First of all. I just finished my first transfer in the Walsh Ranch ward. And a transfer is a six week period of time and pretty much what we go by as missionaries. Anyway so that means that last night we recieved a certain call.... And I am actually being transfered!! What the heck!? This like never happens. But I am so extremely excited because I LOVE change. I love getting a new companion and esspecially a new area. So I am looking forward to finding out where I will be serving and who I will be with. Again I find out on Thursday. But isnt that just crazy!?
This week has probably been the hardest week of my entire mission. Straight up. We taught zero lessons and the weather decided to murder us for half of the week. It was DOWNPOURING rain and super dooper cold. And it was so random. Dont get me wrong, I am so grateful for the rain because we need it, but when you're out riding a bike and geting soaked and muddy, it is pretty miserable. So on top of the weather we didnt get to teach anybody at all. It was so hard.
I know that this transfer was inspired by God. I have prayed for more humility in the past and the answer has been gracing my presence this past 6 weeks. I have had to rely on Heavenly Father's help in every aspect of the work so much. So yeah, this week has been a big struggle but this whole transfer has been worth it. Learning so much and really striving to find/follow the spirit.
Great news. I found out that this family that I was teaching in Leander is getting baptized. Well... the mother is this in-active woman who hasnt been to church for a while but wanted to come back. Her dad is still active. They come from really humble circumstances and stuff and they were just so legit. So Elder Caldwell told me that 3 of her 6 children are getting baptized! I am SO EXCITED for them. And he said that Anglea, the mom, offered this really sincer heartfelt prayer just thanking God for the gospel back in her life. It was such a great experience to teach them and I am so glad that they are accepting the gospel. When I was there, the oldest daughter who is about 16 was reading the book of mormon as a bedtime story to the rest of her siblings before they went to sleep. And she was highlighting it and just really being so sincere and it was the most legit thing ever. I loved how involved she was and it really helped the other kids too. Such valient spirits :)
This life is crazy. And I love it. One thing that I said to my companion that I thought about and that is so true is that when we become missionaries, like when we sign the paper and say we are on board, ourselves go out the window... its no longer about us, but about blessing the lives of God's children. And I thought about that and really the happiest times in my life are when I was not focused on myself or what I wanted. And as you all very well know, I am prideful and like myself a lot. But the best times in my life have been when my focus is on someone else. And I love that aspect about this work. It is not about me. At all. And that is something I strive to think about every day and it helps me get through the days that just want to pull me down into discouragement.
I am so grateful for the knowledge and testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
It is crazy because I just got here, and I am already heading off to a new place!
<3 Always,
Elder Kyle David Webb
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Aahh-Choo 3/5/2012
Well. It really is March and its probably the weirdest thing ever. I cannot believe this year is going by so freaking fast ALREADY! Also today is just such a beautiful day and I love it.
Just a little fun fact about Texas: The weather is really an indecisive little creature. Yesterday I heard the funniest thing ever: "If you dont like the weather in Texas, just wait 10 minutes." And its the truest thing ever. Like in the morning it'll be all nice and look like a great day and then later it'll be like threatening to rain, or worse, be freezing cold. And vice versa. Its so obnoxious. But when the days are real sunny and beautiful it is my favorite. I may sweat like a donkey in the back woods of the Sahara, but it sure is beautiful. The sun is the best thing of my life.
Just a little fun fact about Texas: The weather is really an indecisive little creature. Yesterday I heard the funniest thing ever: "If you dont like the weather in Texas, just wait 10 minutes." And its the truest thing ever. Like in the morning it'll be all nice and look like a great day and then later it'll be like threatening to rain, or worse, be freezing cold. And vice versa. Its so obnoxious. But when the days are real sunny and beautiful it is my favorite. I may sweat like a donkey in the back woods of the Sahara, but it sure is beautiful. The sun is the best thing of my life.
This week has been somewhat long. And kinda frustrating. We really only got a couple of lessons, and other than that of course.... TONS of knocking.
Last week for p-day we played some volleyball and it was super fun. I got some really good hits and I set a few real nice ones. It felt so good. We might play again today.
I think I am getting better at riding my bike. HOORAY! I can for the most part keep up with my companion and stuff. And I dont die every five seconds.
Last week for p-day we played some volleyball and it was super fun. I got some really good hits and I set a few real nice ones. It felt so good. We might play again today.
I think I am getting better at riding my bike. HOORAY! I can for the most part keep up with my companion and stuff. And I dont die every five seconds.
I really enjoyed yesterday. Scoop: we have been teaching this kid whose father is an in-active member, but is totally fine with his son wanting to learn more. They have a neighbor that has come over a couple of times and we've met briefly. And she is so nice. She is a single mother and is a Texas State Trooper. Or whatever. Some sort of law enforcement. But she is so nice and the last time we ran into her she gave us bags of food because her and her daughter weren't going to eat it and she didnt want to chuck it out. We were near her house yesterday and she was outside so she ran up to us and was like, with a big smile on her face, "How are y'all doing!?" And just was like so friendly and stuff. (Which she always is) Anyway I took one look at her yard and I was like, "Do you have some rakes?" So then we raked her yard and it was so fun to just help her out. Especially knowing that she is someone who would really benefit from the help. We talked to her here and there and when we had to head out she was like, "Well whenever you guys are in the area and I am home, stop by and at least say 'hi!'" It was so nice to see that she appreciates us and her heart is I'm SURE softening. She says she has visited a lot of churches but never ours. It will be fun to work with her hopefully in the oncoming weeks. I really want to go slow with her though because I dont want to just throw it all on her and make her uncomfortable and break the ties with her. Its so fun to just simply help people out in random split seconds though. I love being able to do that!
My first transfer in Walsh Ranch is coming to a close and I cannot believe that its been this fast! I am excited to continue to work though. At times it is REALLY difficult to keep going. But one thing that I know is that when we are rejected and when we are struggling to make it through the day, we stand in the best company, because Jesus Christ walked that path and much worse and He is here with us to strengthen and hold us up. And I am grateful to feel that presence.
Have a great rest of the week and I will hope that we all have great weather. Mainly because its more enjoyable that way.
Have a great rest of the week and I will hope that we all have great weather. Mainly because its more enjoyable that way.
<3 Always,
Elder Kyle David Webb
P.S. I'm pretty sure, "He never said it would be easy, He only said it would be worth it."
Oh yeah. I had a sneeze attack today. Hopefully the allergies dont get to me too bad!
Elder Kyle David Webb
P.S. I'm pretty sure, "He never said it would be easy, He only said it would be worth it."
Oh yeah. I had a sneeze attack today. Hopefully the allergies dont get to me too bad!
Straight up now tell me. 2/27/2012
This week has been a pretty good one.
There is this thing that we do as missionaries... Called, "Exchanges". It is where we do a little switcher-roo of our companions for 24 hours. Pretty much where we have a sleep-over and then work with another Elder for the day and then switch back at the night. One companion goes to the other area and the other companion stays. And vice versa. Anyway so we had two of those this week and its always kinda fun to do. My first one was like the best. I went with an Elder that actually lives with us, named Elder James. We get along really well and he is just a pretty sweet Elder. We had a lot of success actually and it was like my favorite day so far. We found a couple of people and totally taught them. This one guy in particular he pretty much just like let us right in and we talked and had a lesson with him and he said that he really wants to change. He said he's been through a lot in his life, but he has always been able to turn to prayer. He says that when he prays he gets this tingly/ peaceful feeling that he loves. And he is trying to get back into church and stuff since he hasnt gone for a while. But the lesson went really well and then towards the end he was like, "I have to go but... Like... Do you guys want to like hang out sometime? And you guys could help me understand more?" And I was just like, "Yes. We would love to 'hang out' with you." Anyway he is sweet and I am so excited for him to get baptized soon! (When he accepts it and stuff.) But we talked about the Holy Ghost and how he can have it with him always and he was really interested in that. Also at the end, we asked him to pray and we didnt even teach him the proper way that we do it but he just started off and said it exactly right... To Heavenly Father and in the name of Jesus Christ. We were so impressed! Unfortunately he got sick and his phone got shut off so we didnt meet with him again this past week but we will this week.
But we really did find some real legit people that I am excited to go back and help them out. Its amazing the people we get to meet.
Other than that we have been doing a lot of knocking. Like a lot of knocking. Its really pretty hard a lot of times because I know there is something more effective we could be doing but I dont know what it is. And there are so few people that let us in so it just is more and more hard. But its really fun to meet people. One Elder was telling me about how its funny because he knocks on a bunch of doors every day and he doesnt know whats on the other side. I was just laughing so hard because its true. We totally just go up to doors at random houses and he have no idea what is on the other side but we knock anyway and greet whatever it is with a smile! :)
Church was like my favorite. I just totally felt the Spirit and it was great. Its funny to me because sometimes at church I am just there and its like, "Yeah, okay I went to church." And sometimes it is like, "Oh my goodness I need this always." And I love those days. It really just depends on the mindset that you have and if you are really prepared and everything like that. And I find that when I really do try to prepare myself for church and for the Sacrament, it is so much better of an experience. So I was really grateful that I felt the Spirit so strongly this week!
We met this Italian lady and I asked her "If I go to Italy, where would you recommend that I go?" And she like threw her head back and was like, "Ugh! No where!" And I was like "What?" And then she was like, "OH you mean, for you!? ANYWHERE! Its beautiful, you go anywhere! But for me, I will go no where!" It was kinda funny. I guess she thought I wanted her to go to Italy... And she didnt like that idea. But when she realized I was asking for myself she was like totally down to say she loves it there. Ha.
No but this week has been good. It is crazy to me how fast the weeks go by. Sometimes they go a little too fast.
I hope you have a great week!
<3 Always,
Elder Kyle David Webb
P.S. I saw this little plaque in someone's home that said, "Missionary- a person who leaves their family for a little while so that other people can be with their families FOREVER." It was supposed to be like a dictionary definition or something, but I liked it.
There is this thing that we do as missionaries... Called, "Exchanges". It is where we do a little switcher-roo of our companions for 24 hours. Pretty much where we have a sleep-over and then work with another Elder for the day and then switch back at the night. One companion goes to the other area and the other companion stays. And vice versa. Anyway so we had two of those this week and its always kinda fun to do. My first one was like the best. I went with an Elder that actually lives with us, named Elder James. We get along really well and he is just a pretty sweet Elder. We had a lot of success actually and it was like my favorite day so far. We found a couple of people and totally taught them. This one guy in particular he pretty much just like let us right in and we talked and had a lesson with him and he said that he really wants to change. He said he's been through a lot in his life, but he has always been able to turn to prayer. He says that when he prays he gets this tingly/ peaceful feeling that he loves. And he is trying to get back into church and stuff since he hasnt gone for a while. But the lesson went really well and then towards the end he was like, "I have to go but... Like... Do you guys want to like hang out sometime? And you guys could help me understand more?" And I was just like, "Yes. We would love to 'hang out' with you." Anyway he is sweet and I am so excited for him to get baptized soon! (When he accepts it and stuff.) But we talked about the Holy Ghost and how he can have it with him always and he was really interested in that. Also at the end, we asked him to pray and we didnt even teach him the proper way that we do it but he just started off and said it exactly right... To Heavenly Father and in the name of Jesus Christ. We were so impressed! Unfortunately he got sick and his phone got shut off so we didnt meet with him again this past week but we will this week.
But we really did find some real legit people that I am excited to go back and help them out. Its amazing the people we get to meet.
Other than that we have been doing a lot of knocking. Like a lot of knocking. Its really pretty hard a lot of times because I know there is something more effective we could be doing but I dont know what it is. And there are so few people that let us in so it just is more and more hard. But its really fun to meet people. One Elder was telling me about how its funny because he knocks on a bunch of doors every day and he doesnt know whats on the other side. I was just laughing so hard because its true. We totally just go up to doors at random houses and he have no idea what is on the other side but we knock anyway and greet whatever it is with a smile! :)
Church was like my favorite. I just totally felt the Spirit and it was great. Its funny to me because sometimes at church I am just there and its like, "Yeah, okay I went to church." And sometimes it is like, "Oh my goodness I need this always." And I love those days. It really just depends on the mindset that you have and if you are really prepared and everything like that. And I find that when I really do try to prepare myself for church and for the Sacrament, it is so much better of an experience. So I was really grateful that I felt the Spirit so strongly this week!
We met this Italian lady and I asked her "If I go to Italy, where would you recommend that I go?" And she like threw her head back and was like, "Ugh! No where!" And I was like "What?" And then she was like, "OH you mean, for you!? ANYWHERE! Its beautiful, you go anywhere! But for me, I will go no where!" It was kinda funny. I guess she thought I wanted her to go to Italy... And she didnt like that idea. But when she realized I was asking for myself she was like totally down to say she loves it there. Ha.
No but this week has been good. It is crazy to me how fast the weeks go by. Sometimes they go a little too fast.
I hope you have a great week!
<3 Always,
Elder Kyle David Webb
P.S. I saw this little plaque in someone's home that said, "Missionary- a person who leaves their family for a little while so that other people can be with their families FOREVER." It was supposed to be like a dictionary definition or something, but I liked it.
All that glitters ain's gold. 2/20/2012
Yes. It actually has rained in Texas. Which is really good because of the whole draught and stuff from the summer. But anyway this week was so hilarious because we kept having to be out and bike in the rain and stuff. And all the roads are just soaking wet with water puddles. So all the time it flips up into my face and more annoyingly on my, as dad would say, "Fanny" and I get all soaked and its just funny but miserable. But we had an enjoyable time and it turned out to be a good week.
Valentines day was probably the best, we were able to have like 3 lessons that day so that was extremly cherished. But other than that this week has been yet another slow one, as far as the work is concerned. A lot of time just knocking on doors and talking with frustated people. Haha. This one lady told us that we need a permit to be doing this and we will get fined $500 for being there. False. We do not need a permit, and besides, we have minisetial certificates that are signed by a prophet of God so I am pretty sure we are covered. Thanks for the warning though.
We also had a zone conference this week. Which was fun because I got to see some Elders who I guess I would consider my friends. And the meeting was mainly on the beloved, Finding. So I really think thats good because thats something that everyone struggles with. Just going out and having nothing to do but knock. And how knocking is so inneffective because for like every like however many people we talk to only a few will let us in, and only a select few of those are truly prepared to be baptized. But it was a good conference. Going to those always inspire me to be a better missionary and to apply certain things to the work. Thats always helpful because I am always looking for ways to improve. I also thought of Ammon when all the people working with him in the fields with the sheep are all scared because the sheep when everywhere and the king is going to be mad and slay them and whatnot. And all Ammon says is, "Be of good cheer." He doest get discouraged or anything, he just finds hope and a joy in the opportunity to retrieve the sheep and ensure that the king will not be mad. That guy always was staying positive. And I mean another thing that I learned today was this: Nephi broke his bow. Everyone was all mumuring and being lame, but he didnt say anything. He went out and he fixed the problem. He knew that with the Lord's help there is always a solution. So why should he waste his time whining about it when his time could be better spent fixing the problem!? I really liked that example from him.
Oh.
P.S. - Remember to help out the missionaries or to at least offer to help them with anything. Because this week- IN THE RAIN- we thought we knew where we were going but this member pulled over and was like, "Do you guys need help with anything, -want some hot chocolate?!" and then we actually asked her if she knew where an address was and she was able to look it up on her phone and tell us that it was on the other end of this long road. So it was very helpfull because we were going the wrong way. Anyway. You never know how much you might be able to help out the missionaries and really how much they appreciate it. Even if its just an offer. Okayz. Thanks.
Have a great week!
<3 Always,
Elder Kyle David Webb
Valentines day was probably the best, we were able to have like 3 lessons that day so that was extremly cherished. But other than that this week has been yet another slow one, as far as the work is concerned. A lot of time just knocking on doors and talking with frustated people. Haha. This one lady told us that we need a permit to be doing this and we will get fined $500 for being there. False. We do not need a permit, and besides, we have minisetial certificates that are signed by a prophet of God so I am pretty sure we are covered. Thanks for the warning though.
We also had a zone conference this week. Which was fun because I got to see some Elders who I guess I would consider my friends. And the meeting was mainly on the beloved, Finding. So I really think thats good because thats something that everyone struggles with. Just going out and having nothing to do but knock. And how knocking is so inneffective because for like every like however many people we talk to only a few will let us in, and only a select few of those are truly prepared to be baptized. But it was a good conference. Going to those always inspire me to be a better missionary and to apply certain things to the work. Thats always helpful because I am always looking for ways to improve. I also thought of Ammon when all the people working with him in the fields with the sheep are all scared because the sheep when everywhere and the king is going to be mad and slay them and whatnot. And all Ammon says is, "Be of good cheer." He doest get discouraged or anything, he just finds hope and a joy in the opportunity to retrieve the sheep and ensure that the king will not be mad. That guy always was staying positive. And I mean another thing that I learned today was this: Nephi broke his bow. Everyone was all mumuring and being lame, but he didnt say anything. He went out and he fixed the problem. He knew that with the Lord's help there is always a solution. So why should he waste his time whining about it when his time could be better spent fixing the problem!? I really liked that example from him.
Oh.
P.S. - Remember to help out the missionaries or to at least offer to help them with anything. Because this week- IN THE RAIN- we thought we knew where we were going but this member pulled over and was like, "Do you guys need help with anything, -want some hot chocolate?!" and then we actually asked her if she knew where an address was and she was able to look it up on her phone and tell us that it was on the other end of this long road. So it was very helpfull because we were going the wrong way. Anyway. You never know how much you might be able to help out the missionaries and really how much they appreciate it. Even if its just an offer. Okayz. Thanks.
Have a great week!
<3 Always,
Elder Kyle David Webb
Saturday, March 10, 2012
White Valentines? 2/13/2012
Ummm.... Yesterday coming out of church, it was like snowing. SNOWING! I guess it was more like hail or something but when we first came out it was like flurrying down. Anyway so that was crazy. Saturday it was freezing cold all day and I wanted to just die being on a bike. But I hear that this cold is only supposed to last a few days and then it'll warm up and we are done with the cold! Hooray. Lets hope that really happens.
Round Rock is pretty good. Honestly I am not that far away from Leander at all. So its kinda weird and the people are a lot alike. The only thing I have done here so far is knock. We actually set a kid with a baptismal date this week for the end of the month but then when we went back he said he wanted to move it back... Untill August! So we are pretty much just trying to find. Which is really just daunting because a lot of people arent home or they dont answer their door or they dont really want to talk. But there are people out there who are prepared and ready, so we just need to find them. We ride bikes a lot. Well, obviously since that is our mode of transportation. For like 2 seconds I felt like I was getting stronger and then we start going uphill again and I realize that I dont at all! Hahaha. But this area is good so far.
Because this week was rather slow, the best parts of it were our dinner appointments... we ate with this family who is this like more mature couple. He is like 70. Anyway. Convert to the church. And he is black and he is just so awesome. He told us like this huge conversion story and it was so interesting. He also gave us this book called Celia's Boy, its an autobiography of his Father that he helped him compile. I will probably be sending it home soon since I cannot read it, but anyway. I asked him if he ever listened to Martin Luther King Jr. and he said he marched with him! We didnt have time for the story, but I am looking forward to hearing it when we come back. But that dinner was just very enjoyable.
We also ate with a family who the wife is from the Philipines. Straight up. And she totally made us authentic food. And it was pretty good. She even gave us bolute? (bow-loot) Which is like an embryo of an egged animal. Aka this one was of a quail. Isnt that crazy though? Like a little baby that is forming, inside of an egg. Which is really common there and I know that Mason ate them while serving a mission because one time when we watched "Fear Factor" they had to eat those and he was like, 'That's nothing, I ate those like every day!" Hahahaha. And she said that pregnant women crave those all the time. Woof. So I ate 2... Cause they were actually kinda good. The thing looks so creepy but I am sending a picture of me with the egg. Hahaha. I like getting all these different culture aspects. Its super fun and very enjoyable. Pretty much only because I am all about different cultures and I love learning about them and experiencing things from different parts of the world. But that was probably the funnest thing this week.
We talked to an interesting German lady who said she would read the Book of Mormon. So we ordered one in German for her. Pretty cool. Its so fun to talk to people, esspecially when they feel like being open and actually having a conversation with you. Because you get to learn so much about different things and ways of life, how people function and just like different life experiences. Its fun to see. But I am so grateful that you all pray for me all the time. Because I feel like I have so much more power and I am way supported because of them and I thank you so much. Honestly that is what I need the most out here. Especially help that we will be guided to the people that we need to teach and help!
But I love the mission field so much. SO MUCH! The other day when we were riding and it was freezing cold and the wind was like hurting so bad and I was secretly crying, a thought popped into my head and I was like, "I CHOSE to do this." And then I was like, "Heck yeah, and it was the BEST choice ever." I dont know if anything could be better than this. :)
Have a great week and enjoy all the fun and things that there are to enjoy in life. :)
<3 Always,
Elder Kyle David Webb.
Round Rock is pretty good. Honestly I am not that far away from Leander at all. So its kinda weird and the people are a lot alike. The only thing I have done here so far is knock. We actually set a kid with a baptismal date this week for the end of the month but then when we went back he said he wanted to move it back... Untill August! So we are pretty much just trying to find. Which is really just daunting because a lot of people arent home or they dont answer their door or they dont really want to talk. But there are people out there who are prepared and ready, so we just need to find them. We ride bikes a lot. Well, obviously since that is our mode of transportation. For like 2 seconds I felt like I was getting stronger and then we start going uphill again and I realize that I dont at all! Hahaha. But this area is good so far.
Because this week was rather slow, the best parts of it were our dinner appointments... we ate with this family who is this like more mature couple. He is like 70. Anyway. Convert to the church. And he is black and he is just so awesome. He told us like this huge conversion story and it was so interesting. He also gave us this book called Celia's Boy, its an autobiography of his Father that he helped him compile. I will probably be sending it home soon since I cannot read it, but anyway. I asked him if he ever listened to Martin Luther King Jr. and he said he marched with him! We didnt have time for the story, but I am looking forward to hearing it when we come back. But that dinner was just very enjoyable.
We also ate with a family who the wife is from the Philipines. Straight up. And she totally made us authentic food. And it was pretty good. She even gave us bolute? (bow-loot) Which is like an embryo of an egged animal. Aka this one was of a quail. Isnt that crazy though? Like a little baby that is forming, inside of an egg. Which is really common there and I know that Mason ate them while serving a mission because one time when we watched "Fear Factor" they had to eat those and he was like, 'That's nothing, I ate those like every day!" Hahahaha. And she said that pregnant women crave those all the time. Woof. So I ate 2... Cause they were actually kinda good. The thing looks so creepy but I am sending a picture of me with the egg. Hahaha. I like getting all these different culture aspects. Its super fun and very enjoyable. Pretty much only because I am all about different cultures and I love learning about them and experiencing things from different parts of the world. But that was probably the funnest thing this week.
We talked to an interesting German lady who said she would read the Book of Mormon. So we ordered one in German for her. Pretty cool. Its so fun to talk to people, esspecially when they feel like being open and actually having a conversation with you. Because you get to learn so much about different things and ways of life, how people function and just like different life experiences. Its fun to see. But I am so grateful that you all pray for me all the time. Because I feel like I have so much more power and I am way supported because of them and I thank you so much. Honestly that is what I need the most out here. Especially help that we will be guided to the people that we need to teach and help!
But I love the mission field so much. SO MUCH! The other day when we were riding and it was freezing cold and the wind was like hurting so bad and I was secretly crying, a thought popped into my head and I was like, "I CHOSE to do this." And then I was like, "Heck yeah, and it was the BEST choice ever." I dont know if anything could be better than this. :)
Have a great week and enjoy all the fun and things that there are to enjoy in life. :)
<3 Always,
Elder Kyle David Webb.
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