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

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

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

30 August 2010

Mon 8/30/2010 10:59 AM


Semana de Cosas asi :)

Buenos dias mi amada familia!!!

OK. Well, this week wasn't all that fantastic - I mean, nothing spectacular. It was a good week, but nothing eye goggling, I guess. So this will be an even shorter email, I imagine. We did receive like 14 referrals this week though. So that’s pretty sweet. The state fair is here! So we are going to be attending that today! So things are going well. I just can't believe that September is already here. Man, the time goes so fast!

Tuesday - So we tried to visit some people all morning, but no one was home. It stunk! But then, my mission buddies from North Platte showed up because we had mission training in Lincoln the next day! So Mac, Burty, and I went down to Hastings and visited some past investigators of theirs and some less actives. It was really fun. Then we had a little bbq at night with like 12 missionaries. It was legit. It was a fun day. I could see myself hanging out with Mac and Burton when I get home. They are chill. Not much that day.

Wednesday - All day was just the mission conference thing. We got home at 8pm and then we had to take some beds to the sisters and such. Then we all got some pizza, at like 8:30, before the elders went back to North Platte. It was a good day. I learned a lot, but I hate it sometimes because they say baptize, baptize, baptize. I'm thinking, “What about we elders who try hard and don't baptize?” Because Burt hasn't baptized in a year, same with Mac. And for me, it’s been 7 months. So it’s like what do you say to us? All they say is be obedient and have faith. I am like, “I am doing that!!!!” Oh well, it’s the Lord's time and His work, so when he chooses for me to baptize, I will.

Thursday - We taught 7 lessons this day! I said, “Elder Stephenson, we are gonna get 7 lessons today, in the morning.” As it turns out, I prophesied truth! It was really good. We had some good lessons. I mean, lots of the people were new so I don't have much to say about them, but hopefully you will be hearing more about each person. One of them has a concussion, so that lesson was like teaching a drunk. But the others went well. I am hopeful for them!

Friday - We tried so many people and, man, no one was home! We had like 3 lessons scheduled and all of them canceled. We had a member with us, so it was like ahhhh....come on! Are you kidding? But luckily we found some less actives to meet with that night! It was not a bad day, but turned out nice. Then we went for a run and I just looked at the stars. It was so beautiful!!

Saturday - Service day. We went and built that house. I hung like 6 bi-folding closet doors. Every single time that we have done service for people my day is ten times better. Also, each Saturday, by doing the service opportunities, we find a new investigator. So when we are serving others, the Lord always blesses us with happiness and someone to teach. So many blessings come from service. I would just do service all the time if I could. But yeah! I have learned some stuff there about building a house. It was fun. We got interviewed by Habitat for Humanity. So we might be online. It’s the Grand Island group, so if you want to look you can. After that, we tried finding more and more people. Nada!! ah! Oh well. After that, we got called by our president because no one was at the church to clean it. So we went and did that. We then went to a baptizm that lasted 2 hours. I don't remember the baptismal prayer in English and I was a witness. I was like, uh, is that right? I don't know. So I had them do it again. I was so confused. After all that, we taught one person and then we played some basketball with the ward and the investigators as usual!

Sunday - This day was so boring. Man, Sunday School is about the Bible, and, man, I almost fell asleep. Then Priesthood and Relief Society combined was about finances and stuff. I was like, ya, I have already heard this. Then the guy in sacrament meeting didn't come, so I had to give a 20 minute talk. I was like, wow, every time Elder Stephenson has to speak, it’s like for 5 minutes. But both times for me, I have given 20 minute talks. I’m thinking that Elder Stephenson is the one who needs to learn more Spanish. Oh well. After that, we went and taught a couple. One is Spanish, one is English. One is a member, one is not. We taught them with the Sisters. This guy had so many questions and he is a member, but way less-active. I had no idea what to say. He was asking questions and I am like.....I really don't know what to say. But I just start talking and then, bam, the guys eyes are filled with tears. I am thinking, “I don't even know what I just said, but I know I felt it. And it was good.” It is just so awesome how the Lord takes care of His children. He just fills my mouth with words every time. It is such a blessing! I love it out here. After that, I can’t really remember much except the lady gave us free fair tickets!! haah. :) Then we had some dinner and talked with some less-actives for a bit. It was good day after all.

Monday – We are just doing laundry all morning. After this, we are going to the State Fair! Woohoo! I can't wait to look at the steers and all the animals. It reminds me of Twin Falls! It’s going to be awesome. We are going to a pig race too! and a diving show. Nebraska State Fair is huge. They have like huge concerts every night. It’s so busy right now in this town. It’s awesome! But yeah, other than that, not too much going on!

Welp. (I know you love that word so much, it’s my hick Nebraska accent in me) But yeah. I done gone warshed all my time away! But I love you all so much! Things are really going so well with me. My companion sometimes drives me insane and I pretty much am senior companion because he can't speak Spanish. But I know I am with him for a reason. The Lord puts us in places we don't particularly like so we can grow. I am growing and just focusing on the mission and other people, not how I feel personally. I love you all so much and I plead for your happiness in my prayers daily. I hope you have an amazing week. Stay close to the Spirit and He will stay close to you. You will always be happy. I love and miss ya! peace!


Love always,

Elder Bradley Ruby (thats how Hispanics say my name sometimes ;) ha.