TOMATOES AND MUSHROOMS AND OLIVES...OH, MY

Great couple of letters from Elder Eli. (Scroll down for last week’s, then back up for this week’s!)

29 April 2014 

Hello all! Things are going well on this side of the Arctic Circle (kind of kidding). The weather has been heating up, and we’ve actually been able to leave our coats home for a few of these past days! That being said, coatless weather here and in Utah might be totally different things. We ditch the coats when it’s a few degrees above freezing. 3 degrees Celsius is downright balmy. We’ve still got some threats of snow, so we’re not in the clear yet. We probably won’t really be in the clear until June, actually. They aren’t kidding when they talk about eight months of winter. Sheesh!

We had a good week! We went to our Elders Quorum activity on Saturday, and it was a cook-off! I wanted to participate, but I couldn’t really think of anything to bring to the table (buh-dum, tch!). There were three categories: appetizer, main, and dessert. Elder Jolley entered the appetizer category and did a little cracker dish. Basically it was Triscuits, sausage, and melted cheese. It was delicious. Surprisingly so. So delicious, in fact, that he actually won the appetizer category, and $25 to Red Robin! I knew I should have entered.

We had a district fast this week. As a district, something we’ve been focusing on is becoming more like Christ, so a few weeks ago we all set personal goals that would help us toward that. Just yesterday we all fasted to be able to have help and strength in our personal issues, so that we could be more suited to carry out our purpose. We’re looking forward to seeing what sort of blessings come from this! One obvious blessing is that we’re more unified as a district, which is important. We were all definitely good friends before, but it’s just a bit closer now.

We’re trying to get some new investigators, and at the same time we’ve been doing a lot of work with some less-active members in the ward. It’s such an amazing feeling seeing people embrace the gospel and build their testimonies, even if they’re familiar with the church or even if they’ve been baptized. We all need this, people! There’s that whole “enduring to the end” part which is really important. I’m so grateful for the perspective that my mission has provided on enduring. I love this Church, and I do know it’s true. If anyone wants to feel good, look for an opportunity to serve! Thanks for reading and sending your prayers and love. Keep it up!

                                                                       

Keep the faith,

Elder Eli

P.S. Oh! My guesses! National: Texas. International: Halifax, Canada. I’m so stoked to find out! No one told me what time things would be going down, so I’ll just try and email in the evening and see what’s what! Congrats, Max!

22 April 2014 

Greetings to my loved ones! I hope you’re all having a wonderful week, and I hope you had a good Easter! I look back on this week and it seems like there was nothing out of the ordinary that happened. I’ll answer the questions from your emails while describing my week.

The week was pretty basic. We went on exchanges with the zone leaders, which was really good. It’s amazing the kinds of friends you make on a mission. I wouldn’t have met any of these people if it wasn’t for serving a mission, yet they’re such an integral part of my life now that I can’t imagine anything else! I’ve made such good friends with missionaries, members and non-members alike. I’ve previously mentioned baby Nixon and my obsession with him. Well, his parents, Bethany and Kestin, are some of my dearest friends up here. They’re both 18, and they are wonderful. Plus, their baby is scrumptious. We’ve got supper with them this week, and if I remember, I’ll snag a picture with the family. I’m so grateful for the people Heavenly Father puts in our path, and I’m so happy with my decision to serve a mission.

Dad asked what I typically do for breakfast, and I don’t want to answer for fear of the motherly whiplash that is sure to follow. I’m honestly really bad about eating breakfast. I usually go without. It’s not like I’m really suffering every day, but it’s not like I don’t have the time or means. It just doesn’t happen. But, I did buy breakfast things this week, and I do plan on making that a part of my routine. We’re fed supper mostly every night, with all sorts of variety. Spaghetti and lasagna do happen, but not a bad amount. I greatly appreciate it when people feed us Indian, because it’s rare and so delicious. You know I’m always down for meat and potatoes and Caesar salad, and that happens almost frequently enough. You know, I’m really not afraid to try things anymore. There hasn’t been anything I’ve had to gag down either. Tomatoes are still my biggest rival, but other than that I’d say I’m pretty down for anything. I guess mushrooms are still on the list, but we don’t really have those often. Oh, and olives. Crap. Whatevs, I’m still a good eater.

I did not get permission to call in for Max’s call, but I did get permission to email you guys to find out the results, so when 4/30 rolls around, I’ll find my way to a computer at 7-ish and we can email. Not the same, but it’s the best I got!

Thank you all for your love and support! I really do feel it, so keep it coming! You’re in my prayers and in my heart as I’m going about doing work. The Church is true!

Keep the faith,

Elder Webb

 

 

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