14 November 2011

 Mon 11/14/2011 9:50 AM

Bautismo! Fue un exito!

 sup sup sup,

 Well, without further ado, we did have the baptism on Saturday. It went ultra good!! I had the opportunity to dress in white and represent the Lord in baptizing her. It was soooo good. It’s nice in this ward, they do everything for us. So we had a lot of ward involvement and it just went “money in the bank.” I had to baptize her twice because her knee popped up, but all was a success. Saturday was one of the most fun days I have ever had!!!  We started out the morning playing some basketball with some ward members and an investigator (man, I am rusty!) Then after that, we went and ate some breakfast with our Ward Mission Leader and first counselor. After that, we started to slaughter turkeys and geese for Thanksgiving. Such a cool experience, I will have to show ya'll the videos. So we killed, plucked the feathers, gutted them, and dressed them. It was a cool experience. I really enjoy doing that kind of stuff. So it was a good experience for me! After that, we got the font ready and did some baptizing! It was a really good meeting, At the end, our bishop charged her and her husband to go to the temple in a year - which I think she will. She is so converted to the gospel. So it’s pretty cool to see that happening!

The rest of the week was kind of boring. I have been walking a lot with my companion. He is very green still, so I am trying to help him chill out and relax. But yeah, I can tell he is a bit high strung, so that’s why he is with me, so I can help him get some personality and get out of his shell. It seems I do that a lot - crack shells!  Thursday was transfer day. I drove to Grand Island because I wanted to....and just said hi to all the people and yeah. It was a good day. I have noticed a change in the work here, it’s a little more slow but the members really just love things right now. I am focusing a lot on setting this area up for the future. I am really prepping the members to make this place good. I don't mind if the work is slow, I feel good about the last 23 months of my mission. I really do. I am just always happy and just loving my life at all times. Things go wrong, but I don't mind, I am patient, I am loving, and I just have a completely different outlook on the mission than I did a while ago. I just want to be out here and do my work. My goals for this transfer are to help the members become missionaries, and to help my companion be cracked out of his shell. So, I mean, things are good. We are still are waiting to teach that family in the sandhills. We haven't heard anything yet, so we will see!!

This week will be pretty fun, last night Elder Nelson and his companion came and stayed here and are spending P- day with us. We will be leaving to Lincoln at like 4pm! We have a mission tour tomorrow - a member of the seventy is coming. Elder Golden, I think it is? So that will be a fun experience and a spiritual one at that. So I look forward to this week. Saturday will be the same routine, basketball and farm work!!! So yeah. Things are going really well right now. I am really trunky, I won't lie, but it’s not taking my mind off the work; it just helps me finish stronger. I am ssoooooo excited to see ya'll again. But I know I need to be patient and finish strong and I am doing so!!!! I love you all soooo much!!! I hope you have the greatest weeks ever!!! Sorry it’s short, the next 4 emails will be really short, I don't have too much too say it seems. But I will be jabber jaws on the 20th....trust me! Love you!!!

Con amor,

El Elder Bradley Rigby

09 November 2011

Wed 11/9/2011 9:51 AM

SUUUP!

Transfer info came in. My companion is leaving, and I am getting Elder Caldwell. He is very new. So yeah, he is going to be the one who sends me home! Crazy huh? This week was not toooo bad. We had a ward party on Friday promoting mormon.org and stuff. It was really fun. Saturday morning we played basketball with some investigators and then we chopped wood for like 4 hours! Then we went and saw Margarita! She is soooo solid! She is getting baptized this Saturday! So that should be really awesome! I am really excited for that. The other day we were at her house with her friend there and she just started like bearing her testimony to her best friend and telling her why the church is true, and what she has felt! Sooooo awesome! Anywho, on Sunday we taught a lesson at church to the whole ward. That was weird. We taught about mornon.org and it was really good! We also met with the bishop that day and I presented this program thingy, that Elder Hoyt came up with, which is really successful. So yeah. That was good! Things are getting better and better here now! We have a new investigator who has cancer. She wants to hear more from us because I gave her a blessing the other day and basically it said that if she listened to the gospel, everything would be alright! So that was a pretty bold blessing! But I know that the Lord said it and I did not!  I can't really think about too much to say right now. I will say more next Monday. I hate the Wednesday P-days because I just forget everything about the week before. But those are the things I remembered. I have 6 weeks left. My last transfer. Go big or.......go home? Ha ha. I love you all sooo much! I will write you more next week! I promise! I love you!

 Con amor,

 Elder Bradley Rigby

31 October 2011

Mon 10/31/2011 1:54 PM

Hola

Well,

I honestly have like no time today. We are going to go help paint faces for kids at the YMCA in like an hour, and just do some activities with them, it will be really fun! Then we are going to a ward Halloween party. I am doing really good. I got my suit. It’s good! I have to lose a couple or three pounds for it to look awesome though - which is no big deal at all! But I like the suit a lot. This last week was a complete blur. But we went to Broken Bow, Nebraska. It’s a pretty cool place. It reminded me of Storm Lake a lot!!!!  It was just a weird week. I honestly don't remember a lot. We had Stake Conference yesterday and they talked a lot about missionary work, so I was happy to hear that, as always. Then we had dinner with a member afterward, which they had their son in law over and he wasn't a member. Anyway, we shared a scripture, just to do so, ya know? Nothing big. Then the family started bearing their testimonies to him and crying, and it was completely awesome! So, it ended up with the guy saying that we could come over and "chat."  So....that’s better than nothing.

Love ya.

 Elder Rigby

24 October 2011

Mon 10/24/2011 1:14 PM Viene Los Milagros con Paciencia

HAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOO!

I can't believe how fast Octobre is going! It’s already the 24th? What is this!! This week went by super-dee-duper fast. We started out the week by taking a road trip to Grand Island, and then the next morning on to Lincoln for a meeting. It was quite a very long drive, it seemed, and it was a long meeting. So naturally, I was tired. I was one of the oldest people in the meeting. I probably knew like a fifth of the missionaries there, which is really weird. There was a time when I knew every missionary in the mission. Now, I am just that old missionary who says profound comments in the back of the room.  I sat by Elder Nelson, who was around me most of my Siouxland days. We just kind of mingled in the back and it was fun. I like meetings when I am in the middle of nowhere, it’s kind of nice to see a lot of people around. Weird, but it’s all good!  We got back to Grand Island. I made a couple to three visits to some people I know, the Catalans and the Georges. It was sooo weird to see how things have changed there, but at the same time, it was good to see some familiar faces. I told old man George I am warming up the font for Dec 18th, and I am going to drag him to the font. He laughed and said, like always, "When hell freezes over." I used to joke around with him a lot back in the day. So it was nice to talk with him and sister George again. After that, we got back to Lexington around like 10:30, and I was straight up tired, and fell right to sleep. Outside the work, that’s all that really was exciting this week. 

La Obra (the work) is great!!! I decided that with my companion, right now, not really caring, I will just do it all. Sad, but I am hoping by doing so, he will feel guilt, Godly Sorrow, repent, and start turning himself around. So we'll see what happens!  But this week, we had the opportunity to teach Margareeta like 3 times. And one of the times, we set a baptismal date with her. She will be taking the plunge on the 12th of November,  hopefully. We need to help her quit smoking though. It’s awesome to see this though. I guess she used to reject the missionaries hard core, so now to see her completely turn around is so amazing! We also have Jesus, that should be baptized on the 5th of Nov as well. So two people at the beginning of next month! Which I think will be great for the ward. I think the ward has lost some trust with the past elders and what not. But we are fixing that. And things are really picking up well. Members come up and talk to me a lot now, and I am just keeping my smile and staying happy with everything and things are just going great!!! Tonight also, we are teaching a Jewish man. We had such an awesome conversation with him last week about life, we showed him some Jewish members on mormon.org and he loved that. He set up the appointment and said, “I want you to help me fix my life so I have confidence in my old age.” So there are soooooo many things just starting to click a lot more. The key is keeping the spirit with us and helping the people out in the way that the Lord wants to.

So a miracle happened last night. At least it was for me. A member from the mission presidency, in our mission, called me last night and said, “Elder Rigby, it’s been a while, but boy do I have a job for you!” So I grinned and talked to him for a little bit. I have been around him before and we have some good talks. Anywho, there a Hispanic FAMILY up in the Sandhills of Nebraska, in a small town of Whittman. That has been taking discussions from the members who speak Spanish up there because of where they served missions. Well, President Kunz has approved that we go with President Deakin (2nd counselor in mission presidency) and go teach this family once a week, along with all the other people they have up there. We also may have the chance to go to church up there a couple times and really help this family unto the gospel. They have already said they want to get baptized, but they have to get the lessons and stuff from us! I have always wanted to go to the Sandhills of NE, that’s where Elder McClain served as a service missionary for like 7 months! There is no missionaries there now, and we are the closest ones, but more importantly, I am SSSOOOOO excited for this family. It will be an awesome experience. I am really excited! So miracles are coming and coming as I give more and more time and efforts to the Lord. The work is great, the people great, the Lord is great. Now, I just need to get my companion on board with everything. And things will be perfect! It’s hard, he is one of the hardest companions I have ever had, just because he argues everything and desires no help. But I know that, with the Lord's help, I can move mountains. So I am not giving up, I never will. I am going to continue loving him, and caring for him until he accepts my help. I know that I was sent here for many reasons, but one of them was to help this kid out so he can have a great 14 months left of his mission. I am so grateful for all the many blessings I have in my life. I love my life, and I am sooo happy to be where I am at today. I know that I wouldn't be here if it weren't for all the mistakes I made, and for the support I have in all of you! I love you all sooooo much and miss ya just as much. Time is whipping by and we will see each other soon, but not yet, not yet. I have things to complete for the Lord. :) I love you all! Have a great spirit filled week!

con amor,
 Elder Bradley Rigby

17 October 2011

Mon 10/17/2011 12:59 PM Que Raro Man!?

Que transa familia!!!????

           So I literally have like no time. There is so many Hispanics and Africans that they always use the computers, so we get like no time. They need to create more computer space here, because I don't think they realize how much people really use these things. Oh well.  If I don't finish, I will get on at a later time and send some more!

So to begin, the last week we had interviews with President Kunz. Best interview I have ever had. We just talked openly about everything that I have struggled with and he has struggled with, it was really good. We also talked about my departure and just a lot of stuff. It was really good. I really enjoyed it a lot! So that went really well. My companion is struggling a lot a lot! So President also made sure that I am helping him out. He just doesn't care about his mission anymore, regrets coming out, hates his family, and hates people back home. Tough situation, but that is why I am here! I am the fixit missionary, I guess!  I don't know why or how, but I guess that’s what I do. I am happy to do it though. So the rest of the week I really focused on him and just helping him out to become more converted and ultimately happier in his life!  We did some service and that was fun. We built a ghetto doghouse.  I wish I could've done it better, but with no tools and no supplies it was difficult. But we did it. Hopefully by helping this lady out, she will become more converted and come back to church. Church attendance is really low right now, but we will boost it up. We also had a ward party on Friday. That  was pretty fun! A bon fire, some s'mores, and hot dogs. Man, it made me miss camping a lot!  It was a pretty chill autumn week. I liked it a lot. I have been studying like crazy though. I study in the mornings, at lunch, at dinner, and at night. I’m just reading like 4 books and as much as I can. I am addicted to learning now, it’s quite wonderful. I am learning so much about the atonement, myself, and how to use the atonement and myself to help others! Quite a blessing!

                On the teaching side of things, we have Jesus and Margareeta who are really close to overcoming some Word of Wisdom issues. They both come to church every week and desire to be more converted, so we are excited about them and we are working with them. We also have like 5 part-member families that we are working with. They don't seem like they are ready, to the naked eye, but I discern that they are more ready than everyone thinks. I have really fasted and prayed about what I should do here and with who I should work and what I should do. It’s really quite the awesome process. Other than that, I am finding finders in the ward. Preparing the members and helping them become the best missionaries they can be. I won't be here that long, but if I can help them enough to help the missionaries always, man, this place would be a gold mine! There is a lot of people here who are looking and I can tell. But they don't know where to find it, and we don't know where they are either. But the members do! So good things are going on here. Helping improve my companion, the ward, and the area! All made possible through the Atonement. I read something in a talk this week, so awesome. Elder Bednar says, "it is not only the sinner who needs to partake of the atonement, but the saint as well,.....brothers and sisters i don't think we quite adequately understand that we need to use the Atonement to go from good to better!" O man, it’s sooooo good. I just love the talks I am reading and things I am learning right now. I am so happy right now. I am glad that I am here to finish my mission off strong! I love you all and miss you all so much! but soon....haha.

Con amor,

 Elder Bradley D. Rigby

10 October 2011

Mon 10/10/2011 2:17 PM Estoy Aqui.

Well hello!

This will be a rather quick email. I cannot really think of anything that went on. But the things that I remember I will tell you. We found a family of like 5 or 6 this week. They speak Spanish and English fluently, so that should be a new adventure. Also, a 60 yr old Jewish man told us he has been pondering life a lot lately and said he thinks that we hold the keys to all the answers he is pondering. We have been going around to all the people on the list and just trying to clean it up and help some part-member families to become full-member families! So the work is going, there is no slow aspect to it. We are also just trying to help the members of the ward be more converted. There is going to be some changes in the small ward we have, so we need some people to step up! I am also really enjoying my companion a lot. I am seeing what makes him tick and how I can help him out a lot more. But I honestly think I get along with most people lately. I am not the punk kid that I used to be. I really care about people and want to help them out more and more. I think my testimony of the Atonement also has grown sooooo much. I think, with the help that the Savior gives me everyday, I am able to do all things. I have more charity and love for all things. I have desires to serve God and help Him to help His children. I am really excited to be here and help this place turn around. I love the people. I love the work. And I love each of you. I can't believe it’s coming so close to an end. I have just been thinking about what else I can do more for the Lord before I complete. I also think it’s crazy that I have to register for school already! That’s sooooo crazy, but oh well. With time comes change and things ya know?? Thanks for everything that all of you do! I love you all soooo much! And I pray for you often. Please have a spiritually rewarding week. Reach out with charity and love and help someone out! For that is what we will be judged on in the last days. Love you and miss you!!!

 Con amor,

 El Elder Bradley Ruby

03 October 2011

Mon 10/3/2011 9:56 AM
Mexington

Bueno bueno bueno!!!

So I bet you are all thinking that I am super sad to get transferred. Nope. I am not. Actually, I was really happy. I got a really strong confirmation that I am supposed to be here. So things are really going great. They have a lot of work going on here. There is a ward, and we cover both English and Spanish people. So it will be really good! This town is a town of like 10k and like 8k of the 10 are Hispanic. It’s pretty crazy, that’s why they call it Mexington. Things are really good though. I loved conference. I thought that the New Provo Temple is a big highlight as well! That was really cool to me! I can't say I have a favorite talk, I think the priesthood session was really awesome though. I think it was well fitted to rebuke all the young men! I loved that! Besides conference, nothing much has really happened. There was a part-member family I met who is an older couple, and the guy is Jewish, but he told us he wants to hear the lessons again. So that should be pretty sweet! We also have like 6 other part-members families who are Hispanic. This place is so crazy, but I like it. It’s small, but oh well. I think I do best here in the small towns though!

The drive was a little bit long, but I got to see all the mission again and realize that I do not know anyone in the mission anymore. Literally, I was like....who are you? I guess that’s what I get for being an old missionary. But it was pretty funny! I got to see a lot of old friends though. I drove the truck down from Siouxland. It was fun. I love that I know how to drive a truck and trailer. It makes me feel good to know I can do “manly” things. It was sad to leave though. I think I spent like 4 hours visiting with all the people in Wynstone  –  non-members and members - just talking about life. They asked some questions too, which was pretty sweet. I will miss it there. But one good thing about serving a stateside mission, I can always come back, or they can always come visit!

I can't really think of anything else to say except that my companion is pretty cool. Real intelligent and really stubborn. I will be honest with you, President told me that I am here to help him out. aka, I am babysitting. He was born in Guatemala, moved to Logan, Utah when he was young, and lived there ever since until he came here. Since then, his family moved back to Guatemala. But he is just struggling with his testimony and stuff with the mission. So I am here to help him! Which I know that the Lord knows me, and picked me to help him out! Everything is good though. I love my life, and I am so happy I got to see conference. It was such a great experience to hear the prophets voice and all the wonderful tidings they brought. I think, for sure, it was a great conference. I took some study notes on the spiritual recognitions. Now it’s time to apply all the re-evaluated things I need to do better as a person, missionary, brother, son, friend etc. I am excited. I love the mission but more importantly I love you all so much. Thank you for all the support you give me, I pray for you nightly. I love you all sooooo much! Have a great week!!!

Con amor,

Elder Bradley Rigby

28 September 2011

Wed 9/28/2011 12:56 PM

Me Voy

Well,

I do not have too much time to talk because I have to go and pack. But I am going to be transferred to Lexington, Nebraska with Elder Carias - basically, the middle of nowhere. I am really surprised I am leaving, but, oh well. The Lord has more work for me to do in other places. I am grateful I got to serve here in Siouxland and I will miss it a lot. I think this is the closest I have been with any members and missionaries. President Kunz called me and told me about it, he said he didn't want me to leave here, until yesterday morning, he had me staying here with Vawdrey. But he had a distinct feeling that I could help Elder Carias out. So, I am peacing out of my beloved castle, my Siouxland, out to western Nebraska again. I am very sad. But I know that it’s what the Lord would want me to do. I have 2 transfers left and I am going to work my little booty off to help whomever out, wherever I go.

I love you all soooooo much! Thank you sooo much for all that you've done for me. I love the letters and I miss you all so much! Have a great week! I hope to write more this coming week. 

con amor,

Elder B. Rigby

19 September 2011

Mon 9/19/2011 11:14 AM Proposito Nuevo

Ello there peeps,

Pertaneer crazy times it seems. I feel that this week has been one of the craziest weeks of my mission, but definitely one of the ones that is the most worth it as well. Once again it was not one of your particular weeks in the mission. Nothing is ever "normal" here in Sioux City. I think that’s why I love it here so much. It is so different than the rest of the mission! Anyway, it has changed my outlook a lot on life and on my mission. I feel as if I am more converted to the Gospel than I ever have been. I feel like I know where I am going, and I know what to do. I feel an abundance of the spirit around me and I know how to use it to appropriately help people. I know what my purpose here in the mission is. I know that Heavenly Father has put me through the refiner’s fire for a specific reason, and I am beginning to know what that reason is. I know the Lord has specific people in my life for specific reasons. He prepares us and prepares us for people so that we can help them out. We hold certain keys that unlock people's minds and hearts, and the Lord has prepared and given us these keys. It’s really quite interesting and intriguing to think about.  Anywho, the reason I have found this out is because my mind is always moving as you know, and I feel like my whole mission, my whole life, I have been trying to figure out this intricate puzzle. And key people have been placing pieces here and there. The majority of those pieces have been placed by you, family. I am so grateful for the help you have been to me in my life. I love that I can make dumb decisions my whole life and still be loved and have someone to talk to. I am nothing without you. Anyway, a key piece was put into my intricate, intense, insane mind this week, and that was Elder Hoyt. And I, as well, put a key piece into his puzzle. We ministered to each other, we both realize that we needed something more and didn't know where else to get it. Anyway, we ended up talking forever! And it was the most spiritual experience I have had on my mission. I feel that now....now, I know what I am really doing. I understand that I need to minister more, I need to love everyone more, I need to discern the concerns, needs, and interests of others. So that’s what we did. After this experience with Elder Hoyt, which lasted until the quite a long while, I taught my district how to minister to people. One of the best district meetings I have had by far. It was completely guided by the spirit, on the drive down to district meeting I had no idea what I was going to train on. Then it hit me, I just need to minister to the district, and by ministering to them, the spirit in turn will teach them how to minister to others. But not just anyone, a person that the Lord has prepared.  You are all probably thinking who is this philosopher of a son/brother I have. Well, Hi. It’s me.  But I have been thinking so much lately. The most important rule on the mission is follow the spirit of the Lord. And that is exactly what I will do the rest of my mission. I love the example of the Savior, He was the most perfect minister there ever was or ever will be. Did the Savior baptize anyone while on the earth? Scripturally the answer is no, but, He ministered to the people, He discerned their concerns, interests, and needs. And He chose to act and help them. That is my purpose for the rest of my mission. Whether it be missionaries, members, investigators, etc. Whomever the spirit directs me to, I will have instant love and concern for them. That is the doctrine of Christ. "True Doctrine understood, changes behavior" I understand it now. And I am grateful for the Lord to leading me to this point. I feel like I am so set for life now that I have learned what I learned. I still have a ton to learn, and I will humbly accept anything I can take. I am just so excited for things now. This last week, changed my mission, changed my life, just being able to more fully understand things by talking to other missionaries and finding out the true purpose of the mission. I love it!

Alrighty, now you're thinking, hmmmmmm......and I want to say to you. I love you. Thanks for the letters! It hit the spot, I knew I was inspired when I asked for them. Still waiting on the siblings.....but I am patient and I love you no matter what! Things are going so great. We are still doing service here and there, but for the most part we are back to the work, but with an eternal perspective in mind. Today we will be going to Council Bluffs for a zone conference tomorrow with a zone activity afterward. So the next couple three days should be pretty fun. I get to see some old companions and minister to them! I am loving life right now, although time is going fast, the Lord is directing me in the way I need to go. I love you all so much and I miss you just as much! I hope you have a great week!!!

Con amor,

Elder Bradley "found himself finally" Rigby

6 September 2011

Tue 9/6/2011 11:50 AM

Siento Flojo Hoy

Well, this week was another week of service basically. And I am feeling really lazy right now, because I have a lot of other stuffs on my mind, so this will be a short and sweet email. So we had a normal Monday last week, except we went to a football game for P-day. it was fun! Then we ate with the Faldmoe's  and yeah.

Then Tuesday and Wednesday we did service for some non-members. It was pretty fun. We tracted, I guess you could say, but we just knocked on doors that didn't have their walls done and then just took down their walls for them. So that was pretty cool.

Thursday was like the most normal day of the week though. We had a district meeting, It wasn't as good as normal though, because I just had to give a Powerpoint presentation on mormon.org. I mean it was good, but I had already seen it like twice before, so I wasn't so enthused about it. But I know the members of the district liked it. After that, I gave a baptismal interview.....and the guy didn't pass. Sad. But he will hopefully be baptized this next Saturday! So that should be really cool for him!!! After that, we went and had dinner with the Fernando's (non-members that we helped) and it was way fun. He is way open with us and just talks to us about everything. It will be cool to see them progress in the gospel even more. A lot of people that we helped have so much potential. They just have to give up a couple three things.

Friday and Saturday we did service as well....but it was different. We had to help people move....and let me tell you my pet peeve...when you go to help someone move and they have not packed anything at all and have done no prep. Well....that’s how it was on Friday and Saturday. We had to pack everything up for them, load it all up, and unpack it. Man....ridiculous. So I was in quite the angry mood, I will be honest, but I tried being positive and it all worked out. 

Sunday was a very special day though!!! We got made into a Spanish branch! It was pretty cool to be a part of! And to know that the two people that I helped bring into the church, helped it happen as well. So that was pretty sweet to see it grow into an actual Spanish branch. So, now we are the Sioux City Spanish Branch! It’s legit. So yep, yep.  Now, we just have to get all the people their callings and to make this grow and grow into a Spanish Ward. That would be so sweet! So yeah!

Anywho, then Monday, was yesterday, of course, and we had like a half P-day. But it consisted of all the people who we served -  they threw us a huge BBQ. There was like 100 people there. It was really a blessing to see all these people we helped out and how grateful they were for us. It was pretty fun. We had a BBQ and we played a lot of football too. (That made me realize how out of shape I am!) But yeah. it was a pretty good week. But this week we will be back into the normal swing of things! So that will be good.

Sorry, I didn’t have too much to talk about, I know I will this week! But I love you all so, so, so, so, so much! and I miss you just as much! Have a great week!!!

Con amor,

El Elder Bradley Rigby

29 August 2011

Mon 8/29/2011 10:43 AM

Servicio y bautismo!! Woot Woot

Que transa!!!

Well, this week there is not too much to talk about, to be honest. It has been a week of service. It’s been really fun to serve Non-Members. Literally, one of the most rewarding things I have done on my mission. Before we kind of served non-members, but not like now. Everyday, last week, we were with non members all day. Just us and them. How cool is that? We really showed them that we are real people and they asked sooo many questions. It was very nice to just sit and have a normal conversation with them. I really love preaching the gospel that way. It honestly beats tracting or anything. I think serving people and just getting to know them, they trust us more, they feel our love for them, and they feel comfortable enough to just talk with us. It’s not like we are teaching lessons in a formal manner and what not. We teach by our character. Here is a quote I like a lot, "Preach the Gospel at all times in your life, and seldomly use words" I think that is so important.
We worked on one house alone for like 4 days. It was the largest wall besides Dan's. It was 14 ft wide, 9 feet tall, and 200 feet long. The guy told us, after moving his wall out, that we moved like 400 tons of sandbags.  And that was just one house. We have worked on like 20 houses, so I think about how much sand I have moved total. It’s insane! We also got fed really well by the non-members. As we would say, "Eating like kings, working like slaves". It’s been really fun. I have driven a tractor, bobcat, skidloader, polaris ranger, and a huge truck with a dump trailer on the back. It’s been pretty fun. I have learned some neat skills while being out here - a lot of skills that I will use the rest of my life. I am grateful for the people who teach us how to use the equipment and in turn let us use it! It’s been so much fun and so rewarding for me. I love it so, so, so much. I wish I could just be a service missionary the rest of my mission. So at the end of the week (Friday), the non-member invited us over for a nice sit down dinner. We took pictures and a he works at a meat plant as a developer and researcher. So he ordered us 2 inch thick ribeye steaks. They were the BEST steaks I have ever eaten in my life. It was so delicious!!! I feel like I have eaten so much fat this week, but I have been working so hard, I have been breaking even. But not only has it been physically and tastefully satisfying, it was been spiritually rewarding! I love it so much. I really wish I could show you everything, it would be awesome, but, these dumb computers won’t let me do anything. But the guy who gave us steak, took a bunch of pictures and he said he is going to send all of them to ya'll. He's a huge family man and wants ya'll to know what we are doing. Really nice people out here!
And to finish the week off, Julian was baptized! The service went so perfect. Everything went as planned and even a former missionary, that actually was the first one to teach Julian last year, came. I didn't even know he had been taught at all. The RM came and visited and came to the baptism. It was so awesome. The bishop baptized him, and I confirmed him. Just a wonderful experience. Once Julian came out of the water, he was grinning from ear to ear. He was so happy. He said to me, "Elder, I feel so happy, i feel so clean." It was just an awesome experience to see this humble man partake of the wonderful fruit of the gospel and its infinite atonement!! I love it. And even yesterday after I got done confirming him in Spanish, he was again grinning from ear to ear! Such a rewarding experience for me. I love the mission, and I love the fact that I get to see people change lives and see the happiness on their faces. I had the opportunity to teach the YW yesterday and one of the girls asked what my most favorite thing about the mission is. It’s definitely being able to see lives changed. See people change themselves and become ultimately happy in their lives!!! I love it sooooooo much! I can't believe, at the same time, how fast it is going, here it is almost September. And I don't even know where August went! Training this new guy is good. He has a lot, and I mean a lot, of energy.  And so much desire to serve the Lord. It’s been great that I get to help him be the most effective missionary possible. I am so grateful for the opportunity to even have this chance to train him. I know it’s a sacred trust that the Lord has in me. And I am definitely taking that to heart! I am so grateful for all of you and the work that you do and the love you have for me. I feel it every day. I think about you in my prayers and pray for your happiness. I love you all sooooo much and I hope you have a great week!!!

Love you all so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so much!!!

Con amor,

Elder Bradley Rigby

17 August 2011

Wed 8/17/2011 10:16 AM

Servicio, Traslados, Entrenando??

Buenos Dias de Sioux City!!!

         Well, I bet you are all wondering about the juicy transfers that are happening out here. So, Elder Noonchester is leaving and I am receiving a greenie. Weird. His name is Elder Vawdrey (or Bawdrey, i am not sure yet), he is from AF. And yeah, so looks like I get to teach a white kid how to be a Hispanic. It should be an interesting experience. I am excited for the challenge. I definitely think it will help me stay focused on my task at hand. I will miss Noony though. Although I had a hard time with him, the last month has really been good. I feel like I have grown and so has he. So it is good. I hope he continues to be just an awesome kid in his life. Elder Hoyt is also staying in Sioux city, which I am so pumped about. It’s his last transfer and I get to be by him. So that will help me with my training!
           I will first update you on Julian. He will be getting baptized this Saturday. Had his interview last night, and things are goooooood to go! Although, I am super stressed right now with it: Elder Noonchester is leaving, we need people to speak and what not, I am leaving tomorrow night until Friday late night to a leadership meeting, and I am getting a greenie (but only will be with him for like 3 hours before I leave), and then yeah. I will need to be doing everything, because without Elder  Noonchester, it will be quite difficult. So, please pray for me!!!! . And that the baptism will go alright. I really want him to have a good experience so that he keeps coming back to the church and what not. It seems like we have no one else we are really teaching right now, which I am fine with, because we are starting service up again!!! Woot Woot!! The majority of last week was spent taking down the sandbag walls. And people didn't even know it was us, we were like ninjas. It has been awesome!

            Last week we taught Julian on Monday and Wednesday! Bomb lessons, he is set to go. I also had a district meeting last week, it was alright. Afterward was the fun part. We ate at a member’s house in Norfolk, NE and, after the meal, everyone in the district grabbed a habanero pepper, and we ate it whole. Man o man, we had people crying, barfing, noses bleeding. It was hilarious! I will have to get copies because I forgot my camera. But, I was fine. It was really hot and all, but I was fine. So I won the award for being fine. It was sweet.
             After district meeting day, we just have been doing service in and out! It’s been fun. We have been able to drive trucks around a lot and it’s awesome. I really want like a small mid-sized truck....like a Chevy Colorado. Not too bad on gas, but it’s still a truck! Ya know? So except for Monday this week, we have been doing service.
            Monday. We had district meeting and district activity. Way good meeting, Elder Hoyt trained on humility and I trained on humbly listening. Afterwhich, we had a testimony meeting. I love being a DL. It really has opened my capacity to love other people a lot more. I love it. We then played dodgeball for like 3 hours. It was really fun. We played with the lights off for like 3 rounds. It was so fun! I miss playing dodgeball each week. That was really fun.
            All and All, I am doing really well. I am really excited for the next transfer, to train this new kid. I know it will be a test for me, but I am pretty confident and I trust the Lord that I can pass it. I love the mission so much. It really has changed my life forever. Lately, all of my friends from home and I sent a huge email out to all 16 of us committing each other to don't go back to who we were and to help each other out. I am so grateful for the wonderful friends I have. It helps to know that they are watching out for me. But more important, I am more grateful for the friendship we have in our family. I could do nothing without any of you. I am so grateful for you. You are in every prayer of mine. I love you so much! I hope you all have a great week with school starting and what not! Trust the Lord and he will help you out with anything you struggle with. I love you and miss you sooo much! Have a gran semana!!!

Con amor,

El Elder B. D. Rigby

8 August 2011

Mon 8/8/2011 10:40 AM

Ya Estamos En Agosto?? Que!!

Hola..................

        Well, thinking about the past week and what I am going to write to you today, I have no idea. It seems as if last week was quite the blur to me - we did some service, did some exchanges, taught some people, visited a lot of members, and had good times with some other missionaries. I completely feel like last week was a really, purposeful  week, although we didn't get "high numbers." I felt as if we did what the Lord would have wanted us to do, which always gives me a smile on my face! :) Last week we had the opportunity to do some "unsandbaggin" at a member’s house. Some members from the district came down and we did that all day. Afterwhich, we exchanged. The missionary I went with, Elder Miller, is just as old as me, so we had a really good talk about a lot of things. I feel as if I helped him out. I don't know why, but I do. It was actually quite funny, because while we were on the exchange itself, we went on exchanges with the ZL's. They were double booked for dinner, so I went with Elder Hoyt to Red Robin because the member canceled and just gave us some gift cards there. SCORE!  While we were there, our waitress just kept asking us questions about the church. It was really cool actually. We just were straight up with her on our beliefs. I think so many times as members, we just kind of get scared when people ask us about the church. But if we just feed them what’s up, how much easier it would be for them to ask more questions and then it turns into a discussion. So at the end, we didn't have any cash for a tip, so we left a mormon.org card as usual. :) 
         District Meeting was amazing this week!! I went in with the idea of doing something and what happened was completely opposite. It always happens! So I get up there, and something popped into my head to have like a district inventory. So we just all went around and shared what concerns and struggles we all had. And we sought insight from the rest of the district. It turned out to be something really useful. We learned how to minister to people, care about people's needs, and to listen to other people. So, in essence, we did a training (lesson), a role play, and a unity builder. I was really impressed with it, it helped all of us love each other more, and understand the needs of a person. This principle can be used in all aspects of life, ministering to people and listening, and discerning what to do. I am so grateful that the spirit told me what to do in that moment!
         The work pool of investigators is getting a little slim, but, we still have a lot of things to do. Right now we are really focusing on the members and helping them gain testimonies of the Atonement and how to apply themselves more to the work. I really think that it will benefit this place more in the future. If we can get the members completely on board with the work, that will improve the work tremendously. People will be reactivated and people will be baptized. I have faith! We do have Julian still set for baptism. He will be baptized on the 20th. He was set for the 13^th, but some scheduling conflicts occurred (which is sad because that is after transfers, so either Elder Noony or Myself could miss out on that). Nonetheless he is getting baptized! And whatever the Lord does, I am at ease with. Because it is His will, not mine. I am so excited for Julian though. He came to 4 hours of church yesterday and just loved it. He expressed to me his love for the Gospel and how it is helping him out so much. I love seeing the progress that people make in their lives. It is one of the most pleasing things to me! I love ministering to people as a Representative of Christ. I know that no better feeling comes to the soul than helping our fellow brothers and sisters. I am so grateful for all of you and the help that you give your fellow men back home. I know that each of you has an important part in the Masters plan! I am doing so well right now. I feel the spirit more and more in my life every day. And I can only smile because of it. I love you all so so so so much! I am so grateful for the loving support I have back home. There is nothing better in the world than love at home. We learn from the Prophets that family is the most important thing in these days. And it’s true. I have a testimony how love can change people and soften people's heart. And you soften mine each week with the prayers and the emails you send. I love you all so much and miss you just as much! Que tengan buena semana!

Con amor,

El Elder B. D. Rigby

1 August 2011

Mon 8/1/2011 11:38 AM

Ya Agosto???

Well hello you sunburnt beach bums!

I hope you had a great week at Redfish Lake. Sounds like you had a blast! I hope all is well in the family. I am sad I missed that grand reunion. But there will be more! I am glad that grandma is still up and driving the waverunner. Not many other people can say their grandma does that. But, for the record,....that is sad about our house and those punks. I believe that if I and my friends were home, that would not happen. I think they are scared of us. :) Not that I would do anything, everyone just knows not to mess with the best. I mean, profanity, toilet paper, and pulling up someone's shrubs. Messed up! I am sorry you had to deal that, it’s ok though, those who did so, their eternal soul might be at stake. ;) Sorry, you know how I am about people pranking our house.

Things are well here in ole Siouxland. We might be starting up some service again. Taking down all the stuff we built. So that will be way fun. Especially since yesterday, we saw that most of it is infested with beetles and cockroaches. And some of the holes we dug have dead moles in them because they drowned. So it will be fun and dirty! This last week we didn’t have the car, so we walked a whole bunch. I would say we walked a good 8 miles a day. It was really hot, but wasn't that bad. I feel like I lost a lot of weight doing so, that makes me happy. We did meet a bunch of people on the street that way too! It’s kind of weird, I actually like just going out and walking and talking to everyone. It’s fun. You never know what kind of person you will run into. So that’s really fun to see. You may get a basher that has no idea, or a person who just swears at you. Either way, I just laugh and know that the Lord is with me.
Julian, our baptismal set, is set for August 13th. He is awesome. We had three lessons with him this last week. He is such a sweet spirit. Hearing him pray is such an awesome experience. In essence, our prayers should be very personal because we are talking to our actual Father. And he does that, just pleads with Heavenly Father to help him on his way, to help him know more about him, and to do the things He wants him to do. So we had a good experience with teaching him. We had a couple members come with us as well, which helped us know the ward better, and for the ward to trust us. If there is one thing I have learned in my mission, the best way to work is by using members. In Spanish groups, it’s a little bit harder to do so. but I know when we do, it is definitely a lot easier to find and teach, plus, everyone is edified and feels the spirit. Things are getting better and better each week here. I am loving it more and more each day!

 I love you all so much. I am so grateful to have a family so loving and willing to help at all times. You are THE GREATEST!!! I pray for you often and hope the best for you always. I love you and miss you!

con amor,

Elder Bradley Rigby

25 July 2011

Mon 7/25/2011 10:52 AM

Bautismo y Intercambios

Pues. Hola.

          Well, I am sure you are all wondering how the baptism went! Well, it went just dandy, although the preparation for it was a little bit sketchy. All is well!!! So Saturday we had service starting at 7:30pm. People are starting to move back to their neighborhoods, so we helped out until about 1. Then we left so I could give Elder Hoyt a hair cut. Well, as we were there, a member invited us to lunch with them. So we were like, “We have an hour, we can do it.” Well, that was a bad decision! Afterward, we realized that our Ward Mission Leader was out of town and didn't make the baptismal program and none of the Hispanic members had a computer or a printer. So we were like, oh no..... So we rushed up to Wynstone to Bro. Mierzejewski's house to get it done. We get there, and I am not good with computers, nor is my companion. And yeah, we struggled. But we got it done, rushed to the chapel to find out that the other elders had taken the room, that we were going to use, for their baptism, and then I said, “Oh no” again. So we rushed, made copies, set up chairs, moved a piano into another room so we could get it done. Then we realized that the two speakers weren’t there, so we hurried and got them in there, just calling and rushing. The thing is, it was all good and ready to go on Friday, everything. Everyone knew their part and what to do. But,.....for some reason, we ended up doing it all on Saturday. I was stressed so much to the point where I just wanted to cry because I wanted Javier to feel the Spirit and love at his baptism. So once the service started, I just prayed and prayed that all would go well. And it did. All was well. After the baptism there was a ward party and a MoTab choir transmission and all was well. When I got home that night, the first thing I did was get on my knees and thank the Lord for the baptism and for everything that went well. I definitely received a confirmation that Heavenly Father was there and He helped Javier receive that ordinance! I am so happy for Javier, he is such a good man and an example to me, a lot. He changed his life around completely. He used to be an alcoholic and didn't care too much for his family, but now, all that matters to him is his family and the gospel, and he is not tempted to drink anymore. Seeing the change in a person like that is such a testimony builder. We may see people on the street everyday drinking, or not looking as if he is a very good person, but they are, and they can become a better person through the gospel. Our job is to bring that message to them.
           The rest of the week was pretty stressful as well. Tuesday, we had zone activity playing some sand volleyball, as I said, and what not. It was way fun! Afterward I went on exchanges with a new missionary, Elder Bown. He is a pretty cool kid. We know some of the same girls, so that was pretty funny to talk about. We did a lot of service while he was here, but we had a couple of teaching opportunities, which went well!!! After we exchanged back, like....the morning after, another member in the district was struggling hard core....and I didn't know what to do. As I prayed, the Lord made it clear to me that I should have that missionary go to another area for a day. So I did so, and as I have been talking to him and counseling him every day, he is doing a lot better! I am so grateful that the Lord helps me to discern what to do with people in my district. Such a powerful tool that we have, to use the Spirit as a guide to know what to do with other people!!
            I mentioned we had done some service this week, mostly just moving a lot of stuff. Well, Friday, we get a call from a member in a panic saying there is ton of water everywhere and they need help. So we heeded the call and went up to Wynstone. Well, there is like a 30 yard river just going across the road at the entrance, so we were like....that’s weird. So we drove through that and get to the first couple houses and hop out. And they say, “Well, we are building walls right there.” I look and it’s just like a huge pond being held by a small wall. So this meant, we would be getting in the water. So yep! We did. We were walking around in waste deep water for about 5 hours throwing sand bags. It was so coool!!!! It’s the closest thing I will get to swimming. But it was fun. There were a lot of nasty bugs everywhere and what not, but it was cool. We caught a ton of frogs and stuff. It was just a fun time while we worked. We got the walls built, and there is potential for us to do more and we will do it. I love doing service. I feel like I am a better server than a teacher, but better yet, to teach while we serve is something we should all strive for! It was a really good week for me, ups and downs, but the Lord was in it and he comforted me all week and I am so grateful!!! I hope you all enjoy vacationing at Redfish! Be safe and I will pray for you. I love you soooo much and miss ya!!!

Con amor,

Elder Swamp Rat Rigby!!!

18 July 2011

Mon 7/18/2011 10:44 AM

Color Color Color

Buenos Dias Mis Queridos!!!

           Well, to start off my email, I would like to tell you that IT’S SO HOT!!!!!! So I keep forgetting to tell you this, but, we are in a car share, which means, we get the car every other week. It doesn't make sense to me at all because we cover all the wards here, and have a bigger area than both the other sets of missionaries. But we have to share. Oh well. Not important. So, this means when we don't have the car, we get to walk everywhere, and take the bus. Only problem is, the bus stops running at 5, and doesn't go on Sundays. So we get stuck in far off areas and have to walk home. And let me tell you, it is hot...... We come home completely drenched in sweat from head to toe. It’s quite gross. I do not like the heat for one, I like the cold more. I don't like humidity for two. I like being dry. So to answer your question, I enjoy the freezing winters more than the disgusting summers! With the cold, you can just put more clothes on. In the heat...you can only strip down so far! And for a missionary, that’s dark pants, shoes, socks, white shirt, tie, and garments. So it’s quite hot!!! I have been drinking a ton of water and what not, so I am being kept quite regulated on that sight. So I hope that it gets cold real soon. But we get the car this week, and I hear that it’s supposed to be in the hundreds. So hurray for me!
            The work is going completely great! So this week was a good one. We really buckled down and taught Javier every day that we could get over to South Sioux. But we did it. It is now what I like to call "crunch time." He is getting baptized this Saturday, and I have faith that he is ready to do so. He brought up a concern last week of smoking, and as I was discerning what to tell him, the spirit really spoke unto me and said to give him a blessing after the lesson and that he will make it to his date. So we did so! I know that through the priesthood and his faith, he will be able to drop this habit! During the blessing, another prompting came to me to see a specific person after the lesson. It was 8:50pm, and I was like, but.....we will be home late? Never-the-less we followed the prompting and went to the home to find no one there. So we left a note inviting them to church. I do not know why the Lord wanted us to go there at that time, but I know that by us following what He said, something good will come of it! I love being able to use the spirit to do the work; it is by far, the MOST effective way to be a missionary. We also got in contact with some other people, and they all came to church yesterday! So it was a really good week for us. I am more excited for this week to come. We have zone activity (I planned it, they call me the master planner and schemer). So we have the baptism, after the baptism we have a pioneer activity for the stake, and after that, we are watching a broadcast! So good things to come!
              I just want to testify to you, that the Lord really does work through each of us to do different things and having the spirit always to guide us, even for the little things, like your sunglasses, mom! He really does care about His children a lot. I remember a story from last year's Ensign and it has stuck with me my whole mission. It talks about a little boy who got his hand caught in the door at church, and if he opened or closed the door it hurt his hand and it was stuck. Well, a man, earlier that morning, right before going to church had the prompting to grab a wrench, and he was like, “What? A wrench?,” But he followed the prompting and put a wrench in his pocket. Well when he got to church he noticed the little boy with his hand stuck and no one else was around, and pulled the wrench out of his pocket and was able to wedge the door open enough to get the child's hand out. And then he realized what that prompting meant. So at times, we don't know what a prompting means, but we should always follow it, because we could save a life, or help a little child out. I know that the Lord loves us each so much. He cares for us by sending us promptings to help others out or for them to help us. I love you all so much! I hope you all have a grand vacation at Redfish Lake! Tell everyone in the family “hello” and that I love them so much! Give Risa my congrats to finishing! That’s awesome! I love you and miss you so much! Have a great week!!!

Con amor,

El Elder B. "Master Planner" Rigby

11 July 2011

Mon 7/11/2011 10:59 AM

Estoy Vivo!

Bueno Familia!!!!

            Well, first things first. Sister Kunz called me...thanks mom!!!  She said she heard that I was sick and that I am not trying to see a doctor my whole mission. So yeah....ha. I was like.... “umm, yes, but I am fine!!” I slept on Thursday and Friday for quite some time. And I am feeling better each day. I am taking the necessary precautions to get over my sickness! And they are working. I bought a pack of oranges, I have been taking some Advil, and I have been drinking a lot of fluid. I am feeling tons better. I can actually talk now, so I think that is a definite improvement!  But you're right, if it does elevate, I will see a doctor. But we have some doctors in the English ward here, so they gave me some amoxicillin to make sure I don't have strep!  So I am good. No worries. I kind of laughed when Sister Kunz said that she heard I was sick and that I was avoiding the doctor, she is such a sweetheart. I love her!  So I am good for now. I will let you know if it progresses or anything. But I am on the mend I believe!  
             So, this week,....I will be honest, was very, very hard. Saying goodbye to some of my really good friends such as Elder Hudspeth and Payne was pretty hard. But I will see them again. It was kind of funny. Every time Elder Hudspeth and I would say goodbye to each other, we would run into one another again. It was funny. I am glad you went to his homecoming and met him. He is a good kid and I am excited to see him again. But I still need to finish strong! I will miss him, he helped me out a lot!!! So I hope he comes to dinner wit ya'll. That would be good.

So last week it got to the point where I asked for a blessing from Elder Hoyt because I was just so down and sick. And I can testify to you that the priesthood is real! And that God really does speak through it. Once I received that blessing, it was just like an instant comfort, and ever since then I have been feeling a ton better. I am very grateful for everything He has done for me, and I am just thankful for you guys to be honest. Your sustaining support always has helped me a ton. And I love you so much! I know it’s just a short time for me to be gone, but I am happy to do it. While I was in bed, just wallowing in my sickness, I realized that I have 4 transfers left. Not too much time. So while sitting there I wrote down some goals that I have for myself for the next 5 months. I am really going to get down, and focus everything on the work. And just completely shut everything else out. I am going to work the hardest I have ever worked to become the missionary the Lord wants me to be. These next 4 tranfers are so crucial, not only for the work, but for the rest of my life. So I know it is hard. But please don't talk about coming home. I am really trying to focus, and not get trunky. I won't mind when I have like 2 months left because we will need to get stuff ready and what not. But until then, just help me stay focused, unless it is something we need to talk about. I hope that I am not offending anyone, but I am just really, really, really trying to gun it to the end! It will take a load off of me if you will help me out in that respect!!!

I love you all so, so, so, so, so much and I pray for you each day and night. I miss you a load and I am grateful for your love and support you give me. So please just tell me to keep going and to finish strong! I love you all and I hope you have a great week!!!

Con amor siempre,

Elder Bradley Rigby

6 July 2011

Wed 7/6/2011 1:13 PM

Viajando la mision!

Buenos Dias Mis Queridos!!

           Pues.....I bet you are all so anxious to hear what is going on transfer-wise with me. Well, I am staying with Elder Noonchester here in Sioux City another one. As DL again. So yeah, not too much of a change...just going to work really hard this transfer. I am pretty happy I stayed. I felt like there was a ton more for me to do here. And now I have the opportunity to do so, which I am so grateful for the Lord for allowing me to do so. He really does love us soooooo much!

          Well, this week I was traveling a lot. It was insaneo! We had district meeting in Vermillion on Tuesday, that went really well. I trained on being positive and what not. Afterward we had a district activity. We played Frisbee-golf and climbed a rock wall. I wish I could send you pictures, but these dang computers won't allow me to do so.

Wednesday. Elder Noonchester was sick....but mid day, I went with the ZLs down to Omaha for a leadership conference. And I had the opportunity to stay with Elder Payne and Werrett in Cottonwood. It was sooo fun. I was there until Friday. So I got to see a bunch of people from the ward that I knew, and I got to have fun times with former companions. I can't believe Elder Payne is going home! So we came back.. and yeah, I honestly can't remember what I did the other days. I know Monday was a fun day. We went to member’s houses and what not and played some soccer with the Hispanics. And at night, we went to Wynstone (service place) and had a big ole BBQ with all the people we helped. And they lit of some fireworks. South Dakota is legit....they light off whatever they want whenever. So it was stadium of fire here -  except we called it "FourthFloodFire 2011".  It was really fun. We were there a little bit late, and we found out that Elder Wilkey was going AP, so we made sure to fatten him up and send him off Sioux City style. He will make a great AP.

Yesterday morning, we went to their apartment, picked up Elder Hoyt to go with us to district meeting in Yankton. I saw Elder Hudspeth for the last time until I get home. That was pretty sad. I will miss him a ton. We have become really good friends and have grown up a lot together. I can't wait for ya'll to meet him. He is excited to meet ya'll. And he will visit for sure. He said that for sure you need to come to his homecoming! It’s not too far away. So yeah. That is my week update. I think next week’s email will be a little more interesting. We did a lot of driving and what not this week. So yeah!

           I just want you all to know I love you! I spoke on Love yesterday. Love is such a pure subject to speak on, and really, this gospel is a gospel of Love. I just wish I could better at loving more. I am trying to do so more and more, becoming as Christ would and really ministering for those in my stewardship. I pray that you all will do the same! Love everything we have, and love the opportunity we have to be here on this earth and serve, and especially in this great nation that we can be free! I love you all so, so, so, so, much! And miss ya just as much! Have a great semana!

con amor,

El Elder Rubi

27 June 2011

Mon 6/27/2011 11:10 AM

Lluvio....mucho Lluvio!

Hola! Como Estan!

         Well, this week was very busy, it seemed. I think Tuesday was the only day we spent all day in the area!  Not too much happened that day. So yeah.

Wednesday I went to lunch with Elder Hudspeth. It was good. I can't believe he goes home next week! Crazy.  We went to lunch and had a good time. After that, we went out to Norfolk to do some more baptismal interviews! Crazy, crazy. That took some time. I can’t remember what else we did that day....I know it rained a lot. ugh!

Thursday was interviews and district meeting. My interview was the shortest one I have ever had. It was really, really good. Just really short.  District meeting went really well. I trained on being humble and gaining a better character on the mission. I used Elder Scott's talked on Faith and Character. If you haven't read it, you should! It’s good! And after that, we had a meeting with the ZLs and the other DL and President Kunz. It was actually way, way spiritual and really good. Just the 5 of us, just sharing our feelings. Even President. I really enjoyed it and I learned a lot from it. We are just trying to help all the Elders in the zone get to a point where they have a ton of desire to be obedient and have a desire to work!

Friday, we set someone for baptism. We talked to Javier for a good long time without his wife there. We talked about his doubts and concerns. And the Spirit just hit me in the face and said, “Ask him to be baptized.” So I did. And he agreed to set a date to work toward. So we are hoping for the 16th of July. So keep him in your prayers! We are way excited for him! It will be a blessing to him and his family for sure!

Saturday. We went and did some service for a family who's basement flooded....we cleaned out everything from the basement and tried mopping up some of the water. My companion and I mostly took care of the sheetrock, because we knew how to take it off. So we did that! It was really good because these members are completely inactive! So yeah!

Sunday was a good day. It was kind of long though. Church went well. We had like 4 investigators there, so that was good to see happen! The church is starting to be full again. I am happy to see that! After church, we went to the Kay's and ate.

          So I am doing really well, personally. I am dealing with this sore throat, but other than that, I am fine. Elder Noonchester and I have been losing a ton of weight, so that is something that makes us both happy!  But what’s even better than that is that my testimony and firmness in the gospel is growing evermore. I notice my personal studies are more in depth, and I have a deeper love for everyone and my desire to help others is even more. I love my mission. I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve. It has changed my life, and I am so happy for these changes in my life. As I have been keeping in contact with my buds from home, it’s just so amazing how the mission transforms a person. But in reality, it’s through the Atonement that we are able to do so. Through the Atonement everything is made possible. We all need the Atonement, which of course means that we need our Beloved Savior as well. I am grateful to bear His name on my chest every day and to help people come to know Him even more. I love you all so much and I pray for each of you to partake of this wonderful gift that Our Heavenly Father has given us. I hope you all have a great week!  love you all and miss you just as much!!!

Con amor,

El Elder Rigby

20 June 2011

Mon 6/20/2011 12:22 PM

No Se Que Hacer?

Buenos Dias-
        Well, yet another week gone by! This week went by fast. The week started off with zone conference. It was good. We talked about utilizing the members in the work more, which I am a firm believer in, because, as you know, I am not a fan of tracting. It is by far the least effective way to find people. It builds character and faith, but I think the more effective way is through the members - gaining their trust and having them do the finding because they know all these people better than we do! So that was a great training, which I did enjoy listening too. During one of the trainings, we were asked to think about our missions. And as I was doing so, Elder Hoyt and I looked at each other. Now, Elder Hoyt is our zone leader, but, I have served around him every transfer. So we have gotten to be pretty good friends. And we just looked at each other and recognized how far each of us has come, and how different we are, and we just reminisced in the spirit of the mission. It was really nice.
        After the zone conference, we went to a dinner and literally just got fat off these things called dirty snowballs. It was crazy. But then after that, we went to ole Norfolk, Nebraska to go on some exchanges and to do a baptismal interview. I will be honest, doing a baptismal interview for a girl....was kind of weird. But it was good to see how she has changed her life and how the Savior has helped her. I love seeing that change in people. We have an investigator who is so close!!! Javier Ramirez. He says he knows the church is true, but he is just waiting for an answer to know if he needs to be baptized. AHH! Please pray for him to be ready. He is so, so, so, so, close. And it would definitely bless his family's life. They are all members except him. So close. He is our only person we have been teaching, as of late. We are kind of in a rut right now with our pool of investigators. I am confidence that we will find some this week! This week, I will have my first district meeting (funny that I am having my first with only 2 weeks left in the transfer) and that day, as well, we will be having interviews and what not. But all is well!
         I, myself, am doing great! I got my new glasses! Thank you dad for taking care of that! It’s been nice to have them. They are sweet timberland glasses. I love them. I have been wearing them a lot. My allergies have died down a bit. I guess because I am not doing service anymore. But they are still there. It’s been good. Thank you so, so, so, so, so much! I love you all so much! I hope you all had a great Father’s Day!!! I love you all so, so, so much and miss ya just as much! Que tengan buena semana!!!

con amor,

Elder Ruby

13 June 2011

Mon 6/13/2011 11:31 AM

Ahora Empezamos La Obra

Hello Everyone,

           So as the week has come to an end, so has our service. Our last day for service was on Saturday - which is kind of weird. For the last 15 days I have been doing manual labor for about 12 hours a day and now it’s just back to normal missionary work. It feels like transfers. Weird. I will miss doing service. It’s honestly my favorite thing to do, especially the service that we did - helping people in a dire need. It was a great feeling and I am sad it’s coming to an end. But I loved it. Not much else to say about that. I love doing service for people, it’s something I could do the rest of my life, and I plan on doing it. I think it’s the perfect gift you could ever give anyone. If you can't think of a gift idea for someone, serve them, and you both will be completely edified by the Spirit of the Lord. I am loving the mission; it’s going by way too fast!!
            I myself am doing well (besides my allergies, and my glasses broke this week). They are being held together but super glue and tape. Because of my allergies I literally can't wear my contacts. Other than that, I am fine. Just getting my rusty Spanish up to par, and that’s about it! Things are good. Last Week we had a Spanish meeting in Omaha as well. It was pretty good. It’s weird. I am like one of the oldest ones now, when it was like yesterday I was there with Elder Moore as one of the youngest ones. It is all good. I am happy to be here and just enjoying the life in Siouxland. I love you all so, so, so much! and I miss ya just as much! Have a great week!!

con amor,

El Elder Bradley D. Rigby

25 May 2011 plus

Wed 5/25/2011 9:07 AM

transferred again

Fam-

      So I will be getting transferred to Sioux City, IA - Spanish with Elder Noonchester. So I will be a Spanish Elder again. Also I will be a district leader over about 6 missionaries. So yeah! craziness. Well, Love you all so much! Have a great week!!!

 -Brad

Mon 5/30/2011 7:54 AM

Flooding!!

Hey Family-

    So I don't have time to email today. I will email you tomorrow! Because. Yes, the Missouri is flooding and we have to go help out because people's houses are right off the river. So yeah. We did it all day yesterday from 9-9 just sandbagging, and moving basements. We are going to do it again today because yeah, it’s flooding. It’s pretty crazy. Everyone is stressing. Good thing I live in a Castle!! :) [up on a hill] I have to go, our ride is here!!! Love you all so much. Don't worry. I am not going to die or anything. We are just helping others out so they don't die. :) love you so much!!!

-Elder Rigby

Thu 6/9/2011 11:29 AM

Diluvios!!

Bueno bueno bueno!

           Soy Espanol de nuevo! Finalmente!!! So I honestly don't know what to say about the last three weeks because I haven't emailed. The first week was transfers and, of course, I got transferred to Sioux City, Iowa! As a district leader. So that stressed me out. It will be tough. But I can do it! And then, like not even two days after I got here, Flood preparation started. Sioux City is right where the Sioux River, Floyd River, and the big Missouri River all join. And we had a pretty wet year as well. In fact, today it is raining. Anywho, I guess out west, where all the dams are, they are overflowing with water. So naturally they need to release a lot of water to compensate. Well, all that water comes here!! We have been in South Dakota, which is just across the river, doing flood prep every day for the last 12 days from 9am-11pm. It’s been a really unique experience to have, to be honest. I love service. I have already seen the blessings to others lives; I can't tell you how many comments we have had about us. Last night, we were talking with one of the people we have been helping, and he said. "There is one thing in my life I am missing, its religion. Because of your guys' character and because of your non-stop service without any complaint, I honestly think I will come to your church. You guys have your head on straight and I really respect that." So hearing stuff like that just really warms my heart.
            I will be honest, when we first started, it was just service, taking people’s worldly possessions out of their homes, but as I went on. I started to really care for them, and pray for them. And even shed a tear for them. I have seen so many people stressed, cry, and just being sad, because these are their homes. And as Nephi, I water my pillow each night praying for them. Luckily, I think we have prepared enough that the houses should be protected and should be alright. Now, it’s just kind of a waiting game. But a little bit of what we have been doing. Basically we have been making sandbags, throwing them, moving out basements, building walls of sandbags, just all that! And lately, the last few days, we have been making these huge levies that will protect the whole neighborhood. I think it will work. I pray that it does. We have about 10-15 members that live there. And they have been awesome - everyone just helping each other. I think this last Saturday, we had about 200 members in their yellow shirts helping others out. They call us the "swarm". Whenever we go into a store, they ask us about it. We end up saying, “Yep, that’s us. Anything we can do for you??” It’s just been a great experience, and it’s still not over. I honestly think Heavenly Father sent me here to help with this. He knows me. He knows I would work hard. And I am so grateful for the opportunity.
            Service is definitely one of the best ways to spread the gospel, and I urge each of you to try and reach out to someone you don't know each and every day. I am so grateful to serve other people and to have learned this principle early on in life. I love you all and I miss you so much! I will give you more details the next time I have a p-day. Whenever that is. Just know, I am alright and I am just serving the people of the Lord. I love you, I pray for you, and I am grateful for each of you!

Con amor siempre mis queridos,

El Elder Rigby----Service Missionary ;)

24 May 2011

Tue 5/24/2011 2:37 PM

Una Bendición Apostólica

Hello hello, I say hello!

         So I honestly have like 5 minutes. I will tell you why. Well, usually P-Day is Monday on a normal week, but, this week is transfers. So things are a little bit hectic around here! So yesterday we three loaded up the transfer van and trailer with stuff to open an apartment. We drove to Shenendoah, Iowa, then to Lincoln, then to Wahoo, Nebraska. So we had quite the little road trip there. We finished with that around like 10pm. So yeah.  Yesterday, booked. Today, we were supposed to have a normal day, but, tomorrow we are helping Cody move to Utah! After that, we have to take a new missionary out, then drive to Sioux City and pick up the Elders getting transferred and then drive back and get them somewhere to stay. So yeah. Then Thursday is transfer day. I don't know what is going on with me at all. I will somehow contact you and let you know! That’s this busy week right now. I have no idea what will happen to me. I tried to get some info from Elder Hudspeth, and all he says is, "You'll be happy."  and I just laugh and say, “Well, duh!!!” But yeah!
          Highlights from this week! So Saturday, Elders D. Todd Christofferson, Steven E. Snow, Carl T. Cook, and Bishop Edgley of the presiding bishopric came. So yeah! The whole mission came into town on Saturday. It was way weird to see all these people I had not seen in a long time, and at the same time, to see a bunch of people I don't know at all! But as these General Authorities spoke to us, the spirit was soooo strong! Elder Christofferson spoke at the end, and he said "It is our job as Apostles to spread the word and be witnesses of the Lord, but you also have been called, and we courageously stand shoulder to shoulder with each of you serving Our Heavenly Father. You have been called and set apart, and I am proud to stand next to you." It was so intense to hear that, and I guess I never really thought about my calling, I am a representative of Jesus Christ and I bear His name on my chest. It’s a huge deal. But I am grateful for the opportunity to do so. He also, at the end of his remarks, gave us an apostolic blessing. It was intense. It honestly strengthened my testimony personally to hear from him. I love listening to general authorities speak. They are filled with the spirit so much, and you can just tell that they devote everything to the Lord. I hope that is something that we may all try to apply in our own lives. I know I am trying to be better every day. Today, I studied about being more humble. And man. What a quality to have in your life. I am definitely trying to obtain it.
           Work wise, things are doing well. We had a really good chat with Cody, and he will definitely get baptized in Utah. Elder Payne is going to try and make it there, you guys should as well, as it gets closer. He is such an amazing person, seriously, just seeing the change of his heart to the Savior is amazing. Also, we have a guy from Togo named Rolen Signon. He showed up at church the other day. That was legit!!! He was loving it, and the ward was just going up to him left and right, and he had actually planned to leave, but one of the members invited him to stay, so he did!!! And he really enjoyed it. Aubree has been hard to get a hold of; she has family in town. So we don't want to bother her  too much! But things are picking up. We will see what happens with transfers, but I hope each of these people will use their moral agency toward the way of the Lord.
           Well, I gotta get going. I typed this pretty fast, so I hope it makes sense. But I just want each of you to know that I Love the Lord and that He is constantly blessing my life, as well as yours. Mom, thanks for the story about giving that kid my email. I don't mind if you share them. I am glad if it helped him get on his way to the mission. It will change his life for the better and honestly make a firm foundation to live on for the rest of his life. I love life right now and I am grateful for the many blessings and talents the Lord has allowed me to have. I am grateful for all of you who constantly love and support me. I pray for you daily. I love you and miss you so much!!! Have a great week!!!

Con amor y carino,


El Elder Rubi