Hello Family I love so much!!!
Holy Freakin' Cow! I am no longer Howard's companion. Whew. That last week was HARD! But I love him. He was more obedient than Elder Brown and more willing to work than Elder Kerr. I love the kid so much. I'm just glad that companionship has ended. But guess what. Elder Price is my new companion. And he's already hit the spot for my new favorite companion. Seriously. We get along so well. We laugh and joke and teach beautifully. He loves video games and Jesus, so we just talk and talk. Unlike my last three companions, when I was told I was going to be his companion, I talked to people and all I heard was good things. Seriously, I am honored to be his companion. This is his third transfer, but he doesn't act like it.
Howard and I gave three church tours last week. The first was with "Pagan Gary" who isn't against baptism but won't commit to a date. We were going to teach him today but he cancelled until Thursday. What's awesome is that he told some of his friends and now they want to come learn also! Referrals all the way. One is Krista (who looks like Amy Adams). She also wouldn't commit to a date. She said she wanted to come to Stake Coference but she didn't show. And now we can't get a hold of her. The last is Eugene. Who is on date for the 25th. Seriously. He's from Ukraine and is totally awesome. We're going to teach him the Restoration which will hopefully solidify him. We also have a tour with a guy that lives in the alley by our house. Edwin. He's super cool and will be great to take on a tour. Lots of WoW issues but, with God, Elder Price and I can get rid of that. We also have a tour on Wednesday with a lady we met yesterday. She's awesome. She lives next to a less active member and we're going to see if we can get both on a tour.
President Weaver has set a goal of 200 baptisms in the month of October! Or was it 400...oops, I can't remember. Anyways, with the mormon.org movement going on over here, we won't have to worry for a second about that! BTW, have you set up a profile yet? DO IT NOWWWWW!!!! As us missionaries say: "Suffer it to be so Now! As in getting baptized right now!" Ooh, birthday is this transfer! Woot. I'm stoked.
Well, I'll let you know on what's going on in the mission. I love you all. Thanks for your support, your love and your letters. Hugs and handshakes. Take luck!
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
Monday, October 31, 2011
So, family. This has been a wild week. We are currently out of investigators. They all have been dropped! We're starting from scratch and are getting blessed for it. We have a church tour for tonight with a sixteen year-old black chick, which is going to rock. And tomorrow, we have two church tours. One is with a Ukrainian guy we met last week. He's super cool and loved the Tacoma South building and its art work. He's excited but busy. The other is with a guy that lives on the alley way right by our house. He's a super cool dude. His name is Edwin and, when we invited him to come on a tour, he not only agreed but gave Elder Howard an $85 Kenneth Cole watch! Seriously! All he's talked about for the last 18 hours is his watch. lol.
I love Elder Howard so much. Yeah, we get in fights and argue and quarrel but we get a long so well besides those times. He's such a great guy. We have so many inside jokes it's hilarious. It's sad that it took me so long to truly love him. But hey, I have a whole week to make up for it. Transfers are in 5 days. Elder Howard thinks he's leaving and that I'll stay. Personally, agree he'll leave, and I'll stay, but I really, REALLY want to go District Leader. Selfish, I know, but that's just how it is...isn't it? But it's my goal. I would love to go District Leader next transfer. But, I'll let you know what the results are.
Well, I'm sorry, but that's all that's really going on...I'll tell you how the church tours go and where I'm being sent on Tuesday...maybe Monday. I love you all SO MUCH! I hope you know this! I'm doing great and your support means so much. Good luck. Hugs, Handshakes and Loves to you all.
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
I love Elder Howard so much. Yeah, we get in fights and argue and quarrel but we get a long so well besides those times. He's such a great guy. We have so many inside jokes it's hilarious. It's sad that it took me so long to truly love him. But hey, I have a whole week to make up for it. Transfers are in 5 days. Elder Howard thinks he's leaving and that I'll stay. Personally, agree he'll leave, and I'll stay, but I really, REALLY want to go District Leader. Selfish, I know, but that's just how it is...isn't it? But it's my goal. I would love to go District Leader next transfer. But, I'll let you know what the results are.
Well, I'm sorry, but that's all that's really going on...I'll tell you how the church tours go and where I'm being sent on Tuesday...maybe Monday. I love you all SO MUCH! I hope you know this! I'm doing great and your support means so much. Good luck. Hugs, Handshakes and Loves to you all.
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
Hello!
Oh, what a week! This is going to be a shorter letter. I'm sorry, but nothing has happened this week at all. We have had zero success this week. In TACOMA! Tacoma is one of the highest baptizing stakes in all of the U S of A, and yet, we're struggling. We fasted yesterday to help us with this. We prayed for five new and five on-date this week, and we're going to do five full 5-7's. Even though Elder Howard doesn't know...shhhh. Hah, ha, ha. I'm praying more earnestly and working on being even more obedient. I'm going to send RISK home, I've finally decided. It causes a lot of contention with me and Elder Howard (He's had a hissy-fit every time we have played, even when he has won) and he gets angry and is very rude to me. That's not a good way to have the Spirit with us. Oh, well.
I've been working on getting up everyday at 6:30, and have done a better job. Reckon, I sit on the chair and snooze for five or ten minutes but I'm working on getting rid of that habit. Repentance is tough. It's a constant battle and if you give up for a few days, the sins build up, and it's even more difficult to feel the Spirit. I've learned so much, it's incredible. I mean...really, there is so much I have to work on. It's constant. I figure that at the rate that I have grown on my mission, by the time I get home, I will have enough experience and growth be able to be a bishop...jk. No, but I am so grateful to learn more about how to be a better person. I have been told time and time again that what we're supposed to learn on Earth is things like: Kolob, and all of that crappy, stupid deep doctrine that I hate, oh, so much. But that's not true at all. All of these things are theories. And when we get to heaven, we'll learn them anyway. But what we are supposed to learn is character traits. Christ-like traits. How to be a better son and daughter of God by learning how to recognize your mistakes, fix them and don't do them again. Sins and non-sins.
It's been good here in Tacoma, although I like Olalla better. Elder Howard and I have a funny relationship. Sometimes, we're best friends, we joke, laugh and work so well together. But other times, we're at each others throats. Today is one of those days. We're both very opinionated and...well, sometimes I piss him off really badly. I feel bad. But he does over react. That's the trade off. We're both at fault. Anyways, we're good. Just right now, he's mad at me. LOL!
Brock: STARDUST!!! Didn't even think a fourth time about it. By the third time I questioned it, I knew it was from that movie. Score: 2-0 (right?) I've got a hard one. Mwa, ha, ha, ha. Good luck. "And I ran down the stairs and saw the portrait of the wife. There was a pair hedging shears stuck in the throat with blood gushing from the wound!" "AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" (fat lady faints). I await your next quote.
Well, I'm sorry it's sorry this is so short. I just don't have a lot to report. I love you all. Dad, Mom, Kalie, Kevin, Isaac (Clark), Brock...and now Amanda, too, Alyssa and of course, Yogi. I love you for your support and love. Have a great week. Hugs, handshakes and loves to you all.
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
Oh, what a week! This is going to be a shorter letter. I'm sorry, but nothing has happened this week at all. We have had zero success this week. In TACOMA! Tacoma is one of the highest baptizing stakes in all of the U S of A, and yet, we're struggling. We fasted yesterday to help us with this. We prayed for five new and five on-date this week, and we're going to do five full 5-7's. Even though Elder Howard doesn't know...shhhh. Hah, ha, ha. I'm praying more earnestly and working on being even more obedient. I'm going to send RISK home, I've finally decided. It causes a lot of contention with me and Elder Howard (He's had a hissy-fit every time we have played, even when he has won) and he gets angry and is very rude to me. That's not a good way to have the Spirit with us. Oh, well.
I've been working on getting up everyday at 6:30, and have done a better job. Reckon, I sit on the chair and snooze for five or ten minutes but I'm working on getting rid of that habit. Repentance is tough. It's a constant battle and if you give up for a few days, the sins build up, and it's even more difficult to feel the Spirit. I've learned so much, it's incredible. I mean...really, there is so much I have to work on. It's constant. I figure that at the rate that I have grown on my mission, by the time I get home, I will have enough experience and growth be able to be a bishop...jk. No, but I am so grateful to learn more about how to be a better person. I have been told time and time again that what we're supposed to learn on Earth is things like: Kolob, and all of that crappy, stupid deep doctrine that I hate, oh, so much. But that's not true at all. All of these things are theories. And when we get to heaven, we'll learn them anyway. But what we are supposed to learn is character traits. Christ-like traits. How to be a better son and daughter of God by learning how to recognize your mistakes, fix them and don't do them again. Sins and non-sins.
It's been good here in Tacoma, although I like Olalla better. Elder Howard and I have a funny relationship. Sometimes, we're best friends, we joke, laugh and work so well together. But other times, we're at each others throats. Today is one of those days. We're both very opinionated and...well, sometimes I piss him off really badly. I feel bad. But he does over react. That's the trade off. We're both at fault. Anyways, we're good. Just right now, he's mad at me. LOL!
Brock: STARDUST!!! Didn't even think a fourth time about it. By the third time I questioned it, I knew it was from that movie. Score: 2-0 (right?) I've got a hard one. Mwa, ha, ha, ha. Good luck. "And I ran down the stairs and saw the portrait of the wife. There was a pair hedging shears stuck in the throat with blood gushing from the wound!" "AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" (fat lady faints). I await your next quote.
Well, I'm sorry it's sorry this is so short. I just don't have a lot to report. I love you all. Dad, Mom, Kalie, Kevin, Isaac (Clark), Brock...and now Amanda, too, Alyssa and of course, Yogi. I love you for your support and love. Have a great week. Hugs, handshakes and loves to you all.
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
Hello
Holy cow, I can't believe it's official now! Seriously? Well, Brock, I expect a card-board cut out of me and a tie. Repeating what I said last time. Also, if you could send me the money, I would prefer that. I'm low on MSF because I've bought so many tubes this month. I've bought three thorn resistant tires now. THORN RESISTANT! Oh, by the way, I got....AAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! another flat on Saturday. For the first time, this wasn't the stem getting ripped off. Instead, a wicked half inch screw went right through. Yep, that's five flat tires now. But I held my cool well. Howard and I walked it off.
Ooh, along with that. While we were walking, we past "St. Joseph's" Catholic Cathedral. Howard and I were going to take pictures in front of it and, not only are we not supposed to, but mass was about to start. So, yup. Howard and I went to a Catholic Mass. Mom, Dad, family. It's ridiculous. Seriously! You stand, you sit, stand again, repeat pre-written prayers, sit back down, kneel, sit, stand, sit. But, I was surprised by how nice they were. They tried to give a tour of the building...HA! It was no where near as spiritual as our church tours. In fact, the Spirit wasn't there. Reckon, there was a spirit of reverence, but it wasn't the Spirit of God, which, like a fire, 'tis burning. Well, anyways, I didn't like it. We couldn't take the sacrament because we weren't "Catholic" and....well, I can't imagine Christ liking a church building full of statues, alter-pieces and paintings of Himself dead, dying or in pain. Yup, pretty much. It was morbid. There was a full size statue of Christ on the cross. Don't worry, I won't be Catholic anytime soon.
Oh, by the way, when we walked out of the church, guess who was standing there. One of our investigators. NO JOKE! Shamar just happened to walk by on that exact street, at that exact moment. Yup, he made a stink about it. But he came to "The Lord's True" church and actually liked it. Whether or not he'll progress is another story.
The works been amazing. We visited a former couple and, well, here's the amazing story. We hadn't contacted them recently because Mark was in the hospital and Katherine got sick. We thought they just lost interest. I suggested we visit someone who lived near them, and Howard stopped by at their apartment. Mark jumps out of the bed (which was in the front room, since there isn't a bedroom) and yells: "Come in!" We sit down and found out what happened. Mark, after nine months of staying away from meth, got some free and did it. It totally messed with his Parkinson's and almost killed him. When he finally got home, and recovered, he decided that he was going to kill himself. We showed before he was going to do it. He said to us that he was: "Just another drug addict," and that he: "Didn't understand what his purpose was." Uh...PLAN OF SALVATION!! Boo-yah! They loved it. They committed to being baptized on the 28th and came to church yesterday! It's a great miracle.
Also, Ludie got confirmed. And guess what! She brought her husband. He totally came to church and said to the bishop and the priest quorum: "I'll be back." He loved church. There's just so many amazing miracles going on right now. It's a total contrast from Olalla. This is just amazing! Well, the work is on fire and I'm having a good time. I sent home my...apostate stuff. The work really picked up since I had those things out of my possession.
MOM! I HATE MY NAME!
Well, I love you all...so much. You all mean everything to me. And, Jesus too. Hugs, handshakes and loves to y'all.
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
Holy cow, I can't believe it's official now! Seriously? Well, Brock, I expect a card-board cut out of me and a tie. Repeating what I said last time. Also, if you could send me the money, I would prefer that. I'm low on MSF because I've bought so many tubes this month. I've bought three thorn resistant tires now. THORN RESISTANT! Oh, by the way, I got....AAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! another flat on Saturday. For the first time, this wasn't the stem getting ripped off. Instead, a wicked half inch screw went right through. Yep, that's five flat tires now. But I held my cool well. Howard and I walked it off.
Ooh, along with that. While we were walking, we past "St. Joseph's" Catholic Cathedral. Howard and I were going to take pictures in front of it and, not only are we not supposed to, but mass was about to start. So, yup. Howard and I went to a Catholic Mass. Mom, Dad, family. It's ridiculous. Seriously! You stand, you sit, stand again, repeat pre-written prayers, sit back down, kneel, sit, stand, sit. But, I was surprised by how nice they were. They tried to give a tour of the building...HA! It was no where near as spiritual as our church tours. In fact, the Spirit wasn't there. Reckon, there was a spirit of reverence, but it wasn't the Spirit of God, which, like a fire, 'tis burning. Well, anyways, I didn't like it. We couldn't take the sacrament because we weren't "Catholic" and....well, I can't imagine Christ liking a church building full of statues, alter-pieces and paintings of Himself dead, dying or in pain. Yup, pretty much. It was morbid. There was a full size statue of Christ on the cross. Don't worry, I won't be Catholic anytime soon.
Oh, by the way, when we walked out of the church, guess who was standing there. One of our investigators. NO JOKE! Shamar just happened to walk by on that exact street, at that exact moment. Yup, he made a stink about it. But he came to "The Lord's True" church and actually liked it. Whether or not he'll progress is another story.
The works been amazing. We visited a former couple and, well, here's the amazing story. We hadn't contacted them recently because Mark was in the hospital and Katherine got sick. We thought they just lost interest. I suggested we visit someone who lived near them, and Howard stopped by at their apartment. Mark jumps out of the bed (which was in the front room, since there isn't a bedroom) and yells: "Come in!" We sit down and found out what happened. Mark, after nine months of staying away from meth, got some free and did it. It totally messed with his Parkinson's and almost killed him. When he finally got home, and recovered, he decided that he was going to kill himself. We showed before he was going to do it. He said to us that he was: "Just another drug addict," and that he: "Didn't understand what his purpose was." Uh...PLAN OF SALVATION!! Boo-yah! They loved it. They committed to being baptized on the 28th and came to church yesterday! It's a great miracle.
Also, Ludie got confirmed. And guess what! She brought her husband. He totally came to church and said to the bishop and the priest quorum: "I'll be back." He loved church. There's just so many amazing miracles going on right now. It's a total contrast from Olalla. This is just amazing! Well, the work is on fire and I'm having a good time. I sent home my...apostate stuff. The work really picked up since I had those things out of my possession.
MOM! I HATE MY NAME!
Well, I love you all...so much. You all mean everything to me. And, Jesus too. Hugs, handshakes and loves to y'all.
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
Hello!
Okay, first off...WHAT THE FREAKIN' HECK IS GOING ON?!? BROCK IS ALREADY ENGAGED!?! YOU'VE GOT TO BE GIVING ME CRAP!!! I told him that he has to wait until I get back for him to get married so I can be his "best-man." Now he's freakin' engaged and getting married before my one year mark. No! That's...just...not what I expected to hear. Actually, on a slightly more serious note: CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm so happy that you have found someone to spend all of eternity with. Brock, I am so happy for you! Although, I am still annoyed you weren't going to wait for me to be there. You little poop! Ha, ha. No, but seriously. Congratulations! I better get photo-shopped into the wedding pictures with the family. I'll wear my charcoal black suit and my red Sean John tie and take a picture of myself. Then you can get a professional to photo-shop me into one of the photos. Oh, and I expect a tie from the wedding! Seriously. What ever color you've decided on is going to be the tie that you better send me. I not only expect it...I DEMAND IT!!! Ooh, piece of advice. I know you're older than me and probably don't care what I say, but here's the advice: "It's not about finding the right person...it's about being the right person." (Thomas S. Monson) It's not about finding a person you can be compatible for eternity, it's being someone that your spouse can be with for all eternity.
Okay, I'm done with that. Now, off to Kyle. I'm so proud of you. Kyle, I love you, more than you will know. You've been the best friend, one I could turn to and one I could trust. Kyle, This is going to be a very difficult two years. I hate to tell you that, but the mission isn't easy. You're going to meet people who make you feel like dirt...even companions. You're going to sin, break the rules, and be "apostate." You're going to want to go home. Kyle, DO NOT LEAVE! It's worth it. I mean it. This has been the GREATEST thing I have ever done. I've learned how to truly be a better person and a better follower of our Savior, Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Here's my advice to you. Love everyone. How? STUDY THE ATONEMENT!!! Never stop studying and learning about Him. Missionaries don't figure this out until, sometimes, 18 months into the field. Don't be one of those missionaries. Read about the Atonement. Study Ensigns, the scriptures, the words of the prophets. Then, every time you teach...TESTIFY OF HIM!!! You will see your testimony grow more than you could ever imagine. And then it will keep growing. Read "Believing Christ." Read "Jesus the Christ." Read the four gospels over and over again. You will love the Savior so much. Lastly, I love you. Don't give up.
So, now I just have a few minutes. This week has been one of repentance. I had a fourth flat tire and I realized something. God was trying to teach me...not only patience and how to stay cool and collective, but also, he taught me that this was a temporal citation. I realized God was teaching me to let go of the things that were distracting me. So, I'm sending home all the things I can't keep with me any more. I'm sending it to Brock for him to keep until I get back. Please don't be disappointed in me. My transfer with Brown shook me spiritually and I've had to live with that regret since then. I'm working on being perfect. What it means by that is I'm working on being what God wants me to be. He doesn't want me to be Christ or sinless, He wants me to be His servant, His son, His beloved.
Ooh, guess what? I'm writing a book on Christ's Atonement. I'll let you know how it will go. It's will be slow but worth it.
Ludie's baptism was on Sunday. It was without a doubt the most spiritual baptism I have had yet. She came out of the water and the Spirit just filled the room. Then I gave the best 10 minute talk of my mission. The Spirit was so amazingly strong. She's a wonderful lady and I love her. She loves God so much and the ward has just welcomed her. That was amazing and worth the difficult week of humility, repentance and patience.
Well, I've got two minutes left. I love you all so much. Your support and love and letters mean so much. Thank you all. Hugs and handshakes all around.
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
Okay, first off...WHAT THE FREAKIN' HECK IS GOING ON?!? BROCK IS ALREADY ENGAGED!?! YOU'VE GOT TO BE GIVING ME CRAP!!! I told him that he has to wait until I get back for him to get married so I can be his "best-man." Now he's freakin' engaged and getting married before my one year mark. No! That's...just...not what I expected to hear. Actually, on a slightly more serious note: CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm so happy that you have found someone to spend all of eternity with. Brock, I am so happy for you! Although, I am still annoyed you weren't going to wait for me to be there. You little poop! Ha, ha. No, but seriously. Congratulations! I better get photo-shopped into the wedding pictures with the family. I'll wear my charcoal black suit and my red Sean John tie and take a picture of myself. Then you can get a professional to photo-shop me into one of the photos. Oh, and I expect a tie from the wedding! Seriously. What ever color you've decided on is going to be the tie that you better send me. I not only expect it...I DEMAND IT!!! Ooh, piece of advice. I know you're older than me and probably don't care what I say, but here's the advice: "It's not about finding the right person...it's about being the right person." (Thomas S. Monson) It's not about finding a person you can be compatible for eternity, it's being someone that your spouse can be with for all eternity.
Okay, I'm done with that. Now, off to Kyle. I'm so proud of you. Kyle, I love you, more than you will know. You've been the best friend, one I could turn to and one I could trust. Kyle, This is going to be a very difficult two years. I hate to tell you that, but the mission isn't easy. You're going to meet people who make you feel like dirt...even companions. You're going to sin, break the rules, and be "apostate." You're going to want to go home. Kyle, DO NOT LEAVE! It's worth it. I mean it. This has been the GREATEST thing I have ever done. I've learned how to truly be a better person and a better follower of our Savior, Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Here's my advice to you. Love everyone. How? STUDY THE ATONEMENT!!! Never stop studying and learning about Him. Missionaries don't figure this out until, sometimes, 18 months into the field. Don't be one of those missionaries. Read about the Atonement. Study Ensigns, the scriptures, the words of the prophets. Then, every time you teach...TESTIFY OF HIM!!! You will see your testimony grow more than you could ever imagine. And then it will keep growing. Read "Believing Christ." Read "Jesus the Christ." Read the four gospels over and over again. You will love the Savior so much. Lastly, I love you. Don't give up.
So, now I just have a few minutes. This week has been one of repentance. I had a fourth flat tire and I realized something. God was trying to teach me...not only patience and how to stay cool and collective, but also, he taught me that this was a temporal citation. I realized God was teaching me to let go of the things that were distracting me. So, I'm sending home all the things I can't keep with me any more. I'm sending it to Brock for him to keep until I get back. Please don't be disappointed in me. My transfer with Brown shook me spiritually and I've had to live with that regret since then. I'm working on being perfect. What it means by that is I'm working on being what God wants me to be. He doesn't want me to be Christ or sinless, He wants me to be His servant, His son, His beloved.
Ooh, guess what? I'm writing a book on Christ's Atonement. I'll let you know how it will go. It's will be slow but worth it.
Ludie's baptism was on Sunday. It was without a doubt the most spiritual baptism I have had yet. She came out of the water and the Spirit just filled the room. Then I gave the best 10 minute talk of my mission. The Spirit was so amazingly strong. She's a wonderful lady and I love her. She loves God so much and the ward has just welcomed her. That was amazing and worth the difficult week of humility, repentance and patience.
Well, I've got two minutes left. I love you all so much. Your support and love and letters mean so much. Thank you all. Hugs and handshakes all around.
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
Hey Mom! Dad! Everybody!
How are you all doing? I'm great! This has been a wild ride of emotions! Seriously! So, we went tracting and something totally weird happened to me. We set up an insta-tour. This black guy, Shamal, came down and checked out the church. It was so weird, especially compared to the weeks and weeks of not finding anybody. We've set up dozens of church tours, but most of them are set up with these super flaky people we meet on the street. It's too bad, because I know they won't really come, nor do they have any desire to come on a tour. They are usually very poor or homeless people, and I just don't know what to think of them. I know that even if we were to baptize them, they wouldn't progress in the gospel and stay active. To me, that's condemning them. Although it is their choice, it's still not fair, because they don't know what they are getting themselves into. So, I feel like the axe will fall on my head. I'm just not sure what to think about it.
But hey! We have some totally awesome investigators that we are teaching right now. Seriously. Ludie is an older black lady whom Elder Howard tracted into eight weeks ago, and she loved the Restoration! In fact...I asked her to read and pray about the Book of Mormon, and she said that she already knew that it was true. She came to church yesterday and even bore her testimony! Holy cow. She's being baptized next week on Sunday. It's weird having to plan for baptism without them being nine weeks out. Ha, ha. Adrian came out to meet us. He saw us out his window and came to talk to us. The church tour happened on Saturday and although he didn't commit to baptism (he said it was too soon) he's so excited to learn more. And I'm excited to teach him.
Another, Maurice, was taken on a church tour by the Zone Leaders in Lakewood. When they found out he lived in our area, they forwarded him over to us. He's jobless right now (he was a former drug dealer, and now is struggling because of that decision) and so it's super hard to get a hold of him to teach. It's kind of annoying, because he's already been to church, but he can't make it because he's working his butt off for just $5 an hour. We'll find out if he got kicked out of his place today. We'll see. I have full confidence in God that he will do what is necessary to get him and his son baptized.
Well, I had three flat tires this week and Elder Howard had one. It's funny. The rims of the bike that I took began to tear at the stem of the inner tube until it ripped it off. It happened on Tuesday, then Wednesday, and then on Friday. Finally, the guy we live with (Coker Michael, an old cranky guy who is hilarious) got so frustrated, he took us to the office where Elder Anderson, the guy over the bikes, gave me two new rims. I offered to pay him, which he refused. So, I spent $20 on inner tubes. YAY!!! That's the drama of this week.
Lastly, our new address is 215 South 40th Street, Tacoma, WA 98418
Well, that's all that's going on right now. Just surviving stress. I love you all and am so grateful for your support. Hugs, loves and handshakes. Good luck!
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
How are you all doing? I'm great! This has been a wild ride of emotions! Seriously! So, we went tracting and something totally weird happened to me. We set up an insta-tour. This black guy, Shamal, came down and checked out the church. It was so weird, especially compared to the weeks and weeks of not finding anybody. We've set up dozens of church tours, but most of them are set up with these super flaky people we meet on the street. It's too bad, because I know they won't really come, nor do they have any desire to come on a tour. They are usually very poor or homeless people, and I just don't know what to think of them. I know that even if we were to baptize them, they wouldn't progress in the gospel and stay active. To me, that's condemning them. Although it is their choice, it's still not fair, because they don't know what they are getting themselves into. So, I feel like the axe will fall on my head. I'm just not sure what to think about it.
But hey! We have some totally awesome investigators that we are teaching right now. Seriously. Ludie is an older black lady whom Elder Howard tracted into eight weeks ago, and she loved the Restoration! In fact...I asked her to read and pray about the Book of Mormon, and she said that she already knew that it was true. She came to church yesterday and even bore her testimony! Holy cow. She's being baptized next week on Sunday. It's weird having to plan for baptism without them being nine weeks out. Ha, ha. Adrian came out to meet us. He saw us out his window and came to talk to us. The church tour happened on Saturday and although he didn't commit to baptism (he said it was too soon) he's so excited to learn more. And I'm excited to teach him.
Another, Maurice, was taken on a church tour by the Zone Leaders in Lakewood. When they found out he lived in our area, they forwarded him over to us. He's jobless right now (he was a former drug dealer, and now is struggling because of that decision) and so it's super hard to get a hold of him to teach. It's kind of annoying, because he's already been to church, but he can't make it because he's working his butt off for just $5 an hour. We'll find out if he got kicked out of his place today. We'll see. I have full confidence in God that he will do what is necessary to get him and his son baptized.
Well, I had three flat tires this week and Elder Howard had one. It's funny. The rims of the bike that I took began to tear at the stem of the inner tube until it ripped it off. It happened on Tuesday, then Wednesday, and then on Friday. Finally, the guy we live with (Coker Michael, an old cranky guy who is hilarious) got so frustrated, he took us to the office where Elder Anderson, the guy over the bikes, gave me two new rims. I offered to pay him, which he refused. So, I spent $20 on inner tubes. YAY!!! That's the drama of this week.
Lastly, our new address is 215 South 40th Street, Tacoma, WA 98418
Well, that's all that's going on right now. Just surviving stress. I love you all and am so grateful for your support. Hugs, loves and handshakes. Good luck!
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
Hello!
So, transfers! I'm in Tacoma now! Seriously, the land of miracles. That's what they call it. It's a scary culture shock from Olalla. It's so diverse and there are people everywhere. I'm finally in an area where I can go street contacting and I'm scared to. My new companion is Elder Howard (my full-blooded brother). Yeah, you're probably confused by that. So, on missions, your trainers are called parents. You, as a son, pick which one is your mom and which one is your dad. For example, Elder Cook was (yes, he went home just now, considering the time) my mom, because he was the most girly missionary in the mission. Yes, even over the sisters. Whilst Elder Berger was my father, because...I loved him more...jk! I just love to tell Cook that because he freaks out! Anyways, Howard was trained before me in the same area by Elders Berger and Cook.
Anyways, he is currently not on everybody's favorite missionary list and I've been called to straighten him out. Don't tell Elder Howard that. I was wondering why Tacoma, until I spoke to Berger about that. He told me that there has been a lot of disobedience in the district in which I am serving and it's my job to: 1) be a spy for Elder Berger and President Weaver (who, by the way, is a really cool guy. He's said some things he's going to regret such as..."I don't care how disobedient you are, I forgive you." Or, "I don't know if Abba is approved music for you guys, but it's approved for Sister Weaver and I." Uh, huh. He's going to regret saying that) and 2) straighten Elder Howard out. I'm not too thrilled about the last part. He plays MAGIC which is so against the rules it's scary, has P-day Eve's and was lazy last transfer. I have a lot on my plate now. We've already got in an argument about how we should count new, on-date and when some one is ready to be baptized. But we sorted it out, now it's just working on loving the guy. He offered to teach me how to play magic and I refused, and told him that President Bowen had specifically asked that we don't play MAGIC and send the cards home. Wish me luck!
Everyone here is so kind, even if they don't want to go on a church tour, they are very nice and chill. It's a huge culture shock for me. As I was driving through the city, I saw more people outside than I have seen in any other of my areas so far, and we can actually street contact. It's really weird. Oh, and did I mention? I'm in a bike area! Seriously! Now I am riding around, getting burnt out as we travel. Elder Howard, although he's bigger, has been on bike for two transfers now, which is more than days I've been on. Yup, how weird is that. I'm tired and...oh, crazy stupid story. We were riding around and were stopped at a stop light. Suddenly, I hear a "Pop...psfffffffffffff." My tire was flat in less than two seconds. Apparently, the stem of the tire was bent in such a way that it just ripped right off. I got a new tire, but the stem was too big to fit in the wheel portion. So, I stole the wheel off my District Leader's bike and am having a much better time riding now. So, yup. Bike Elder all the way!
Rick's baptism was on Saturday, and his confirmation was on Sunday, along with his ordination. Afterwards, he conferred the priesthood upon Nick, his son. His blessing he gave was the most powerful blessing I've ever heard. Short, sweet, simple and to the point. Paula's grandfather, who had been trying to get Rick baptized since Rick was 17, wrote a beautiful testimony and Paula read it and bore her testimony. It was without a doubt the most spiritual baptism I've had yet. Afterwards, we said good-bye to everyone. It was really hard. I've come to love Olalla more than any other area, and the ward members were the best I've known. When we take the mission tour, we will spend most of out time in Olalla...so far. Jeff Pittman hasn't be baptized yet, but Kerr said he'd come pick me up so that I could be at his baptism.
Well, I've got to run. I love you, and thank you so much for your support. I love you all, so much. It's been nice to see me come closer to you all even though we're so far apart. Well, love, hugs and handshakes. Good luck in your endeavors.
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
So, transfers! I'm in Tacoma now! Seriously, the land of miracles. That's what they call it. It's a scary culture shock from Olalla. It's so diverse and there are people everywhere. I'm finally in an area where I can go street contacting and I'm scared to. My new companion is Elder Howard (my full-blooded brother). Yeah, you're probably confused by that. So, on missions, your trainers are called parents. You, as a son, pick which one is your mom and which one is your dad. For example, Elder Cook was (yes, he went home just now, considering the time) my mom, because he was the most girly missionary in the mission. Yes, even over the sisters. Whilst Elder Berger was my father, because...I loved him more...jk! I just love to tell Cook that because he freaks out! Anyways, Howard was trained before me in the same area by Elders Berger and Cook.
Anyways, he is currently not on everybody's favorite missionary list and I've been called to straighten him out. Don't tell Elder Howard that. I was wondering why Tacoma, until I spoke to Berger about that. He told me that there has been a lot of disobedience in the district in which I am serving and it's my job to: 1) be a spy for Elder Berger and President Weaver (who, by the way, is a really cool guy. He's said some things he's going to regret such as..."I don't care how disobedient you are, I forgive you." Or, "I don't know if Abba is approved music for you guys, but it's approved for Sister Weaver and I." Uh, huh. He's going to regret saying that) and 2) straighten Elder Howard out. I'm not too thrilled about the last part. He plays MAGIC which is so against the rules it's scary, has P-day Eve's and was lazy last transfer. I have a lot on my plate now. We've already got in an argument about how we should count new, on-date and when some one is ready to be baptized. But we sorted it out, now it's just working on loving the guy. He offered to teach me how to play magic and I refused, and told him that President Bowen had specifically asked that we don't play MAGIC and send the cards home. Wish me luck!
Everyone here is so kind, even if they don't want to go on a church tour, they are very nice and chill. It's a huge culture shock for me. As I was driving through the city, I saw more people outside than I have seen in any other of my areas so far, and we can actually street contact. It's really weird. Oh, and did I mention? I'm in a bike area! Seriously! Now I am riding around, getting burnt out as we travel. Elder Howard, although he's bigger, has been on bike for two transfers now, which is more than days I've been on. Yup, how weird is that. I'm tired and...oh, crazy stupid story. We were riding around and were stopped at a stop light. Suddenly, I hear a "Pop...psfffffffffffff." My tire was flat in less than two seconds. Apparently, the stem of the tire was bent in such a way that it just ripped right off. I got a new tire, but the stem was too big to fit in the wheel portion. So, I stole the wheel off my District Leader's bike and am having a much better time riding now. So, yup. Bike Elder all the way!
Rick's baptism was on Saturday, and his confirmation was on Sunday, along with his ordination. Afterwards, he conferred the priesthood upon Nick, his son. His blessing he gave was the most powerful blessing I've ever heard. Short, sweet, simple and to the point. Paula's grandfather, who had been trying to get Rick baptized since Rick was 17, wrote a beautiful testimony and Paula read it and bore her testimony. It was without a doubt the most spiritual baptism I've had yet. Afterwards, we said good-bye to everyone. It was really hard. I've come to love Olalla more than any other area, and the ward members were the best I've known. When we take the mission tour, we will spend most of out time in Olalla...so far. Jeff Pittman hasn't be baptized yet, but Kerr said he'd come pick me up so that I could be at his baptism.
Well, I've got to run. I love you, and thank you so much for your support. I love you all, so much. It's been nice to see me come closer to you all even though we're so far apart. Well, love, hugs and handshakes. Good luck in your endeavors.
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
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