Mon 4/25/2011 10:18 AM
Anduve 20 Millas
Buenos Dias Chicos,
This week was the week of never-ending doors. I have never tracted so much in my life. This is the difference of being a English Elder, you tract a lot. I got blisters, we tracted so much. It’s weird. I am used to just contacting referrals, and getting let in on the first door and teaching and eating with the Hispanics. But here. nope. When we don't have an appointment, or we can't find any formers or less- actives, we walk, knock and talk. It’s really different. Plus, white people are mean!!!! O mi gatos. So every Hispanic we talked to, we had at least a 10 minute conversation. Yeah, every English person, slam!!! Swear Word. Get off my property! Man it’s so loco!! So I am just getting accustomed to this weird change. I am loving it, though. Elder Payne, Werrett, and I have so much fun together. I don't think I have ever laughed so hard in my mission. It’s just a constant laugh the whole day long. We teach really well together, and we motivate each other. Things are going really well for us right now. I know that we can help out the zone a lot. We have been really focusing on the members of the zone, and just loving them and helping them work. It’s kind of cool to see the difference of just a few weeks that I have been here. People will actually call us now just to talk because they had a bad day. Which before, no one ever called because it’s the "zone leaders." So it’s cool.
Work wise, We have John and Aubree Peoples that are progressing. They came to church on Sunday. John is a member so they read his records over the pulpit and what not. Well, they included Aubree in that too. So let’s just say we were a little bit hesitant to raise our hands to that one. But then we were like, hey, we will baptize her so it won't be in vain. Anyway, we went over there and had a discussion about the atonement and it went really well. They are really receptive of everything and have a lot of great questions. So we look forward to good things with them. So Saturday, we had a “car”fast. So we walked all over the place! Anywho, many blessings came from it. We got to teach some people for whom we have been looking for quite a while. We found $20, two whiffle balls, a bat, and a box of candy. Haha. There is a lot of trash here I would say. I miss my small town, but it was a pretty funny day.
Tuesday, I had a conference down in Lincoln. It was pretty good. We learned a lot about hope, Which I really enjoyed. Then Wednesday, we went and got trained for the transfer van! cool cool! I won't drive for transfers, well maybe, but just when they need someone to drive, I can do it! Which is pretty cool. Way boring video though. Elder Werrett and I almost fell asleep like twice. Then we had district meeting, and Thursday we went to another meeting. I like being here, because I get to talk with a lot of missionaries and see them a lot more. That’s the only reason I enjoy being in Omaha. Plus, basketball is a lot better with 12 people than just 2. But I do miss the small town/branch aspect of things, where everyone in the branch knows you, and makes you feel right at home. Here, I just feel so lost. I don't know anyone in the huge ward. There is a definite difference between the two. Who knows, maybe I will finish my mission in Storm Lake. Which would be the bomb!!
I have really enjoyed my personal studies this week a lot. I just don't want to put the book down! It’s hard to just stop when you are feeling the spirit so strong while studying and what not. So I have really focused on that. It really does give the day just a huge kick of the spirit and the day goes a lot better. Especially when all these people say no, I have a reason to still say YES!!!
Easter was good. It was just another normal day for us, to be honest. We didn't really do anything special. We played with yo yo's last night, if that sounds fun. But holidays are just kind of boring out in the field. They aren't filled with traditions, and what not, like back home. But we did get to eat at a Hispanic members house! Which was a treat for me, definitely. It was good. I love speaking Spanish. It is so great!! I hope all of you had a great Easter and really focused on what is most important - The Savior. I know that by focusing more on him I definitely was strengthened a lot more and I felt of the spirit more than ever. I love you all so much and pray for you success and safety daily! Have a great week! I love you and I miss you!!!
Con amor,
El Elder Bradley Rigby
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
18 April 2011
Mon 4/18/2011 10:15 AM
Los Traslados :(
Buenos Dias,
Well, I got transferred to the Cottonwood Ward (Omaha, NE). Our area got white washed with Spanish elders! Which is good! So last week was just madness, to be honest with you. I thought for sure I was staying in the area, but I guess the Lord had different plans for me. I am with Elder Payne from Pocatello Idaho. He is cool. I have served around him a lot, so we get along really well. He goes home in July. And my other companion is Elder Werrett, from Portland Oregon. He has been out the same time as me. We go home together. I have also served around him a lot as well. We all get along really, really, really, well! So I was happy about that. It’s weird why I am with Zone Leaders, yes. I asked President about it, because I did nothing wrong. He said that he just really wants me in leadership a lot, so this is kind of a stepping stone to that. It’s not because I was disobedient or because I was doing bad – because I wasn’t. He just wants me to really flourish in leadership and stuff. So yeah, that’s all I really know. As far as my companions go, they treat me like an equal. They call me a zone leader and I do everything that they do. So yeah, it’s pretty good that I am not like feeling demoted at all. They just treat me the same, which I am happy about.
Leaving Storm Lake was very hard. I cried, to be honest. I haven't cried my whole mission, and I cried. I love that place so much. So many things happened there for me and I really feel so close with the people who I met there. They truly will be eternal friends of mine. But I told them all that I will be back next year in February to see Wally and Michelle get sealed in the temple. Permitting that my parents come with me! (aka you pay for me cuz i am poor hahahahahaha) :) Tuesday and Wednesday we just said goodbye to everyone: the Olsons, Grants, Lupers, Gores, Hinotes, Lourdes, Kelly's, Flores, etc. - all these great people. It was hardest saying goodbye to the Hinotes and Lourdes. They are our recent converts and we really got close with them. So that was hard. But oh well. We are all put through things for a reason right?? So then I showed up in Omaha Wednesday night and stayed with the Spanish elders until like 3pm on Thursday, then I came with my companions.
This area is in the rebuilding stages right now....so Friday, the rainiest day I have ever seen, we tracted. We seriously walked like for 5 hours. I was soaked all the way through to my garments. Luckily, I put all my items in a plastic bag, because my bag was completely soaked all the way through. There are a lot of Spanish people in the area, so I got to talk a lot. I will probably only teach them the first lesson and then turn them over to the Spanish elders - which I am alright with. I will be speaking Spanish every day still. Plus, I call the Spanish elders a lot during language study to just talk to them. So the Spanish will be maintained!! Saturday, I went with the office elders all day. It was so fun. I consider myself the mission wild card. When they need something, I do it. So Saturday, I went with the office elders and took stuff all over Lincoln. In a couple weeks we are probably going to Lexington or Sioux City. So yes. I get to drive the transfer van!! Which I have always wanted to do!! It will be a fun transfer. We are working out, feeling the spirit, and just doing the work. It’s all around going be really good.
Sunday was a really good day. We taught a lot of less-actives. One investigator, John and Aubrey Peoples. They are soo cool! We just met them. They fed us yesterday. John is a member, but has never been active. Aubrey is his wife. They work in the airport towers. But we taught them yesterday and they are definitely our most promising people right now. Things are going to get a lot better! I see a recurring pattern in my mission - I come into kind of slow areas, and I make them fast! I love it. I think I like coming into slower areas, because there is nothing better than starting at zero - you can only go up!!
I am really excited about this transfer. I am just going to grow so much more as a missionary, spiritually, and I will get physically fit. We have so many exercise weights. So I will definitely improve everything. There are some Spanish people in the ward, so I am really excited about that. Plus, there are always exchanges with the Spanish elders, so all is well. I am just living good, learning a lot, and just becoming a better ambassador of the Lord. I love this work and I can't wait for this transfer. Things are going to be good!! I hope you all have a happy Easter. We must remember what Easter is truly about, the Savior and what He has done for us. I pray that each of you will focus on the Atonement this week and have a fantastic week! I love you and I miss you!
Con amor,
El Elder Bradley Don Rigby
Los Traslados :(
Buenos Dias,
Well, I got transferred to the Cottonwood Ward (Omaha, NE). Our area got white washed with Spanish elders! Which is good! So last week was just madness, to be honest with you. I thought for sure I was staying in the area, but I guess the Lord had different plans for me. I am with Elder Payne from Pocatello Idaho. He is cool. I have served around him a lot, so we get along really well. He goes home in July. And my other companion is Elder Werrett, from Portland Oregon. He has been out the same time as me. We go home together. I have also served around him a lot as well. We all get along really, really, really, well! So I was happy about that. It’s weird why I am with Zone Leaders, yes. I asked President about it, because I did nothing wrong. He said that he just really wants me in leadership a lot, so this is kind of a stepping stone to that. It’s not because I was disobedient or because I was doing bad – because I wasn’t. He just wants me to really flourish in leadership and stuff. So yeah, that’s all I really know. As far as my companions go, they treat me like an equal. They call me a zone leader and I do everything that they do. So yeah, it’s pretty good that I am not like feeling demoted at all. They just treat me the same, which I am happy about.
Leaving Storm Lake was very hard. I cried, to be honest. I haven't cried my whole mission, and I cried. I love that place so much. So many things happened there for me and I really feel so close with the people who I met there. They truly will be eternal friends of mine. But I told them all that I will be back next year in February to see Wally and Michelle get sealed in the temple. Permitting that my parents come with me! (aka you pay for me cuz i am poor hahahahahaha) :) Tuesday and Wednesday we just said goodbye to everyone: the Olsons, Grants, Lupers, Gores, Hinotes, Lourdes, Kelly's, Flores, etc. - all these great people. It was hardest saying goodbye to the Hinotes and Lourdes. They are our recent converts and we really got close with them. So that was hard. But oh well. We are all put through things for a reason right?? So then I showed up in Omaha Wednesday night and stayed with the Spanish elders until like 3pm on Thursday, then I came with my companions.
This area is in the rebuilding stages right now....so Friday, the rainiest day I have ever seen, we tracted. We seriously walked like for 5 hours. I was soaked all the way through to my garments. Luckily, I put all my items in a plastic bag, because my bag was completely soaked all the way through. There are a lot of Spanish people in the area, so I got to talk a lot. I will probably only teach them the first lesson and then turn them over to the Spanish elders - which I am alright with. I will be speaking Spanish every day still. Plus, I call the Spanish elders a lot during language study to just talk to them. So the Spanish will be maintained!! Saturday, I went with the office elders all day. It was so fun. I consider myself the mission wild card. When they need something, I do it. So Saturday, I went with the office elders and took stuff all over Lincoln. In a couple weeks we are probably going to Lexington or Sioux City. So yes. I get to drive the transfer van!! Which I have always wanted to do!! It will be a fun transfer. We are working out, feeling the spirit, and just doing the work. It’s all around going be really good.
Sunday was a really good day. We taught a lot of less-actives. One investigator, John and Aubrey Peoples. They are soo cool! We just met them. They fed us yesterday. John is a member, but has never been active. Aubrey is his wife. They work in the airport towers. But we taught them yesterday and they are definitely our most promising people right now. Things are going to get a lot better! I see a recurring pattern in my mission - I come into kind of slow areas, and I make them fast! I love it. I think I like coming into slower areas, because there is nothing better than starting at zero - you can only go up!!
I am really excited about this transfer. I am just going to grow so much more as a missionary, spiritually, and I will get physically fit. We have so many exercise weights. So I will definitely improve everything. There are some Spanish people in the ward, so I am really excited about that. Plus, there are always exchanges with the Spanish elders, so all is well. I am just living good, learning a lot, and just becoming a better ambassador of the Lord. I love this work and I can't wait for this transfer. Things are going to be good!! I hope you all have a happy Easter. We must remember what Easter is truly about, the Savior and what He has done for us. I pray that each of you will focus on the Atonement this week and have a fantastic week! I love you and I miss you!
Con amor,
El Elder Bradley Don Rigby
11 April 2011
Mon 4/11/2011 12:01 PM
Tornados??? Que Chido!
Bueno Bueno-
So the weather this week was crazy. It’s rumored that we had 12 tornados going around the area of Storm Lake this week. LOCO!! And of course, I, being the thrill seeker I am, was looking for them all night! But among the darkness, power outages, and golf ball sized hail, I didn't see one! I guess that’s a good thing, I am sure all of you are saying. But my whole mission I have always wanted to see a tornado. Not close, but from afar. I think they are amazing, They may be disastrous, but they peak an interest in my mind. The way the wind swirls around in a circle and just looks crazy - awesome! Alas, I didn't see it. But good times are when the mid-west storms come in! I love the storms here. It’s so peaceful to watch the dancing lightning and to hear the roaring thunder. It’s nice.
This week is the horrid transfer week. Where will I be? I don't know. Who will it be with? I don't know. All I know is that it happens this week and it could affect me. I find out on Tuesday or Wednesday. That’s all I have to say about that.
Work wise this week. It was kind of scatterbrained to be honest. We tried to see a lot of people. And we didn't have too much success. It’s all good though. We did teach Tayler though. We taught him with his Presbyterian youth leader. It was quite interesting. I was anticipating a bash. But no! We started out by teaching the Doctrine of Jesus Christ, so the essentials: Faith, Repentance, Baptism, and Gift of the Holy Ghost. And to us that would be quite basic. Well she [the youth leader] started asking questions. And I was like, “Oh no.” But man, Elder Friddle and I were just hitting her with scriptures and answers, and we stumped her hard core. She said, “This stuff is so, so, so, deep. It’s way over my head.” I was like, “What?? This is the basics!” But I know that we were definitely following the Spirit, because there is no way we knew all those scriptures before. We talked afterward, and were like, “Where did that come from? Oh yeah, our third companion. :) ” It’s just awesome to see that Heavenly Father is always watching out for us. I know Tayler felt the Spirit because he began to ask us more and more questions and then he started like teaching his youth lady. It was really cool to see him do that. I am excited to see him progress even more. Next step with him, meet the Parents. :/
So I want to tell ya'll that fasting is the most awesome tool. We all need to use it more. It’s so much more than just giving up food for several hours. This last Sunday, we had a zone fast. And we fasted that the members would help out a lot more, and really get into missionary work and into sharing the gospel, because we can't do it alone. Tracting does squat. So we are trying to get the members more missionary excited. I earnestly believe if every family brought one of their friends to church, the congregation would almost double. So anywho, we were fasting. Well President Olson [the branch president] gets up on Sunday to speak. And guess what he talks about??? Yeah, you guessed it, member-missionary work. He said he was going to talk on something else, but he felt inspired to talk on this. WOW!!! It was really good. I looked at everyone in the congregation and they were glued to his words. The Lord works in mysterious ways, but fasting is no mystery to me. If we earnestly fast for something that is truly needed, the Lord will help us out. So fast!! It’s a great tool.
I am a little nervous about transfers this week, to be honest. But I know, whatever happens to me, it’s the Lord's way. And it’s what He wants me to do. It’s crazy that’s it’s already that time again. Time goes by when you’re in the vineyard of the Lord. I love you all and I miss you all so much. I hope that you can help bring someone to church this week. Even in Utah! It’s our duty as members of the church. I pray for you and your constant success always. Love you so much!!!
Con amor,
Elder Bradley Rigby
Tornados??? Que Chido!
Bueno Bueno-
So the weather this week was crazy. It’s rumored that we had 12 tornados going around the area of Storm Lake this week. LOCO!! And of course, I, being the thrill seeker I am, was looking for them all night! But among the darkness, power outages, and golf ball sized hail, I didn't see one! I guess that’s a good thing, I am sure all of you are saying. But my whole mission I have always wanted to see a tornado. Not close, but from afar. I think they are amazing, They may be disastrous, but they peak an interest in my mind. The way the wind swirls around in a circle and just looks crazy - awesome! Alas, I didn't see it. But good times are when the mid-west storms come in! I love the storms here. It’s so peaceful to watch the dancing lightning and to hear the roaring thunder. It’s nice.
This week is the horrid transfer week. Where will I be? I don't know. Who will it be with? I don't know. All I know is that it happens this week and it could affect me. I find out on Tuesday or Wednesday. That’s all I have to say about that.
Work wise this week. It was kind of scatterbrained to be honest. We tried to see a lot of people. And we didn't have too much success. It’s all good though. We did teach Tayler though. We taught him with his Presbyterian youth leader. It was quite interesting. I was anticipating a bash. But no! We started out by teaching the Doctrine of Jesus Christ, so the essentials: Faith, Repentance, Baptism, and Gift of the Holy Ghost. And to us that would be quite basic. Well she [the youth leader] started asking questions. And I was like, “Oh no.” But man, Elder Friddle and I were just hitting her with scriptures and answers, and we stumped her hard core. She said, “This stuff is so, so, so, deep. It’s way over my head.” I was like, “What?? This is the basics!” But I know that we were definitely following the Spirit, because there is no way we knew all those scriptures before. We talked afterward, and were like, “Where did that come from? Oh yeah, our third companion. :) ” It’s just awesome to see that Heavenly Father is always watching out for us. I know Tayler felt the Spirit because he began to ask us more and more questions and then he started like teaching his youth lady. It was really cool to see him do that. I am excited to see him progress even more. Next step with him, meet the Parents. :/
So I want to tell ya'll that fasting is the most awesome tool. We all need to use it more. It’s so much more than just giving up food for several hours. This last Sunday, we had a zone fast. And we fasted that the members would help out a lot more, and really get into missionary work and into sharing the gospel, because we can't do it alone. Tracting does squat. So we are trying to get the members more missionary excited. I earnestly believe if every family brought one of their friends to church, the congregation would almost double. So anywho, we were fasting. Well President Olson [the branch president] gets up on Sunday to speak. And guess what he talks about??? Yeah, you guessed it, member-missionary work. He said he was going to talk on something else, but he felt inspired to talk on this. WOW!!! It was really good. I looked at everyone in the congregation and they were glued to his words. The Lord works in mysterious ways, but fasting is no mystery to me. If we earnestly fast for something that is truly needed, the Lord will help us out. So fast!! It’s a great tool.
I am a little nervous about transfers this week, to be honest. But I know, whatever happens to me, it’s the Lord's way. And it’s what He wants me to do. It’s crazy that’s it’s already that time again. Time goes by when you’re in the vineyard of the Lord. I love you all and I miss you all so much. I hope that you can help bring someone to church this week. Even in Utah! It’s our duty as members of the church. I pray for you and your constant success always. Love you so much!!!
Con amor,
Elder Bradley Rigby
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
4 April 2011
Mon 4/4/2011 11:53 AM
Conferencia General!!!
Hello everyone-
So my message this week is that WE HAVE A TRUE PROPHET ON THE EARTH!! What a great way to start off the month of April. Conference. I love it i love it i love it!! I seriously felt the spirit so much - much more than any other time. And I believe it is because I focused really hard. NO distractions. I enjoy watching it at the church. There are no distractions. So the spirit is always very strong. Maybe back home I will watch it at the church. One family here proclaims, "Conference isn't conference unless you're at the church" and I think it’s true. Man, were there some great messages for all of us in that conference. I can't really say I had a favorite. They all spoke to me. I wish I would've brought my notes and I could tell you which ones! But I didn't. I did enjoy Elder Uchtdorf's "Road to Damascus" that was really good. And the doctor guy, about pain. That was good! Everything was just really good to hear. I earnestly know that our Father in Heaven sends these messages to us so that we can be edified and strengthened. Like Elder Holland talked about, that these talks are for us, and that they go by the spirit to prepare them and present them. They are as Angels speaking unto us. It’s just so awesome to see it. I just had wonderful chills of the spirit the whole meeting. Even a couple tears here and there because the spirit was so strong. I think, when the Choir sang The Spirit of God, all of those who were in the church had a couple of tears! Amazing!! .
Anyway, the work. So this week we had some really good lessons! We finally taught Mary and Marietta. They are from Micronesia and speak the language of Ponpei. It’s really cool. The Olsons set it up for us and we taught them in their house. Well I did. Elder Friddle went to Cherokee to contact some referrals with another member. But it was a good night! They committed to reading and praying about the Book of Mormon - which is the number one thing to conversion! Prayer. I hope they do so. They came to one conference session at the church, which was good. A lot of our investigators watched it at home, which is still good. But at the Church it is so much better! We also had a chance to teach Tayler that day. It was awesome to hear him say, "I have been in my church for 16 years and they never told me that i had agency to choose or that faith is more than just believing? I am glad you guys are here." This coming from a 16 year old boy! We have another lesson with him this week and his youth leader will be there. Hope we don't get into a bible bash!! ugh!!
Spanish wise. The work is growing little by little. I taught Ganeli this week. And I focused a lot on baptism with her. She keeps saying she is not ready. Which is an excuse for something else, but she hasn't really told us what it is. So we will keep trying with her. We are focusing on the less-actives a lot right now. If we can get a small group of Hispanos coming, then we will have support there for when others come to church. So that’s what we are struggling with right now! But I know the Lord will help us out and help me out that I can stay fluent with my Spanish!
Interview with the president was good. I had a really good talk with him, and we set some goals for me for these last 8 months. He said that I need to lead people in the right direction. Not that I am doing the contrary, but he knows I know a lot of people and am friends with a lot. But he wants me to help him out by helping them be more obedient and focused. How am I going to do that? I don't know. I just talk to people, I guess. I have always had a talent of making friends. So I guess I will use that to help others out!
One fun thing we did this week was we taught Michael how to play baseball! Man has it been a long time since I have picked up a glove and ball. I miss it. And my arm is straight up rubber right now. Obviously, it is not in shape. But it was fun helping him learn how to throw and bat and what not. It brought me back to my coaching days! He got really good at hitting. So yeah! It’s always fun to teach people things. Teaching baseball is a lot like teaching the gospel. You have certain tools you must use - a glove, a bat, a ball. With the gospel, the scriptures, prayer, the spirit. So they essentially go hand in hand. We need to be very basic and simple with the things we teach. Be specific, but not confusing. Be loving and understanding. The gospel can be related to everything. And that’s why I love it. It’s everything, it’s everywhere, it’s part of me. Every day is a learning experience. Our leaders and our prophet are the coaches. They are helping us, so that we can make it safely home! And that’s the goal, to get safely home! I love you all and I hope that each of you will learn how to bat at the plate of life and make it safely home. I miss you and I pray for you often! Have a most wonderful April week! Hopefully, not full of snow!!!
Con amor,
Elder Bradley Rigby
Conferencia General!!!
Hello everyone-
So my message this week is that WE HAVE A TRUE PROPHET ON THE EARTH!! What a great way to start off the month of April. Conference. I love it i love it i love it!! I seriously felt the spirit so much - much more than any other time. And I believe it is because I focused really hard. NO distractions. I enjoy watching it at the church. There are no distractions. So the spirit is always very strong. Maybe back home I will watch it at the church. One family here proclaims, "Conference isn't conference unless you're at the church" and I think it’s true. Man, were there some great messages for all of us in that conference. I can't really say I had a favorite. They all spoke to me. I wish I would've brought my notes and I could tell you which ones! But I didn't. I did enjoy Elder Uchtdorf's "Road to Damascus" that was really good. And the doctor guy, about pain. That was good! Everything was just really good to hear. I earnestly know that our Father in Heaven sends these messages to us so that we can be edified and strengthened. Like Elder Holland talked about, that these talks are for us, and that they go by the spirit to prepare them and present them. They are as Angels speaking unto us. It’s just so awesome to see it. I just had wonderful chills of the spirit the whole meeting. Even a couple tears here and there because the spirit was so strong. I think, when the Choir sang The Spirit of God, all of those who were in the church had a couple of tears! Amazing!! .
Anyway, the work. So this week we had some really good lessons! We finally taught Mary and Marietta. They are from Micronesia and speak the language of Ponpei. It’s really cool. The Olsons set it up for us and we taught them in their house. Well I did. Elder Friddle went to Cherokee to contact some referrals with another member. But it was a good night! They committed to reading and praying about the Book of Mormon - which is the number one thing to conversion! Prayer. I hope they do so. They came to one conference session at the church, which was good. A lot of our investigators watched it at home, which is still good. But at the Church it is so much better! We also had a chance to teach Tayler that day. It was awesome to hear him say, "I have been in my church for 16 years and they never told me that i had agency to choose or that faith is more than just believing? I am glad you guys are here." This coming from a 16 year old boy! We have another lesson with him this week and his youth leader will be there. Hope we don't get into a bible bash!! ugh!!
Spanish wise. The work is growing little by little. I taught Ganeli this week. And I focused a lot on baptism with her. She keeps saying she is not ready. Which is an excuse for something else, but she hasn't really told us what it is. So we will keep trying with her. We are focusing on the less-actives a lot right now. If we can get a small group of Hispanos coming, then we will have support there for when others come to church. So that’s what we are struggling with right now! But I know the Lord will help us out and help me out that I can stay fluent with my Spanish!
Interview with the president was good. I had a really good talk with him, and we set some goals for me for these last 8 months. He said that I need to lead people in the right direction. Not that I am doing the contrary, but he knows I know a lot of people and am friends with a lot. But he wants me to help him out by helping them be more obedient and focused. How am I going to do that? I don't know. I just talk to people, I guess. I have always had a talent of making friends. So I guess I will use that to help others out!
One fun thing we did this week was we taught Michael how to play baseball! Man has it been a long time since I have picked up a glove and ball. I miss it. And my arm is straight up rubber right now. Obviously, it is not in shape. But it was fun helping him learn how to throw and bat and what not. It brought me back to my coaching days! He got really good at hitting. So yeah! It’s always fun to teach people things. Teaching baseball is a lot like teaching the gospel. You have certain tools you must use - a glove, a bat, a ball. With the gospel, the scriptures, prayer, the spirit. So they essentially go hand in hand. We need to be very basic and simple with the things we teach. Be specific, but not confusing. Be loving and understanding. The gospel can be related to everything. And that’s why I love it. It’s everything, it’s everywhere, it’s part of me. Every day is a learning experience. Our leaders and our prophet are the coaches. They are helping us, so that we can make it safely home! And that’s the goal, to get safely home! I love you all and I hope that each of you will learn how to bat at the plate of life and make it safely home. I miss you and I pray for you often! Have a most wonderful April week! Hopefully, not full of snow!!!
Con amor,
Elder Bradley Rigby
Friday, April 1, 2011
28 March 2011
Mon 3/28/2011 11:16 AM
Invierno de Nuevo? No!!!
Bueno bueno bueno buenos Dias-
Well, I would love to tell you all that I am just loving the weather right now and its quite pleasant. But that would be a lie, and I do not bear false witness!! The weather has been so up and down. We may say Utah weather can change in an instant, but man. This place is a lot more drastic, I think! I mean snow? At the end of March? And below freezing temperatures? Ugh. It seems as if this whole earthquake thing and radiation problem is actually making the movie "The Day After Tomorrow" come true. Although the summers are quite hot here, I would enjoy some spring time sunshine so I can get out and walk around instead of freezing and getting in the car. I enjoy getting out and talking with the people, but it’s hard when it’s cold. So all I am asking mother nature to do is please just give us some sun!
So, how is everyone? I hope all is well back home. I hear it’s cold there too. Goooooodness!! Things are going well here. We actually received two referrals! And we are going to have some great teaching appointments this week. We have 4 appointments set, and they will all be in a member’s home. So the branch is really helping out a lot. Things are going a lot better. We actually saw our investigators this week. They are doing great, but still didn't come to church. I think we need to bring the Spirit in even more. But one concern we have had, is the language barrier, and actually while I was teaching Sunday School yesterday in Spanish, we had a lot of concerns brought up about the language barrier and the race barrier. And here I am, a 20 year old white kid that has never really been stereotyped, persay. But I really focused in on the Spirit and what the Lord wanted me to say, and it turned out really good. I had planned on teaching about the Millennium. But I was prompted to teach about how to share your testimony, and then it went in a totally different direction. Which I thought went really well. I know the Lord prepared these specific Hispanics to prepare the way for even more. And I told them that, and they need to stay in the church, because miracles will come, just because they planted that seed. So I am grateful that I am a vessel of the Lord to turn that lesson from a frowner into a great spiritual talk for all of them.
It was fast and testimony meeting yesterday and it was great. I usually don't get up and bear my testimony, because I feel it’s more of a thing for the members. We bear testimony every day. But I felt impressed to go up there and express my gratitude for the members and how much we really do appreciate all the work they do. And I just expressed my feelings to them. And I really think that helped us out a lot, because after sacrament, we got like 4 dinner appointments. And of course, some more people to teach. It’s crazy how the Lord knows what to do and when. And I am glad that I was worthy enough to listen to Him.
Now another thing - that I have completely forgotten to tell you guys about, is that we had a baptism yesterday!! It was an 8 year old almost 9 year old boy. He’s Michelle's nephew. And we have been teaching him since I got here. Well, finally, he decided to be baptized. Great kid. I am happy for him, and I hope that, through this experience, his mom can be reactivated! It would be super great! So after church, Elder Friddle baptized him, and then I confirmed him. While I was giving the confirmation, man, I felt like I wasn't even there! I felt as if I was just in the circle and someone else was speaking! Way spiritual experiences yesterday. We were so tired just after church, we sat down, and seriously fell asleep. The spirit is very draining, and that’s a good thing! I love the feeling of being so tired at night because I know, that we had a very spiritual day. So good things are going on right now. I am excited for this week! It’s going to be a busy one. But we have a lot of great things going on! We are hoping to get some people set for baptism this week! We also have interviews on Thursday. And of course April fools on Friday. ha. I will play some practical jokes on my comp. :) I can't believe it’s April already. That is so crazy!
Sad news that the cougs lost. Oh well.....I guess it’s just a game right? NO. ha. Ya'll know I am competitive, so when I heard the news, I was sad. But oh well. Sweet 16 is good! I am happy to hear they went that far. Good job cougs!!! Well. I am just loving life right now, I am so happy! Things are all hunky dory all the time and it’s great! I hope you all are this happy, if not, make it happen capt’n!!! I love and miss you all! I hope you have a great week!! .
con amor y carino,
Elder Bradley Rigby
The baptism we had this week.
What I made for breakfast on St. Patty's Day
Invierno de Nuevo? No!!!
Bueno bueno bueno buenos Dias-
Well, I would love to tell you all that I am just loving the weather right now and its quite pleasant. But that would be a lie, and I do not bear false witness!! The weather has been so up and down. We may say Utah weather can change in an instant, but man. This place is a lot more drastic, I think! I mean snow? At the end of March? And below freezing temperatures? Ugh. It seems as if this whole earthquake thing and radiation problem is actually making the movie "The Day After Tomorrow" come true. Although the summers are quite hot here, I would enjoy some spring time sunshine so I can get out and walk around instead of freezing and getting in the car. I enjoy getting out and talking with the people, but it’s hard when it’s cold. So all I am asking mother nature to do is please just give us some sun!
So, how is everyone? I hope all is well back home. I hear it’s cold there too. Goooooodness!! Things are going well here. We actually received two referrals! And we are going to have some great teaching appointments this week. We have 4 appointments set, and they will all be in a member’s home. So the branch is really helping out a lot. Things are going a lot better. We actually saw our investigators this week. They are doing great, but still didn't come to church. I think we need to bring the Spirit in even more. But one concern we have had, is the language barrier, and actually while I was teaching Sunday School yesterday in Spanish, we had a lot of concerns brought up about the language barrier and the race barrier. And here I am, a 20 year old white kid that has never really been stereotyped, persay. But I really focused in on the Spirit and what the Lord wanted me to say, and it turned out really good. I had planned on teaching about the Millennium. But I was prompted to teach about how to share your testimony, and then it went in a totally different direction. Which I thought went really well. I know the Lord prepared these specific Hispanics to prepare the way for even more. And I told them that, and they need to stay in the church, because miracles will come, just because they planted that seed. So I am grateful that I am a vessel of the Lord to turn that lesson from a frowner into a great spiritual talk for all of them.
It was fast and testimony meeting yesterday and it was great. I usually don't get up and bear my testimony, because I feel it’s more of a thing for the members. We bear testimony every day. But I felt impressed to go up there and express my gratitude for the members and how much we really do appreciate all the work they do. And I just expressed my feelings to them. And I really think that helped us out a lot, because after sacrament, we got like 4 dinner appointments. And of course, some more people to teach. It’s crazy how the Lord knows what to do and when. And I am glad that I was worthy enough to listen to Him.
Now another thing - that I have completely forgotten to tell you guys about, is that we had a baptism yesterday!! It was an 8 year old almost 9 year old boy. He’s Michelle's nephew. And we have been teaching him since I got here. Well, finally, he decided to be baptized. Great kid. I am happy for him, and I hope that, through this experience, his mom can be reactivated! It would be super great! So after church, Elder Friddle baptized him, and then I confirmed him. While I was giving the confirmation, man, I felt like I wasn't even there! I felt as if I was just in the circle and someone else was speaking! Way spiritual experiences yesterday. We were so tired just after church, we sat down, and seriously fell asleep. The spirit is very draining, and that’s a good thing! I love the feeling of being so tired at night because I know, that we had a very spiritual day. So good things are going on right now. I am excited for this week! It’s going to be a busy one. But we have a lot of great things going on! We are hoping to get some people set for baptism this week! We also have interviews on Thursday. And of course April fools on Friday. ha. I will play some practical jokes on my comp. :) I can't believe it’s April already. That is so crazy!
Sad news that the cougs lost. Oh well.....I guess it’s just a game right? NO. ha. Ya'll know I am competitive, so when I heard the news, I was sad. But oh well. Sweet 16 is good! I am happy to hear they went that far. Good job cougs!!! Well. I am just loving life right now, I am so happy! Things are all hunky dory all the time and it’s great! I hope you all are this happy, if not, make it happen capt’n!!! I love and miss you all! I hope you have a great week!! .
con amor y carino,
Elder Bradley Rigby
What I made for breakfast on St. Patty's Day
21 March 2011
Mon 3/21/2011 10:29 AM
Nadie Estuvo
Buenos Dias Familia,
So honestly this week was one of the slowest weeks of my mission. I have never seen so many people not home! It was so crazy. So for the work, it was a pretty difficult week for us. But we continued on! We prayed that we would be more diligent, and Our Father in Heaven just has great ways of teaching us things and answering our prayers, doesn't He? I wonder if He ever just chuckles at us, not because it’s funny, but because He loves us so much you just need a laugh every now and then. :) I believe so.
So this week we tried everyone in the book and even more, and still no one was home. I mean, yes, we got to see a lot of Less Actives, but no investigators at all. I think we saw like 3 the whole week? Which is terrible! We need to bring them into the Lord's arms right now! But I am sure wherever they were, it was important. I just hope and pray that we are able to see them this week! We were able to show Brother Kelly the Joseph Smith film, and he invited us over to show him some other movies, which is kind of a breakthrough for us. We are trying to get him to recognize the Spirit more, so that he can have that solid feeling that the church is true. So we are hoping to make some big progress with him this week! (If you can't remember him, his whole family is members. One son is on a mission, and one is about to get married in the temple, and two other sons who are very active. He has a calling in the branch, he comes every week and participates, and knows everything. Just has never received a definite answer to be baptized!) So we are praying for their family constantly!
Otherwise, the weather has been quite pleasant, which is good. It hasn't been too cold nor too hot. So I am content with my surroundings at the moment. The only complaint I have is the smell from the factories is a lot more present. I can't even begin to describe to you the smell....I won't start. Okay, I will start. It smells like rotten eggs mixed with fried onion rings, and pork rinds, and just NASTINESS! I hope one day you can experience the smell of Sara Lee and Tyson factories. It’s great. The lake is thawed though! It is my first time seeing actually water, It moves a lot, it actually looks like a river, it moves so much. It’s quite weird.
This letter is quite short and sweet, but I know this week will be a lot better. I have a good feeling. Today we are going to Sioux City because we have a conference there tomorrow - So that will put us a day behind. But we can do it. I know that with the Lord's help, anything is possible. I remember getting to this area just disgusted and thought it was going to be a terrible place. Little did I know it’s paradise! And I know with staying positive and praying constantly for the help of the Lord to bring success and happiness to this branch has brought me unbelievable happiness. I sincerely feel that a lot has changed all because I exercised faith. He does everything in this work. And even when it seems like He gives us so much already, He then gives even more. It’s hard to keep up with that. But I am very thankful for it. I love you all and I pray for your happiness and success in life wherever you are. I hope you strengthen your faith every day just by taking the small steps, which then turns in to the big steps. I love life, and I am so happy to be out here. I wish it would never end! Love ya and miss ya'll! Have a grand week!
Con amor siempre,
Elder Bradley Rigby
Nadie Estuvo
Buenos Dias Familia,
So honestly this week was one of the slowest weeks of my mission. I have never seen so many people not home! It was so crazy. So for the work, it was a pretty difficult week for us. But we continued on! We prayed that we would be more diligent, and Our Father in Heaven just has great ways of teaching us things and answering our prayers, doesn't He? I wonder if He ever just chuckles at us, not because it’s funny, but because He loves us so much you just need a laugh every now and then. :) I believe so.
So this week we tried everyone in the book and even more, and still no one was home. I mean, yes, we got to see a lot of Less Actives, but no investigators at all. I think we saw like 3 the whole week? Which is terrible! We need to bring them into the Lord's arms right now! But I am sure wherever they were, it was important. I just hope and pray that we are able to see them this week! We were able to show Brother Kelly the Joseph Smith film, and he invited us over to show him some other movies, which is kind of a breakthrough for us. We are trying to get him to recognize the Spirit more, so that he can have that solid feeling that the church is true. So we are hoping to make some big progress with him this week! (If you can't remember him, his whole family is members. One son is on a mission, and one is about to get married in the temple, and two other sons who are very active. He has a calling in the branch, he comes every week and participates, and knows everything. Just has never received a definite answer to be baptized!) So we are praying for their family constantly!
Otherwise, the weather has been quite pleasant, which is good. It hasn't been too cold nor too hot. So I am content with my surroundings at the moment. The only complaint I have is the smell from the factories is a lot more present. I can't even begin to describe to you the smell....I won't start. Okay, I will start. It smells like rotten eggs mixed with fried onion rings, and pork rinds, and just NASTINESS! I hope one day you can experience the smell of Sara Lee and Tyson factories. It’s great. The lake is thawed though! It is my first time seeing actually water, It moves a lot, it actually looks like a river, it moves so much. It’s quite weird.
This letter is quite short and sweet, but I know this week will be a lot better. I have a good feeling. Today we are going to Sioux City because we have a conference there tomorrow - So that will put us a day behind. But we can do it. I know that with the Lord's help, anything is possible. I remember getting to this area just disgusted and thought it was going to be a terrible place. Little did I know it’s paradise! And I know with staying positive and praying constantly for the help of the Lord to bring success and happiness to this branch has brought me unbelievable happiness. I sincerely feel that a lot has changed all because I exercised faith. He does everything in this work. And even when it seems like He gives us so much already, He then gives even more. It’s hard to keep up with that. But I am very thankful for it. I love you all and I pray for your happiness and success in life wherever you are. I hope you strengthen your faith every day just by taking the small steps, which then turns in to the big steps. I love life, and I am so happy to be out here. I wish it would never end! Love ya and miss ya'll! Have a grand week!
Con amor siempre,
Elder Bradley Rigby
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