August 1994

August 1st, 1994 – Monday

Today has been loco!  This morning was sweet!   We were in class & Brother Taylor said, “Ok. Let’s go to the Training Resource Center.”…..What!?  So we went to a building with a mock door scene for missionaries here to practice. It was very fun but humbling.  Our 1st door was a young girl & we got in. We BRT’d (Built Relationships of Trust) for a while & got her committed to listen to the 1st discussion.  It was good. Elder Ashworth helped me out a few times. About the Book of Mormon. The 2nd time it was an old lady who was always talking of the love she had for her family.  It was good. We shared Mosiah 2:17 (service of fellow beings – service of Got). The spirit was felt. It was good. At lunch, I went to get an appointment for my wart & they told me to call home….Ok!  No argument! So I called & talked to Liz. She sounded good. I got Mom’s #. I talked to her. It was real good to talk to her. She’s awesome. I love her. She’s sending me a package. I got my contacts today but some gunk is coming out of my left eye.  I think I have the wrong size. I need to check it. I had a bad afternoon. I talked to Brother Ballado & told him I didn’t feel good washing feet. He understood & reassured me he doesn’t think any less of me. Elder Ashworth – ALL DAY – was asking me how I am.  It bugged me because I was fine, just a little sick. I need to chill. Tonight was sweet! Book of Mormon study didn’t go good because we talked about TV shows & movies. Not good. But tonight, we worked on resolving concerns. I worked with Elder Dickman & I felt the spirit so much.  I resolved his concerns by telling him about me sharing LDM (Libro de Mormon or Book of Mormon) with Jason Andreski. It was exactly what he needed to hear & the spirit guided me! The Spirit is necessary. I learned that scriptural knowledge is very helpful but it’s the spirit that matters most!  I’m going to be in Ecuador this month. I pray that I can be as ready as possible. I love this work & my prayers are going out to Jenna. She may have cancer in her ovaries. I pray not!

August 2nd, 1994 – Tuesday

My eyes are so doggone tired, it’s crazy!  My nose & eyes are messed. I need some rest.  BAD! I hope the Lord blesses me with good health.  Today I learned a lot. I know I need to teach with the Spirit all the time.  Today I got to an appointment for my eyes. I had to call Dad. He told me not to write him.  Yeah right. I’ll write him. I talked to Trent & tried to give him advice to stay on the straight & narrow.  I’m so dead tired. Tonight President Steed gave us a talk on staying active. Not falling away. Joe J. Christensen spoke to us tonight.  He emphasized opening our mouths & having no fear. I need to do this during my mission! I ran into Randy today. He’s doing good. He said Jenna was doing well.  I hope so, she’s in my prayers! I’m getting ready to sleep. Tomorrow is P-Day. These journal entries are lame. I can’t remember everything has happened during the day.  It’s just one big blur!

August 3rd, 1994 – Wednesday

Today was P-Day.  I woke up & felt terrible.  I went & ate then slept from 7am to 10:30am or so.  I’m still a bit sick. I hope I get over it. (SOON!)  I did laundry, wrote the family, played hoops. I felt a little better after hooping.  I hooped later too. It was tiring but fun. Kidman is in our gym class. It’s cool. Goettsche and I were just talking of how amazing it is that 2 guys from the same baseball team, who knew each other a year before, got called to the same mission & are in the same room after entering the MTC the same day.  I know there’s a reason for Elder Goettsche & I being here together. He’s awesome & is a humble servant of the Lord. I want to be his comp sometime. Today I got a package from Mom. It was real nice of her. She sent goodies and a harmonica. I’m excited to learn how to play. Tonight’s class was very good.  We went over 1.6 about the Spirit. We also learned about Haber & Tener. It was fun figuring things out. I can’t wait to speak Spanish fluently. I need to work harder than ever these next few weeks. I love this work & even though I’m sick, I want to work harder. I just thought of a missionary here who has something physically wrong with him.  Here I am crying about being sick when this Elder deals with it everyday, and he still went on a mission. I look up to him!

August 4th, 1994 – Thursday

Today I’ve felt a little better. I had a great day.  I’ve felt the Spirit quite a bit about the power of the Book of Mormon & its use on any problem anyone has.  With the Spirit, any concern can be resolved. The Spirit is necessary. It’s great to know I’m on the Lord’s side.  Today Elder Goettsche & I had the opportunity to bear our testimonies at a Speak Your Language meeting. Elder Ballado gave the speaker our names & we bore our testimony in Spanish to about 200 people.  It was a great feeling. I have all confidence when I feel the spirit. Tonight I felt the spirit a lot solving Elder Sweep’ concern. I used the Book of Mormon. That book is very powerful.

August 5th, 1994 – Friday

Today has been a great day.  I’ve felt great physically which I know is the Lord helping me out.  I’m not 100% healthy but much better. Today in class we did practices on different situations.  We practiced the introductions & conclusions of the 1st discussion. It was good. We also practiced approaching someone watering grass & teaching the 1st discussion to him.  Also we shared the Book of Mormon to invite a Stake Missionary to talk to someone about the church. In all instances, when I felt the spirit, I knew exactly what to ask & say next!  I know it’s a role play but it is real, too. Tonight for example, I promised that I’d write Jason Andreski & tell him he needs to listen to the missionaries. Tonight I got mad at Elder Dickman.  I need to avoid those situations because I lose the Spirit when I argue. Tomorrow we teach the whole 1st discussion. Tonight we were supposed to get our travel plans, but they didn’t come. We might be delayed.  Whatever is fine.

August 6th, 1994 – Saturday

Tonight I talked to Jenna.  She told me Randy left to baptize Danny in Nebraska.  That is so awesome! I’m so happy for him. I’m going to write him.  Today we practiced teaching the whole 1st discussion. Elder Goettsche, Rotz, & Dickman were playing the role of 3 clueless college students.  It was hard trying to teach them all things, but it was a great learning experience. I learned that working with the spirit questions just flow to my mind.  It’s a great feeling. This afternoon our class talked about each person & read letters our parents wrote. It was fun & all three teachers were there. We ate with Elder McHoes & we talked baseball. Tonight we had fun.  I was laughing a bit & things. It was fun. I have fun joking with Elder Ferguson & Elder Sweep. I looked at Elder Ashworth today & saw a young man trying his hardest to do God’s will. I know he wanted to be the best missionary.  I need to change my ways & try to make his mission the best. I’ve got to remember that.

August 7, 1994 – Sunday

Today has been sweet.  I bore my testimony in Sacrament today.  I thanked the Lord for all my blessings & promised I’d work hard everyday.  I need to remember that my time is the Lord’s time. That’s something I need to always remember.  I talked to president Gifford about me wanting to be much closer to Elder Ashworth. He reminded me that everyone has their comfort zone & I need to respect it.  It’s true, I need to chill & just be his bud & help him with whatever he needs. I talked to Elder Peterson today. He’s a cool guy. He’s having minor problems with Elder Rotz.  Tonight I got a note from Sister Bowlden. It told me about things Sister Canter said about me. She can’t trust me, I’m out to get her, etc. Whatever. I’m kind of hurt she’d think that way but I can’t sit down & talk to her about it.  It’ll blow up again. I just need to keep showing love & kindness toward her. That’s all I can do. It’s in the Lord’s hands, but if there’s something I can do, I’ll do it. I know I’ve done everything out of love. Sister Canter will see that some day.  I hope. If not, her posterity can read this. Today I fasted that I’d come closer to learn to show more love for Elder Ashworth. I hope this helps me to show more love for all people. Today I felt the spirit many times. I know that this is the true church and that it was restored by Joseph Smith.  I need to feel worthy & ready to share it. We might have problems with travel plans., so I have more time to prepare. That’s good because I need to be as close & in tune to the Spirit as I can.

August 8th, 1994 – Monday

Today has been an eventful day.  We practiced the 2nd discussion up to the 4th principle.  It’s fun to see how the 12 Apostles chose to put the basics of the gospel in words.  Today we found out our travel plans. The Sisters came in & told us. They 1st said – remember that the Lord knows what he’s doing. They let us know we weren’t leaving until September 27th, but that I was leaving September 7th!  I wonder why the Lord has me leaving earlier? Maybe someone needs me now in Ecuador. Whatever the reason I’m thankful for the opportunity to leave on time. I honestly wish I could stay with the District & leave with them, but I know the Lord knows what He’s doing.  Today I received a letter from Mandee Ellis. She’s a young girl who wrote me to tell me thank you for my farewell talk. She thanked Meredith too, & told us we influenced her back on the straight & narrow. I’m planning on writing to her & encouraging her to keep straight.  I want to help her. It’s nice that I can know that I’ve affected someone’s life for the better. I thank God for answering my prayer. I prayed before my farewell that I would touch someone’s heart. I love the Lord, & I know He answers prayers. I pray I can help more people.  I pray with all my heart I can have the Spirit with me so that I can help others to come to Christ. It is the best feeling to know that through you the spirit has touched someone else’s life. I love my life.

August 9th, 1994 – Tuesday

Today was aight.  In our afternoon class we did Commitment Patter Practice with another district.  It was a good change. I need to work on my teaching. I got a letter from Jen Tryon today.  Im’ going to write her back soon. Today I started organizing my Libro de Mormon. I marked scriptures for street contacts & quick sharing.  Tonight we had a fireside. Elder Choules spoke. He emphasized finding your real reason for being in each place, obeying rules, & realizing the importance of representing Jesus Christ.  I need to always remember this. Be the best missionary POSSIBLE! I’ve been reading about Abinadi & Alma. Abinadi gave his life for the Lord. He’s a great example to me. I would die before I turned against or denied the true church.  I hope I can be as effective as those two. They’re examples to me. Tomorrow is P-Day. Up at 5:20am to the Temple!

August 10th, 1994 – Wednesday

Today was a good day.  We woke up at 5:20am & got up quick & went to the Temple.  It was good to get into the Temple again. I need it’s help.  I need the Lord’s help. We played hoops 3 times. The 3rd time I was dead tired.  Me & Rognon always try and get on the same teams. He’s cool, man. I wrote quite a few people.  I wrote Mandee Ellis. I hope the Lord guided my pencil. Next time I write someone I want to touch, I’m going to pray 1st.  I need to follow Elder McHoe’s style. He prays before everything for help. He’s a stud. Tonight we had a good class. It was Elder McHoes last night.  At the end, we gave him a book of notes (letters from us). We also sang “God be with you till we meet again” It was touching. We’re going to see McHoes’ mom this Sunday.  I’m excited to see her. I’m keeping her smoking problem in my prayers. McHoes told us to remember to share and ask for experiences. He said he regretted not doing that. Well, I still want to grow closer to Christ.  I’ve made so much progress, but I want to be like an Apostle. Elder McHoes mentioned this. That’s what I want to be like, an Apostle!

August 11th, 1994 – Thursday

Me & Elder Sweep just had a WWE wrestling match.  We had everyone involved at the end. It was sweet.  Elder Sweep & I became friends at the end – Tag Team Champs.  Today was pretty cool. Maestro Ballado was funny today. We had a good time in his class.  He’s hilarious. Me & Elder Goettsche have fun with him all the time. Today at dinner the sisters shared a scripture with me.  We’re having a woman versus man scripture war. It’s getting old. Tonight we got a new teacher – Sister Scott. She has a lot of enthusiasm.  She’s cool & expectus us to do awesome. That’s good. Some of the Elders in the district were being childish toward her. Not cool. Her scripture sharing was on 2 Nephi 8.  It was good to remind us of the destruction that awaits us. We always need to be ready. I got a letter today from a Family in the Niceville Ward. That was nice of them. I’m having fun here.  I’ve made great friends with Elder Spencer, Elder Sweep. They’re cool. I need to become better friends with everyone else, especially my comp. It’s hard though because he always thinks he is right.  But he’s Christ-like. That’s all that counts. The only thing is he always seems to have contradicting opinions. I make a comment and he seems to go the other way. It’s aight. Buenas Noches!

August 12th, 1994 – Friday

Today I learned I need to use the spirit in my teaching.  I was teaching a principal & trying to think of how to conjugate & say things that I wasn’t focusing much on feeling.  Elder Ballado helped me to see that & I realize I need to depend on the spirit & then my words will flow. I need to do this:  Work on the spirit & let the language come naturally through it. Sister Scott is a neat lady. She shares with us a lot of experiences & is really enthused about being with us.  She’s always complimenting us on ourselves. She’s very nice. Tomorrow our district gets to teach the 1st discussion in Spanish. It’ll be a good experience. I pray I can share it with strength.  I love this work. I’m glad I’ve got the support of my family. They bless me quite a bit. I love them all.

August 13th, 1994 – Saturday

Today has been a good, humbling day.  This morning Elder Ashworth & I taught the 1st discussion to a real investigator (Blanca).  It went good, the spirit was felt very strongly! I had a hard time understanding what she was saying:  Whether she was asking a question or if she was just commenting. I got real frustrated when Maestro Ballado was there.  It was tough. Tonight I was telling Ashworth that I learned how weak I am in the language, & he said or how good you are in it & I got annoyed.  I don’t know why but he seems like he’s out to prove my opinions wrong. I just make a simple comment & he always tries to contradict it! This is just one example.  Tonight I just let him know that I’m trying to improve myself, & the only way to improve is to recognize my faults. If I’m always positive & think that everything I did was excellent then I’d have a great self esteem (turn to pride) but would progress none.  I don’t know. I think Elder Ashworth is innocent & simple & is honestly just trying to help me. But it is frustrating to try & get some points of wisdom I’ve learned in my life across to him, when he always comes back with a general comment on the subject I’m talking about.  Enough is enough. I care about my cop, & it’s obvious he cares about me, but it’s frustrating to communicate with him when we’ve had such different backgrounds. This afternoon we worked with another class & taught different situations. It was a great experience. I wanted to do better, but I felt I did good.  I realized I need to rely TOTALLY ON THE SPIRIT, AND NOT MY OWN COMMUNICATION SKILLS. Today Elder Ferguson was doing impressions and it was hilarious! He is good.

August 14th, 1994 – Sunday

Today has been good.  I did waste some time I feel I could’ve used with reading.  Me & Elder Sweep made Tag Team Championship Belts. They are sweet!  Sweep’s coo! Today our district went to the Temple & met Brother McHoes’ mom.  She’s so cool! She’s in my prayers. When she met us she started to cry. I hope she can overcome her problem!  I felt good spending time with her. Today’s meetings were great. I felt the spirit strongly about service. I know I need to serve my companions & also serve other people. Elder Ashworth gave a talk on Prayer.  It was good to be reminded to have sincere prayers every night. Our district is doing great, I love each of them. I’m in the Lord’s work. Nothing could be better!

August 15th, 1994 – Monday

Today has been cool.  In the morning my comp & I went & got my eyes examined.  I found out that because of my lack to clean my contacts, my eyes have started to produce enzymes to fight my contacts because of the dirt.  So I got some eye drops to take this away. We came home, & played hoops. It was cool. I hung with Rognon & his comp Ashworth. They’re both cool.  The afternoon class was sweet. Ballado bought me (exchanged) my shoes. He also interviewed me. He asked me again to wash Elder Ashworth’s feet. I don’t know.  Today I got a letter from Mishaun. She’s doing good & so is little James. It’s good to hear from them. Tonight’s class was good. I need to refocus, man. I’m having a lot of fun, but I don’t want to have too much – I’ve got to stay focused.  I need to work on Spanish. I need to read the Book of Mormon in Spanish. It’ll help my language out big time. Tonight, Elders Sweep & I had the presentation of our belts. No one showed up to our press conference so we went room to room instead.  Now everyone knows we’re the champs. – I need to stop messing around & use my time.

 

August 16th, 1994 – Tuesday

Today has been good.  This morning we finished up the 2nd discussion.  This afternoon I studied a bit & fell asleep. Man, I get tired.  This afternoon I went to get my wart removed, but nobody was there.  W’sup? They messed up my appointment. I don’t know why, but the doctor wasn’t there today.  So we wasted some hours. We had a teacher named Brother Norwood today. He’s cool. We taught ½ of the 2nd discussion.  Tonight President Steed talked to us about judging others. I need to remember everyone is different & that I need to look for good qualities in people.  I need to have patience with my companion and find ways to love him. Tonight Elder Nadaul spoke to us. He spoke on faith. Faith is what built the worlds & us.  I need to work on my faith. Tomorrow I’m getting up at 5:20am. Elder Goettsche wants to get up that early. He’s got to do things. I don’t want to get up that early but I will.  I pray that I won’t get sick again. See, I need more faith!

August 17th, 1994 – Wednesday

Today was P-day.  We got up at 5:20am (Goettsche’s idea).  The Temple was awesome. I felt the spirit a lot & asked that I would be a great missionary.  I felt the spirit very strongly. We got a lot of things done. I didn’t see Ether. Maybe tomorrow.  I wrote Jason Andreski, Jen Tryon & Kristin Polous. I asked each of them what they thought about God.  I hope I wasn’t too direct. I hope they will feel the spirit when reading my letters. I pray that they will decide to listen to the discussions.  Elder Gomez came in here. He said he didn’t have a testimony of baptism. I feel for him. I want him to know of the truthfulness of this Gospel. He’s going to be an awesome missionary.  Tonight was a fun class. Everyone had the giggles. That’s cool but I wanted to feel the spirit more. Today Elder Ashworth was bothered by me going to the gym with Elder Goettsche. He felt I didn’t care about it.

August 18th, 1994 – Thursday

Today has been good.  This afternoon, we gave feedback to a group (the two dudes I gave it to were two guys I was mad at during hoops).  I’m glad I got the opportunity to give feedback. Especially to them, they’re good guys. Our sub teacher was Brother Norwood.  He’s a good guy. Tonight Elder Peterson & I were laughing during our 2nd Discussion. We couldn’t stop it at all. It was bad. Elder Sweep & I were talking about 1st impressions & that we need to not judge others.  It’s important to remember. Today I found out I’m alone on the plane. I pray for strength not to turn on the T.V. Today I saw Elder Holland (Tyler – Ether). He’s cool. I’m getting better with Spanish. The Lord is blessing me!

August 19th, 1994 – Friday

Today was awesome! This morning we worked on the discussion number 2. We’re teaching it tomorrow. I pray that I can teach with the spirit and be able to relax and think clearly! This afternoon Elder Sweep and I walked in Maestro Ballado’s room with our belts on and shades on.  It was funny. This afternoon I drew a picture of everyone in our class. It was funny and fit everyone pretty good. This evening, the Book of Mormon studying was good. I just read about how Nehor killed Gideon for his beliefs. There’s another example for me to follow. Today I got letters from the family. It’s so good to hear from them, it makes my day. Mere, mom and dad lift up my week! Tonight we talked about families. It was going pretty rough, then I told Elder Dickman to take control. From there on the spirit came in big time. Elder Ashworth was crying because I knew he had problems with his family. He really wants them to be close. I know he does, and I want to help him all I can. I think I’d like to write a letter to his family to let them know how he feels. He’s a great guy. I let him know I love him and each person in the district. We have a close district and I’m thankful for that. I felt the spirit in that class so strong. I knew it had to be within us. After we finished talking about families, no one wanted to move or say a word because of the strength of the spirit. Elder Ashworth just thanked me for sharing my feelings tonight because he said he felt alone. I’m so happy I did share my feelings for him because I do have those feelings. So today has been a great day. I’ve grown closer to Christ and all my beliefs are solidified a little better. I’m thankful to my Lord for his blessings and his guidance in my life.  Some commitments I’ve made this past week are to pray when in need of help, to have love for those who are less fortunate, to look for ways to serve, to love one another. These things I want to do for the rest of my life! This church is true! Tomorrow I get to teach the second discussion! Yee ha! Wish me luck!

August 20th, 1994 – Saturday

Sweet day! First of all, this morning we taught the second discussion to a real investigator. His name was Mike. I tell you what, I prayed that I would speak and listen by the spirit and that’s exactly what happened! Each principle was smooth. If he had a concern, it was very easy to resolve. The spirit guided me as to what to say. It’s like I was in a zone, just a feeling of relaxed comfort and confidence knowing that I could say what I needed. I didn’t worry about the language, but rather just talked about what I needed to say. It was like giving a priesthood blessing. Ideas just popped right into your mind and the spirit is in every cell of your body. Elder Ashworth had the same experience I had last week – frustration. He said I helped him out of a lot of jams, but I thought he did great. His Spanish is getting better daily. We worked really well together. It was fun. I invited him to be baptized in the fifth principle. I could go on, but this experience was just awesome! I know that the spirit helped me and I need to always have it with me. With it, I can be powerful. Without it, I ain’t nothing! This afternoon Elder Rognon and I went up in front of and LGM and were examples of the perfect missionaries. It was a lot of fun. Rognon’s a cool guy. This afternoon we taught 3 situations to another class. I felt Elder Ashworth and I did great, but I felt the last one we did was not very good. We had an outline for it, but Elder Ashworth wanted to do something different so I told him to follow his feelings. Mistake. It was weak.   Elder Ashworth thought it was good, but I felt we went about it all wrong. It’s just something we disagreed on. I feel I work close with the spirit. In fact, I know I do and I need to take control. Tonight was pretty good. Sister Scott challenged us to stay chaste for our missions and our lives. I feel it is very important. Maestro Ballado finished making me my flip chart. He is such a nice man! He’s awesome. Tomorrow is Sunday. I’ve got 17 more days. I’m excited. Missionary work is the thing I want to do all my life!

August 21st, 1994 – Sunday

Today started off with Sweep teaching us about testimonies. He did great! He said he was thankful he could teach the lesson and said he enjoyed it. It was good. I thought whether I’d die for my testimony or not. I know I would. I know I die for my beliefs. Examples to me are Jesus Christ, Abinadi, Gideon, and Joseph Smith. There are many more too! The meetings today were sweet! I learned a ton! President Gifford gave a good talk on the atonement. I felt the spirit very strong and I knew that he knew Christ lives. Today I also remember hearing about the power I have. I need to realize and have the faith that I can be an instrument in God’s hands through the Holy Ghost. I imagined myself talking in the middle of a city at the top of my lungs telling the people to listen to what I have to say. I would talk about Christ and say what the spirit directed. I need to overcome my fear of man and the language my first day! I need to be myself and have the mission that I want to have starting today! Today Sherman Crump spoke. He is such a good speaker. He speaks fast then slow and keeps the audience interested. He reminded us that God is always watching us. I need to remember that.  We have an Elder in here from South America named Elder Garcia. He’s 25 years old and is a great example to me. I need to refocus each day and remind myself why I’m here.

August 22nd, 1994 – Monday

Today was tough to stay focused. Tonight, Sister Scott gave a CPP example. She took one hour and 15 minutes, man! If you don’t know, that’s long! No one was paying attention, she lost mine. I felt bad, but she just is treating us like we had no clue. We practiced the new member discussions. Elder Peterson and I figured out if she did the whole first discussion it would last 6 hours. The new members would go inactive! Anyway, the Elders found out what they’ll be doing here – more class. A few aren’t too happy, but I’m sure they’ll accept it. Elder Spencer has an awesome attitude and we were talking about we go where we go for a reason.  This is true because each time we would move to a new place (my family in the Air Force), we knew that God sent us there for a reason. I’m thankful I got to leave early. There is a reason. President Howard W. Hunter will be here September 13th rumor says. I’m happy my district will have something awesome to look to.

August 23rd, 1994 – Tuesday

Happy Birthday Meredith! She is 18 or something. Today has been great, this morning was pretty good.   We read Spanish a lot. This afternoon we found out Ballado is leaving this Saturday. That’s pretty sad. Today in his class we read a talk on chastity and putting a lock on our heart. We need to watch our relationships with women. We need to speak up because of love if our companion is doing something we don’t feel good about or know is wrong. I need to follow His spirit and know good from bad. It’s very important to do this.  Tonight I got a note from Sister Bowlden. She said she finally realized how the blessing I gave needs to be applied. She loves Sister Cantor and this brings me joy! I love Christ for His love and His example that we need to follow. President Gifford spoke to us tonight on the spirit world. 1st Corinthians 15: 40 – 42. I need to remember. His words were strong and I know we’d return to the spirit world someday. Tonight I had the privilege to hear from the Apostle Neil A. Maxwell. He’s a very intelligent man. He gave us many logical ways to prove that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true. He’s obviously a prophet of God, and it is neat to look at him and know he is in my presence or I am in his! I feel the spirit strongly when I look at an Apostle, and know that he has spoken with Christ. It is amazing to think of. I hope one day I’ll be worthy enough to be touched. My ultimate goal! Tonight, Elder Ashworth shared with me his patriarchal blessing or part of it. He is such a good humble man. I love him and want to be his best friend. I need to be kinder to him and talk more with him and show more love to him!

August 24th, 1994 – Wednesday

Today we went to the Temple and did a session. It was our last session together as a district. The spirit was strong and I love the temple. Today I went to gym, did laundry, went to gym and then went to get my wart froze off. I need to return to get it checked again before I go. It kind of hurt. Today I wrote Mandy Ellis. And the spirit was with me. I hope I can touch her somehow and help her out. 

• This was written the night of August 27th in my journal, referencing August 24th:

• • GOAL from August 24 – We were supposed to write down a goal in our journal about the families in Ecuador.  Here it is:

• • • I want to get the members involved.  I want to have families become excited about missionary work, and to tell family & friends.  I want to keep all families active.

August 25th, 1994 – Thursday

Today was pretty uneventful and not much was done. There was a big highlight this morning. Sister Canter wanted a blessing. She hasn’t been feeling well at all the past few days. Elder Ashworth, Elder Faust, and Elder Chapman were there, along with Sister Bowlden and another sister. I felt the spirit very strongly. It’s such an awesome experience to give a blessing. The ideas of what to say next come into your mind. It was great to think of what she needed to hear. The spirit was in the room, and I hope I touched sister Canter or actually that the spirit touched her.  She looked 95% better tonight. I hope she continues to have faith. She can be an awesome missionary! during classes today we seemed to have gotten nothing done. Not good. I don’t have much time! Tonight, the welfare sisters gave us a lesson on importance of families. I realized how much I love every member of my family! They are the best.

August 26, 1994 – Friday

Today has been pretty good.  Brother Price told us today to not worry about the language, but rather to worry about having the Spirit. I agree with this completely. The Lord will help us do the things he wants us to do! This afternoon I got a note from Hermana Bowlden saying that Hermana Canter is totally sick! They’re taking her to the hospital to get tested. She may not stay, but I hope she does. She’s in my prayers. This afternoon Elder Ballado challenged us to do something very good to serve our companions. He then talked to me about washing Elder Ashworth’s feet. I think I can do it.  When and where is the question! No privacy here! I think I can do it now because I have more love for Elder Ashworth. This evening I talked with Randy. I took him out of class. He told me Danny was doing well and would receive the priesthood this Sunday. That is so sweet! He asked me to pray for Kenny. I’ll do it. I gave him my Spanish visual helps for the discussion so Jenna could fix them up. Tonight we had an SYL (Speak Your Language) meeting. I need to practice the language every day! This is a goal! Tonight I talked with Elder Goettsche in the public shower. We were talking about the death of his brother and dad and the difficulty of it. He’s a strong man and I would love to be his companion some day. He is very spiritual. Today my dad wrote me and told me he’s the new Bishop! Wow! That’s awesome! He’s gonna be good!

August 27th, 1994 – Saturday

Today was unbelievable! This morning, we taught the first member discussion to Mark Peterson our investigator. It went great. I shared experiences about getting lost in Disneyland and praying, and then about fasting (the Ward did when I fell down the chimney). The spirit was strong. I understood all of his concerns and comments. I know it was through the spirit. This afternoon was Maestro Ballado’s last class. We taught situations and Elder Ashworth and I did very well on everyone.  We worked together well and used the commitment pattern very well. It was a good experience! Maestro Ballado read a poem to us and sang a song. It was about two best friends in heaven. They both anxiously waited for a call. One of them received a call saying, “You will be born in the promised land and will be born with the priesthood in your home.” The two rejoiced for the call and shed tears of joy. The second one received his call, he had the other one read it. It read, “You will live in a land of poverty, of broken families. You will not have the gospel in your life, but must find it to return. You will be born in Ecuador.” The two friends began to cry and the one going to the promised land said to the other, “I’ll find you. I promise!” This story hit me big time. I realized that there are many people on this earth who I don’t recognize. Some of these people could have been my best friend before. I need to take advantage of every opportunity. You never know when you do something wrong, it takes you off track and you miss your best friend and break your promise to your friend. That won’t happen to me! I PROMISE! Tonight we had our last large group meeting. I tell you what, something hit me hard! We watched a video on Jesus Christ and his life with “Never a Better Hero” playing. It was after seeing this movie that I realized Jesus Christ lived! He lived 2000 years ago! All of the teachings and things he did in his life (atonement, healings, crucifixion, parables) is what we are teaching! I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ, and I am a missionary for it. Jesus Christ is watching me. He wants me to be successful. I am one of His soldiers. He is so real, I am ready to see Him appear. I love Him so much. I’ve known this all my life, but I finally can see the whole picture of my purpose as a missionary to teach souls of Christ. Bring them to Christ! I’m so grateful for my blessings. I feel bad for the times I took them for granted. I can imagine Christ’s look of frustration and feeling of pain when I did things. He knew I could make it to my mission and I did. If I do, I’ll be damned because I know it’s true!

August 28th, 1994 – Sunday

Today was a day of learning. This morning we had a lesson on gifts of the spirit by Elder Booth. It was good. I realized the gifts I have and the gifts I will and can have. Afterward we had our branch correlation meeting. After this, Hermana’s Foote and Van Dyke, President Steed and Brower, Elder Ashworth and I talked about Sister Canter. She is getting some test results back tomorrow. I predict another explosion just like on previous times. I feel bad for Sister Bowlden. She has gone through a lot of trash. Today, President Steed taught me a good lesson. I learned that I need to not worry about what other people think. I need to tell them what I know to be right and I know to be good, and not worry if they don’t like me. I need to stand tall and know I’m on the Lord side! We sung “Para Siempre Dios Este Con Vos”. It went well I thought. Our district can sing. Tonight after dinner Sister Foote and Van Dyke told us Sister Canter didn’t like talking to President Steed. So after the fireside I called Brower and relayed some messages. The fireside, Sister Barney gave an excellent talk on the armor of God! I need to fight a good fight, and have on the armor of God! President Barney talked about the worth of souls. He made me realize how important and how special I am. Today was spiritually uplifting! I’ve got to write a note to Sister Bowlden. She needs some encouragement. I’ve got one and a half weeks! Our district goal is to put forth a good effort with a good attitude!

August 29th, 1994 – Monday

Today was real good! this morning Brother Price and us had a very spiritual experience. He had us write ourselves and he is going to send them to us in a year. I’m excited to get it. Brother Ballado took Elder Goettsche and I out of class to bare testimonies in the SYL (Speak Your Language) meeting for first week persons. Elder Goettsche got to bare his. He’s a great speaker and is going to be an awesome missionary. I hope we can be companions! This afternoon we didn’t have a teacher, so we had personal study.  We mostly studied, but a few of the elders left outside so I don’t know if they studied or not. I’m writing down scriptures to help members and investigators. During my studying Sister Bowlden took me out of class and told me that Sister Canter has anemia and a high metabolism. They were worried because this had zero to do with her real problem if she had one. We had a meeting about Disease Control. I learned a few things I’ll need to do in Ecuador, like not to bite my nails, stick things in my mouth, use tap water etc. Tonight we didn’t do much in class. Sister Bowlden pulled me out of class again and told me that when her and Sister Jensen returned, they saw Sister Canter and Sister Jensen’s companion talking deeply. So they left those two alone, and it looks like Sister Canter spilt something deep! We don’t know what, but something. That’s something she needed to do. Hopefully, everything will be figured out. Tonight, President Brower is going to interview Sister Canter. I hope it all works. She’s a great gal and I want the best for her.  The lord’s will be done!

August 30th, 1994 – Tuesday

Today has been a long, trying, yet good day. Elder Gomez spent the night with us because he was in a room without a companion. He became our new companion. This morning he switched to our room downstairs. We did a lot of studying, then Brother Price had us write letters to ourselves that he’ll send to us after our mission.  We then we watched “On the way home” and it made me realize how lucky I am to have my family. I love them so much, and I got emotional when the Scotts love showed for his little sister who died. It’s a great show. I had a wart appointment at the BYU Health Center. The bus drove up and there was Leroy. He is such a stud! We talked a while, he said he saw Kathy Ricks. He has seen a lot of fine women he says are skinny.  Then Jenna walked in. It was so dang awesome to talk to them, especially after seeing “On the Way Home”. I love those two. Leroy sounds like he’s hooked up good with coach. I hope so! He’s sweet. Jenna gave me something I’ll probably end up translating to get members to get investigators. This afternoon I studied a lot and wrote down scriptures that will help investigators and members. I hope the Lord helps me. Tonight President Browers gave a talk on repentance and so did Elder Tingey and Elder Porter at the devotional. The Hermanas came by every two or so hours to update me. Today Sister Canter saw a counselor. That didn’t rub her the right way. It got to where Browers was calling the district president and they were calling president Barney. President Barney is trying to get Sister Bowlden stateside. Sister Bowlden wanted a blessing and her brother Elder Bowlden and his companion, plus Elder Eshworth and I. Elder Bowlden gave it and it was obviously God speaking. I feel the Hermanas have all done the right thing. Hermana Nielson and Sanford have been awesome. I’m glad they’re going to my mission. Today Elder Price promised us by the priesthood that if we realized our potential we’d be blessed! I love this church. I know it’s true. All these trials and struggles are for our own good.

August 31, 1994 – Wednesday

Today was P- day! Yee ha! This morning I got up at 4:50 AM to go to the temple. Elder Dickman, Elder Goettsche, Elder Gomez and Elder Ashworth and I all left at 5 AM. We did initiatories at 5:30 AM. It was so good to hear once again what I heard the first time going through the temple. I understood it a little better this time. I did 10 people. I think they were all there, present with me. I know that the spirit world is on earth but in another dimension we can’t hear, feel, or see. It’s confounding to think about. After we did an initiatories we did an endowment session. I was very happy to be able to go one last time to this.  Iit will give me the strength to have a top notch mission! I know it! We ate breakfast at the temple – pretty good. Not expensive, but for a missionary it was. We came back and did laundry. I got a letter from Gwen Petty today (post card) which was nice of her. I wrote her right back, so she probably thinks I’m desperate for letters. Hopefully she just thinks I like her and have excitement to write her. Well, I wrote Ma, Trent, Liz, and Dad. It’s good to get letters from them and write them. I love hearing about my family and my dog Swansea. She ate Liz & Mere’s retainers! Atta girl! I miss Swansea! I played hoops twice (Dixie due, Rognan, Smooth from Snow – Feball).  I shined my shoes, too. I bought a few pictures for investigators I’ll have. Special ones. Tonight we had class with new people. It was OK. The dudes in there were having contention. It bugged me. We watched “The Prodigal Son” in Spanish. I understood about 50% to 75% of it. I need to expand my vocabulary. Tonight Sister Jones wanted a blessing. She was disturbed with being delayed. I didn’t know what to say but I know the spirit directed me as to what to say. I felt the same way tonight as other times when giving blessings – complete spirit. I love serving the Lord. I will always be worthy to give a blessing!