Cave Diving in Mountain Home
The next week they taught 21 discussions, then had a really slow week and only taught 17. But they got three baptismal commitments in one night all at the same apartment complex, and have five total scheduled so far during the next six week transfer period. Nick joked around with a crazy (in a good way) guy who hangs out at the apartments where they teach, so Nick made a deal with him that he had to go to church at least once and take one lesson, so he did. The lesson went well and they have scheduled another one. One of the coolest things that happened was that one investigator has been taking the lessons for a year, but was just now able to quit smoking, so he'll be baptized. Another investigator has to serve some jail time, so Nick will be going to the Meridian prison to teach him, and he'll be baptized November 7 (after he gets out?).
Elder Nelson will be getting transferred next week, but Nick is staying at least until the following transfer date of December 3. Nick is hoping to stay at least one more transfer period after that so he can spend his birthday and Christmas with the Spjutes. And he'll see more baptisms from the people currently being taught. Elder Anderson transfers in this week. Nick has heard that he is a 6'7" basketball player. Nick is glad to hear that Elder Anderson works hard, so they'll get a lot done (Nick said that?).
The next baptism coming up is October 23. Nick will be baptizing a nine year old boy named Zavree. His parents had been less active until the elders worked to help activate them, so now their son is getting baptized.
Nick interviews with the mission president once each six week period and loves meeting with him. President Yardley told Nick that he has the ability to lead without being a leader. In other words, he hasn't been out long enough to have a leadership role, but has taken on responsibilities anyway, and has been an example to other missionaries who are having difficulties. Nick has been having some trouble with his back (maybe from being thrown off the bull?) and has seen a doctor and had x-rays that showed nothing. The mission president gave him a blessing and he's been doing a little better. Funny, it doesn't seem to affect his ability to play football or basketball.
For two weeks he's in a companionship with three until Elder Tryon goes home. He wishes he could have served with him sooner as he's really enjoying it. He says Elder Tryon is the man! A little like Chris Bench for those of you who know what that means. But the most eventful thing that happened was when the three of them were eating at Tucanos, and the waitress told them that someone had anonymously paid the bill for all three of them, including dessert. He thought that was the coolest thing ever.
One P-day, several of the elders went "cave diving" in Mountain Home. They have to repel into some of the caves and squeeze through really tight places. One elder couldn't fit through and had to turn around and go back. Nick was sore the next day, but it was lots of fun and they plan to go back soon--even with the bats (they have a resemblance to birds). He didn't have time to email that day, and when one of the ward mission leaders found out, he scolded Nick for not writing home that week and Nick got special permission to send an email on an off P-day.
He still gets frustrated with the sister missionaries. They asked the elders to come to a discussion with them, then showed a 90 minute video followed by a 30 minute discussion. You know the elders, they want to get right down to business...30-60 minutes max per discussion.
He says it's freezing there already and is requesting more winter clothing. They've had a few snow storms already!
Sister Spjute tells me that Elder Tryon is a night owl and keeps the other two up talking until midnight. One night they played games with the family until midnight. She says Nick starts yawning around 10:00. Again, I have to ask, is this really Nick she's talking about?
Maybe it is. Nick's quote of the week: "One thing I have found out is that missionaries have a dumb sense of humor. They make jokes using missionary lingo and things like that. I now do this. Sad day."
He thinks we're doing a ridiculous amount of fun stuff without him (where was I?), and says "Not fair. I miss home but no way do I want to come home. I love it here too, and I know there is stuff I need to do."
Elder Nelson will be getting transferred next week, but Nick is staying at least until the following transfer date of December 3. Nick is hoping to stay at least one more transfer period after that so he can spend his birthday and Christmas with the Spjutes. And he'll see more baptisms from the people currently being taught. Elder Anderson transfers in this week. Nick has heard that he is a 6'7" basketball player. Nick is glad to hear that Elder Anderson works hard, so they'll get a lot done (Nick said that?).
The next baptism coming up is October 23. Nick will be baptizing a nine year old boy named Zavree. His parents had been less active until the elders worked to help activate them, so now their son is getting baptized.
Nick interviews with the mission president once each six week period and loves meeting with him. President Yardley told Nick that he has the ability to lead without being a leader. In other words, he hasn't been out long enough to have a leadership role, but has taken on responsibilities anyway, and has been an example to other missionaries who are having difficulties. Nick has been having some trouble with his back (maybe from being thrown off the bull?) and has seen a doctor and had x-rays that showed nothing. The mission president gave him a blessing and he's been doing a little better. Funny, it doesn't seem to affect his ability to play football or basketball.
For two weeks he's in a companionship with three until Elder Tryon goes home. He wishes he could have served with him sooner as he's really enjoying it. He says Elder Tryon is the man! A little like Chris Bench for those of you who know what that means. But the most eventful thing that happened was when the three of them were eating at Tucanos, and the waitress told them that someone had anonymously paid the bill for all three of them, including dessert. He thought that was the coolest thing ever.
One P-day, several of the elders went "cave diving" in Mountain Home. They have to repel into some of the caves and squeeze through really tight places. One elder couldn't fit through and had to turn around and go back. Nick was sore the next day, but it was lots of fun and they plan to go back soon--even with the bats (they have a resemblance to birds). He didn't have time to email that day, and when one of the ward mission leaders found out, he scolded Nick for not writing home that week and Nick got special permission to send an email on an off P-day.
He still gets frustrated with the sister missionaries. They asked the elders to come to a discussion with them, then showed a 90 minute video followed by a 30 minute discussion. You know the elders, they want to get right down to business...30-60 minutes max per discussion.
He says it's freezing there already and is requesting more winter clothing. They've had a few snow storms already!
Sister Spjute tells me that Elder Tryon is a night owl and keeps the other two up talking until midnight. One night they played games with the family until midnight. She says Nick starts yawning around 10:00. Again, I have to ask, is this really Nick she's talking about?
Maybe it is. Nick's quote of the week: "One thing I have found out is that missionaries have a dumb sense of humor. They make jokes using missionary lingo and things like that. I now do this. Sad day."
He thinks we're doing a ridiculous amount of fun stuff without him (where was I?), and says "Not fair. I miss home but no way do I want to come home. I love it here too, and I know there is stuff I need to do."
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