am budgeting a lot more now. :) And it was my idea to make food instead of buying it! So we did that. After that, we left to go teach someone. No one there. Then we went to the temple! It was soooo good to be in the temple again! I love it. It just took the stress of everything off my mind! It was really good. We were able to see some people from the zone! Then we went and had dinner with the Robles Family at like 8. They are such a funny family. We always have fun there!

Friday - Hmmm....nothing happened this day. Elder Starkey got food poisoning from something. So I spent the day cleaning the apartment, studying, working out, and writing some letters that had been long waited. So yeah, nothing went on at all! Fun day. It was good to just sit, I guess. But I learned a lot from my studies and stuff. So it was good! I felt bad for my companion though. I got a little stir crazy when it came dinner time.

Saturday - We had service this day with an investigator. We shoveled his yard because he was putting in sod! So that was fun! I got a huge blister the size of a golf ball on my hand. It was kind of cool. It kills now though. The rest of the day we just spent doing referral work. We taught some people and stuff. But nothing too special yet. Hopefully in the future! We had dinner with the Suarez family. It was fun that day. It was so busy. So many things going on, fireworks everywhere! In the stadium, at the park, everywhere. But we never really got to just sit and watch them. At this one park, they had like 200,000 people for a free concert and firework show. But we didn't see it. I didn't care though; I was too tired. So we just went home and slept.

Sunday – It was a pretty boring day. We just went to church. We had to teach primary about saying “thank you.” It was really fun! Kids are so fun and cute. Then we sang America the Beautiful” in church. Just normal. Then we went to a member’s house for dinner. It was really fun! Then we went home because we had to be in early because of the holiday and so many drunks and stuff! Crazy! So nothing much.

Monday - We had team ups with the Rivera's. Peccori went with them. So we went to contact people and make appointments, but nothing. It stunk. But, oh well. Then we ate lunch with the Riveras. Then we headed out again. We taught one family, the Estrada's, they were pretty cool. They are really interested, but, I guess the father got offended by a missionary like 2 years ago. So we'll have to work out that kink. But they really liked the message of the restoration and everything! It was good and fun to teach again! But not much else happened. Our dinner canceled, but I wasn't hungry, so I took at 30 min power nap!

Tuesday – We woke up and went to the YMCA and worked out and played ball. Then we ate and came here. The rest of the day, we have a dinner at like 6 and. then we are going to the trail center with a recent convert! So yeah. Not much going on right now. We’re just trying to get this place put together, ya know.

Well family! This week has definitely been humbling for me and I have loved it! Stay close to the Sirit and you will be touched by it, just as I have! I love you all so much and I love hearing from you each week. You're in my prayers all the time - all 80 million that I say every day! I love you! Have a great week!

Love always,
Bradley Don

28 June 2010

Mon 6/28/2010 11:19 AM

Yo He Regresado a Omaha!

Why Hello there!!

So this last week has seemed like three weeks. I think it was because of transfers. So I honestly can't remember much at all. So this transfer is going to be a tough one - covering all of Omaha. It’s insane. So many referrals and only three of us. I honestly think they need to have 2 area's. I don't know why it’s one. There is just too much to do and not enough peeps to handle it! So yeah, I'm pretty stressed right now. I'm not senior, but I feel like I am because the companion that is senior, has never been it, and he's from Peru and speaks no English. I don't think he understands at all. Plus, he is a little autistic, I think. It’s pretty crazy. So I just took the reins and I'm going with it. My other companion is cool - Elder Starkey. We get along well. Well, we all do, but Elder Peccori just does his own thing. He's so weird and random, but we love him just the same. Anywho, I'll try to remember what happened this week. It'll be tough!

Tuesday - hmmm....I believe we taught Lisa and April. Oh, we had district meeting in Phillipsburg, Kansas! After, we played some dunk ball for our district activity. During that Elder Stevens found out he's going out to the church ranch in Hyennas, which is like almost in Wyoming! He's doing a service mission for his last transfer. He's so lucky. They live in a house, running water, they don't have to wear prosyliting clothes, and they just serve people all day! They get to ride horses, four wheelers, and do a bunch of cool stuff! I will miss Elder Stevens though. I loved serving with him. Probably my favorite companion. He's great. But that’s all I can remember from that day!

Wednesday-Hmm.....I can't remember. We went to the library to find out what transfers were (because we had to print it off). Then after we found out, we packed up, and visited some people that we got along with, then ate dinner at like 9, and went to bed. Not too much!

Thursday-Transfer day! So we had breakfast with Papa Mike in the morning it was good! Then we finished packing up and everything. Then we went to transfer point at like 12. I was on the transfer van until like 4 when I arrived in Omaha! I said hi and bye to people on the way up here. I said bye to Elder Knight who went home! It’s weird to see people go home. It makes me want to go home! I think every time we have transfers, I just get homesick and just want to go home. It’s not too bad, though. So right after I got there, we went to the Rivera's for dinner. It was so good to eat Spanish food! Then after that, I unpacked and moved into the north apartment. It’s nicer than the south, but we get to use both of them! Then we went and saw the Sandovals! It was good!

Friday - Hmm....We had weekly planning and such until about 3. Then we went and visited the few investigators we have at 4. One named Fabi, who is pretty close to baptism and such, but she lives with her boyfriend, has a kid, and works on Sundays. Then we had dinner with Sister Kacsur at her new shop. Then went and saw Olga, and then Gustavo, then went to see some referrals . Not too much going on right now, but there will be!

Saturday – I can't remember a thing from this day at all....haha. Like really, I can't. So sorry. It’s been a blur of a week!

Sunday - We woke up, did normal stuff, made some calls to people to come to church, then we went to our ward mission leaders house and then went to church. It’s so weird being back here. I don't know why, but it is. More people it seems. But we still need more. I found out that Luz, my recent convert,. is engaged! Crazy, huh? She's engaged to a return missionary from our mission. Weird, huh? But hey, at least they'll get sealed in the temple though! So that’s good! After church, we got home about 5, we just made dinner and such. After that, we tried to visit some people until about 8 and then we went and started family home evening with the Sandovals and Riveras. The Sandovals are still recent converts, so we are trying to get things going with them! But ya! That’s it!

Monday - So the College World Series is in town and a member invited us! So we're going! I'm so pumped! There are so many people here, it’s not even funny. The whole street just has bunches and bunches of stores with hats and shirts. So we might go check those out too! It’s so sweet!

So thanks everyone for your love and support. I know I'm out here for a reason, especially out here in Omaha. There are some people who need the message and I'm going to take it to them. So Friday, as I was being homesick and studying, I read D&C 100. It talks about being in the east land. Omaha is the most east in our mission. So I took it to heart. So yeah, I'm excited for this transfer. It will be really stressful, but it will be good. I just need to have faith and trust in the Lord and He will help me out. I know He will! I love you all! Have a Happy 4th of July! I love you all so much and miss you mucho! Tenga buen semana!!!!

Love always,

Elder Bradley “do right” Rigby