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
Monday, April 18, 2011
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
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
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