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Nov 4, 2012
October 22, 2012
Sorry the letter is late
Well, it has been official for over 7 days: I AM NOW 20 YEARS OLD!!! It is scary to think that I am 20, but the scarier thing is that the new missionaries will be coming home at or near their 20th birthday... wow I am old. Three packages came in the mail. (happy me :) ) With my birthday on Friday, we didn't really do a lot. Friday is our Planning Day, not as hard and busy as the others, I loved it, relaxing on birthday. The package contents will definitely help: winter supplies, candy, notebooks, family photos, Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD's, a rock from the new Arizona Temple, and of course SUGAR COOKIES!!!! The ironic thing is that I thought to myself "I wonder if sugar cookies will be sent?", that day, the package arrived with cookies inside, Thank you!! Also, a member of the bishopric (acting ward mission leader) found out that it was my "special day", his wife baked a Chocolate Cake with chocolate frosting on it, (no need for frosting in package) mmm what a tasty cake.
The following Sunday, October 14, had a conversation with Bishop Craig's 3 daughters: Rachel (11), Alison (8), and Hailey (5). Somehow the topic of my age came up, I told that I was 20. Alison said in amazement and shock, "Wow, you don't look a day over 18." Aw shucks, that was a much needed compliment.
Well, enough about me and my anniversary - so much has happened since the last write. (sorry...I delayed it... a lot was about to happen) First things first - had an interesting and awesome exchange the week of my birthday. Essentially, I had exchange with an exchange. The District Leader came here to be with me, but the traveling Zone Leaders needed him to conduct a baptismal interview. So, I had an exchange within an exchange...challenge achieved. Once again, that was before my birthday. The next week, on the 17th, I HAD MY FIRST BAPTISM!!! YEAH and FINALLY> Been out over 4 months and finally had the first one. The better news about it: I DID THE BAPTIZING. I now can say that I have an adopted family of my own. I feel so happy for Matt C.. Now, the wife, her brother and fiance' have a date for Nov. 3rd. can't wait.
On the 19th, Don and Crystal got married.( Don is Matt's wife's brother ) What an awesome experience. The pastors both wore black and gold suits, they looked sharp. The wedding went well, until the vow exchange happened right when a train decided to go through town. Could not hear a thing, but the bride and groom did, and that is what counts. Now for the interesting part of the wedding. Apparently the single men are suppose to grab the baret from the wife, however, us two elders were the ONLY single men there.Uh oh not good, we did it, and luckily, Elder Weed picked it up off the ground. It makes sense that he picks it up because he goes home before me by 6 weeks. Phew... crisis diverted.
Now for the other amazing news, the 20th and 21st were Stake Conference, and we had an Area Authority 70 visit. But the bad news, is on the morning of the 20th, BOTH Stake President Miller (dentist beneath apartment ) as well as Elder Parker ( Area Authority ) went on an EXCHANGE with us. YAHOO!!! I've never heard of this happening to anybody, and yet it happened to us. So we took both President Miller and Elder Parker to a few investigators that we have. Both lessons were just amazing, the Spirit was definitely felt. After the exchange, Elder Parker gave us both props and said "That's the way, and how it should be done."I had goosebumps, I nearly had to pinch myself because I really did not believe that this was really happening, but it was. Before the exchange happened, (funny moment) Elder Parker asked where I was from? I said Herriman Utah, He says where's that? I say You know the Kennecott Copper mine? He says No. I say well, there are 2 man made things seen from space, the Great Wall of China, and the Kennecott Copper Mine. He says well, if you go to space, at least you will know where you live since it is literally in your back yard. We had a good laugh, then President Miller comes in talking about the Kennecott Mine.? Yep I'll tell you what, that is one BIG hole in the ground. Laughed Yep, yes it is.
We have a new name for us "Elders" with the Carrol / Belson family. Any member of the family calls us "THE BOYS". I honestly love that title. They have even said "You two will always be known as the Boys, the new Elders will only be known as boys." Awesome
Well, that's a wrap of whats happened within the last two weeks. Reading the latest letters sent, my grandmother said that she googled Hopkinsville and found out that it is an Evangelical Christian area. I laughed out loud when I read that. Yes, it is an area just like that. I will be sure to take more photos of the churches in and around town. In my opinion, the Gothic looking United Methodist Church is one of the coolest in town. I will be sure to take more scenery/area photos so ya'll can see for yourselves what is so special about Kentucky. I honestly can't wait for both March Madness (university of Kentucky 2010-2011 winners) as well as the Kentucky Derby. Hope everything is well, talk to ya'll later.
Sincerely, Elder Terre Short
Well, it has been official for over 7 days: I AM NOW 20 YEARS OLD!!! It is scary to think that I am 20, but the scarier thing is that the new missionaries will be coming home at or near their 20th birthday... wow I am old. Three packages came in the mail. (happy me :) ) With my birthday on Friday, we didn't really do a lot. Friday is our Planning Day, not as hard and busy as the others, I loved it, relaxing on birthday. The package contents will definitely help: winter supplies, candy, notebooks, family photos, Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD's, a rock from the new Arizona Temple, and of course SUGAR COOKIES!!!! The ironic thing is that I thought to myself "I wonder if sugar cookies will be sent?", that day, the package arrived with cookies inside, Thank you!! Also, a member of the bishopric (acting ward mission leader) found out that it was my "special day", his wife baked a Chocolate Cake with chocolate frosting on it, (no need for frosting in package) mmm what a tasty cake.
The following Sunday, October 14, had a conversation with Bishop Craig's 3 daughters: Rachel (11), Alison (8), and Hailey (5). Somehow the topic of my age came up, I told that I was 20. Alison said in amazement and shock, "Wow, you don't look a day over 18." Aw shucks, that was a much needed compliment.
Well, enough about me and my anniversary - so much has happened since the last write. (sorry...I delayed it... a lot was about to happen) First things first - had an interesting and awesome exchange the week of my birthday. Essentially, I had exchange with an exchange. The District Leader came here to be with me, but the traveling Zone Leaders needed him to conduct a baptismal interview. So, I had an exchange within an exchange...challenge achieved. Once again, that was before my birthday. The next week, on the 17th, I HAD MY FIRST BAPTISM!!! YEAH and FINALLY> Been out over 4 months and finally had the first one. The better news about it: I DID THE BAPTIZING. I now can say that I have an adopted family of my own. I feel so happy for Matt C.. Now, the wife, her brother and fiance' have a date for Nov. 3rd. can't wait.
On the 19th, Don and Crystal got married.( Don is Matt's wife's brother ) What an awesome experience. The pastors both wore black and gold suits, they looked sharp. The wedding went well, until the vow exchange happened right when a train decided to go through town. Could not hear a thing, but the bride and groom did, and that is what counts. Now for the interesting part of the wedding. Apparently the single men are suppose to grab the baret from the wife, however, us two elders were the ONLY single men there.Uh oh not good, we did it, and luckily, Elder Weed picked it up off the ground. It makes sense that he picks it up because he goes home before me by 6 weeks. Phew... crisis diverted.
Now for the other amazing news, the 20th and 21st were Stake Conference, and we had an Area Authority 70 visit. But the bad news, is on the morning of the 20th, BOTH Stake President Miller (dentist beneath apartment ) as well as Elder Parker ( Area Authority ) went on an EXCHANGE with us. YAHOO!!! I've never heard of this happening to anybody, and yet it happened to us. So we took both President Miller and Elder Parker to a few investigators that we have. Both lessons were just amazing, the Spirit was definitely felt. After the exchange, Elder Parker gave us both props and said "That's the way, and how it should be done."I had goosebumps, I nearly had to pinch myself because I really did not believe that this was really happening, but it was. Before the exchange happened, (funny moment) Elder Parker asked where I was from? I said Herriman Utah, He says where's that? I say You know the Kennecott Copper mine? He says No. I say well, there are 2 man made things seen from space, the Great Wall of China, and the Kennecott Copper Mine. He says well, if you go to space, at least you will know where you live since it is literally in your back yard. We had a good laugh, then President Miller comes in talking about the Kennecott Mine.? Yep I'll tell you what, that is one BIG hole in the ground. Laughed Yep, yes it is.
We have a new name for us "Elders" with the Carrol / Belson family. Any member of the family calls us "THE BOYS". I honestly love that title. They have even said "You two will always be known as the Boys, the new Elders will only be known as boys." Awesome
Well, that's a wrap of whats happened within the last two weeks. Reading the latest letters sent, my grandmother said that she googled Hopkinsville and found out that it is an Evangelical Christian area. I laughed out loud when I read that. Yes, it is an area just like that. I will be sure to take more photos of the churches in and around town. In my opinion, the Gothic looking United Methodist Church is one of the coolest in town. I will be sure to take more scenery/area photos so ya'll can see for yourselves what is so special about Kentucky. I honestly can't wait for both March Madness (university of Kentucky 2010-2011 winners) as well as the Kentucky Derby. Hope everything is well, talk to ya'll later.
Sincerely, Elder Terre Short
Oct 13, 2012
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 :)
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 :)
October 1, 2012
Dear Family and Friends,
Elder Weed and I visited with a family with a date set for September 23 (it didn't work, we had to change it to October 4). Taught the wife a no smoking workshop. The next day, she calls saying, "date needs to be pushed back till October 18" GASP two dates for baptism and neither work. She wants it to be around October 18th so she can quit smoking before the baptism. The cool thing is that both of them would like to be baptized by Elder Perron (if possible). He was one of the first missionaries to teach them. But if he cannot make it, I WILL BAPTIZE THEM!!! I don't know/ want to guess which way it will go, but if Perron returns, he'll only have been one month away from Hopkinsville and he is coming back. (Elder Perron served in Hopkinsville for seven and a half months).
Out here there is a new tradition starting, (mention it to everyone else, it's amazing) every fast Sunday, (We had yesterday due to Conference next week, YEAH!!!) There is a comeback dinner where the ward mingles/ eats after an entire day of fasting, oh it's the way to end a fast Sunday. The last one was a meat/ potatoes theme MMMMM GOOD, TASTY, still had the one plate though :)
That's the big bit of news out here, can't wait for conference, it will be weird to go to church to watch it instead of listening on 1160 AM. or on TV, that's the benefit when it comes to living in Salt Lake. But once again, thanks for the packages; no matter how simple, serious, or loving they are. Thank you. Sometimes that reminder from home helps me get through the day/ week.
Keep the letters/ packages/ emails comin
Elder Terre K. Short
Oct 7, 2012
September 26, 2012
September 26, 2012
Hello again,
As an entire missionary zone (20 plus missionaries) we all went and did a session at the NASHVILLE TEMPLE!!! I've been by it, and judging by its size, inside and out, I think it's smaller that the Oquirrh Mountain - and I thought the Oquirrh Mountain was the smallest, I guess not. The celestial room is was small. I have always thought to myself that the celestial room is in the center of the temple (not in this case) or directly underneath the spire where Moroni is - my thinking is, something has to balance / keep the weight of Moroni stable so it won't crash down. The Nashville Temples's celestial room is the furthest south part, where the spire is 50 feet north of where the chandiler is, huh, I guess not.
I have not noticed it yet, (maybe not in other temples) but the walls of the celestial room had miniature versions of the chandiler as lights on the wall, in my opinion, that sealed the deal in how the room looked. Another honest opinion, I still would have the chandiler in the Jordan River Temple in my house rather than the Nashville one, but I could use the mini chandilers in hallways, that would be cool.
Now I have officially been through the Draper, Oquirrh Mountain (Open Houses), Mesa, Jordan River, Salt Lake, Provo, and now the Nashville. I can't wait to be finished with the mission so I can do the ones on my bucket list. I have a feeling that the list might grow.
Keep the letters and mail commin'
Elder Terre Short
Oct 6, 2012
September 24, 2012
Greetings Everyone!
It is great to hear that another one of my cousins (Elder Richardson) is serving a mission is Sierra Leon, and currently at the MTC in Ghana. It is exciting to see the Lords work moving all around the world.
I hope everything is going well out that way, it is a little different out here. Elder Perron (my trainer) got transferred. :( Elder Weed will be my new companion here in Hopkinsville. He came out six weeks before I did, he is from Portland, Oregon, he is a hoot.
Well, the day is coming closer, baptism date for a few investigators. However, we noticed that we haven't taught them the Word of Wisdom yet and there baptism is this Saturday.We have an appointment today with them and plan on teaching them the Word of Wisdom then. Hopefully, the baptism will still be a go, but it might not because we really aren't supposed to rush them through it, so right now, I am happy for them, but at the same time nervous to see if it will happen or not, all I can do is have faith that it will happen when it is suppose to.
Someone asked me if there are any bugs? Yes, I am being eaten alive by the mosquitoes. Yes, many bugs.
Have I put on any weight? I think I have put on a little. Weighed my self this morning at 120 pounds, still have no idea where it is going.
Is it real humid? It was in July but now it is starting to get really cold. Just last night a member said, "The low was projected to 45 degrees." BRRR... I'm shivering right now. As well as cold hands writing the letter.... BRRR....
So, is it humid? Not anymore.
Keep the letters and questions coming.
Sincerely,
Elder Short
Sep 23, 2012
September 3, 2012
Sorry we forgot to put this on.
Dear Family and Friends,
Well, let me say from experience that Sunday (September 2) was the hardest fast Sunday ever. It's one thing to fast, but try fasting while you are sick with an unknown bug. Luckily, we did service all day and prepared a meal for the comeback dinner at the church. Wow I got 2/3 done with the First (only had one) plate and I was full. But I have not had meatballs and rice (mmm...) for a while, so I ate those slowly, then my sweet tooth came in to eat the brownies. I think I gained 5 pounds on one plate.
Best part of the day, got to the Taj Majal, opened the fridge and there is a Yoo- Hoo. Aww Delish!!! Its essentially chocolate milk in a glass bottle or soda can. (had can) That's the way to end your Fast Sunday, splurging on Yoo- Hoo. Too bad its only a Southern Drink :(
We got a referral from Salt Late to have a "missionary visit", we got there, they wanted a Kings James Version Bible, we added a Book of Mormon to it, and we had a simple lesson. The best part, that visit we walked away with a family of 5 as NEW INVESTIGATORS!!! They are non denominational Catholic, but the best part they all have been / are at the "rehab" center in Nashville that cleans them literally. The dad said "3 days later, no porn, alcohol, drugs and more" , yet the ENTIRE family is doing it. Personally, I think the Lord is preparing them literally for the restored gospel, now we have to teach it to them. I'll keep y'all posted.
Sincerely,
Elder Terre Short
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