Thursday, November 27, 2014

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

The post itself has nothing specific to do with the holidays, but today is Thanksgiving in the U.S. and Elder Eli’s father is just now getting to the posting of the goods:

Comrades!

I pray for your health and well-being. I myself am in good health, and I’d say that my being is pretty well. I’ll let you know if anything changes.
Travis’s baptism day

Jordan’s baptism day
This was a great week. They go by so fast! Honestly. On Tuesday we had our zone conference! It was great. I love being able to interact with President Manion. He is an inspired man, and he really loves his missionaries. There were two zones participating in this conference, and for part of it we split into our individual zones and the zone leaders had the opportunity of giving a training on the Atonement. The goal was to help missionaries get a better idea of how to make the Atonement a bigger part of their teaching, and Elder Babb and I agreed that the most important part of teaching the Atonement is having your own personal conversion first. So our training centered on obtaining a personal testimony of the Atonement, then translating that to helping those we meet obtain one for themselves. I feel like it went well!

Other than zone conference there wasn’t anything unorthodox about our week. Just a lot of teaching and interacting! Oh! We do have a new investigator. Her name is Jennifer. She was referred to us by a member. Currently, she’s learning from us because she’s doing a report for school, but she really likes what we have to say, and she even came to church! She’s awesome. What’s weird, though, is that now our three investigators are named Jody, Jessica, and Jennifer. What’s up with that? Hopefully the streak will be broken tomorrow when we meet with a new potential named Xavier. Fingers crossed!

Also, Travis received the priesthood on Sunday! I was able to perform the ordinance, and it was a special experience! I think what I liked especially about it was that I was able to take Travis through the entire process, up to this point. I was able to baptise and confirm him, then I was able to give him the priesthood! I know that that’s not what it’s about at all, but I do consider myself blessed to have been so involved. The church is true!

I’m grateful for my mission and for the experiences I’m having! I love this gospel, and I can’t imagine what I would do without the light and hope that it provides! I found an excellent quote by my fourth-great-grandfather, Parley P. Pratt, so I’ll close with that:

“And when the Spirit of God is upon me, I think it matters but very little what I suffer, what I sacrificed–whether I secure the honor or dishonor of men, or where I die, if it so be that I can keep the faith, fight the good fight, and finish my course with joy. I have all eternity before me, in which to enjoy myself.”

Keep the faith,
Elder Webb
Thanks to a member’s tickets AND a willing investigator
(mission rules)

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

DO THEY HAVE EXTRADITION IN CANADA?

First missionary fender-bender report . . . So far he’s still loose on his own recognizance. Let’s be careful out there.

We got after Elder Eli for not sending enough pictures, so he dropped hints to someone at Family Home Evening that night, and a mystery member sent us this pic! Thank you, technology. Huzzah!


17 November 2014

Family units,

I forgot to tell you! Two weeks ago we got in a car accident! Nothing serious. Canadians take liberties when it comes to crossing streets, and what's different about here is that drivers need to stop for them. So some woman was crossing the street where there wasn't a cross walk and I had to stop. I did, but the woman behind me wasn't paying attention and we got rear-ended. That's all. Pretty basic. The woman who hit us was kind of in shock, but everything ended up okay. Good times!

Good week. We met with Jessica this week and she's doing really well! She loved the lesson we gave her. She's still set for baptism on the 29th. She's even sharing what we teach her with her older brother! Apparently he liked what he heard, so now we're trying to get her to invite him to be taught, Good things.

We were unable to meet with Jody this week, but she was able to make it out to church! She's been to a few different churches since she's been to ours, and every time she goes she says that she doesn't feel the Spirit at the other churches. She's seeing the difference, but what needs to happen now is a serious commitment. We'll see!

We had interviews with President Manion this week! I love that man. I'm so grateful that he is who he is. We've got a good relationship and I'm lucky to associate closely with him.

Max, Mom and Dad, Skyler says hi! He asks about you all the time. He's so funny. He's looked me up on Facebook, and I'm pretty sure he's sent a friend request to Max. He also wanted to add Hannah, but he assumed it was Hannah Call and not Woolley, so now he's friends with both of them. Classic Skyler.

I'm so grateful for the Atonement. I don't know it as well as I'd like, but I'm grateful for what I do understand, and I'm trying to learn more. Thanks for reading!

Keep the faith,
Elder Webb





Friday, November 14, 2014

THERE’S A CHILL IN THE AIR

Oh, the weather outside is becoming frightful, but the testimony-building experiences are so delightful...:

November 10, 2014 
Transfers happened this week, and I’m with Elder Babb now. He’s excellent, and I’m excited for the work we’re doing. We get along famously. Our zone is also excellent, and I’m grateful for the missionaries I get to serve around. It’s so strange to see missionaries who have been such a big part of my mission go home. Time goes so fast! I’m at 17 months now. Mind-blowing.

This was an excellent week! We had Travis’ baptism, and it went so well! It just so happens that his baptism fell on the day of the first snowfall (son of a), so there were a lot of accidents and delays. When it came down to it, everything went of without a hitch. He asked me to baptise him, and a good time was had by all. Sunday was crazy. First, we had Travis’ confirmation during sacrament meeting. He asked me to do the confirmation as well, so I felt blessed. It was special to officiate in both ordinances. Then we had the opportunity to give Jordan the Aaronic Priesthood during priesthood, and he asked me to do that for him! Giving blessings is interesting. Jordan’s ordination was a lot different from Skyler’s. They’re both doing really well. After church a sister in the ward asked for a blessing, so we did that for her, then my companion and I were asked to give three more blessings after that! All in all, I participated in six blessings on Sunday, and I was the voice for four of them. I don’t know what it was with that day, but I’m grateful for the power of the priesthood and the opportunities we have to serve with it. The Church is true!

By the way, I say “the Church is true” as comical aside quite frequently... I don’t know why, but it’s caught on, and now a number of members and missionaries with whom I have the pleasure of spending time also say it, and it’s become sort of a mantra for our little gang. I’d say it gets a good laugh 90% of the times I use it, and at least a knowing chuckle the other 10%. Totally worth it.

The temperature has plummeted since yesterday. We went from a balmy -7 degrees Celsius [19° F] to a less-balmy -24 degrees Celsius [-11° F]. Jinkies. That’s snot-freezing cold, for you folks at home. Luckily I know a thing or two about Canadian winters; and I know that as long as you’ve got some Helly Hansen thermals, some deer hide mitts and sheer grit and determination, you’ll be just fine. A car also helps.

Dad and Mom, when I Skype/Face Time it will be on Christmas Day. I don’t know exactly when during the day it will be, but I’m pretty flexible. We’ve got all of Christmas Day off. I’ll provide more info as it gets closer.

I love my mission and this gospel. I’m grateful for the frequent opportunities for growth and change. I hope to continue to grow and change to become the missionary and man my Heavenly Father would have me become. Thank you all for reading and writing! I love you (probably) and I hope you’re happy (definitely). The Church is true!

Keep the faith,
Northern Elder Webb



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Saturday, November 8, 2014

A WEEK IN THE LIFE

Looks like a typical (read: memorable!) week for Elder Eli:

November 3, 2014 
Well-wishes and warm hugs to all!

Things are well in this neck of the woods. The temperature is steadily dropping, but we don’t have snow yet, so for now the Church is still true. I am recovering from a pretty tame head cold, and life is good. I hope the rest of you can say the same!

This was an excellent week. I’ll try to take things in order:

Wednesday we went to the Oilers game! It was such a blast. Our investigator (Jody) had a great time. The member that took us brought jerseys for all of us to wear, so we just threw it on over our white shirts and ties! We still had our name tags visible, fret not. The downside was that we were slaughtered by the Nashville Predators, 4-1. It’s alright, a good time was had by all (except the Oilers).

Thursday we met with Jodie. Her friend Jen came to the lesson, and so did President and Sister Manion! President likes to come out with us when he can. It was a really good lesson. It’s clear that Jody has already had answers and confirmations, the issue now is getting her to realize that and commit. She’s humble and willing, though, so it shouldn’t be that much of a struggle. Also, Dad, before that lesson a member in the ward took us out to supper at The Keg, so now I’ve been. Holy delicious, Batman. Holy expensive, Batman.

Friday was Halloween! President Manion wanted us in for the night at 6:00 so that we could avoid any situations. Thank goodness we live with members. The night was spent eating and talking and laughing and carving pumpkins and passing out candy. Unfortunately that’s when I started to get sick, but Sister Woodruff gave me some meds and they’ve been helping.

Saturday was Jordan’s baptism! It was so amazing to see him taking it all in. He’s got a great understanding. There’s still a lot of work to do to make sure it’s a lasting conversion, but he’ll be fine. He asked me to baptize him, so that was a special experience. We’ve become very close, and I know we’ll be lifelong friends.

Sunday was Jordan’s confirmation and Elder Ganley’s last Sunday on his mission! He’s been a fantastic companion, and we’ve learned a lot from each other. This is the first companion that I’ve sent home, and it’s been a learning experience. He’s excited and we’ll stay in touch, so I’m not actually going to miss him that much. The confirmation went smoothly, and Jordan already has great relationships with people in the ward.

Today we got our transfer calls! I’m staying in Rainbow Valley and I’m getting Elder Babb. I met him when I was just over a month out in Peace River. He’s such a good guy. Just a few months ago we were talking about how cool it would be if we were companions! I’m really excited for these next three months. Woohoo!

Things are great with Travis, still. We’re set to have his baptism this Saturday, and he’s ready and excited. No hangups there, thank heavens. We weren’t able to meet with Jessica this week, but we’re pretty sure she’s still doing great.

I’m grateful for the experiences I’m having and the miracles I’m witnessing. I’m grateful for the opportunity I have to serve as a missionary, and I pray that I can be the missionary that Heavenly Father would have me be. I’m grateful for all you folks at home and abroad. Thanks for praying for me and supporting me! You’re all superstars, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! Keep reading, keep writing, but most important:

Keep the faith,
Elder Eli



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Sunday, November 2, 2014

CAN VS. MEX — IT BEGINS

Elder Eli rolls merrily along. . . Love that kid!

Familia, 
See? See? I can Spanish too. #jealous #callsareinspired #thankyourosettastone #worthwhileinvestment

Also, I'm jealous because Max’s emails are so much funnier than mine. To make myself feel better/explain why mine may not be as funny, I’ve prepared a short list:


  • He’s newer to his mission, therefore emailing has not become tiresome to him yet. Remember at the beginning of my mission when I shared that story about the Goshute Gophers? I used to be more fun.
  • I’m busier now with zone leading. My energies and efforts are focused on other salvation things. Don’t ask what.
  • There’s more to do in Edmonton than Reynosa, therefore less focus on email and more pressure from companions to hurry up. I’ve got the West Edmonton Mall like three minutes away from where I live. We went mini golfing this week!
  • He has more material for anecdotes. The culture is so similar. And there’s no way I can come close to competing with Mexican soap operas!

So there.

This was a great week. Things are moving steadily with our investigators. Jordan is all set to be baptized this week. Travis will probably have to do it later in November so that more family can attend, but he’s so ready.

New investigator update! Please welcome aboard Jody (Jodie?) and Jessica! Jody was referred by a friend in the ward. She’s been to church twice and she's looking to start over. She had it all and then lost it, so she feels pretty humbled. Willing to meet with us and willing to keep commitments and change. Jessica spoke with a member of the church at work and then looked up the church and basically referred herself. She’s very spiritual already and she loves God. We taught her the first lesson and she believed it all without a problem. She’s grateful for The Book of Mormon and she’s excited to get into it. She is set to be baptized on November 22nd! Good things.

Also, I get to go to an Edmonton Oilers game this week!!! We’ve got a member whose family has season tickets, and we were teasing him about going (teasing, fishing, same thing). He actually ended up setting it up with his dad, and he wants to take us! Our rule in the mission is that we need to bring an investigator if we go to a game, so we were teaching Jody with this same member, and he invited her out! I am so excited. I wish I had some Oilers swag to rep, but goodness gracious, sports apparel is pricey! I will be happy to go without. The Oilers aren’t good this year, so we’re not expecting much.

I got both packages! I'm wearing the pants and cardigan right now! Thanks so much! Mom, you always deliver. That Halloween/goodies package was excellent. The jerky was delicious, and the Count Chocula was gone pretty fast. I haven’t gone for the Funyuns yet. I’m working on my first bag of Chex Mix still. It’s weird that Canada doesn’t have my favorite things. No cheddar pretzels here, either! Silly northerners.

I love my mission. I love the Spirit I feel and the work that I’m blessed to be a part of. I love the people here. I love my companion and the missionaries around and my mission president. I love my friends and family at home and abroad. I love the Lord, and I’m grateful for His presence in my life. Thank you all for your prayers and support and love!

Keep the faith,
Elder Elijah Noble Webb