Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Golden Jan. 16, 2012

Family of an almost 20 year old,
This week has been interesting I guess. Not too much has happened but it has been pretty good. I got bit by some red ants for the first time in my life I am pretty sure. So that was eventful. We were helping a lady do yard work and I was moving a boulder with my bare hands and some of those ants came out of nowhere and just loved my hands.
Oh the best part of the week, and I forgot my camera to show you, was the fact that we had a little guest living with us. Sister West had to dog-sit for her son and so we had little Buddy with us this week. And let me just tell you right now. That dog loved me so freaking much. Any chance that he could get he would just jump on my lap and try to kiss me. He even climbed in bed with me one night and I didnt even realize it. Untill Elder Caldwell and I woke up to his obnoxious and unusually loud snoring. Then I kicked him out. But anyway it was fun to have a little dog running around. He was one of those like black and white little boxer dogs... Like the one on my Christmas card. But it wasnt him, it was his brother. Anyway.
We were up in the middle of nowhere. And we went to go find this potential investigator that we had in our area book, and guess where it lead us to... A cemetary. So I was just like laughing and it was really weird because people live out in the middle of nowhere. Some in big nice houses and some in little trailors. But they have tons of land and they have cows and horses for pets. It was uncivil.
We had a few good lessons this week. Our investigator is doing alright. He wasnt at church but we already knew that was going to happen because he didnt have work off. He is such and interesting guy but its crazy how much love you can have for someone. Even though I may not have been friends with him in any other sense like before, I just care about him so much and want him to have the same testimony that I have received from all the things we have been helping him try to do. So I am getting anxious to see what will happen with him. Hopefully we can meet with him more frequently.
Brother Harbour spoke in church. It was legit. I told him that he has been iniciated and NOW he is for real a member of the church. He is so freaking great.
So. I've gotten a couple chances to practice my spanish. That is always so much fun.
This week I am trying to work on a virtue that is advised in what I have been studying lately. That is to be "patient in bearing my afflictions." I've been reading in Alma and that is what it has said a few times now and so I really think that is something that I need to work on. So I am trying. :)
I hope you have a great week. And have fun remembering me on Friday. 20 on the 20th. Never in a million years did I think I would reach this accomplishment. But here I am. :) Also its kinda weird I will be that ancient, and I pretty much look like I am 15... ??

<3 Always,
Elder Kyle David Webb.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

1/9/2012

This week has been pretty wicked awesome.

We totally taught a lot of people and found this sweet family.
So first off there is this guy who we have been somewhat teaching for a while. He is a very interesting guy. He is going through a lot of rough times right now and its kind of consuming his life. He has been reading in the book of mormon. And the other day he asks, "So do I have to read the whole book of mormon to get baptized?" And we were like, "Uh, no. Do you want to get baptized at the end of this month?" And he was like, "Yes." So we set him with a date and we are so excited about that and just praying SO HARD that everything will work out for him. He is honestly a sincere seeker of truth, it is just so hard for him to feel it because he is so distracted. But we are trying to help him prepare for baptism. Pray for him! :)

We also taught this lady who was in our area book. ( An area book is like a binder that stays in each specific area and its where past missionaries write info about the people in the area that they have taught before and people who may be interested, past investigators and things like that.) So we went by and she said, "Y'all can come back and teach my kids, but I am just gonna be on the side lines, I'm not really into that anymore." So really she hasnt been to church for 20 years. And the sister missionaries when they were in Leander were teaching her children and they were coming to church and really enjoyed it, but some friends they had in the ward moved and so they lost interest. Anyway so when we went back for an appointment with this lady she sat down with us and told us she is ready and she is going to be looking into churches now, she wants to find a "Spiritual Home". Its her time to go back. And so we talked about the book of mormon with her and just talked to her for a while and it was so cool to just see how all of the sudden she wants to listen. I hope she can come into the gospel and find the peace that it brings.

Another amazing thing: We got to see brother Harbour baptize his son. :) It was so cool to see him be able to be a part of his child's life in that way, FINALLY!

We ate some delicious Tamales. I also celebrated a holiday I have never known before. It was on the 6th of January and it is apparently to celebrate when the Wise Men found Jesus. But we ate this Rosca de los Reyes. Like sweet bread thing with a baby inside. Kinda like marti gras. I didnt get the plastic baby inside. :( But anyway that was fun. I've been able to teach a couple lessons in Spanish so I have been grateful to practice. Hopefully I will get more opportunities like that.

Heres something I dont understand: People look to missionaries like we are angels or something. And I just cant comprehend that. I really dont feel like I am worthy to be viewed as an angel so I always feel this guilt when people like say things like that or just love to have the missionaries around. I just am so grateful to be one of the Lord's servants and I am way HUMBLED to feel how I do as His servant. Its amazing how many prayers and how much love and sacrifice goes into helping the missionaries. I hope I can better myself and live ever more worthy of this calling.

I was reading in Alma today and I just love how legit the missionaries are. Like Alma and Amulek are teaching about the plan of salvation and pretty much talking about Adam and Eve and their whole part in the plan. And I was just like clapping almost out of like excitement because it makes so much sense! Just reading about how they were such a huge part of the plan and they also helped us and made it possible for us to return to our Eternal Father's presence. If they didnt bring about death, there would be no resurrection. Aka no happiness. And this life wouldnt have been able to be a probationary period where we could repent and be better. It just sounds so perfect. Well thats cause it is. But I just love how it makes sense and the hope that comes from knowing such things.

I'm going to admit. I didnt really know the book of mormon like at all before I came out here. But now I just love that book SO MUCH. I'm honestly excited every day to read it and see what I can take out from it, and esspecially share with others. Its so incredible.
Well, I hope everything will continue to go well for you all. Have fun with the new sister.

So just send love for my birthday. :) I cannot believe I am going to be 20. On the 20th. Golden Birthday. Wow. I just feel so much closer to my death bed. Ugh.

<3 Always,

Elder Kyle David Webb

1/2/2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!! 2012 will be a good year.

First off. Sister West came back this week from a trip to Berkley California where her son and his family live. She was gone for nine days and it was kinda fun but different without her. But she was welcomed home with a bunch of gold fish everywhere. Elder Caldwell and I went to Petsmart and bought 60 fish. A bunch of them died. But we put them all in these plastic cups (those ones that are always at receptions and they are plastic but are trying to look like glass.) Anyway we put them all in there and spread them all around the house. It was pretty funny and she enjoyed it. She thought it was so pretty! Although I'm pretty sure her granddaughters liked it more cause they got some pet fish out of it. :) I also made a sign that said "We hope your trip went 'SWIMMINGLY!'". So it was funny. I like to say that was my idea to put those fish in there. We have to keep pranking her and keep her on her toes. We cant allow her to get old :)

This week has been alright. We had enough miles to visit a place called Liberty Hill which is in our area. It pretty much reminds me of Magalia. But people are very nice there and talk a lot more with us. It was pleasant. I got to speak some spanish. With this totally drunk man whose speech was very slurred. But he started crying when I was talking to him and he just like hugged me and it was kind of awkward but I hope he feels more hope now. He said he is going to stop drinking but who knows? We threw away all the beer he had and then he ripped up the box and then threw it away rather vigerously. I was proud.

We are still really struggling to find people to teach. And esspecially to baptize. We are continuing to work hard even through that struggle. Its kinda lame because missionary work doesnt really go anywhere UNTILL you have someone to teach. And that is so the importance of members. They are the finders and we are the teachers. I feel like they have a lot more difficult of a job... But it works so much better when it happens like that.
I dont have too much time right now, and I cant ever remember cool things that happened.

I was studying the conversion of Saul... It was kinda cool. And I just think it makes a lot of sense. And its so interesting to me that people belive the Bible but they barely know what is in it and what it really means. Because they say they believe it but they cant accept modern day revelation? Or the fact that someone must be given power from someone who already has that power and by the laying on of hands... It just doesnt match up. If you believe in the bible, you can believe in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Its the same doctrine. Duh!
There are so many interesting people that we meet and get to help out. And I really enjoy doing service now. Well I did before, I just wasnt open about doing it so much ya know? But we were talking and its like, back in our normal lives, we wouldnt go around and help someone if they need it, we'd just drive passed. But now we try to get out and say, "Hey can we help you in your yard?" or what have you. But its cool. Service is a very addictive thing. :)

<3 Always,
Elder Kyle David Webb

12/26/2011

First of all there needs to be thanks given for all of the blessing that you are. And just for all of the love and support.
Number B: Holy Conference call. That was nuts. It was so fun when we were all on for a little while because it kinda was like we were all sitting there together. And although not everyone was talking all at once and stuff I could just picture faces and it was like chillin' with the fam. Or even "rolling with the homies" if you will. So that was a pleasant surprise! It is funny how fast 40 minutes can go though! It was great to hear eveyone's voice and to hopefully show that I am doing just fine. I forgot to tell you guys that I am still alive. Ha. But I am. So dont fret.

I was just thinking: Church is so cool. Because we dont go there to socialize or to show people how good of Christians we are, we go because we are helpless without the Spirit and we want to better our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We seek revelation from Him to direct our personal lives and it doesnt matter (to me at least) what the other people sitting there are judging me about. My relationship with God has nothing to do with them. And so its just neat to me that we have church because it is just one more place that is set apart from the world where we can go, and enjoy the Spirit. It doesnt matter who we are, God is always ready to accept us with open arms... As long as we are willing to accept His son and His commandments. Its a pretty cool set up we have. And I am grateful that other people can see it that way too. That we go to church for ourselves. Not to prove anything to anyone else. And sadly I think thats how it is for a lot of people.

Its weird how my desires have changed. Like last night I was dreaming about Street contacting. And just like finding people to talk to and helping them to resolve their concerns. Its kinda interesting. I love to find people who will actually listen to us and take/ consider what we have to say. Although not all of them accept the invitation to listen to the message and pray about it, the thing that I know is that I am helping a seed to be planted inside of them. And I like that thought. My purpose as a missionary is not simply to BAPTIZE people, but it is rather to "Help others to Come unto Christ." And that is my biggest desire right now. (Although I wont lie, there are temptations of other desires that come about but those I try to stray away from!)

We spent the afternoon with a family named the Woodburys. They had a son home from Southern Virgina who is preparing for a mission and a daughter who is a freshman in High school. It was pretty fun to spend time with them, and to see that there are good people all around the world.
One goal that I have is to stop thinking of myself. I think that has been hindering me a lot lately. So I am trying to remember, "Forget yourself and go to work." Its funny because in the book of mormon we see that when people start only focusing on themselves, thats when destruction comes into play. However when they spend time trying to work on God's will and make sure that that is done, they have so much joy surrounding them. If I strive for humility, I can be strengthened to have more of it. Weaknesses can become strengths right, Ether!?

I hope you are So excited for this new year! I know I sure am. I will be expecting a golden birthday and it will be a great year that I am hoping to see a lot of growth in my life. Have a happy new year. And remember that today is Kwanza, so be of service to someone.


<3 Always,
Elder Kyle David Webb

12/19/2011

Alright well the gig is still going on.
I am staying in Leander for yet another 6 weeks. I guess it will be cool. Like you said, Mom, there are people here who love me so that is a plus. Haha I guess I am just worried about having to be with the people who dont... Just kidding. I was looking forward to a change but I guess someone wants me to wait a little bit longer.
I will be happy to stay here though. The first thing I thought was, "Well I guess there is someone else here that I need to help." But still, it is kinda weird to think I will have spent at least from August 2011- February of 2012 in this area.

Really honestly I cannot think of any other news. For real. This week has not been my favorite whatsoever. We actually had a number of good lessons and good things happen. The Lord blesses us SO MUCH all the time and I always feel so guilty. Its like we are always so blessed by him but we dont do too much to deserve it, I feel. So its just unfair and I feel like I need to do a lot more to make up for it. We are teaching some people but I wouldnt say any of them are totally "Golden" or "Elect" by any means. Although they are definately prepared and we just need to do our part so they can really grasp hold of the gospel. Thats my new like resolution. Make sure someone gets brought into the gospel before I leave. Preferably a family. Anyway. Fortunately I still love being a missionary and although its really hard I am Okay. And its really not about me. Its about something a lot greater, so that helps me get through struggles.
We will be having Christmas conference this week. Aka on Thursday the WHOLE mission will be gathered together to do whatever. It will be interesting but fun. We are driving down to San Antonio which is like over 200 miles round trip. So that will be fun. I will enjoy seeing other missionaries that I have served around and that I havent seen forever. Really I feel like I dont know any missionaries any more because we are kinda like out of the loop up here in Leander. Theres not too many missionaries close to us to get to know. But anyway it will be a good experience I am thinking.

Thanks for sending me Christmas packages and stuff. I will be very happy to feel the love that is packed inside. Its kinda weird because I guess growing up I have always been like, "It'll be weird to be on a mission at Christmas time. I wont like it." But here is the scoop: its not really that weird at all. I thought I would be all homesick and stuff but I am not. I will tell you why. Because I feel like I dont have to be in the presence of my family to feel their love and to think about them and know they are thinking about me. And I also would say, because since I am serving God, He is going to make sure you all are okay and that I am okay so it will be good. And Merry. So to me it is not that weird to be on a mission at Christmas.
Anyway. I guess I will get going. I give thanks to you all for the Christmas wishes. I guess I will talk to you in like a week or something. So be ready. Remember Christ in Christmas. Remember that I love you.

Have a great week!
<3 Always,
Elder Kyle David Webb

12/12/2011

We had an exchange this week and during the exchange I was here with an Elder Jensen who served here around this time last year. Sister West like loves him and she says we are a lot alike and stuff. The exchange was way fun and she took us out to eat and stuff cause she loves us. We ate with some mexicans some pretty good food. I guess I got out of the habbit of shoveling food down because in the Highland Hills branch they fed us like mad. And I got used to eating a lot. But now I dont really eat as much because americans dont get offended if you dont lick their bowls clean. Anyway wow. But we ate chicharrones. Which is pretty much just pig fat. Yummm. I've had it before so its no big deal. Its pretty foul but this time it was kinda good 'cause they put yummy spices on it. But anyway. So its just a treat to make sister West laugh and stuff and I enjoyed the exchange.
I finished the Book of Mormon in Spanish this week! :) That was fun. So I am reading it again. Both in Spanish and English. But here is the thing I am doing in the English one: I am reading I am going to highlight and COUNT the referrences to the Savior.
Anyway so I am excited for that. Because I am curious as to know how many times it really does refer to Him. I am on page like 35 and I already have a tally of 68. :)


<3 Always,
Elder Kyle David Webb