Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Elder Hartvigsen-- August 29, 2011
wow there is just so much to talk about! today is my pday so you can expect emails
on mondays. i really like it here, i am in my own apartment with my companion elder
Judd. we are one of about 10 companionships that have they're own apartment, so we
are kinda rare. we are also an all biking area, so i am on my bike most of the day,
we bike a good 15 to 20 miles everyday. its pretty intense! its nice though cause
now i get to get in shape for once!! my left leg isnt bothered by pedaling at all
since i used my left leg to push on my skateboard, but my right leg constantly burns
as i ride my bike. my area is the shadle park area, we cover one ward, the shadle
park ward. we are in north spokane city. it reminds me alot of grandmas neighborhood
in cedar, our whole area is pretty much like that.
i really like my companion, he has been here for a year and he really helps me grow.
i was able to invite someone to be baptized last night, her name is Shalanda, she
is this big black lady who is large n' in charge. she is really looking for the
truth though, it was really neat being able to invite her to be bapitzed and the
spirit was super strong. my favorite thing is seeing the spirit work on people and
see them want to come to Christ. i have to admit that i really miss the luxury of
having a ton of food at home, cause at times the cuppords are pretty bare. i make
due though. we have alot of people on date for baptism right now, and yesterday i
even got to confirm someone a member of the church during sacrament, it was a super
neat experience. anyways i really like it out here, and i am really exctied to be
able to help real people now, we do alot of service work for people, and im really
glad that my up bringing included alot of service, because it makes it alot easier
here. there are so many good people on this earth that are craving the word of God,
its such a privelge to be out here serving the Lord, and help bring those people
what they are looking for. i love you all! thank you for the support, my address is
3315 W. Bismark #4 Spokane, WA 99205. you can send my letters and packages directly
to that address becuase i am going to be there for atleast 12 weeks. we are on this
new training program that at the end of 12 weeks i can be training new missioniaries
myself, its rigirous, but really cool. anyways, i love you all!!
-Elder Hartvigsen
Monday, August 29, 2011
Elder Matthew Whittle-- Aug 29, 2011
Love your Elder Whittle
Hola Padre. Gracias por ustedes testimonio. Could you please send me Garretts adress? I need to write him. Thanks for getting the missionaries for cho. I just sent him a letter today reminding him that he promised me he would listen to the korean missionaries if they showed up, and also bearing my testimony of this gospel. Thanks for taking care of cherry for me. could you mail me some pictures of her. I would like some for my room. Things are going great here. I know what you mean about not being afraid to testify to anyone and everyone. I know the joy that comes from bearing testimony and the power we recieve. I have a great companion and he says to tell you hi as well and yes he does believe in the holy ghost. I was able to see elder moore but I forgot to ask him about the trip. I will ask him nextime I see him. I know this is a great work that I get to be a part of and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to serve my Savior with all my heart. Love you
Love Elder whittle
Sister Alex Hartvigsen---Aug 29, 2011
good. On Thursday we able to have some really good lessons with 2 investigators and
a member who is less active. On Wednesday we met with a women and taught her about
the Holy Ghost and how we can recieve personal revelation through the Spirit. We
then met with a women and her daughters and taught them about the Atonement, Faith
and Repentance. The mom has been attended church for the past several weeks and has
had a baptismal date before but she didn't feel like she knew enough. We are
planning on setting a date with her during our next meeting. On friday we were not
able to have any lessons but we were able to contact some referrals and do our
planning for the week . On Saturday we met with a women who is less active and her
daughter and taught them about how the gospel blesses families. We also met with a
recent convert and talked about charity and the atonement. On Sunday a family of
recent converts came into the Visitors center and watched Mountain of the Lord and
we taught about the importance of temples and temple ordinances.
In my gospel study this week I came across a scripture in the end of 3 Nephi 13. It
talks about how we need to focus on serving the Lord today and not become
preoccupied or distracted by the future. This really helped me bring everything into
perspective. This last week was hard because we thought that we were going to be
moving and for a time I wasn't sure how we could do it and still be obedient to our
miles limit but when I read that i was once again reminded that this is not my work
but that it is the Lord's and as I focus on what He has asked me to do today, the
things that relate to tomorrow will work themselves out. It did end up working
itself out. We got a phone call a few days later from the mission housing
coordinator who told us that he was going to move another set of sisters into where
we were going to live and that we would be staying in our apartment and some other
sisters will be moving in with us. It works out so much better especially because we
found out yesterday that our Spanish ward will be combining some classes like
primary and YM/YW with the English ward that our new roommates cover.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak in Sacrament meeting in Spanish. My talk
was on missionary work and why I decided to serve a mission. I think it went pretty
well. It is my 2nd time speaking in this ward since i got here 6 months ago and I
think my Spanish has improved a lot since then. Right now I only cover part of one
spanish ward the Liahona 4th ward. Spanish missionaries around here usually cover
just one ward or even just part of one ward (my ward has 3 sets of missionaries and
covers the geographical area of 3 stakes) The work is going really well. I can't
believe that it is almost September. Time is going by so fast. I'm getting stronger
and a little faster on bikes and even the heat doesn't usually feel that bad most of
the time. Life is really good.
I love you all. Have a wonderful week!
Love Hermana Hartvigsen
Elder Josh Terry- Aug 29, 2011
Hello family!
Looks like another week has gone by. So crazy. Dad said it best when he said that the days go slow but the weeks absolutely fly by. So, I guess I will tell you what an average day is at the MTC. Wake up at 6:15, go get in the shower and get ready for the day. Then you leave the residence to be to class at 6:55. you then have personal study from about 7 to 8:15 then you have breakfast until 8:50. then, depending on the day you will either go teach a fake investigator from the community that comes in or you will have companionship study. After that we have lunch at 1 oclock. we then have class for 3 (hours), then personal study for an hour, then dinner for half hour. then we end the day with another 3 hour class. By the time 9:30 comes around I cant wait to get back to the room and go to bed by 10:30, even though that is really our only time to really unwind. You would think that being constantly so busy would get really old after a while but I love it.
Natalie to answer your question I leave on the 6th of September, Nate's birthday! Haha looks like you will get a happy birthday phone call. :)
So, interesting story. Nate and dad, do you remember that kid on the plane ride home from Alaska? Elder Christiensen? Well, he just got to the MTC Wednesday and he is in my zone. So crazy. And what makes it more funny is that we had a branch counsel leadership meeting and the departing district couldn't come so it was just the 2 district leaders from the zone. So I walk in to the meeting and there is Elder Christiensen. Just him and I in that meeting. I never would have guessed that on our plane ride home a few weeks ago. Small world. Oh and tell Steve Eller that people are freakin out about his book. I have had everyone from my district say they want one haha. Even the branch presidency said that. Before I forget, the plaque scripture that I want is DC 68:4-6. I hope that's right, I have read so many lately :) it's the one that in verse six talks about being of good cheer.
I want to thank everyone who has been sending me letters. you have no idea how important that is out here. I love it. and it's fun because as district leader I get to go pick up the mail. It's a very exciting part of the day :) and mom, yes I am getting your dear elders. I love it. So yesterday I had an interesting experience. I was feelin a bit homesick on Sunday just because during sacrament I was thinking about you all back home and how much I love you. I had the distinct impression that at that moment someone somewhere was praying for me. I have never felt it quite so strongly. So I want to thank you all for your prayers. It really does help. especially when sometimes you start to feel alone.
My companion and I are getting along pretty well. He's a nice enough guy. However, he doesn't really like to associate with the rest of the group which is kinda annoying. and his teaching style is different than mine. We have been on some interesting tangents...,oh, and the fact that he spent 5 hours writing letters last pday. Wow.. oh well I kinda understand. I want to communicate as much as I can. So I have seen Matt (Whittle) about 6 times a day! We have all the same eating times and gym times and I see him walkin around a lot. He is so great. I love him. And I saw Corbin (Moore) 3 times yesterday! I usually don't see him so everytime I give him my goodbye in case it is my last for the next 2 years. I can't wait for the rest of the crew to get out here. The district has come a long way. It is sometimes hard to manage them because they get so roudy but I started doing 2 interviews with them a week and it has really made them be better seeing as they know I am going to be checking up on them in a few days. They are a good bunch. Some of the just need to remember why they are here and who they represent. I want to leave you with a scripture I read yesterday when I felt homesick. D&C 31:3,5. I particularly like the very last line. It was what I needed to hear. the Lord works in mysterious ways. I am so grateful for this opportunity of serving a mission. and btw, yes dad I am living out of my suitcase, figure if im only 3 weeks I dont need to unpack ;) haha but I love you all so much. my testimony has grown immensely. I hope you all stay strong in faith and know that I will be back shortly! I love you all and I hope this upcoming week is great. Well time is up, so until next week!
Josh
P.S. Dad since I've been out here I have realized how much that Alaska trip meant to me. Thank you. I love you!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Elder Jake Baczuk-- new photos!!! Aug 27, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Sister Alex Hartvigsen-- August 22, 2011
Sometimes things get thrown at you when you least expect it. We had a moment like that yesterday when we were informed by the housing coordinator that we will be moving into the home of a member this coming Monday. It is very important to live with members but it also creates some challenges especially because these members live far from the visitors center and from where all of our investigators are and we have a daily miles allotment of 14. But that's ok, I know that things will work out in the way that they need to. I am excited to continue to work hard in our area. I love my mission. The work is going really well and I am seeing little miracles every day. We were able to get some bikes last week and we have been biking as much as possible. Last week when I started it was really hard for me because I am not in the best shape but I have grown a lot stronger and faster even on the big hills. I was thinking about that yesterday and I started to compare faith to riding my bike. We need to exercise faith in the same way that we do our muscles. As we do that our faith is strengthened and we find that we can do things that at first seemed impossible. The scriptures Ether 12:6,27 have really touched me this last week as I realize that my faith is being strengthened a little each day and that my weaknesses are slowly started to become strengths.
On a slightly random note, 2 weeks ago I found our that the Nashville Tribute band new tribute to the missionaries is out. It is called the work. I bought it and I loved it. I would highly recomend getting it for you. It is so good. Anyways, I thought you would enjoy that . Dad said Grandma is having more health problems, please let me know what is going on when you get a second. Tell Grandma hi for me and tell her that I love her.
I hope you have a great week. Thank you for all your support. I love you
Love Alex
Elder Tanner Williams Aug 22, 2011
Av. Circuito CD. Deportiva No. 206
Colonia Atasta
Villahermosa, Tabasco
C.P. 8610
Thank you so much for everything family. I love you all. - Elder Williams
Elder Hartvigsen and Elder Baczuk and Elder Terry
Elder Josh Terry (Minneapolis, Minnesota) and Elder Tyler Hartvigsen (Spokane, Washington) MTC AUG 2011
Elder Jake Baczuk (Jacksonville, Florida) and Elder Tyler Hartvigsen (Spokane, Washington) MTC AUG 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Elder Whittle - August 22, 2011
-Elder Whittle
Dear Familia:
Things are going great! I love it here! It already feels like I've been here forever, but not in a bad way. My companion is Elder Prince from Alberta, Canada. He's a very nice guy and very humble. He was just made District Leader so we will be busy as a companionship. The language is difficult, but I kno I'll get it down if I work hard and have faith. We teach a real investigator from Mexico tomorrow and we are teaching him in Espanol. The spirit here is amazing! It has such a happy, positive feeling. I've seen Elder Terry, Noorlander, Tingey, Avery, and a couple other Elders from High School. We stay very busy all day, and it's awesome! It's easy to just focus on the gospel. Thank you all for being great examples to me! I love you all. I'm sorry I've caused you all so much worry. The church is true! Don't be afraid to share your testimony with anyone! You will find joy in testifying of the truth of this gospel Be good. God is watching.
Love,
Elder Whittle
Elder Terry - August 22, 2011
Dear Family,
Where to begin. this has already been such an amazing experience. so since i have written you last i have already grown so much spiritually. The second day we were here they already had us teaching "investigators" it has been really difficult. I thought that i knew the gospel pretty well but when you are trying to explain it to someone else who knows nothing about it, it can be kind of hard. So i had struggled with that. However, i said probably the longest prayer of my entire life just prayin that if i will use all 9 hours of study time that i would be able to teach better. the next day was so amazing. I taught this lady the whole restoration. God answers prayers. i know that i could have never done that without him.
Right now its about 630 and im in the laundry room so i thought i might as well get my email sent early. we have 12 missionaries in our district. 8 elders and 4 sisters. My companion and i and one of the sisters are going to minnesota, 3 others to jamaca (however you spell that) and the rest are going to carlsbad california. Same as Matt! except they are english speaking. I have seen Elder Whittle about 6 times a day since i have been here. since we arrived on the same day we have the same eating times and more importantly GYM time! they have a little soccer field so i am excited to get out there and play. except the ironic thing is we arent allowed to go exercise on our P-day. Oh well i have some letters to write anyways. So some new news for ya. On thursday i was made District Leader! fun stuff. It really does get so hard to keep all the missionaries in line though because they are all the type that just like to party. Soon they will realize the reason they are here. Since i have been here i have realized how important mail is. It is literally your only communication with the outside world! haha. So a big thank you to all of you who have sent me letters. means a lot. They let you pick up your letters morning and evening so you can read them at night.
The spirit here is so incredible. Its crazy to me that i have only been here for 5 days. it seems sooo much longer than that. but from what i hear after your first sunday you lose track of time. Glad to hear that. Leaving everyone i love back home was one of the hardest things ill ever have to do but im thankful to know that this is what im supposed to be doing. I cannot stress enough the importance of being prepared. i thought with all the preach my gospel and reading everyday that i would be prepared. you can never be prepared enough.
I cant wait to get out to minnesota. as far as i know my departure date is on nates birthday sept. 6! So that should be fun. wow time goes by fast while writing these emails. i better send this off while i still have time. I love you all. thank you for supporting me in this. Let me know how all your weeks have been!
Josh
Friday, August 19, 2011
Sister Alex Hartvigsen- Mesa, Az Aug 15
This week we decided that we needed to ride bikes so that we could stay under our miles limit. That was definately a challenge. I am really not in shape. Oh well, The exersise will be really good for me ;)
I love you all and I hope you have a great week.
Love Hermana Hartvigsen.
Elder Hartvigsen- Spokane, WA Aug 17, 2011
To: ghartvigsen@hotmail.com
MTC VETERAN SPEAKING! HAHA
Not really! i still feel like im new here, and im leaving pretty soon! its crazy, but im not complaining, its nice here and all, but im ready to get out and teach the gospel, and get some baptisms.... hahaha im really excited to get to spokane, i leave monday if anyone was wondering. my flight is at 8:45 so ill probably be calling home really early in the morning monday just FYI, so be ready. i cant wait to talk to the family, but it probably wont be for very long. thanks for all the support everyone gives me, i really appreciate it. the mail and packages are really nice! thanks so much, i love you all. so guess what, i JUST saw elder terry!!! i ran up and gave him a big hug and made sure he feels welcome. i asked where he is staying so im gonna drop by sometime today to get some pics with him and to chat for a bit. dont worry terry family, he is good hands here! for anyone who knows the MTC (probably just alex) i am in 6m and josh is in 14m. so i had some really cool experiences this week. when the last new district came in they had alot of issues. so i stepped in to help with my companion. one had severe food posioning, and another elder was really really really homesick. i gave my first blessing to the sick elder, and then my second to the home sick elder. the next day the sick elder with the food posioning felt perfectly fine! but the home sick elder was still struggling. after some more talking, testimony bearing, and encouragement he decided to pray about staying or leaving the next night. in the morning he approached me and told me that he had a really strong impression that he needed to stay, and told me it was largely cause of my blessing and testimony. i already feel like im doing missionary work. and who says miracles dont happen!? haha it is such a blessing to be able to be an instruments in God's hands. i am learning to love this gospel soo much more everyday. i am really excited to get out and help people find the joy that i have in my life! so TJ, did you put that hammer spring in my AR? have you guys gone out and done any shooting yet? make sure you clean it if you shoot it ok? but other than that shoot it a bunch. dad, camp williams sounds really cool, i am kinda jealous you got to do all those paintball drills and such, that sounds like a blast!! let me know when you find out what happens with the deployment. mom thanks for shipping all my stuff up for me. oh so did i tell everyone about elder walker in my district? we have become really good friends out here, and he is going to spokane too! he is AMAZING at basketball, he has a full ride scholarship to UNLV when he gets home to play ball as a point guard. its so cool to see that he is giving up his time to serve the lord. anyways, im sorry that my grammar and spelling is horrible, but i have limited time, so i just hurry and type. haha i love everyone, and really look forward to hearing from you all. i love you!!!
-elder Hartvigsen
Calling All MOMS!
I will post the letters and pictures on our new blog. (It would be nice to get some pics so I don't have to just use stock missionary photos :) This will give all of us left at home a chance to share their experiences. It will be a great way to keep track and stay in touch with all of these wonderful missionaries. If you give me their contact info, I can post that too, so we can send letters. Thanks for your support, this should be a really fun blog!
PS. You can invite any other missionary families to view or participate. The more missionaries the merrier!