Hey Family!
Ok, ok. Ive got a couple things I want to share!
First, I got a ham thrown at me. By the Bishops four year old son, but still. Second, Dad, I ate real Filipino food. {Jeremy went to the Philippines on his mission} We had this pork stuff and Im honestly not sure what part of the pig it actually was, it was kind of chewy. And then there was this cabbage with marshmellows and sausage poked into it with toothpicks. And this weird jelly drink stuff. But I ate it all and lived! They had blood in their fridge {ewwww} but my companion said not to ask for it. Ha! Third, I tried the Canadian fries with gravy and cheese curds and I don't think I'll have it again. It didn't sit well with my stomach! Anyways, I also tried ketchup chips which are amazing!! Definitely getting some today while I go shopping. Fourth, I hope Father's Day was great! Happy belated Father's Day to the best dad in the world!!
Ok, funny experience. So we were on our way home one night when we saw this lady struggling to carry some bags so we drove over to offer some help. She said she would love that, and just about hopped in the car, so I jumped out of the car and said I'd just help her carry them. So I thought she was like 20, and she said she was going to school, so I started asking her about what she was going into. Turns out she was fourteen and in High School. {ha, now you know how your sister (Erin) feels - she is always getting picked up by college boys when she is visiting up north and they ask her the same questions...what are you studying and what year in school? When she answers a "sophomore".....in high school they always look sheepish!!} Awkward! Anyways, we talk about church a little bit, invited her. She said no because her dad wouldn't approve, but she seemed interested. So we get to her house and Elder Lloyd asked her if she wanted our number and she gave us hers. Ha, but she was definitely flirting with us, it was soooo awkward. Then as she walked in the door she said, "Its too bad you two aren't in school. You're cute! All the girls would be after you." So me and Elder Lloyd mumbled a bit and walked away haha! It was so terribly awkward. Next day at church we had to teach part of young womens. Someone brought up the fact that I was their first eighteen year old missionary in the ward and one of the girls said, "oh, I could be dating you!" Yea, so pretty much every RM {return missionary} tells you about all the spiritual experiences that you'll have, but no one bothers to tell you all the awkward experiences you'll have! Ha!
Anyways, every Thursday we teach an english language class with the Mandarin speaking Elders. It is so hilarious! Theres a bunch of chinese people trying to speak english and man they say some of the funniest things! It is so fun. And on Fridays we have sports night. So we try to get some less active young men and some non-members to come play basketball with us, which is really fun!
Ok, so about your questions: {I've found it easiest to ask all of my questions in one area of his letter, then he copies and pastes them onto his letter and answers them}
How is tracting going?
Tracting is not very effective. Referals are where it is at! Tracting is pretty exciting because you never know what you'll get! But Elder Lloyd and I are trying to do less of that just because it is not very effective.
Do you mainly go door to door?
Nope. We go by the Spirit and we try to look for clues if they are home. And whenever someone has signs of being a golfer we stop there, because Elder Lloyd can speak their language. Haha! {I loved that!!}
What is the best thing that has happened to you this week? {get ready to tear up....I sure did!!}
The best thing came from the worst day. Nothing really was going well. I was wondering if I was even being an effective missionary or if my time here was worthwhile. Yes, the mission is hard. But the sun poked out from the clouds and I heard, "I am here." I responded to Heavenly Father, "I know." I started talking about my situation. He asked what the desires of my heart were. I told Him I wanted to teach His children and bring them closer to Christ. Even though I had not taught any investigators he said, "You already have, thank you." I then realized that even though I had only taught less actives and members that I was still helping them come closer to Christ. Even if all I did while in this area is help a less active come to church or help a member become more converted it would be worth my time. Because they are all children of God. Numbers are good, but they don't matter as much as people say they do. Just take every chance you have with every person and try to help them come closer to Christ.
Any funny stories about you and your companion?
Just the one with the one girl. Awkward moments, gotta love 'em.
What are your p-days like?
We go to the Stake Center and play basketball with our zone which is way fun! We go to the store and buy food. Oh, I think you should know that since I arrived in Canada I have already gained three pounds. Yea, the members feed us every night. At three pounds per week I figure I should weigh about 470 pounds by the time I get back. Haha! {oh dear!!!}
Are you getting many chances to exercise?
I exercise in the morning for 30 minutes. I use my backpack for bicep curls, haha! Then I do pushups, crunches, etc.
And last but not least, have you figured out how to send photos?
I think so! I'll try to send some with this email or in seperate emails. {THANK YOU!!!!}
Well, the church is true! I love you all so much! Thanks for all the support and prayers. I hope you know I pray for all of you every night. You are all so great. I'll probably be saying eh by the time I get home. In fact when I get off the plane I'll probably be holding a bag of ketchup chips! They are so good! Time flies out here. 5 more days and it will be a month! Whoa! Well, I love you all!
Love,
Elder Call
More pictures will be on the way! (this email only allows 15mb per email)
I love you so much mom! Tell the family I say hello and that they are the best friends ever! I love you all so much! Thanks for your great example mom.
Elder Call with the other missionaries in his district at the MTC.
Elder Call and Elder M, his companion at the MTC
Apparently he feels the same way as I do about laundry day!!!! :)
ps check out the photo bomb shirt in the background
Welcome to Calgary, Canada!! Tuesday June 4, 2013
His first companion in the mission field, Elder L from Idaho. They are serving together in
North Calgary. Apparently his companion told him that he prayed for a
companion that could play basketball and golf. And he got Spenc - who loves basketball and
isn't too bad at golf!! Spencer says they get along great!
THANK YOU FOR THE LETTER AND PICTURES!!!
{We seriously LOVE Mondays! That is his p-day (preparation day = emailing home, laundry, shopping, sight seeing, basketball, golf, etc. day). I sooooo look forward to hearing from him and to get pictures to go with it was such a treasure. We sure miss him, but the sweet spirit we feel as he is out serving is so calming and reassuring. What an amazing missionary he is. The Canadian people are so lucky to have him!!}
We Love You Elder Call!!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
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