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
Friday, April 1, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
14 March 2011
Mon 3/14/2011 11:55 AM
No Hay Descanso para El Cansado
Buenos Dias Mis Queridos-
So holy canolies!!! It’s St. Patties day this week! Wow. I can't believe a year has gone by since I was in Omaha. That doesn't make sense. Time should not be going this fast. Really it shouldn't. But one good thing about St. Patties day, that means Spring will be coming, or will it ever come? Probably not! It’s like 26 degrees right now with a high of 32! So no, I do not believe it will. I do enjoy the cold a lot more than the heat though! I enjoy being able to walk around and feel comfortable, and not sweating to death and not being able to breathe because of the humidity. So for now, I will enjoy the wonderful 30 degree weather we are having!
This week was kind of way random and weird, but it was good. Very tiring. I honestly don't even remember what happened this whole week. We are still in the teaching and finding phase to get more people to the gospel, which is never really a fun phase. You get tired real fast. But the work must continue on! Wednesday, we taught this 8 year old, Oren. His mom is inactive, and we have been teaching him all the stuff so he can get baptized. He is another Gore family member! And he is going to get baptized, and we will be doing it. Which is good. I think he needs to grow up in the gospel. So in the next couple to three weeks we will be baptizing him. So I guess you could say we are having a baptism?? We basically taught him from scratch, and got him to come to church. So, personally, I feel like I fulfilled my purpose with him. He is a smart kid. He remembers everything we tell him, just like Michael, which is awesome!
Friday, we went to a dance concert. (Don't worry, we got it approved. And we actually went with an investigator!) It was Lou's dance concert. We promised her we would go. So she held us to that promise. But we went with the Kelly's. Now brother Kelly is not a member, although he does have a calling, he comes to church every Sunday, and he knows the scriptures. Basically a dry Mormon. He also has sent two sons on missions and a third one next year. Weird, huh? Anyway, they are a great family, so slowly we have been trying to teach him and what not. He knows a lot, he just needs a spiritual experience! So we are trying to do that. The concert was good. The music was very upbeat and what not, so Elder Friddle and I felt weird, but we tried to just ignore it, and we did. It was fun going to a high school thingy though. Brings back some memories from high school and what not!
And to finish off the week, we had to go to Spencer and clean the Elders apartment since they closed the area. So we spent most of our Saturday cleaning and moving things from that apartment. Very tiring!! And then to top it off, we cleaned our apartment up a little bit too, because we received a new couch. So yeah, Saturday was a cleaning day! We finally finished with everything and went to the Kelly's for Matt's birthday, then we had dinner with Michelle and Wally at like 7:30. After that, I conked out! Only to wake up to an even earlier morning!!! Oh well! As is the life of a missionary!
Things are kind of slow right now and what not, but they are progressively getting better. Some people are just really busy right now, I guess it’s the busy time of the year for people. But I know that the Lord will bless us with more success. Even though we have had success all the time, I think. I am very grateful for the success we had this week with Oren and with Bro Kelly. It’s been really good.
I was thinking, the other day, about what would happen if I didn't have the gospel. I couldn't even fathom it! It would be uncool. It’s always there to comfort, it gives you love, if gives you a family wherever you go, etc. The Gospel is the best!! I wish people could just open their hearts and eyes sometimes and recognize how much our Father really does love us! I love you all so much, and I hope that you truly open your eyes every day and realize that your life is good because you have the gospel in your life. I love you and miss you so much! Happy St. Patricks Day! Go follow the rainbow to yer pot-o’-gold!!
Con amor siempre,
Elder Bradley Rigby
No Hay Descanso para El Cansado
Buenos Dias Mis Queridos-
So holy canolies!!! It’s St. Patties day this week! Wow. I can't believe a year has gone by since I was in Omaha. That doesn't make sense. Time should not be going this fast. Really it shouldn't. But one good thing about St. Patties day, that means Spring will be coming, or will it ever come? Probably not! It’s like 26 degrees right now with a high of 32! So no, I do not believe it will. I do enjoy the cold a lot more than the heat though! I enjoy being able to walk around and feel comfortable, and not sweating to death and not being able to breathe because of the humidity. So for now, I will enjoy the wonderful 30 degree weather we are having!
This week was kind of way random and weird, but it was good. Very tiring. I honestly don't even remember what happened this whole week. We are still in the teaching and finding phase to get more people to the gospel, which is never really a fun phase. You get tired real fast. But the work must continue on! Wednesday, we taught this 8 year old, Oren. His mom is inactive, and we have been teaching him all the stuff so he can get baptized. He is another Gore family member! And he is going to get baptized, and we will be doing it. Which is good. I think he needs to grow up in the gospel. So in the next couple to three weeks we will be baptizing him. So I guess you could say we are having a baptism?? We basically taught him from scratch, and got him to come to church. So, personally, I feel like I fulfilled my purpose with him. He is a smart kid. He remembers everything we tell him, just like Michael, which is awesome!
Friday, we went to a dance concert. (Don't worry, we got it approved. And we actually went with an investigator!) It was Lou's dance concert. We promised her we would go. So she held us to that promise. But we went with the Kelly's. Now brother Kelly is not a member, although he does have a calling, he comes to church every Sunday, and he knows the scriptures. Basically a dry Mormon. He also has sent two sons on missions and a third one next year. Weird, huh? Anyway, they are a great family, so slowly we have been trying to teach him and what not. He knows a lot, he just needs a spiritual experience! So we are trying to do that. The concert was good. The music was very upbeat and what not, so Elder Friddle and I felt weird, but we tried to just ignore it, and we did. It was fun going to a high school thingy though. Brings back some memories from high school and what not!
And to finish off the week, we had to go to Spencer and clean the Elders apartment since they closed the area. So we spent most of our Saturday cleaning and moving things from that apartment. Very tiring!! And then to top it off, we cleaned our apartment up a little bit too, because we received a new couch. So yeah, Saturday was a cleaning day! We finally finished with everything and went to the Kelly's for Matt's birthday, then we had dinner with Michelle and Wally at like 7:30. After that, I conked out! Only to wake up to an even earlier morning!!! Oh well! As is the life of a missionary!
Things are kind of slow right now and what not, but they are progressively getting better. Some people are just really busy right now, I guess it’s the busy time of the year for people. But I know that the Lord will bless us with more success. Even though we have had success all the time, I think. I am very grateful for the success we had this week with Oren and with Bro Kelly. It’s been really good.
I was thinking, the other day, about what would happen if I didn't have the gospel. I couldn't even fathom it! It would be uncool. It’s always there to comfort, it gives you love, if gives you a family wherever you go, etc. The Gospel is the best!! I wish people could just open their hearts and eyes sometimes and recognize how much our Father really does love us! I love you all so much, and I hope that you truly open your eyes every day and realize that your life is good because you have the gospel in your life. I love you and miss you so much! Happy St. Patricks Day! Go follow the rainbow to yer pot-o’-gold!!
Con amor siempre,
Elder Bradley Rigby
Monday, March 7, 2011
07 March 2011
Mon 3/7/2011 11:40 AM
Nieve de nuevo!! ugh!
Buenos Dias mis queridos!!
FIRST OFF: HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESSICA!!! WOOOHOOOO! I HOPE YOU ENJOYED A DRINK ON ME! LOVE YA SISTER!
So yes! I am staying in Storm Lake with Elder Friddle again! We are very happy about it! We work well together, and we both love the area a lot. So it’s cool! This will be my longest companionship ever, and my longest stay in an area ever! So that’s a record for me! I usually pop around the mission! So that was super cool this week. I don't like transfers though, they are very un-nerving. Plus to add on to that, they never tell us earlier, which they should, because our transfers are on Wednesday! So we need to find out Tuesday, but we don't, we found out like 5 hours before one of us would be leaving. So it’s annoying!! Oh well. The Lord wants it that way.
So nothing too much happened this week. We visited Boni and Jeff, they aren't doing too good right now. They are running three businesses instead of just two. So it has put a kink in their progression. Boni does go to seminary every morning though!! So that’s pretty cool!
We also finally got to sit down with Ganeli this Saturday, which I have been looking forward to because she is Hispanic, and Ii can A) Practice my Spanish more, B) Teach in Spanish more, and C) Build the Spanish kingdom more! So it went well. It was also good because Brother Richey (branch mission leader) came and he speaks fluent Spanish! So he taught with me. It went really well. They are really receptive for being catholic, which is different. They were like, "Do we have to pay to ask questions?" and we were like, “No, everything is free, even salvation!” and they were way excited. So we are way excited for them!
Yesterday we had a Regional Stake Conference! It was really good, except! our ward mission leader potentially had a stroke, and the Elders Quorum President is a doctor. So he went and helped him out. And those are the only two people who know how to set up the satelite transmission. So I did it! I remembered most of the stuff dad does in his work when I would go with him. Or when he would do church functions. So I set it up. Everyone was so amazed. They were like, how did you know? I bragged about you, dad. I did. Then I said, “All the churches are basically the same so it’s not that hard to figure out!” But Quentin L. Cook spoke and Henry B. Eyring, they spoke on faith and keeping on in the work of temples and baptism. It was really good! Afterward, we went and sat with Brother Richey for awhile, so he wouldn't be entirely confused, because his memory was gone!
So the snow is falling right now! We thought it was gone, but I guess not! It’s supposed to snow until like Wednesday! Crazy times in Iowa, but I love it! I actually really like winter and the cold a lot. So yeah, it’s better than the humid death heat in the summer. I am doing way good, still a tad bit sick, but I am good. I am actually starting to lose weight pretty fast. I got a couple of comments at church, and everyone says, “You look skinnier.” and they told Elder Friddle he looks fatter. So that was a nice change. But all in all, I am doing well. My testimony is growing so much. I love this work so much, and I enjoy seeing the happiness it brings to those we are working with, and those in the branch. I am so happy to be an Elder! I hope all who are preparing for a mission, do so right now! Because the mission is the best!! I love you all and miss you so much! I pray for you often and hope you have a wonderfully spirit filled week!!!
Con amor siempre,
El Elder B. Rigby
Nieve de nuevo!! ugh!
Buenos Dias mis queridos!!
FIRST OFF: HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESSICA!!! WOOOHOOOO! I HOPE YOU ENJOYED A DRINK ON ME! LOVE YA SISTER!
So yes! I am staying in Storm Lake with Elder Friddle again! We are very happy about it! We work well together, and we both love the area a lot. So it’s cool! This will be my longest companionship ever, and my longest stay in an area ever! So that’s a record for me! I usually pop around the mission! So that was super cool this week. I don't like transfers though, they are very un-nerving. Plus to add on to that, they never tell us earlier, which they should, because our transfers are on Wednesday! So we need to find out Tuesday, but we don't, we found out like 5 hours before one of us would be leaving. So it’s annoying!! Oh well. The Lord wants it that way.
So nothing too much happened this week. We visited Boni and Jeff, they aren't doing too good right now. They are running three businesses instead of just two. So it has put a kink in their progression. Boni does go to seminary every morning though!! So that’s pretty cool!
We also finally got to sit down with Ganeli this Saturday, which I have been looking forward to because she is Hispanic, and Ii can A) Practice my Spanish more, B) Teach in Spanish more, and C) Build the Spanish kingdom more! So it went well. It was also good because Brother Richey (branch mission leader) came and he speaks fluent Spanish! So he taught with me. It went really well. They are really receptive for being catholic, which is different. They were like, "Do we have to pay to ask questions?" and we were like, “No, everything is free, even salvation!” and they were way excited. So we are way excited for them!
Yesterday we had a Regional Stake Conference! It was really good, except! our ward mission leader potentially had a stroke, and the Elders Quorum President is a doctor. So he went and helped him out. And those are the only two people who know how to set up the satelite transmission. So I did it! I remembered most of the stuff dad does in his work when I would go with him. Or when he would do church functions. So I set it up. Everyone was so amazed. They were like, how did you know? I bragged about you, dad. I did. Then I said, “All the churches are basically the same so it’s not that hard to figure out!” But Quentin L. Cook spoke and Henry B. Eyring, they spoke on faith and keeping on in the work of temples and baptism. It was really good! Afterward, we went and sat with Brother Richey for awhile, so he wouldn't be entirely confused, because his memory was gone!
So the snow is falling right now! We thought it was gone, but I guess not! It’s supposed to snow until like Wednesday! Crazy times in Iowa, but I love it! I actually really like winter and the cold a lot. So yeah, it’s better than the humid death heat in the summer. I am doing way good, still a tad bit sick, but I am good. I am actually starting to lose weight pretty fast. I got a couple of comments at church, and everyone says, “You look skinnier.” and they told Elder Friddle he looks fatter. So that was a nice change. But all in all, I am doing well. My testimony is growing so much. I love this work so much, and I enjoy seeing the happiness it brings to those we are working with, and those in the branch. I am so happy to be an Elder! I hope all who are preparing for a mission, do so right now! Because the mission is the best!! I love you all and miss you so much! I pray for you often and hope you have a wonderfully spirit filled week!!!
Con amor siempre,
El Elder B. Rigby
28 February 2011
Mon 2/28/2011 12:22 PM
Los tiempos vayan rapidisimo!!!
Bueno bueno-
So today I am going to be short and sweet!! Because only a couple of things went on last week. But first I would like to say CONGRATS TO TANNER!!! Yay!!! Cougars! I am pumped that we could take some classes and have fun when I get back. That will be awesome Broseph!!! I am so proud of ya! Not that I am not proud of the rest of you! but still, that’s pretty sweet!
Exciting things that happened this week. We went to Sioux City on Wednesday. Surprise trip for us! I was sick all Thursday while Elder Friddle went to a conference in Omaha!!! Yay for sickness. This cold won't get the best of me though. I’m a Fighter!! Anywho, after they got back from the conference we had Zone Activity. We ate some ribs, and played some glow in the dark volleyball! It was legit! After that, around 9:45, we finally left Sioux City and we got home around 11pm. I was so tired, I didn't even change, just lay on the couch and passed out until the morning. Still SICK!!! Anywho, so Friday night was a good night for the work. We had Brother Grant go with Elder Friddle to see old Art Dahl and to kind of set him straight and what not, because the old man just likes to Bible bash. And I went with a young man from the ward to see a Spanish referral in the trailer-hood! And it went well! I got to know them really well, and they seem to know a lot about the gospel and want to actually read and stuff. Which is not normal. So ya!!
Nothing too much else happened this week. This coming week is transfers, so those are always un-nerving. But we will see what happens, I guess!!! Sorry I didn't write more, I am just being super lazy today, pretty much, but I will write some more this next week. I am sure of it! I love and miss you all so much!!! Have a great spirit filled week!!!
Con amor siempre,
Elder Rigby
Los tiempos vayan rapidisimo!!!
Bueno bueno-
So today I am going to be short and sweet!! Because only a couple of things went on last week. But first I would like to say CONGRATS TO TANNER!!! Yay!!! Cougars! I am pumped that we could take some classes and have fun when I get back. That will be awesome Broseph!!! I am so proud of ya! Not that I am not proud of the rest of you! but still, that’s pretty sweet!
Exciting things that happened this week. We went to Sioux City on Wednesday. Surprise trip for us! I was sick all Thursday while Elder Friddle went to a conference in Omaha!!! Yay for sickness. This cold won't get the best of me though. I’m a Fighter!! Anywho, after they got back from the conference we had Zone Activity. We ate some ribs, and played some glow in the dark volleyball! It was legit! After that, around 9:45, we finally left Sioux City and we got home around 11pm. I was so tired, I didn't even change, just lay on the couch and passed out until the morning. Still SICK!!! Anywho, so Friday night was a good night for the work. We had Brother Grant go with Elder Friddle to see old Art Dahl and to kind of set him straight and what not, because the old man just likes to Bible bash. And I went with a young man from the ward to see a Spanish referral in the trailer-hood! And it went well! I got to know them really well, and they seem to know a lot about the gospel and want to actually read and stuff. Which is not normal. So ya!!
Nothing too much else happened this week. This coming week is transfers, so those are always un-nerving. But we will see what happens, I guess!!! Sorry I didn't write more, I am just being super lazy today, pretty much, but I will write some more this next week. I am sure of it! I love and miss you all so much!!! Have a great spirit filled week!!!
Con amor siempre,
Elder Rigby
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
21 February 2011
Mon 2/21/2011 10:49 AM
Bautismos en La Pila?? Si! Bautismos en La Pila!!
hola!!! Feliz Dia de Presidentes hoy!
Saturday, Nicole and Michael got baptized! It was a very spiritual experience for us, especially because Wally did the baptizing! Michael was so funny. He got in the water and just starting swimming around, and when he came up he said, “WHOA!!! That was cool,” haha, and he sat on the steps and said, “I am not getting’ out!.” Then he watched his sister get baptized. It was so amazing to see this wonderful family completed in the gospel. They can only go up from here!! Up, up, up! (Shania Twain) They are doing great! I had the opportunity to confirm Nicole as a member of the church it was a very spiritual experience. A lot of priesthood was used this weekend. The Gospel is such a blessing in the lives of those we teach. It’s so awesome to see people and feel of the spirit and change.
Sunday. Lulu (Lourdes) was baptized yesterday after church. The baptism went well. I only had to dunk her once, and she came up and said, “Wow!!! Are we done? Is there more?” I was like, “No, you stayed under!” (she was worried that would come up). Then she said, “That was amazing thank you.” So another miracle, I was very grateful to perform the ordinance for her. It went well. And she is off and running. It’s funny, you teach all these investigators and then baptize them. You have this bond with them that will never go away. And once I leave this area, it will be sad! And I will worry for these wonderful people I have taught. Worries like, I hope they stay active, or did I teach them enough? And every worry goes away with the confidence I have in the Church and the blessings that Christ will give each person. We should still be helping them all we can. But I know, without a doubt in my mind, that they will be fine as long as they trust in God!
Bautismos en La Pila?? Si! Bautismos en La Pila!!
hola!!! Feliz Dia de Presidentes hoy!
How is everyone? I am doing great. Super Tired. Spiritually and Physically. This week was so so so so so super busy. But that’s good!!! We had the three baptisms, but, before that, we had their interviews, a branch party, a funeral which lasted all day and at which we had to speak, plus all of the other normal missionary things! So it’s been a fulfilling week which I have thoroughly enjoyed. But yesterday, after all the meetings and baptisms and confirmations, we were indeed tired! That’s good though right?
So first off, the funeral. It was for a Micronesian man, Gordon Liphai. He was an awesome guy. He had liver cancer and looked worse and worse every week we saw him. So while it’s sad that he left, he is in a better place now. We had the opportunity to speak at the funeral. It was kind of hard, because well, none of them speak English very well. But I tried to get my point across as basic as I could. It went well though. What was different culturally, at the cemetery, is the family buries the casket. So it was different to see the casket go into the ground and all of them burying it.
Saturday, Nicole and Michael got baptized! It was a very spiritual experience for us, especially because Wally did the baptizing! Michael was so funny. He got in the water and just starting swimming around, and when he came up he said, “WHOA!!! That was cool,” haha, and he sat on the steps and said, “I am not getting’ out!.” Then he watched his sister get baptized. It was so amazing to see this wonderful family completed in the gospel. They can only go up from here!! Up, up, up! (Shania Twain) They are doing great! I had the opportunity to confirm Nicole as a member of the church it was a very spiritual experience. A lot of priesthood was used this weekend. The Gospel is such a blessing in the lives of those we teach. It’s so awesome to see people and feel of the spirit and change. 
Sunday. Lulu (Lourdes) was baptized yesterday after church. The baptism went well. I only had to dunk her once, and she came up and said, “Wow!!! Are we done? Is there more?” I was like, “No, you stayed under!” (she was worried that would come up). Then she said, “That was amazing thank you.” So another miracle, I was very grateful to perform the ordinance for her. It went well. And she is off and running. It’s funny, you teach all these investigators and then baptize them. You have this bond with them that will never go away. And once I leave this area, it will be sad! And I will worry for these wonderful people I have taught. Worries like, I hope they stay active, or did I teach them enough? And every worry goes away with the confidence I have in the Church and the blessings that Christ will give each person. We should still be helping them all we can. But I know, without a doubt in my mind, that they will be fine as long as they trust in God! 
Wonderful things have happened here in Storm Lake and it makes me feel so good. I feel like I am home right now, at least a home on the mission. I feel like this is where I need to be. And I wouldn't change that for the world. We have more work to do, because there is always people who need the gospel, but I just feel so good right now. The members are awesome right now. I have seen this area go from nothing to something. And that is all because of our Father in Heaven. And the members are so missionary oriented now. Before, they wouldn't really even talk to us. Now they want to have us over. They have friends they want us to visit. It’s just so wonderful to see what a couple exciting baptisms can do to change a branch!
I am LOVING the mission right now, I wouldn't change it in any way! I wish I could stay here in Storm Lake for the rest of my mission. It’s THAT good. I love you all so much! and I miss you just as much! Thanks for the prayers, the love, and the constant support you give me. I pray for each of you every day! I love you and I hope you have a wonderful week!!
con amor siempre,
Elder Bradley Rigby
Monday, February 14, 2011
14 February 2011
Bautismo en el Lago? SI BAUTISMO EN EL LAGO!!!!
Feliz Dia de Amor!! ¿Quieren ser mis San ValentÃns?
So I am sure you are all wondering how the week was! Well, can I tell you it was the busiest week ever!!! I will give you just a few sweet highlights! First off we went to Sioux City and then to Council Bluffs on Tuesday for a zone conference. It took forever and we got home way late on Tuesday! Then Wednesday, Wally got his baptismal interview and he passed!!!! So yeah!!! Then Thursday and Friday, were just preparing things for the baptism and what not! Finally the weekend, the story of the week!!! duh du du dud dudh (trumpet sounding) THE BAPTISM IN THE LAKE!!!
Wally Hinote was baptized in the lake on Saturday! It was a beautiful service, first in the morning, Elder Friddle and myself went and shoveled out the site of the baptism. It was covered in snow! Then we prepared the program and got everything ready. Then finally the service began after taking pictures! So we had songs, and a talk and then we drove to the site! Put the ladder down, and I got into the frigid water first, and helped everyone down, then we took some pictures before the ordinance began. And then he was baptized!! He said he felt an unbelievable weight off his shoulders! He said that someone helped him out of the water, but it wasn’t me! So I know for a fact that angels were there helping us bring this wonderful man unto Christ. So we got out, dried off, warmed up and got dressed! Then yesterday, I had the opportunity to confirm him as a member of our church! Then later, he received the priesthood so he can baptize the kids on Saturday!!! Good stuff going on here!! We are way excited to complete the family this Saturday!!! Also either this Saturday or Sunday, LuLu will also be baptized! She is way excited and she has a very strong testimony of the gospel, we teach her everything, and she just says, “I understand, I will do it!” So I told her she is like Nephi, I will go I will do the things the Lord commands. And she was happy about that. But yeah! So four baptisms within 8 days! WE are so excited for all these people we are working with. We still have to find some new people to keep building the kingdom, its building my testimony even more on how the Gospel really does bless the lives of everyone. It took me 20 years to figure it out, but I figured it out! And I hope all of you have the same feeling I have every day.
On a personal level, I am doing great. I’m just really enjoying the mission right now. I can't believe how fast the time goes. I know I say that every week, but every week it’s like a blur and I am here at the computer writing ya'll again. So yeah. I don't know what else to say except, Will ya'll be my valentine?? :) I hope so! Either you all or Elder Friddle, and that’s kind of weird. hahaha. So yes!!! I love you all so much and I pray for you daily! have a great week!!!
con amor siempre,
Elder Bradley Rigby
7 February 2011
Mon 2/7/2011 10:13 AM
La Boda
Buenos Dias mis queridos!
How great is it to be alive, eh? I am sure you are thinking,”Oh now, Brad almost died or something.” But no! I am talking about you guys and your little fire fighter extravaganza. Lucky it was just a scare! Our fire alarm goes off a lot too, but it’s because of me cooking things! Not burning them, don't worry, just cooking! Plus, if I ever want to wake Elder Friddle up, I just push the button and say "Fire, fire, fire!!!!!" I need to video it one time! We shall see. So today we are going to Sioux City again. We have to go there weekly now. Which kind of stinks because it blows away our miles, oh well. I always need to walk more.
So! The wedding happened this week! It was on Wednesday and it was super great! We celebrated afterward by making them some cake and ice cream. It was a small wedding, but good! So now, we just have to do the baptismal interview and the service, which is Saturday. We found a spot in the lake that we don't have to cut the ice out and it will be fine. It's supposed to be like in the 30's on Saturday,which is super warm! So everything is pretty much set to go. I am so excited for him. It’s going to be great. And then the kids next week and maybe even one more child of the Gore's. He is 8 and is their cousin. So it should be a good month of February!!! We also taught LuLu twice this week, and she is progressing like none other. She just loves reading and praying. She told us that she feels different and she feels comforted when she prays. We told her that’s the Holy Ghost and after she is baptized she will have that as a constant companion. Things are just going super great here. It’s snowing a lot, and being cold, but I am used to it now. I don't think it’s that cold.
Tuesday, it was like a blizzard, and it was -35ish, so guess what we did? We walked around and shoveled driveways for people. It was so fun. I got so hot. I was just chilling without a coat and what not. But yeah. So we just walked around a lot this week, and people are mean! Here we are freezing outside, and we know everything is closed in town, school is out, so people have to be home right? Well, apparently they just park their cars and pretend not to be home. How rude!! They hear a knock and think it’s too cold to answer. So they don't. So we walked to Wally and Michelle's for dinner, and actually got stuck there until like 12 at night because of a blizzard, which was bad!!! Finally, it stopped snowing and blowing, so we could see enough to have Wally drive us home! So that was quite an adventure. Also my favorite little puppy of our investigator, named Boni, got hit by a car this last week. She was a shih-tzu also. I was sad. I am happy Mimi is alright and kicking. I decided I want to buy a husky for a dog when I get back. They are big, cool looking, and they don't shed. How perfect! So watch out! There is a guy here that we know that breeds them and sells them for like 200 bucks. DEAL! We also got to travel to Sioux City last week for district meeting, then right when we got back, we went and helped some lady move in about an hour away with some people in the branch. They are an adventurous family. She has guns and all sorts of outdoorsy things. Then I also decided then, that I want to become more outdoorsy when I get home. Go hunting and fishing more, be a mountain man (no mom I am not trunky, or thinking of home, just had the thought when we were moving stuff in). Kind of like Grandpa Bingham was. So yeah. Then we drove home, it was a fun evening!
Overall things are just going great in the mission. I am loving it here in Storm Lake. The people are great, and the branch is just wonderful. We filled all the pews yesterday, and it’s just so great to see all the smiling faces there. I love teaching the gospel and I love all that it does for me personally. I have grown so much in the last 14 months. (has it really been that long? wow!!!) and I just know, this is where I need to be right now, teaching the Spanish and English people of Storm Lake!!! I know the Lord needs each of us in the specific places we are and that we must do all that we can to fulfill His will. I read a quote by President Uchtdorf, and he says "No calling is beneath us. Every calling provides an opportunity to serve and to grow. The Lord organized the Church in a way that offers each member an opportunity for service, which, in turn, leads to personal spiritual growth. Whatever your calling, I urge you to see it as an opportunity not only to strengthen and bless others but also to become what Heavenly Father wants you to become." I love that. I know it to be true.
I love all of you so much, and I often pray for your safety and success. I hope you all have a great week full of the spirit of Christ in your hearts, and become more like Him. He needs us to be constant vessels in this work, and the best way to do that is to be more like Him. I love you all and miss you just as much. I hope you have a great week!!
con amor y carino,
Elder Bradley Rigby
La Boda
Buenos Dias mis queridos!
How great is it to be alive, eh? I am sure you are thinking,”Oh now, Brad almost died or something.” But no! I am talking about you guys and your little fire fighter extravaganza. Lucky it was just a scare! Our fire alarm goes off a lot too, but it’s because of me cooking things! Not burning them, don't worry, just cooking! Plus, if I ever want to wake Elder Friddle up, I just push the button and say "Fire, fire, fire!!!!!" I need to video it one time! We shall see. So today we are going to Sioux City again. We have to go there weekly now. Which kind of stinks because it blows away our miles, oh well. I always need to walk more.
So! The wedding happened this week! It was on Wednesday and it was super great! We celebrated afterward by making them some cake and ice cream. It was a small wedding, but good! So now, we just have to do the baptismal interview and the service, which is Saturday. We found a spot in the lake that we don't have to cut the ice out and it will be fine. It's supposed to be like in the 30's on Saturday,which is super warm! So everything is pretty much set to go. I am so excited for him. It’s going to be great. And then the kids next week and maybe even one more child of the Gore's. He is 8 and is their cousin. So it should be a good month of February!!! We also taught LuLu twice this week, and she is progressing like none other. She just loves reading and praying. She told us that she feels different and she feels comforted when she prays. We told her that’s the Holy Ghost and after she is baptized she will have that as a constant companion. Things are just going super great here. It’s snowing a lot, and being cold, but I am used to it now. I don't think it’s that cold.
Tuesday, it was like a blizzard, and it was -35ish, so guess what we did? We walked around and shoveled driveways for people. It was so fun. I got so hot. I was just chilling without a coat and what not. But yeah. So we just walked around a lot this week, and people are mean! Here we are freezing outside, and we know everything is closed in town, school is out, so people have to be home right? Well, apparently they just park their cars and pretend not to be home. How rude!! They hear a knock and think it’s too cold to answer. So they don't. So we walked to Wally and Michelle's for dinner, and actually got stuck there until like 12 at night because of a blizzard, which was bad!!! Finally, it stopped snowing and blowing, so we could see enough to have Wally drive us home! So that was quite an adventure. Also my favorite little puppy of our investigator, named Boni, got hit by a car this last week. She was a shih-tzu also. I was sad. I am happy Mimi is alright and kicking. I decided I want to buy a husky for a dog when I get back. They are big, cool looking, and they don't shed. How perfect! So watch out! There is a guy here that we know that breeds them and sells them for like 200 bucks. DEAL! We also got to travel to Sioux City last week for district meeting, then right when we got back, we went and helped some lady move in about an hour away with some people in the branch. They are an adventurous family. She has guns and all sorts of outdoorsy things. Then I also decided then, that I want to become more outdoorsy when I get home. Go hunting and fishing more, be a mountain man (no mom I am not trunky, or thinking of home, just had the thought when we were moving stuff in). Kind of like Grandpa Bingham was. So yeah. Then we drove home, it was a fun evening!
Overall things are just going great in the mission. I am loving it here in Storm Lake. The people are great, and the branch is just wonderful. We filled all the pews yesterday, and it’s just so great to see all the smiling faces there. I love teaching the gospel and I love all that it does for me personally. I have grown so much in the last 14 months. (has it really been that long? wow!!!) and I just know, this is where I need to be right now, teaching the Spanish and English people of Storm Lake!!! I know the Lord needs each of us in the specific places we are and that we must do all that we can to fulfill His will. I read a quote by President Uchtdorf, and he says "No calling is beneath us. Every calling provides an opportunity to serve and to grow. The Lord organized the Church in a way that offers each member an opportunity for service, which, in turn, leads to personal spiritual growth. Whatever your calling, I urge you to see it as an opportunity not only to strengthen and bless others but also to become what Heavenly Father wants you to become." I love that. I know it to be true.
I love all of you so much, and I often pray for your safety and success. I hope you all have a great week full of the spirit of Christ in your hearts, and become more like Him. He needs us to be constant vessels in this work, and the best way to do that is to be more like Him. I love you all and miss you just as much. I hope you have a great week!!
con amor y carino,
Elder Bradley Rigby
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