Four Months!

Yes, Sam hit his four month mark on Sunday, November 16. Admittedly, we've run into a few bumps in posting his weekly letters. Sometimes his letters are super short, a couple of them have been full of answers to our non-mission related questions, and one or two have been about difficulties that the whole world doesn't need access to. But I'm repenting and posting a few of his letters from the past several weeks. I'll try to be better from here on out. Life is good and Sam is giving it his all out there in Mesa! :)

The photo below was taken on October 13 by a friend of ours who used to live here, but now lives in Mesa. She saw Sam at a sandwich shop and texted this picture to her brother who then sent it to me. I forwarded it to Sam and he said that it was taken 1 1/2 hours earlier that day. Good news travels fast. :)

Here's a great quote from Sam's mission president about obedience:

Elders and Sisters, obedience means obedience. The principle, the attribute, and the commitment is to be obedient in all things, not to pick and choose what we will obey and what we won't. There is no such thing as disobeying "small" or "little" things. It is all disobedience and it always leads to big things. If we obey some things but disobey or ignore others, we are not blessed for being obedient missionaries because in reality---we are not obedient. There is spiritual and physical safety in being completely obedient to every mission and missionary rule and guideline and to every one of the Lord's commandments. Having agency does not give a person the 'right' to disobey. It may grant one the privilege, but God has never given anyone the right to do wrong. It is not in His nature, for He cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. To intentionally disobey is to also intentionally agree to the full and complete consequences of the act of disobedience. It is impossible to choose one and not choose the other. We cannot pick up one end of the stick without also picking up the other. 

This is from Sam's letter on October 27 (with a new companion):

So this week was very different and busy. My new companion's name is Elder Osthed, and he's been out 16 months. He's from Meridian, Idaho. He was called to one of the Ukraine missions, but was evacuated as things got rough. He's been here for 6 months, and is exactly obedient to every jot and tittle. He's also a new Zone Leader in my zone. I'm glad that I get the opportunity to learn so much from him.

I've also been studying on pride. My Grandpa Elder Kirwan (that means his trainer's trainer) finished his mission and went home this past week, but I did get the opportunity to talk with him on any advice he had for me. He stressed the importance of stripping myself of pride. "Pride is the root of all sin." And it's so true. If we all humbled ourselves, so many problems of the world would not exist. So I have been working on stripping myself of pride, and I'm realizing how many different ways pride manifests itself.

Two weeks ago we did a musical number in sacrament meeting for Elder Moschetti's last Sunday in the area. He sang and I played violin with an accompanist, performing "I Stand All Amazed." It was beautiful, and due to time it ended up being the closing number.

I've been out 3 months! I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father to be here, at this time, in this place, on a mission. It's such a growing experience and I'm learning so much. I want to keep improving and changing for the better.

How have you been? I'm so fat... :P Elder Osthed is super healthy. Protein shakes for breakfast and lunch, personal study on an exercise bike, get up at 5:50 to run then lift weights. I've been so tired. :P

Love you all! :)

Love,

Elder Stowell

From Sam's letter on November 10:

(In my letter to Sam, I asked him a bunch of questions (in italics below) which he asked me to continue as it helped him focus on what to write.)

How was your week? My week was full of exchanges. I didn't see Elder Osthed very much, but we still got a lot done. One day when I was on exchange and was in charge of our area, we didn't get a single lesson. The ones we had cancelled. But that's ok, because we went and found/contacted as many people as we could. Got anti-literature from one potential investigator. Then had an awesome ward party where we talked with pretty much everyone and met all the new people in our ward from the boundary change. Many people showed up late or didn't come because of the ASU game (we won :) ) It was a very busy week.

Are you teaching a lot? We usually have between 1-4 lessons a day. They're with all kinds of people - active members, less actives, recent converts, investigators, former investigators, etc. We usually have a member present for about half of the ones with LAs or Invs.

Do you do any tracting or is it all member contacts? We're not allowed to tract unless we have absolutely nothing else to do. Which hasn't ever happened. All those we teach are either from personal contacting on the streets or from referrals. Most if not all, though, are from personal contacting.

How is your companion? Elder Osthed is exactly obedient. He strives to do the best he can. He also knows what to do to fix a ward and implements those techniques from PMG to the best of his ability, which I didn't fully understand it needed fixing by us, but I guess that's because it's my first ward and I don't know anything else.

What was your best experience recently? This past week we had the opportunity to visit with A again several times. He is excited to meet with us and has told us to come back four times a week. He also said that he is almost ready to set a date for baptism after a few more visits and studies with us. :D

What was your worst? Being so darn depressed. I had let my weaknesses stop me, and let resentment build up between my companion and I. I felt like he was better than me, and therefore resented him. But we talked it out, how he felt, how I felt, and now we have an understanding of each other and are happier and more unified. :)

We got to go to the temple this past week. It's beautiful. We also had a ASL man in the session, so that was cool how things were adjusted for him.

The Visitor's Center does Christmas Lights every year. I'm excited to see them!!! Also, they have over 100 nativity sets from all over the world that they'll put out closer to Christmas. Sweet!

During one of my studies, I read through parts of the talks "The 4th Missionary" and "The Consecrated Missionary." I love how much the Lord has given me to encourage me and continue on in the work. I have many prayers behind me, and something I realized as I read these talks is that a large part of the reason I've been so depressed is because I'm focused on myself so much. I need to turn outward and serve those around me like it says in Elder Bednar's talk "Character of Christ." Just look for opportunities to serve, and then you find that you are not focused on yourself.

Love you all! :D Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Elder Stowell

From Sam's letter November 17 (yesterday):

The dedication (of the Phoenix Temple) was amazing!!!! :D It was broadcast to all the stake centers, so we went to ours which became an extension of the temple and required a special temple recommend. President Monson is very funny. He was at the cornerstone dedication and it was windy. His tie flew up by his face, and he looks down and says, "George! What are you doing? Get down there, George!" as he tucks his tie back into his suit coat. :) But the dedication was very, very cool and spiritual. I got to go to the first and second sessions of it.

Ok, in relation to cold, it was 50 DEGREES OUT THIS MORNING. IT WAS COLD. AND WE ALL FROZE AS WE HACKED EACH OTHER WITH FOAM SWORDS. We all went numb eventually it was just too cold.

Questions:

*Is your baptism still on for the 22nd? How did you meet?

Our baptism is still on for this Saturday the 22nd. He came up to us at church one day with his girlfriend who's a member, and said he wants to take the lessons so he can be baptized. Well ok! :D He asked me to do the confirmation.

*What was your best/happiest experience this past week?

 Zone Conference. President Jenkins spoke for an hour and a half on his personal studies of the past 3 months on The Doctrine of Christ. That topic can go so in depth, and it was incredible to see his comprehensive notes on it all. I felt like I was in a giant library, surrounded by knowledge. Then I went up to him afterwards, and he pulled me into a giant hug and apologized for how I'd been treated the past transfer (?), and told me that I am a wonderful missionary and to keep pushing on. I love him so much.

*When are your next transfers?

Next transfers are next Wednesday. We find out Saturday what happens. I'm kinda hoping that we both stay, because I recognize that Elder Osthed is extremely good for this ward. So much has changed and is better. I also want to stay in this ward, it being my first ward and I know and love everyone. Also, I recognize that I can learn a ton from him if I just get over myself. I think that is my biggest struggle right now. 

*What are you allowed to do on Thanksgiving?

We can't go out on Thanksgiving unless it's to an appt. Apparently we usually have 2-3 dinners, and I don't know who all we'll eat with yet. One is the D. family.

Thanks for all your letters. I like them*. :) 

Love you all. 

Love,

Elder Stowell

*We bombarded Sam with snail mail after a rough week. If you want to write him, address your letters:

Elder Samuel J. Stowell

Arizona Mesa Mission

2525 N. 32nd St.

Mesa, AZ 85213

Week Twelve: Finding Joy

This week I had the wonderful opportunity to see our investigator be baptized! It all went so smoothly. The thing that stood out the most to me, though, was her change in countenance. She had a lot of struggles in the past. But after she was baptized, she was so happy. There was a smile on her face from the moment she got there to the moment she left. When we visited her afterward and in the subsequent days, she was still smiling. She is so proud to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and recognized the joy that came from doing what was right. She even shared that joy with a non-member friend of hers!

How can each of us find that joy? We all face trials, struggles, and challenges. So where can we find the same joy this wonderful woman feels?

I personally have found joy by reading the scriptures. I have come to love the scriptures - read them, study them, and love them. I recognize a difference in my day when I haven't taken time to really soak in God's word for me. And the wonderful thing is, whenever I read, it seems that it all applies to my circumstance at the moment.

Alma, an ancient prophet in the Book of Mormon, explains how he found joy.

I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.

 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me.

(Alma 29:9-10)

We each find joy by doing the things the Lord has commanded us to do. I love being here on a mission, because I know that I am growing and learning every day, and coming ever closer to feeling true joy. I hope that each of you will strive to be more obedient to the Lord's commandments, because that is how we find joy.

Week Eleven

Elder Nelson said,

"The Lord loves to use the unlikely to achieve the impossible." 

Every missionary here has loved that quote. Each of us in some way are weak, but as we put on the full Armor of God, the Lord can turn each of those weaknesses into strengths. We're only human, but we're also Sons and Daughters of a Heavenly King. We put on the Armor of God by praying many times daily, feasting on God's word, and doing His work on the earth. 

Something a man last night at dinner said to me was that in order to fully put on the Armor of God, we must read the scriptures, but even before that we must humble ourselves before God. We do that by kneeling before our Maker and counting the blessings He has given us. Then we realize how blessed we really are, are humbled, and then we are open to receiving the Spirit and personal revelation as we read the scriptures. I bear my testimony of the strengthening power of the Book of Mormon. I love it so much. It helps me put on the Armor of God everyday, and I pray that each of you will do the same. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

{Sam is doing great!! He's happy and definitely well fed. The members take very good care of their missionaries! He said the mission has a bad reputation of gaining a lot of weight so they are currently working toward a "Fit for the Kingdom 5K." That made me laugh and I can't really picture a fat Sam, but he said he's already gained 10 pounds... The ward he's working in just had some boundary changes so he has some new people to work with. He said he's finally adjusted to mission life and really loves the people he is serving. The picture below is from his recent "date night..."}

Week Ten

This weekend I had the privilege to meet and listen to Elder Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The first thing that we all noticed is how chipper he is. He walked in, looked at us and said "Hello!" We each walked up and shook his hand. Afterward, I was privileged to play the violin for him with a quartet of singers.

He spoke on many topics, so I'll only touch on a couple of them. One interesting comment he made was that the Brethren don't care about the number of converts the missionaries get. They care about how many of the missionaries' grandchildren are sealed in the temple. He emphasized that the person who should change the most on a mission is the missionary. They really care about each and every one of us. Other things he said were "A busy missionary is a happy missionary," and he talked about how the Spirit of Elijah with family history work is an untapped reservoir of power that missionaries need to use.

He also talked about marriage, and opened it by saying "I know we're not supposed to talk about marriage while on your mission... but let's talk about marriage." He said that we should not pop the question unless we are sure that the girl loves God, then us. He cares that we become worthy and capable spouses and parents, because many people of today's society are not brought up in the way they need to be and he talked about how a mission will prepare you for marriage. I am blessed with wonderful parents who care for me and raised me well.

Elder Nelson is an amazing Apostle of God.

I'm happy that I am serving a mission of God, because it is an amazing, refining experience that will change and better me if I put my effort into it. I hope that all of you will do something to help hasten the work of salvation.

Love you all!

Elder Stowell

Some of the missionaries who helped with flood relief. Last week they bagged 8 tons of sand!

Week Nine

I asked Sam to decide what he wants on the blog each week so this is straight from him. I think this format will work much better instead of having me summarize or cut and paste. We're so glad he's doing so well!! 

This week we've seen miracles.

We've been helping with the flood victims in northern Mesa, and the damage is terrible. So many people have lost much of what they own, and some have to renovate much of their home. But within a couple days of the flood, missionaries were mobilized to help those in need. Then on Saturday, 230 of the 250 missionaries in Mesa Mission were gathered to help. We spent several hours tearing out walls, moving sandbags, and passing out flyers. The city got calls on how grateful the people were and how effective and happy the missionaries were as they helped. It feels so good just to serve and work hard.

Also, one of our investigators solidly committed to live the Word of Wisdom and at the end of the lesson dumped all of his tobacco into the garbage. Others we are teaching are also working on overcoming their addictions. It's great seeing people coming unto Christ, both alone and together with others. 

I'm grateful for the gospel in my life, the joy it brings me, and that others around me can see the joy from having that knowledge.

Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Stowell

Week Eight

Here are a few snippets from Sam's letter this week. This letter was one of his longer ones, but most of it was answering our questions or notes to the kids so there's not much to include here. But overall, he's doing really well and enjoying his experiences very much.

[Our investigator's] baptism is still on!!! :D He even got anti'd the other day, and stood up for himself and God. He's great! :)

We're also helping someone come back to activity. He came to church on Sunday, which hasn't happened for awhile. He really is amazing, and I hope he keeps pushing on.

Ok, so I get to play for Elder [Russell M.] Nelson, but they didn't have the sheet music for violin (it's a quartet of singers, violin and piano), so they told me to improv! So I did :) President likes it! I also got asked to play at a funeral on Saturday. Man, I SO wish I had Gramp's violin. 

Ok, fun stuff about Mesa. There are wild parrots here, saw a couple of them. It flooded today, and as we were driving saw someone kayaking in a flooded field, another person swimming, and someone arguing with a cop over their Jet-Skis at a flooded park :)

Lots of pranks on the new missionary. :P But they're funny. Just got hot sauce put in my root beer cup and I sipped it up my straw within an inch of my mouth. Fun stuff. :)

Love you all!

Love, Elder Stowell

Sam knows how much I love clouds so I'm pretty sure he sent this one for me! :)

Week Seven

An Arizona Sunset

Sam is working hard and playing hard! Whether it's laser tag on p-day, a very dusty service project, playing the violin in Sacrament Meeting or going on splits with other missionaries where he's the "senior companion" for a day, it sounds like he's super busy and very happy.  

Here's what he says about one of his investigators:

"Our investigator is golden. He accepts everything we tell him/give him, and just from reading the Restoration and Plan of Salvation pamphlet he knows more than me. Almost not kidding. He could be a missionary right now. He's so excited for his [baptismal] date of Sept. 20, and committed to live the Word of Wisdom the first night we asked. I love that guy."

Lessons learned and goals to improve: 

"I'm realizing how important planning is. If you have no plan, you do no work. If you do no work, you don't have the Spirit. If you don't have the Spirit, you don't find, teach, or baptize."

"I'm trying to work on Christ-Like attributes, particularly diligence, virtue, and charity. I remember Grandpa telling me that the secret of missionary work is to love the people, and I can definitely see that."

Love you!

Elder Stowell