October 8, 2012

To whom it may concern,

   Well, this week has been a really fun one. We are having a lot of success here in Hoptown. Well, here we go, buckle your seat belt, this is going to be a fun ride.
 
   On October 3, we finally met with Jayden Uchiyama. Elder Weed and his last companion (from Herriman, UT) gave her as a  referral to us (me and Perron), that day, TRANSFERS, Weed comes up here, now we can teach Jayden. When Weed first saw her, she asked, "Can I be baptized? I desire it." She is a 9 year old and is very intelligent. Far above all other 9 year old children in the area. We set a date with her on OCTOBER 20!!! The downside, Jayden's mom/ dad are divorced, so every other day she trades with her parents. We may/ may not get to teach her, but she is excited to see us, have a baptism date and ready and eager to learn more from the missionaries. YEAH

   The next day, we went to a recent converts home. (baptized in March 2012) The mother has an 18 year old niece living with her and the family. We go over and Ivanie (18 year old) says, "When can I be baptized? I feel accepted here. What do I have to do?" We have not set a date with her yet, but this week, we are starting to teach her, so, we will have a date for her soon. YEAH

   The Browns are a Military family, (Ft. Campbell 20 miles south of Hoptown) they moved into a house across the street from members. He goes over, starts the religion talk and Mrs. Brown (Jenny) flips out in a nice way that he is Mormon. She says, "I've always wanted Mormon neighbors. I'm curious about the Mormons, tell me more." He invites us over and it has been going well. No date set yet, but we just might soon as well.

   Now for the bestest news of all. Conference was a BLAST!!! It honestly felt weird and different not watching it at home in Pajamas and on the couch "half asleep", I actually enjoyed it. Oh boy, that missionary announcement by President Monson caught me off guard. After Monson said it, it clicked, Jackie could be done with her mission before I come home. YIKES. It would be interesting for me if I train one of the new 18 year old missionaries out here. I hope I don't. But if I have to, So be it.

   Jenny Brown came over to the neighbors (we were there) and watched the later half of the Saturday Morning Session. She felt sad for Shayne Bowman's child who choked on chalk. She said, "I will never look at chalk the same way again." Then she LOVED Elder Nelsons talk, Man with prompting "Stop the boys on bikes." (has not happened yet to me, but I enjoyed the talk/ story) She admitted to watching me/ Perron walk by eagerly waiting for us to talk to her. She applied it to herself. Which I think is the big reason why it was her favorite.

   My favorite talks (2) were really cool to me. The first one was with M. Russel Ballard, Saturday Afternoon. Talking about Bees. Interesting numbers 1 pound of Honey = millions of flowers + flight to navigate around the equator TWICE. One Bee contributes 1/12 1 Teaspoon. The question I asked myself, Am I contributing to make "honey"? The other part I enjoyed was the symbolism of the bee/ beehive, especially on the pulpit. Symbolism, many hands make little work. Oh is that phase so true. The Beehive somewhat reminds me of home with Beehive being the symbol of Utah and all. The other part I liked about it was what he said, "The acts seem small, but eventually will add up to honey." That phrase, Many hands (Bees) make little work (honey) is sooo true.

   The second talk I liked was by Marcus Nash in the Sunday Afternoon Session. The hike/ mountain in Machupichu, Peru was what perked my ears. Talkin about the chains and the view sent me back to my geocaching adventures. Him talking about chains/view/hike reminded me also of the opportunity to climb Angels Landing when I am home, Ya'll better prepare. :)

   The Ann Rowley story was a refresher for me. If ya'll have not seen 17 Miracles, WATCH IT!!! This story is in it. That is one of the reasons also why this Talk struck a cord with me because it reminded me of the movie. Doubt, Fear and Sin Decline My Faith. That was big for me. Have to apply/ Follow it so faith does not shrink. I am surprised that Uchtdorf did not do this Plane Analogy yet, but its genius. Faith, Reason two wings of aircraft. One shorter/ not one = No Flight. Must have both. I have to work on that as well.

   All - in - all, had a good time during conference. I am surprised it did not snow during either sessions. I bet it felt good. Right now, it's maybe 65 degrees and its 12:30, it's getting cold.

Let me know which talk was ya'll's favorite Conference talk and Why

Sincerely,
Elder Terre Short

P.S. Birthday is on Friday... Yikes I'm old :)