Tuesday, July 19, 2011

July 18, 2011

Family,

It sounds like you've had a really busy weekend. Those reunions sound like a good time. I'm sorry dad that you've been sick.. that really stinks.. I hate being sick especially as a missionary.. because you feel so useless.. and like you're wasting precious time.
I've haven't been feeling completely up to par lately... but I've been trucking through it.. and I KNOW that because I went out and worked even though I wasn't feeling good... the Lord blessed us with us reaching our goals for the week..
I honestly didn't think we'd be able to meet those goals but we made them because we went out and worked when neither of us felt the best and even when it was RIDICULOUSLY hot outside...

So yes we are teaching a few of those new potentials.. that we ran into this past week.. one is a part member family. The only problem with teaching them is that... the nonmember wife.. talks more than ANYONE ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH!! I left there so frustrated because she would go off on tangents that were... honestly stupid..
At the end of the lesson I asked her to pray right there in front of us and to ask God in her pray if what we've taught her was true.. and she went off for TWENTY minutes about how she met her first husbands mistress after knowing who she was while at a gas station were she was working selling samples to a new candy bar.. and how she knows that the Lord was involved with them meeting each other... I told her that that was wonderful that she was able to overcome any angry feelings towards the other woman but what important was that she asked God if what we taught about Joseph Smith and God calling Prophets again on the earth and the Book of Mormon was true.. .
it was a LONG lesson.

So yeah.. things have been going pretty good... strange but good.
We've started teaching more people, which is good because after Anselmo's Baptism we're down one person to prepare for baptism.
The baptism went GREAT by the way.. it was one of the best baptisms of my mission.. the Spirit was very strong and the ward was very involved.
One of the speakers was from the Spanish Speaking Branch here because Anselmo's mother doesn't speak much English.. Even though I didn't understand what was being said, I felt the Spirit. It was amazing.
This is a picture of Anselmo and his baptism.. He's pretty good sized for being 14, huh?

This is a picture of Kris Taylor and his family at his baptism.


I cannot believe that today is my mark of 20 months as a missionary.
It has really flown by... I don't want to waste any of the time I've got left. I am loving it even though its the hardest thing I've ever done... I love it. and I'm loving the person I've become.

Thank you for all your love support and prayers. they help a lot.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Jul 11

Family,

So yeah things have been going pretty well.. We do have our baptism this weekend on Saturday.. So be thinking about me at 7 o'clock on Saturday night.. we'll be helping another of God's children come closer to Jesus Christ through baptism.. I am very excited.

But things have been going pretty good. We've found a lot of new people to teach so we're trying to get them to continue meeting with us on a regular schedule. I am hoping for the best.

Yeah it is pretty crazy to think about Carson being a Senior.. because I STILL don't feel old enough to be out of high school.
A funny thing happened while in Elder's Quorum yesterday.. I taught the Gospel Principles class and Elder Shawhan taught the EQ lesson... and the lesson he taught was on Eternal Families..
So I've always had the thought that I am going to wait to get married until after I am mostly finished with school and then wait until I am done to have kids.. but I thought it was interesting how every one in the class started talking about not waiting for any of that... So I've really had my opinion changed on it.. granted I am not going to get married as soon as I get home, one reason being I have NO idea who the right person is..., and I am probably not going to have kids right after I get married but we'll see what the Lord has in mind for me... You know I've always been terrified about my future but I know that as I trust in the Lord that He'll help me and that everything will be okay. Sorry ... talking about Carson being a Senior and me not feeling old enough reminded me of that.. .I know it seemed a bit random.. but oh well..

So tonight we are going and staying the night with the Zone Leaders of the Meeker Zone in Rifle, because in the morning we have a Zone Leader Council in Frisco. So we'll see what'll happen there.. I am pretty excited.. even we have to spend a whole day up there and not working.. it'll still be good.. We talk about how the Mission is doing and how it can be better. and what we're gonna do to help.

But things have been going pretty good. I will let you know how the baptism went and I'll send all of those pictures next week.

Thanks for everything you all do for me.
I can truly feel your prayers everyday.

Take Care! I love you all!

Your son and brother,

--
-Elder Cameron Landon

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

June letters

Dear Family,

So.. things have been going pretty well.. we have two of our investigators that will be baptized as soon as the people they want to baptize them are ready. They are working on the worthiness part now. But its coming along really well..

Last night we met our new High Councilor in the Stake. The new one over Missionary work anyways. He's a really good guy. We had our weekly meeting with him. That's one of the responsibilities of a Zone Leader. We have to meet with the Stake Leaders.
A few days ago (Mon. May 30) I realized that in exactly six months I will be sleeping in my own bed.. that is crazy. I really want to finish these last six months stronger than ever. So I am going to be working harder.

In District Meeting we watched a GREAT talk given at the MTC in Jan. by Elder Holland. It was amazing. It talked all about when the Apostles asked Peter what they do next after the Savior had been crucified. He just went back to his fishing. And Christ asked him Three times "Lovest thou me?" (Elder Holland said that Peter became the greatest apostle because Christ asked him three times in a row, the three being significant to Peter denying Christ three times before the cock crew) He finally said "Then feed my sheep"
He made it the point of .. not going back to the things we used to do.. if we do we haven't really repented.. we haven't become better.. So I am going to try as hard as I can to continue reminding myself of that great question "Lovest thou me?"
It was a great talk and I've got a copy of it.. I am very excited.

This past Sunday Elder Akaka and I taught the Fifth Sunday discussion in church. it was all about how the missionary work is pointless unless there is member involvement. It went really well.. We even had a member from our Mission Presidency come and observe us. He said it was great. So I hope he wasn't just being kind.
We're hoping that they will take what we shared with them and run with it. But we'll see.

I can't think of much else to tell you all, other than I love you very much and miss you all! Please take care!
Moroni 8:3

Your son and brother,
-Elder Cameron Eric Landon


June 6
Family,

So things have been going pretty good here. Elder Akaka and I had the best week, working wise, last week. We taught 23 lessons, found three new investigators, and had three investigators and three less-actives at church. It was awesome. We've also been teaching the Gospel Principles and Elder's Quorum Lessons the past couple of weeks. So that's been pretty sweet.
However despite all that... last week was the hardest for me as a Zone Leader. I am just so tired of having to baby sit other missionaries and fix problems that have been going on. A Sister Missionary and I got into a huge argument.. and she's really upset with me because I asked her to stop doing something that she was doing wrong. But things are being worked out.

Transfer calls are already this week. I cannot believe how fast each six week period comes and goes. It still astonishes me how fast two years can go by and yet how much can change in that time. So either we will be getting a call on Friday night or Sunday night. So I'll let you know what happens next week.
I've decided that I really like being in an area longer rather than a short time. I think two transfers is too short and three still not long enough to be in an area. So I am going to ask President Maynes if he could either transfer me now, so I can stay in my last area for four transfers (six months), or keep me here for six months.
I am going to talk to him about that tonight. We are going to Denver today and staying at the Mission Home tonight for a Zone Leader Meeting tomorrow morning. Then we'll be coming back tomorrow evening. I'll talk to him about it there.

I don't know if I told you but a few weeks ago we helped with two moves. One we moved a lady's whole house into a 10x10x15. It was pretty tough to get it all to fit but I was about 8 feet off the ground on top of boxes and other items throwing other things up on top. it was pretty hot and tiring but we got it all to fit. I was so proud of myself.
I've got to go now.. my time is almost up on the computer.. the computers here shut off if when our time limit is up. So that's why my letters have been a bit shorter lately..
But I love you all and miss you very much.
And don't let any Apache Indians (Lamanites) come and attack anyone, in your dreams or for real.

Take care.

Love your son and brother,
--
-Elder Cameron Landon

June 13
Family,
The baptism went really well. It was kinda just thrown together and I was stressing out about it but it turned out really good. Kris was the boy's name. His mom Sherri is a member, in that she was baptized, but the church cannot find her records. They have had a VERY rough life. Kris just turned 9 and so we've been helping him get ready to be baptized for about two months now. The missionaries have been working on this family for a while now. And I know that Kris' decision will really help this family. They're pretty .. dis functional.. but good people.
Elder Plunkett was the one in Craig for a long time with me. He is in Grand Junction 2nd ward and before that he was in the 9th ward so he knew the Taylor family really well.. And Kris asked Elder Plunkett to baptize him. It was a good night.
Transfers are here. I am a little upset about it but... I didn't ask the Mission President like I wanted or said I was going to, because I did already know that the Lord is in charge.. but I did tell him how being a Zone Leader is really stressful, and frustrating for me... and asked how much longer he's got planned to keep me as such. He told me to hang on a little longer.. I still really wanted to be released... but nope.
I am still going to be a Zone Leader and staying here. Elder Akaka is being transferred, but not only transferred, he is also being released after only one transfer here and one transfer as a Zone Leader! Apparently President Maynes needs him to help a struggling missionary out and Elder Akaka is the guy for the job.
So I'm not too happy about it... and from what I've heard my choices of who my new companion will be either it'll be really good or really bad and I won't get along with him at all.. because I've already served around him and I didn't like him at all. So I am a bit worried about tomorrow and finding out who my new companion is. But we'll see.

I also asked President about why he made me a Zone Leader. I told him that Zone Leaders are supposed to be an example and baptize people to be that example. I told him that I've only had one baptism as a Zone Leader and that was after 7 months of being one. He told me that I was made a Zone Leader to be an example of how to take a ward that's struggling and build the relationship between the ward and the missionaries and help the ward's become stronger in Missionary work. He then told me to look at the wards I've been in as a Zone Leader and look at a before and after. So I guess that's why I've been called as a ZL. It made me feel a little bit better but I am still not sure about this next transfer... we'll see.
I love you all very much thanks for everything.
I miss you.
Moroni 8:3

Your son and brother,
-Elder Cameron Landon

June 20
Dear Family,

Well, things have been going alright here. Transfers did happen and my new companion is named Elder Shawhan (pronounced Shawn). He is from San Jose, CA. He is actually a Spanish speaking Elder. He's not Hispanic but he was called to speak Spanish, so its kinda cool serving with him because I am learning a bit of Spanish. And its a bit weird staying in the apartment an hour longer each morning because he does his language study. So during that time I've been catching up on my journal, letters, or getting an extra hour of study. which is fine with me.
We get along alright, he's a great missionary, and obedient, which I have no problem with.. its just.. I don't know I guess its the way he is obedient... like he's trying to do it to get others attention. I don't know.. and that REALLY bothers me. I might be having a hard time with him this transfer, but of course I will try my best.
Elder Tonga, who I served near in Highlands Ranch, is in Grand Junction 6th ward, so he lives with us.. which is cool.. he's a very funny guy. and it helps with a little relief from my companion.

We have a Zone Conference this coming Friday, and President Maynes asked me to give a talk (like in sacrament meeting) in front of all the "Out West" missionaries about: How to exercise Faith while Receiving and Contacting Referrals. So we'll see how it goes. I'll let you know.

I was asked by a member the other day if I've ever taken part of bringing someone to the gospel before my mission.. and I didn't think of anyone until later that day I thought of Calvin Arone, from Lewisville. And when I thought of him, I haven't been able to stop thinking about him for the past few days. I was wondering if you could possibly find him on Facebook.. and if you do get his address for me. I'd really like to write him to see how he's doing. Could you do that for me? I'd appreciate it.

Kris Taylor was Confirmed on Sunday. He asked me if I would do it... which I thought was pretty cool.. It was a neat experience. He's a good kid... REALLY bad ADHD but a good kid.

Well, I'm sorry but I can't think of anything else to talk about.

I love you all very much.
Your son, and brother,
Elder Cameron Landon

June 27
Dear Family,
The past week seemed like forever! But I made it through.

Funny thing about Zone Conference. So last Tues., the Tues. before Zone Conference, The Assistants called me and asked me to sing a song for Zone Conference as well.. So I wasn't only freaking out about speaking at the Conference but singing as well.
So I recruited Elder Tonga, to sing with me.. and asked an Elder Watkins, who is an incredible piano player by the way, to help me out. We sang an arrangement of Hymn No. 98 "I Need Thee Every Hour" it went really well.
My talk on "Exercising Faith when obtaining and contacting referrals" went pretty good as well. I didn't say as much as I thought I would and I didn't have time to share the scripture story I wanted to. The story of Saul in the New Testament and how he become converted.

The Zone Conference we had was good. It was all about Faith. And I've learned a lot more about Faith that I didn't know before. I really had a good time. And I got to see several missionaries that I haven't seen in a long time. Which is always a good time.

Speaking of I absolutely LOVE the stories from the scriptures.. I know I told you a few weeks ago about a new favorite, being the last chapter of John. So I am now adding a new one to that list. I really like the story of Daniel and the Lions Den. There is SO much more to that story than I thought there originally was. Its a good one.
I was so enthralled by finding all these great stories that, that is what I decided to teach this past Sun. in Gospel Principles class. It went pretty good.

We spent the night in Collbran, the town up in the mountains that had the branch that was dissolved, Friday night. I was expecting to stay in the house. but the member we stayed with had a different plan. We stayed outside in his "bunk house".
That was pretty cool it was pretty small.. about the size of Brady's room. (Or what was Brady's room when I left... whose it is now I have no idea. ;) ) It has four bunks and a table a chair and a sink with NO faucet.
Bro. Schowalter says he rents it out to hunters during hunting season.
It felt like camping. Which is something I REALLY REALLY miss doing. I don't blame Carson for wanting to do that for a job maybe next summer. That'd be a blast!
I don't know if I told you this but this past week, we had a lesson with Craig, our investigator and I told him that I want to see him baptized before I leave and his answer to that was he got up and walk to where I was sitting and shook my hand and then gave me a hug. He said he'd do it.. He just needs to quit smoking and we need to teach him the rest of the lessons. I am pretty excited. Craig said that Elder Akaka and I are his favorite missionaries that he's met.
So that's pretty cool.

Well, I love you all and miss you very much.
Please take care!

Until next week!
Your son and brother,
--
-Elder Cameron Landon

July 5
Dear Family
Family,

Well, I hope that everyone's Fourth went well. It was our P-Day so we did the normal stuff..
We shopped, cleaned, and then went and played dodge ball for about two and a half hours before dinner.
President Maynes didn't want us out working after dinner so he said to go in to our apartments after that. So we had a barbecue with a Less-Active family, and then went in to study a little more and to write some letters..
But here is a picture of us at dinner last night. (By the way I found that tie in one of the missionary apartments and nobody claimed it so I took it and wore it just for yesterday) But then I gave it to Elder Tonga so he could remember the country he served in. Haha
But it was neat studying while hearing the fireworks of the neighbors going off... Even though hearing and seeing a few of them made me really miss home.. and being with my family... But I'll live.

I really wanted to go and see a parade but we weren't able to leave our apartments until 10 o'clock, like everyday.. because we study until then. But playing dodge ball was fun, even though I am pretty sore today.

We've had a pretty good week this week.
There is this lady who we knew was less-active and that her ten year old daughter wasn't baptized so Elder Sherman and I stopped by once but no one was there. Then Elder Akaka and I dropped by and we found them home and just asked her if she was interested in having her daughter be baptized... and she said she'd think about it.
Well, two Sundays ago her, her daughter and her grandmother just showed up in church. And we talked to them afterward and they really enjoyed it!
Then this past Saturday we got a call from her asking us to come and teach her and her daughter. She was very nervous because she hasn't been to church since she was 19 and she's in her thirties now. But she realized that she doesn't know a whole lot about the church and didn't know how to go about having her daughter be baptized... but she agreed to it.
So Elder Shawhan and I went by and taught them the message of the Restoration and they really enjoyed it. Its going really well..

We also went to stop by a Potential that Elder Shawhan tracted into about a year ago while he was here in the Spanish Branch.. and it turns out the girl that he talked to was the granddaughter of the people who lived there and has since then moved out but the grandparents are a part member family! So we are now starting to teach them as well..
I think that's pretty exciting.
Lessons with Craig are still going well.
There is also a picture of Kris Taylor's baptism. His mom is the one that called you a few weeks ago while I was sitting right next to her.

Things are going pretty good. I am excited for the work progressing here. Things are coming.. I am excited.
We have a baptism on the 16th... Anselmo Quezada. He's the 14 year old Hispanic boy. He's a great kid. I am excited for him.

I love you all very much and hope everything is going well.
Please give everyone my love.
Take Care!

Your son and brother,
--
-Elder Cameron Landon