January 27, 2014

So, this may be the simplist email to date.

Working down in Cadiz (southern part of branch boundaries) as well as visiting with President (former bishop of Hopkinsville) Craig in regards to using his attorney location as an FHE place, he likes the idea and will let us do so...YEAY... Don't know whats making me happier, seeing someone from my original area or porgressing the work in Cadiz...HAPPY ME

Visited a few more potentials in Princeton. The priesthood is really needed here, so we visited Chris Wheaton, who's past home actually was CARTHAGE ILLINOIS, due to seeing the jail, Nauvoo Temple and Smiths tombstone, he knows a little about the church. Working with him.

Judy Gunns Baptism was amazing (sorry no photos) due to the fact of the surprise guests. We were able to have 3 previous sister missionaries return for it, two being previous two whom we replaced as well as one who originally opened the area. Judy was happy, the branch was happier, in missionaries alone there were 8 there where it should have been 4. Judy is first baptism in area serving SINCE Hoptown, as well as newest since Gigi in Elkton

Transfer Calls: Princeton being whitewashed with Sisters, one being new out of MTC

BOTH of us are opening CADIZ!!! Super stoked That means 3 sets of missionaries within the one branch boarders, the work is definitely hastening in Kentucky.

Now for the unfortunate news. Assistants called us Sunday night, we are NOT heading to Cadiz YET. Instead we will be heading to MAYFIELD TENNESSEE due to a missionary there being run over by a vehicle who is being sent home for rehab. We are there as a "temporary band-aid"... I want to know how long temporary is, I WANT TO BE IN CADIZ AND OPEN IT. The work in Cadiz is moving quickly, now were forced to put it on halt, not liking this, but have no choice. 

Next write who knows if I will be in Mayfield or Cadiz, have to wait and find out.

Till next time

--

 

Elder Terre Kieffer Short

Tennessee Nashville Mission

Greatest Mission on Earth!!!

January 20, 2014

This week has been a very motivational one to say the least. We wrapped up last Monday by visiting with Judy Gunn, we set the baptismal date with her for NEXT SUNDAY (Jan 26) due to her not fully quitting smoking to give her time to accomplish the prerequisite. We are continuing to visit more referrals, most are dropping like dead flies, others are not being upright and say NO DON'T COME BACK or others just aren't home.

Participated in the Family Home Evening and i noticed a Silver Accord pull in, i had a familiar thought of a similar experience to the baby blue van in Elkton who happened to be that of Jenny Brown. Seeing the Accord, i couldn't connect the car to people, they come out and it is none other than the SMITHS of Hoptown. They came here briefly to drop off one Hoptown missionary to bring one of the Marion back down. Talking with them, they inform me that they are possibly moving to HERRIMAN around the time I'm complete with the mission. Somehow his job (active military) has him going to work in West Jordan, possibly moving to THE COVE due to the acreage, no where near the 9 acres currently, but 5 will suffice them, talk about happy me.

Unfortunately, i did the math, it may be a little off, but i have 138 DAYS LEFT as a missionary. I can remember and reflect the day entering the MTC and the mission field, man I'm old. Due to the magical number of 138 appearing, my studies are getting into overdrive and am reading Doctrine and Covenants in REVERSE, somewhat as a countdown clock as well as re-reading the entire Preach my Gospel before I'm home. The past studies have been mediocre, this one sounds and will be enjoyable.

Had an all-day zone conference meeting in Clarksville and didn't get back until around 6 due to hitch-hiking with the senior couple serving in Hoptown. Meeting informed us of how to safely drive in wintery weather, due to me (2/3 of zone) being from Utah, you think it would be common sense stuff of driving slowly in the snow and ice, but some don't. Don't worry, I'm safe and cautious when it comes to driving in wintery weather. 

Went down to Cadiz and are informed by branch to look for possible locations to hold a Family Home Evening event in Cadiz. Eventual plan is to have a branch in MARION, PRINCETON and CADIZ. Thought it through and realized that the new Stake President (Hoptown bishop) has an attorney location in downtown Cadiz. Through texting, we may have found a location to do it. With it being downtown, its also very central to everyone. Sometimes the Lord works through mysterious ways, like putting a Church meeting in an attorney place in between 2 other churches.

Transfer calls are SATURDAY NIGHT, baptism hopefully is SUNDAY. Knowing my track record, i may be out, but i have no idea. I love Kentucky, Princeton is growing on me. Reminds me of Russellville which is tied for my favorite place.

PICTURES

 

too bad I didn't find this sign in Hoptown (my first area) sign says "You are now entering the mission feild!"

--

 

Elder Terre Kieffer Short

Tennessee Nashville Mission

Greatest Mission on Earth!!!

 

January 13, 2014

So luckily the bitter cold has nearly disappeared. I was starting to get a little uncomfortable during the storms. Coat wise I'm fine, but the gloves i had didn't necessarily keep my hands warm. Oh well, luckily this is my last winter on the mission.

So, had a zone meeting, back in Hoptown with E Weed being a Zone Leader. Oh how much i miss my Weed. Hoptown memories started rushing me, as well as Weed made me remember some of the lessons and fun memories in Hoptown during his training. A previous missionary made the comment that Weeds next title will be Prophet Weed, after this meeting, it sounds like it might occur.

Received a package from my Return Missionary cousin which contained motivational notes as well as a recommendation to do both a gratitude journal and a miracle journal. The miracle journal I'm currently working on, the gratitude i may wait till I'm heading home so i can apply the lessons learned and have them written down.

Studies are about to get real. Making it a personal goal in reading the entire Preach my Gospel as well as D+C AGAIN before I'm home. D+C i will even be reading in reverse (starting at section 138 and ending with section 1) kind of using it as a countdown as to how many days left are on mission (not to call me trunkie by any means)

So participated in an exchange with Elder Cottam. He knows some of the same people i know due to him being at Copper Hills High School. So trying to think of more people we know in common is difficult due to not being "in the world" for 1.5 years, other than that, the exchange went well. 

Slowly building up people to teach. Princeton is starting to grow on me, mostly due to me being back in Kentucky.

Till next time

--

 

Elder Terre Kieffer Short

Tennessee Nashville Mission

Greatest Mission on Earth!!!

 

January 6, 2014

So..first things first...not to complain but it is BONES COLD OUT HERE. We knew the potential of how cold it was going to get, but the surprise came when starting the car and the exterior thermometer fluctuated between 0 and 3 DEGREES excluding the windchill. If you include the windchill, its nearly -15...i thought Utah was cold, nope, Utah cold compared to this is a heat wave. Trying to stay warm, now may be the perfect time to go tracting to "entice" the people to let us in for some hot cocoa or to warm up.

So, new years. Talk about a blast. Being in presence of other missionaries for an all day fun day was a blast. Walking by i hear the word FARKLE, of course i get involved. Haven't played it in a while, so the specifics of the points in coordination with the die rolling is a little off, but i enjoyed it. Nearly one too, ended up 2nd.

The movie decisions this year were a lot better than last year. Monsters University, Wreck-it-Ralph, and Tangled. Seen Tangled too many times, heard a lot of good about remaining two, desired Wreck-it, but we watched Monsters University. Talk about a good prequel, now its making me somewhat want to watch the original to see how well it fits, havent seen it since it came out.

After some fun, i inquired with E Weed (zone leader) if he wanted to join me in visiting Jon and Jenny Brown, he was unable due to zone leader commitments. Went over to visit them, flood of memories flushed my mind when i was back in the presence of them. Unfortunately the newborn-ish daughter was asleep, but still to see them and inform them how close i am was really enjoyable. That simple visit with one of the recent converts in Hoptown was the highlight of the New Years Party.

Photos:

Found a Short Street, its a little ironic that the sign is taller than me

Two Christmas Signs done by local churches

Two Large Baptist Churches (Edgewood and Sinking Fork)

Driving through Hoptown now, it has changed a bit, 2 new Taco Bell locations, Chick-fil-a, even noticed a movie theater in downtown. 

Two photos of Christ Billboards that you will never see in Utah. one says "he loves you this much" and the other "Come unto Me"

Also a Video of me tossing water and having it turn to snow. :) mission accomplished 

Till next time

--

 

Elder Terre Kieffer Short

Tennessee Nashville Mission

Greatest Mission on Earth!!!

December 30, 2013

OK Christmas Eve...got invited to a Presbyterian Church service for Christmas Eve. Participated in a candle light vigil. Never done them before, thoroughly enjoyed it, the Spirit was definitely felt. Though doing this experience, something that i may do when I'm home is participate in the Catholic Christmas Eve or day Mass at the Cathedral of Madeline in Salt Lake City, that would be fun to do.

Christmas day was not as cold as I thought it would be, but still cold, no white Christmas this year unfortunately, but odds are, next year, it will be with me being back home in Utah.

Had two dinner appointments for Christmas day: one with the Millers (previous stake president and land lord of Hoptown apartment AKA taj mahal) and the other with the Wrights. The Wrights youngest son is 3 months out serving his mission in Billings Montana, where Christmas day it was nearly 20 BELOW ZERO, burr that's cold. The humidity here makes it cold, but not that cold.

Contacted nearly 35-50 fair referrals (fair occurred in October) due to the length of time to contact or follow-up, most of  them are not interested in us visiting. Out of nearly 50, maybe 2 will have us return, may be small in numbers, but it is effective.

Saturday day we were contacted 30 of the 50 referrals, when something unfortunate happens. NOT TO ME, but to Elder Lofthouse. A dog bites him TWICE once in hand (dominant right hand) and again just in between the eyes on the forehead. The owner of the dog was in shock exclaiming its never done it before, according to them the shots were up to date, so potentially no rabies shot needed. 6 HOURS LATER, were at our dinner appointment and it starts bleeding through the band aids. Lets just say we went over to the Emergency Room at 7:15 PM and didn't get back into the apartment till 10:25 PM. Really late night only due to someone had a heart attack and was put in a drug-induced comma for helicopter travel to Paducah (took priority over all other patients)

Go to church, a visiting member is in medical school at UK and took a look during dinner as well as at church, he recommended us to get prescription filled ASAP due to us not doing it last night due to "missionary curfew", so we walk out of church after first hour to Walmart to get it filled...that awkward moment when missionaries are walking into Walmart on a Sunday...

Got the prescription now we have to just let time go by for it to heal. The hand wound is by far the worst of it, but it will only take time.

Those are some of the adventures, till next time

--

 

Elder Terre Kieffer Short

Tennessee Nashville Mission

Greatest Mission on Earth!!!

Teach The Children

Terre really loved this story so thought we'd share it with ya

President Hinckley said, "And so at this Christmas season, we sing His praises and speak our words of faith and gratitude and love. it is His influence in our lives that stirs within us more kindness, more respect, more love, more concern. it is because of Him and His teachings that we reach out to those in trouble, distress, and need wherever they may be. it is proper during this season when we commemorate His birth that we remember the Lord Jesus Christ in reverence and with love. he has done for us what we could not do for ourselves. he has brought meaning to our mortal existence. he has given us the gift of eternal life."

I found a story that helps tell the true meaning of Christmas, its called:

                             TEACH THE CHILDREN

I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry.

“What are you doing?” I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat, and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous character we all know.

He then answered me with a simple statement: “TEACH THE CHILDREN!”

I was puzzled; what did he mean? He guessed my question, and with one quick movement pulled a miniature toy bag from behind the tree.

As I stood puzzled, Santa said,

“Teach the Children! Teach them the OLD MEANING OF CHRISTMAS. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten.”

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it in front of the fire place.

“Teach the Children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, representing eternal life, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven.”

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR.

“Teach the Children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise.”

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE.

“Teach the Children, that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this light we are reminded of Jesus who fills sour lives with light.”

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree.

“Teach the Children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases, like Gods love which has no beginning or end.”

He then pulled from his bag an ornament of HIMSELF.

“Teach the Children that I, Santa Clause symbolize the generosity and kindness we feel during the month of December and to our Heavenly Father for the perfect gift that He gave to the world.”

He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF.

“Teach the Children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly represents the bloodshed by Him.”

Next he puled from his bag a GIFT and said,

“Teach the Children that God so loved the world that HE gave his only SON...We thank God for his very special gift.”

“Teach the Children that the wise men bowed before the Holy Baby and gave HIM gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should always give gifts in the same spirit of the wise men.”

Santa then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree.

“Teach the Children that the candy cane represents the shepherd's crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back lost sheep to the flock.”

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL.

“Teach the Children that it was the angels that announced the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang 'Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men.”

Suddenly, I heard a soft tinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL.

“Teach the Children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring to guide us to God. The bell symbolizes guidance and return. It reminds us that we are all precious in the eyes of God.”

Santa looked back and was pleased. I saw the winkle in his eyes as he said:

“Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship HIM, our LORD, and our GOD.”


“Christmas celebrations need not be competitions to see who can give or receive the most expensive present. Our most valuable gift is our love --- love for the Christ child, who was born 2,000 years ago in a humble manger; love for our families and our neighbors; love for the beautiful world Heavenly Father has given us. We celebrate Christmas best when we live the Savior's teachings---not just at Christmas but every day of the year.” Sister Merlos

December 23, 2013

So it was sad for me to leave Sparta. So many people I will miss. Summer Lomeli whom I originally met in Hopkinsville nearly one year ago to the day, as well as Deb Short, I will never know if we are infact related, kind of makes me sad to think about it. Also to think that Hermana Worltons mission is now complete, that makes me feel even older. Remembering the fact that we both began this adventure at nearly the same time, now T-Minus 6 months till I'm home.

Transfer Meeting had a different feeling around it this time. Nearly 20 newbies arrived, with only 4 going home, one of them being Hermana Carrell. She reminded me a lot of Hermana Worlton for a few reasons, Spanish, short, and started at same time, now shes home, so now ill have to just focus on myself instead of others for me to get through the remaining part.

Driving to Princeton was enjoyable. Realized we (4 elders in one branch, half in Princeton and half in Marion) were driving back home with Sister Miller, who was Stake President Miller's wife, who recently got replaced as Stake President by Bishop Craig of Hopkinsville less than 3 months ago. As well as talking with one of the missionaries in Marion, he grew up with the movie theater twins, such a small world, and due to serving 40 miles away from my birth area, District Meetings will be  there as well as may even see people that I contacted and converted. Talk about a fun time in Kentucky within the next few weeks.

District Meeting in Hop-town. Talk about a walk down memory lane. I remember when it was only 4 of us for District Meeting, now its DOUBLED!!! Also, side note, I was in Russellville when the announcement was made that Princeton was opened for a full-time missionary set to be there, it has been sisters since.

Just trying to get in touch with all the people the sisters were contacting, however, they left very little notes as to addresses and locations of visiting for most of them, makes things slightly difficult but were managing.

Don't worry. The freak rain storm that came through was only that, a storm. The members were somewhat freaking out when the phones weather app said TORNADO WARNING for area, but it was only in warning stage for 30 minutes.

Princeton's Branch reminds me a lot of Russellville's. However, due to the holiday approaching, nearly 1/2 of branch was out of town, so the crowds were low and reminded me a lot of Russellville, the attendance didn't break 35. Even found it more interesting to see Former Stake President Miller in the congregation and not in his surgeon scrubbies. He was the landlord for the Taj Mahal apartment in Hopkinsville. That's the only time I've seen him, is in the scrubbies, its different seeing him in a suit and tie when I'm used to see him in something else.

There was a story someone spoke at during the final sacrament meeting in Sparta that i will type and send your way. It has really opened my eyes in re guards to this Christmas holiday.

--

Elder Terre Kieffer Short
Tennessee Nashville Mission
Greatest Mission on Earth!!!