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.

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.

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.

<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!

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.

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

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.

...And we sure hope Romney does NOT get into office. 2/6/2012

... The title is what some lady yelled to us, after she slammed the door and then opened it again, just for that reason. :) Hahahaha.

So I am now in a ward called, "Walsh Ranch". It is an english area and it is honestly like a mile outside of where Leander is. So I didnt move far... at all. I am still in the same zone so thats kinda funny. My new companion's name is Elder McLaughlin. He is from the Modesto CA area... Funny thing is, he was in my district when I first got to San Antonio. So I already knew him and that was funny. We are very different but its been working out well so far and I will imagine that it will only continue to do so. We are most definately in an ALL BIKE area. I never knew how much pain I could feel in one day. We live a mile outside of our area... We live with the zone leaders. I really like the apartment and I am glad to be in an apartment. I'm pretty sure we bike like a LOT but I am really looking forward to it.

The ward seems pretty nice. It looked huge. I got up to bear my testimony and it was like filled to the brim with people. I am very much excited to work here and to have great experiences like I know I will. We have a very shallow teaching pool but I hear that the couple that came yesterday are progressing quite swimmingly. I am looking forward to finding more people to teach and helping and serving as best I can here.

My address is:
Elder Kyle David Coolest Person Webb
E. Palm Valley Blvd. #536
Round Rock, TX 78664

It was very exciting to leave Leander and go to a new place. Although after the first night I really missed it and the people. I left behind some great people both in the ward and that we had been teaching. I am excited to see the success of that area and I really hope/feel that I left it stronger than I found it.

Ever since I have been here all we have really done was knock. Saturday was probably the hardest day of my life. We went out at 12 and knocked all the way untill around 7:30. I felt like I have spent like 3 days at Disneyland after I was done. We just rode and walked and rode and walked. I've never been so pooped. But yesterday we found some people that want us to come back so I am just praying so hard that we will find the people that we need to here in this area. I'm not the biggest fan of just knocking. So I really want more people to teach so we will keep busy! There is a couple that are investigating and I am excited to have a lesson with them and get to know them more. So I am grateful for the blessings this area has seen. And I am stoked to work here. The other night it was all lightning-y and stuff so we got a ride home from some members, and the drive was like 15-20 minutes... IN A CAR!! So you can only imagine on a bike. And it is so funny because where-ever we go I swear we are going uphill.

I'm safe. I am happy. I am healthy. (Thats all thats really important) I am dumbfounded at the fact that I have actually been doing one of the most crazy things known to human kind for a whole year. Honestly. If you think about this whole missionary service thing, its nuts. But its the best thing ever.

<3 Always,
Elder Kyle David Webb

Moving on up 1/30/2012

Well transfer calls came. And looks like I will be heading to another place here in the TSAM.
I am pretty dang excited to start a new life in a new area with a new companion and new people and a new ward and new fun/spiritual experiences. I like the idea of new. Leander has been great and treated me really well, however, I am excited and very ready to be in another place. I still dont have any idea where I will be, but I will find out on Thursday. And I will be in my new area and everything. I'm looking forward to it.
Yes. We did have some weird weather. Sister West warned us that there could be a tornado and then through the whole night I was woken up by thunder and crazy lightning and things hitting the window. Although we didnt see any tornandoes it sure sounded like the earth was being ripped up outside. So that was kind of fun. But we are safe and we survived. We got rain that we needed. So thats really good!


This week guess what I did. I did something that I never thought I'd do. I totally unloaded/stacked bales of HAY!! Thats so weird, huh. The reason I never thought I'd do it is because of the whole Alergy thing. But my alergies didnt even bother me (knock on wood.) and it was so great. And everyone here says that alergies are really bad but I have not had too bad of symptoms, like at all. I am so grateful for that. But yeah, it was kinda fun to stack it. And I got to feed/pet horses and they were so cute. And just looking at them, I cannot deny the existance of God. Seriously. There is no way that those animals were created just by like organisms mindlessly mixing together. There really IS a God.

We got to teach some cool people this week. We had a great lesson with this family, I kinda mentioned them last week but I will again: The mother was kinda raised lds but fell away and so her children and husband dont know much about the church. So we went by one time just to try to meet her because she is on the records and doesnt come to church so we wanted to meet her and stuff. Turns out she wants to start coming back to church and wants her kids to learn about it too! And the kids are all really excited about it and like it a lot. So we taught them the resortation and they were all answering questions and it was totally making sense to them! It was so cool to see how it makes sense to other people, esspecially when you teach by the spirit. So they werent at church but they are just such a legit family. They are from such humble circumstances and they are really cool. I enjoy them/ will miss them when I go.

I am just going to say, that God really uses us as His tools. I dont know how many times I have just had a thought or something and acted on it, and we show up somewhere and people say we were an answer to their prayers. That always makes me feel so excellent. Because it goes to show that although I am not perfect, Heavenly Father still allows me to bless the lives of His children. And it is such a great feeling to help others and to know that you were guided to help them.

I just love how much sense the gospel makes. It is honestly just so perfect. We have had a couple people who try to bash or whatever and its just lame. But the things that they try to harp on us with dont even make sense. There are doctrines that people totally transfigure and they dont even make sense! So I am just so grateful for the knowledge and restored and correct truth that we have. Example: this week I had the privilege of meeting a mexican man who wanted to talk. Although Elder Caldwell doesnt speak spanish we had a lesson with him. He asked me, "Okay. So the bible happened over in Israel/ Jerusalem and stuff... But what about all of the other places that people are?" So I whipped out the Book of Mormon and started teaching him and he said that it made sense but that he was Catholic and he was not going to change his ways. So that was kind of a bummer. Although his question was answered and I promised him that he could find out the truth and find out about those "other sheep" he didnt want to. But for me it was just great to reaffirm my testimony that there were other people who prophesied and looked to Christ for salvation, and we can know about them and understand more of how we can do the same thing.

I am so grateful for my testimony and the fact that it is growing. (Okay time out.)
This is really weird because I am pretty sure a year ago I was talking about how I wasnt going to be the missionary who like the whole e-mail is just like mushy spiritual stuff. I recant that statement.
But I really am so grateful for this knowledge. February's ensign.. the cover story or whatever is about our Heavenly Father. When Sis. West got that it the mail I was so excited and just ripped it open because I wanted to read it right away. There is so much truth and joy that comes from modern day revelation. And I am so glad we dont have to go around guessing or without light. Because that would really just not be fun. So I am so glad the gospel was restored. And I am so glad that I can take this testimony that I have to yet another place and some more people here in Texas and share with them the joy that can come from recieving a witness of that truth. Hopefully that makes sense...
I love you very much and I am so glad we are an eternal family.
<3 Always,
Elder Kyle David Webb

Ya no se que hacer 1/23/2012

This is weird.
I've never been 20 before. Its a new experience.
No but this week was pretty good. We played basketball for p-day last week and that was fun. Oh yeah, we also played broom hockey which was really hilarious.
We had some good days and some bad days. Got to teach some good lessons. We found a couple more people we've began to teach. One of our investigators didnt come to church and he texted us and said that he doesnt really think he is ready to be baptized and stuff and he has been avoiding us and not wanting to talk to us and missing appointments and stuff. Its kinda lame. But we will hopefully get in contact with him and be able to help him out more.
But anyway. Cool story is: Back in like August when I first got here we knocked this road and we talked to a guy and his friend and they let us in to teach a lesson. But the lesson turned out to just pretty much being them asking questions about what it is that mormons believe about this or that. So it wasnt that effective. Anyway. They werent that interested so we had never gone back. But for a few days I had been thinking how we need to go back there and see if we cant contact that guy. So we did and he wasnt there but we found someone else on that street who was kinda interested and wanted us to come back. So when we did, the guy who I had wanted to contact before was outside of his house! So we went up and talked to him and ended up teaching him and it was the most legit thing ever. He was talking to us and was like, "Well I'm Catholic. I grew up in the church but then I left it for about 15 years and just last year I came back." And he said something else like, "I like it but I feel like I am still searching for something. I still have more questions that arent answered." So we taught him and he invited us back and he said he would get baptized but I dont really think he knew what we were really asking him to do... We'll see. Anyway. He is so legit and I am so excited 'cause I really like that guy. When we went back we shared a few scriptures from the book of mormon and he was like, "wow. That makes a lot of sense. I have never even thought about that before. That answers a lot of questions!" It was SO AWESOME. So I think he will be promising. :)
We also taught this family that the mother is in-active and her husband is Catholic but she is wanting to come back. And to bring her kids with her. So we are going to teach them now and its just cool. They are really great but come from very humble circumstances. (I love those people. The more hood they are, the more we get along. I dont like rich people.) Anyway. Well this guy that they kind of take care of because he isnt responsible enough to take care of himself even though he is an adult and the woman is so charitable that she loves him and takes care of him, he came and joined us. Which was great. But right when he sat down on the couch right next to me, I could smell the beer on his breath. And right from that moment he was like trying to argue everything we were trying to teach. After a long while of him just trying to combat everything he was listening and liked what we were saying. And he wanted a book of mormon and was all excited about it. He likes the sermon on the mount so it was cool that we could show the same teaching to him in the book of Mormon.
We've had some other good experiences as well this week. I have been able to practice my spanish and I just love it. I wonder if this is a sign that God is saying I need to practice 'cause He needs me somewhere Spanish. :)
P.S. At church multiple people said to us.. And me really, "Holy Crap! You are still here? When even are the transfers!?" Everyone wants me out of here. Just kidding. I guess they just realize it has been Elder Caldwell and I here since the first of October. Hahaha

We had a nice dinner with the West family. My birthday present was.....
Chick-Fil-A LEMONADE!!
That is honestly the best stuff. She got me a freaking gallon of that thing and I am just still in Heaven.
Anyway. There are some great people here. And some crazy people. Transfer calls are this upcoming Sunday so we will find out and I will let you know next week if I will be staying here for one more or if I am heading off. But anyway.
Enjoyable week. Enjoyable birthday. Thanks again for everything.
I LOVE YOU A LOT. Like a lot and stuff.
<3 Always,
Elder Kyle David Webb.