... 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
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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