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
Friday, October 28, 2011
A letter from a ward member
Sister Casselman,
Your son is serving in our ward and we would love to make him his favorite meal which is your sweet and sour chicken. There is a little urgency since transfers are this Monday--so if possible (and if you share your recipes) would you please send your recipe by return email. Elder Casselman's best guess is that he will not get transferred but just in case, we plan to fix it for him Sunday.
He is a good missionary and gets along well with his companion. He is being obedient--the best thing for a missionary and, except for one pair of ripped pants from a small tangle with a big dog, he is well and happy. Our ward loves him. You did a good job.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Karen Godsey
OLALLA Ward
Your son is serving in our ward and we would love to make him his favorite meal which is your sweet and sour chicken. There is a little urgency since transfers are this Monday--so if possible (and if you share your recipes) would you please send your recipe by return email. Elder Casselman's best guess is that he will not get transferred but just in case, we plan to fix it for him Sunday.
He is a good missionary and gets along well with his companion. He is being obedient--the best thing for a missionary and, except for one pair of ripped pants from a small tangle with a big dog, he is well and happy. Our ward loves him. You did a good job.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Karen Godsey
OLALLA Ward
Hello!
So, some totally sweet stuff has happened lately! Rick's baptism is this Saturday! Yup, after nine long weeks of waiting...it's finally here! Paula's whole family is coming down. This is a huge thing for them, especially with how long it has taken him to get to this point in his life. It's even cooler because Rick wants to get the priesthood as soon as possible, in other words, the Sunday of his confirmation, and will be ordaining his son, Nick, and giving him the Aaronic priesthood. Yup, everything is going swell there. We're going over there tomorrow night to have fish, try frog legs and.......burn my tie. I picked it out. It's a slightly ugly tie that I found back in Lacey. I wore it a few times but that's all it deserves. We'll see how the burnination works out.
Stacy came to church! Even better, her member boyfriend, Andrew, also came...and his two sons and her son. Mom, the whole crew came to church. Yeah, they didn't stay, which I think that would have been great for the kids to go to Primary but we'll see about next week. I hope they like it! They've been the ones pushing Stacy and Andrew to come to church and our nagging finally got them there. It's going to be hard to get them to commit fully to church but with urgency and love and the Spirit, I know we can do it! And I know that they can do it!
Holy cow! It was thundering today. It never does that...EVER! My pre-game alarm went off at 6:20, and then, just a few minutes later, there was this bright flash, and the loudest thunder I have ever heard. Talk about the best alarm ever. The whole house shook and Kerr and I shot out of bed, thinking something had fallen. I was so shaken, I couldn't go back to bed. I was up and awake. It thundered a few more times, very loudly and I do say, it scared the crap out of me. Personal study has been going great for me. I've been looking for something to keep me awake (the Book of Mormon just isn't cutting it right now) so I pulled out my Preach My Gospel and started to study it...rather than just read it. I'm still working on chapter one, my purpose, and just having a blast. It's been nice, because I've been learning a lot more than I thought I would. It's really a great book.
Anyways, I've been doing good. This six month celebration has been trunking me out of my mind though. It's hard knowing I've still got 18 months to go, but I shouldn't look at it that way. Our motto says: "Faith is the Power, Love is the Motive, Obedience is the Price, the Spirit is the Key, the Restoration is the Message, the Members are Means, Christ is the Reason, Baptism is the Way, and Joy is the Reward." After studying Preach My Gospel, I've seen that obedience is not the price we pay, but the privilege we have. It is the opportunity to be more Christ-like now then we ever will in our lives. Yeah, I miss movies and video games...still, but the fact is, they'll be home when I get home. Seriously, what am I worried about. Nothing.
Transfer calls are on Saturday, and I'll find out what's going on. I have a sneaking suspicion that Kerr and I will be doubled out. Hey, maybe I'll go District Leader. The reason why I think I'm leaving is because I believe I've learned what I was supposed to learn while in Olalla. Relax, take a deep breath, and don't freak out at every small thing. Stop whining for sympathy and just get out there and work! That's what I've learned, and I believe that I'm leaving because I've learned it. But will see.
Well, I love you all. Thank you for your support. Hugs and handshakes to you all.
--
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
So, some totally sweet stuff has happened lately! Rick's baptism is this Saturday! Yup, after nine long weeks of waiting...it's finally here! Paula's whole family is coming down. This is a huge thing for them, especially with how long it has taken him to get to this point in his life. It's even cooler because Rick wants to get the priesthood as soon as possible, in other words, the Sunday of his confirmation, and will be ordaining his son, Nick, and giving him the Aaronic priesthood. Yup, everything is going swell there. We're going over there tomorrow night to have fish, try frog legs and.......burn my tie. I picked it out. It's a slightly ugly tie that I found back in Lacey. I wore it a few times but that's all it deserves. We'll see how the burnination works out.
Stacy came to church! Even better, her member boyfriend, Andrew, also came...and his two sons and her son. Mom, the whole crew came to church. Yeah, they didn't stay, which I think that would have been great for the kids to go to Primary but we'll see about next week. I hope they like it! They've been the ones pushing Stacy and Andrew to come to church and our nagging finally got them there. It's going to be hard to get them to commit fully to church but with urgency and love and the Spirit, I know we can do it! And I know that they can do it!
Holy cow! It was thundering today. It never does that...EVER! My pre-game alarm went off at 6:20, and then, just a few minutes later, there was this bright flash, and the loudest thunder I have ever heard. Talk about the best alarm ever. The whole house shook and Kerr and I shot out of bed, thinking something had fallen. I was so shaken, I couldn't go back to bed. I was up and awake. It thundered a few more times, very loudly and I do say, it scared the crap out of me. Personal study has been going great for me. I've been looking for something to keep me awake (the Book of Mormon just isn't cutting it right now) so I pulled out my Preach My Gospel and started to study it...rather than just read it. I'm still working on chapter one, my purpose, and just having a blast. It's been nice, because I've been learning a lot more than I thought I would. It's really a great book.
Anyways, I've been doing good. This six month celebration has been trunking me out of my mind though. It's hard knowing I've still got 18 months to go, but I shouldn't look at it that way. Our motto says: "Faith is the Power, Love is the Motive, Obedience is the Price, the Spirit is the Key, the Restoration is the Message, the Members are Means, Christ is the Reason, Baptism is the Way, and Joy is the Reward." After studying Preach My Gospel, I've seen that obedience is not the price we pay, but the privilege we have. It is the opportunity to be more Christ-like now then we ever will in our lives. Yeah, I miss movies and video games...still, but the fact is, they'll be home when I get home. Seriously, what am I worried about. Nothing.
Transfer calls are on Saturday, and I'll find out what's going on. I have a sneaking suspicion that Kerr and I will be doubled out. Hey, maybe I'll go District Leader. The reason why I think I'm leaving is because I believe I've learned what I was supposed to learn while in Olalla. Relax, take a deep breath, and don't freak out at every small thing. Stop whining for sympathy and just get out there and work! That's what I've learned, and I believe that I'm leaving because I've learned it. But will see.
Well, I love you all. Thank you for your support. Hugs and handshakes to you all.
--
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
Hello!
This transfer has been a growing experience for me. In some ways, Kerr's been training me more than I have been training him. I think those six weeks with Brown really got to me. It was very stressful dealing with someone as lazy and negative as he was. I realized that his attitude transferred to me and I began to be very negative, stressed out and less obedient. It was bad. Friday night, Kerr and I had a companionship inventory. This time...it was about me. We talked about how negative I've been and how much I've complained. It turns out the zone had been pretty annoyed with me. I've dropped the bad attitudes. I feel great! I realized that I need to grow up and just let things happen. I'm not really going to baptize the crap out of Olalla like I had originally planned. I realized I'm not going to find new investigators as often as I had planned. I realized going over miles isn't a sin, and God will understand because I'm doing his work, not mine.
Jeff is totally awesome. Bishop hasn't gotten his excommunication trial transcripts yet, and I'm starting to worry that the baptism won't happen this transfer. I would love to be part of it! Jeff is the greatest guy I've met on my mission and I want to be there when he gets dunked. Rick's baptism is all planned, and he's just super solid. We met with Stacey and I committed her to read the Book of Mormon every morning and pray about it. We're going to drop by this week and see how that went, but she's getting closer to baptism. Andrew's mom, who owns the property they live on (Andrew and Stacy live in a camper) left for the summer so that Andrew could have the house during his court. His ex-wife wants custody of the kids and Andrew's still fighting hard for them. If she does decide to get baptized, it's great because she could move into the camper until they get married.
Oh, I broke my glasses today. Don't worry, I have crazy glue but it's a good story. When I went in for the night on Saturday, I looked at my left eye.....pink eye. Yup, all the times you and Alyssa got it, and me never getting it, I get it on my mission, a 900 mile road trip away from you guys. So, I started wearing my glasses (the weird thing is that no one pointed that out). We played football this morning and I actually tried REALLY hard to catch a long pass. It was perfect...until the ball hit me in the face and the right lens fell out. Don't worry about it. It's so easy to fix. After wards, we went to Key Center's bishop's house and went down a sweet slip n' slide with a jump half way through. We did stupid things and we're all suffering from pain. Ha, ha. We did a train all the way down, and I was third. When he hit the hay bales at the end, I stuck out my right leg. Then, as if an angel lifted me up, I flew over the hay bales and out of harms way from the five other missionaries, who were all bigger than me, from crushing me. Woot!
There's not a whole lot to talk about...sorry it's so short, but, I love you all. Loves, hugs, and handshakes to you all. I love you guys so much. Happy super belated father's day, Dad. I love you. Sorry I haven't sent a card yet. But I will. Happy birthday, Kalie.
--
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
This transfer has been a growing experience for me. In some ways, Kerr's been training me more than I have been training him. I think those six weeks with Brown really got to me. It was very stressful dealing with someone as lazy and negative as he was. I realized that his attitude transferred to me and I began to be very negative, stressed out and less obedient. It was bad. Friday night, Kerr and I had a companionship inventory. This time...it was about me. We talked about how negative I've been and how much I've complained. It turns out the zone had been pretty annoyed with me. I've dropped the bad attitudes. I feel great! I realized that I need to grow up and just let things happen. I'm not really going to baptize the crap out of Olalla like I had originally planned. I realized I'm not going to find new investigators as often as I had planned. I realized going over miles isn't a sin, and God will understand because I'm doing his work, not mine.
Jeff is totally awesome. Bishop hasn't gotten his excommunication trial transcripts yet, and I'm starting to worry that the baptism won't happen this transfer. I would love to be part of it! Jeff is the greatest guy I've met on my mission and I want to be there when he gets dunked. Rick's baptism is all planned, and he's just super solid. We met with Stacey and I committed her to read the Book of Mormon every morning and pray about it. We're going to drop by this week and see how that went, but she's getting closer to baptism. Andrew's mom, who owns the property they live on (Andrew and Stacy live in a camper) left for the summer so that Andrew could have the house during his court. His ex-wife wants custody of the kids and Andrew's still fighting hard for them. If she does decide to get baptized, it's great because she could move into the camper until they get married.
Oh, I broke my glasses today. Don't worry, I have crazy glue but it's a good story. When I went in for the night on Saturday, I looked at my left eye.....pink eye. Yup, all the times you and Alyssa got it, and me never getting it, I get it on my mission, a 900 mile road trip away from you guys. So, I started wearing my glasses (the weird thing is that no one pointed that out). We played football this morning and I actually tried REALLY hard to catch a long pass. It was perfect...until the ball hit me in the face and the right lens fell out. Don't worry about it. It's so easy to fix. After wards, we went to Key Center's bishop's house and went down a sweet slip n' slide with a jump half way through. We did stupid things and we're all suffering from pain. Ha, ha. We did a train all the way down, and I was third. When he hit the hay bales at the end, I stuck out my right leg. Then, as if an angel lifted me up, I flew over the hay bales and out of harms way from the five other missionaries, who were all bigger than me, from crushing me. Woot!
There's not a whole lot to talk about...sorry it's so short, but, I love you all. Loves, hugs, and handshakes to you all. I love you guys so much. Happy super belated father's day, Dad. I love you. Sorry I haven't sent a card yet. But I will. Happy birthday, Kalie.
--
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
Well, it sounds like everyone is doing great. I'm so happy to hear that!
The work's moving slowly, but surely. We met with six of our nine investigators, which is much better than last week. We've been teaching Jeff a lot. It's been so great to get to know him. He's been my favorite part of my mission so far. Speaking of my mission. I'm going to hit my six month mark on the 26th. We're going over to Rick's house to have a formal tie-burning ceremony.
We're still looking for new investigators and have had little success. President Weaver, in my interview with him, told me to open the area book and visit every person who had not been baptized. He said the list would be over two hundred people. Little did he know, the list was only about 30 names. I pulled out our ward list and wrote down all of the part member families next. A list that should be at least 300 hundred names is only 62. We'll be done visiting ALL of those people within the next two weeks. We've already caught almost half of them. Olalla is just a tough area. I'm working hard, doing at least five 5-7's and am keeping myself busy, not seeing the "hang-out" houses, less-active or active. That's how much work has happened in the past two years.
Elder Kerr is so homesick, it's driving me nuts. He whines and complains and then doesn't talk...EVER! Not during lessons, tracting, companionship study, companionship inventory, when we're just driving around or visiting members. You'd say he's just shy, but he's not. He just doesn't want to do anything. I flipped out at him last night because his negativity was driving away the Spirit. We did a companionship inventory, and I got to the root of his problem. He misses video games. Holy cow, I miss video games, but it doesn't effect my work. I talked to him, and come to find out, he's waiting for a sign that the Book of Mormon is true. I keep telling him he already knows that it is true, but he ignores me. So, last night I told him (by the Spirit) that if he didn't think about home and didn't complain for one whole week, God would answer his prayers. I told him to stop focusing on himself. I hope it works out.
Jeff's awesome. Bishop just got his record number and we'll be dunking him once the bishop gets the records, contacts his old bishop (the one that excommunicated him), and does the bishopric council. Woot. We're going over tomorrow to read scriptures and watch "Finding Faith in Christ." Rick is done with the lessons now. His baptism is all planned out. And his interview with my district leader, Elder Shively, is tomorrow. We're also having dinner with a part member family tomorrow, and it's Zone meeting. Tomorrow is going to rock. Stacy plateaued. She wants to know all this deep doctrine, and then complains it's too deep. Kerr and I will start with point A: God, Jesus and the Bible. I hope it will go well. We dropped by on Saturday, but they were totally hammered. The Wilson's are going on vacation. They don't come to church anymore and will be dropped. I can't wasted my time with them anymore. She'll be ticked but it will be worth it.
I've been doing good. I've grown this incredible love for everyone I meet lately. Tracting is a blast, especially when Kerr doesn't complain, and I'm learning to love Jesus Christ and his Atonement. When ever I teach a lesson, I bear testimony of Christ's Atonement. I came up with a new way to draw the Plan of Salvation and it focuses entirely on Jesus Christ. I've decided I HATE DEEP DOCTRINE!!! It drives the Spirit away, confuses investigators and becomes what the missionary thinks about it and not what Christ has said about it. I've grown closer to my Savior and have finally decided I love the Christ more than I love art. It just took me a long time to figure it out.
Well, I love you all. Good luck. Hugs, loves and handshakes to you all.
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
The work's moving slowly, but surely. We met with six of our nine investigators, which is much better than last week. We've been teaching Jeff a lot. It's been so great to get to know him. He's been my favorite part of my mission so far. Speaking of my mission. I'm going to hit my six month mark on the 26th. We're going over to Rick's house to have a formal tie-burning ceremony.
We're still looking for new investigators and have had little success. President Weaver, in my interview with him, told me to open the area book and visit every person who had not been baptized. He said the list would be over two hundred people. Little did he know, the list was only about 30 names. I pulled out our ward list and wrote down all of the part member families next. A list that should be at least 300 hundred names is only 62. We'll be done visiting ALL of those people within the next two weeks. We've already caught almost half of them. Olalla is just a tough area. I'm working hard, doing at least five 5-7's and am keeping myself busy, not seeing the "hang-out" houses, less-active or active. That's how much work has happened in the past two years.
Elder Kerr is so homesick, it's driving me nuts. He whines and complains and then doesn't talk...EVER! Not during lessons, tracting, companionship study, companionship inventory, when we're just driving around or visiting members. You'd say he's just shy, but he's not. He just doesn't want to do anything. I flipped out at him last night because his negativity was driving away the Spirit. We did a companionship inventory, and I got to the root of his problem. He misses video games. Holy cow, I miss video games, but it doesn't effect my work. I talked to him, and come to find out, he's waiting for a sign that the Book of Mormon is true. I keep telling him he already knows that it is true, but he ignores me. So, last night I told him (by the Spirit) that if he didn't think about home and didn't complain for one whole week, God would answer his prayers. I told him to stop focusing on himself. I hope it works out.
Jeff's awesome. Bishop just got his record number and we'll be dunking him once the bishop gets the records, contacts his old bishop (the one that excommunicated him), and does the bishopric council. Woot. We're going over tomorrow to read scriptures and watch "Finding Faith in Christ." Rick is done with the lessons now. His baptism is all planned out. And his interview with my district leader, Elder Shively, is tomorrow. We're also having dinner with a part member family tomorrow, and it's Zone meeting. Tomorrow is going to rock. Stacy plateaued. She wants to know all this deep doctrine, and then complains it's too deep. Kerr and I will start with point A: God, Jesus and the Bible. I hope it will go well. We dropped by on Saturday, but they were totally hammered. The Wilson's are going on vacation. They don't come to church anymore and will be dropped. I can't wasted my time with them anymore. She'll be ticked but it will be worth it.
I've been doing good. I've grown this incredible love for everyone I meet lately. Tracting is a blast, especially when Kerr doesn't complain, and I'm learning to love Jesus Christ and his Atonement. When ever I teach a lesson, I bear testimony of Christ's Atonement. I came up with a new way to draw the Plan of Salvation and it focuses entirely on Jesus Christ. I've decided I HATE DEEP DOCTRINE!!! It drives the Spirit away, confuses investigators and becomes what the missionary thinks about it and not what Christ has said about it. I've grown closer to my Savior and have finally decided I love the Christ more than I love art. It just took me a long time to figure it out.
Well, I love you all. Good luck. Hugs, loves and handshakes to you all.
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
How is everybody doing? Holy shmokes! This week has been tough. Not a whole lot to do. We did not meet with any of our investigators. The Wilson's, we've decided, are going to be dropped. They've hit a plateau and have been on that plateau for about a month now. They're not progressing and it's time I stop worrying about them, and start looking for someone who will pray about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. Shawn, it turns out, isn't interested in learning about a modern day prophet, but he did like church. So, we will probably drop him, also. He's too busy and when he does have time, he doesn't want to listen. He's a good guy though, so I hope one day we can teach him the Restoration and help him feel the Spirit and that this church is true. Stacy and her boyfriend Andrew felt like we were being "WAY too pushy." They both got jobs and not only have we not been able to meet with them because of that, but we have been backing off to let them cool off. We'll probably, hopefully, meet with them tonight. Timothy, our miracle last Sunday, is also SUPER flaky. We can't meet with him worth a hill of beans. He won't commit to anything, not even a time when we could drop by. All of our investigators have been super annoying this week...all but one. So, let's talk about them miracles.
I told you last week about who we had at church. A couple miracles. Timothy being one, and the other was the ex-communicated member, Jeff. So, I'll give you his background story. He joined the church when he was 12, when he moved to California from Samoa (btw, he doesn't look Samoan. He's half Samoan and half white) and only got baptized because his grandmother said: "You either get baptized or you get hauled back to Samoa." You know which one he picked. But he never understood what the church was about. So, at 16, he was ex-communicated for breaking the LoC with the bishop's daughter (obviously, the bishop had a grudge against him). He then went and joined the Navy, and moved to Washington where he met his wife, who is a Mormon. They got married, but her nagging to come to church, his past, and hatred towards the church for ex-communicating him drove him to be very Anti. His marriage eventually died as he chipped and cracked his wife's spirituality until it broke. She filed for divorce and is now making false claims to the court and authorities that he beat her, although he never did. The ward turned against him. But as the accusations were turned down, one after another, the ward slowly saw that his wife was lying. Anyways, he began drinking and smoking heavily. Every night, he would drown his pains away. Until one Sunday. The Spirit nudged him. "Go to church." He argued and argued as he got ready to go, and showed up at our building, during our time and was welcomed into the ward. He told us that he had been visiting all other churches and felt that there was something missing. When he walked in, he said he thought that he would be nervous, but in fact, felt at home.
We met with him the following Tuesday. We talked about all I just said and then some. Then, he pulled out "The Testaments," and said that he wanted to watch it. During the last scene when Christ heals Helam, Jeff began to cry. He told us that the movie echoed his life and that he wanted to be baptized. We left him to read 3 Nephi 11, and he loved it! We then met the following day, where he told us all about his experiences in repenting. He confessed a lot of sins to us that frankly, I didn't want to hear. He told us about how he stopped drinking alcohol, smoking and watching pornography. He told us about his war stories and we told him to confide in the bishop, rather than us, since it was his prerogative as to how to help him repent and not ours. Then, Elder Kerr taught the entire Restoration by himself. I was so proud. As his step-father, I was really surprised he taught so well for it only being his second transfer. We left him to read (and I only had him read this because I was guided by the Spirit) Lehi's vision (1 Nephi 8, 11-15). When we taught him two days later, I connected the vision to the Gospel of Jesus Christ lesson. You should have seen it click. There was this understanding I've never seen. Mom, he totally gets it. His problem is that he was Anti for so long, he didn't understand the basic fundamentals. The lesson went amazing! I've never felt the Spirit as strong, besides the temple, as I have felt it in his home. I cried the whole lesson as I bore my testimony and he gets it.
Lastly, we taught him the Plan of Salvation (speaking of which, I came up with this totally new, cool way to draw the picture, and teach the lesson. I'll tell you about it afterwards) and he just got it. We had him read before hand Alma 40-42, and so that helped him understand what happens when we die. He loved the lesson. We brought over a prospective missionary, and he brought over a movie called "Praise to the Man." So, I thought this was "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration," but it wasn't. It was this terrible documentary on Joseph Smith's life. The Spirit wasn't in the room when we watched the movie, even during the first vision and death of the prophet. Yup, if you would like to see the worst, most unimportant facts about Joseph Smith, this is it. It was crap. Jeff loved it though, and fortunately, because he has some background with the church, he understood most of what the movie talked about. Whew. Anyways, he met with the Bishop on Sunday. Our bishop loves him and is going to pull his records so he can get baptized. We're meeting with him tomorrow to teach my least favorite lesson...the commandments.
So, the big news. Like I told you, I came up with this new, totally awesome way to draw the Plan of Salvation. The entire lesson needs to be focused on Jesus Christ, but every time a missionary teaches it, they completely forget about that. So, instead of drawing the linear line, I draw in in a circle. I start with drawing Christ in the middle, and then draw the Pre-Earth Life in the top left corner. Then, going counter-clockwise, I draw Earth Life, Death and the Spirit World, Resurrection, Judgement and the three Kingdoms of Glory, with the Celestial Kingdom at the same level as the Pre-Earth Life. I talk about how we come down to Earth to get a body and gain experience. Then, because we have sinned and died, the only way to get back up is through Christ, which is when the drawing starts to go back up (with the Resurrection). I'll draw one and send it to you so you can see how genius it is. Also, I had some recent revelation. In my Patriarchal Blessing, it said that I would have the gift of discernment. I thought: "Sweet, now I can tell if people are lying or not. Awesome." But I discovered that it's not what it is. The gift of discernment is the ability to discern what the Spirit is teaching you. It's taken me a very long time to figure it out, but now I've learned how to listen to Him and he guides me while tracting, teaching and studying.
Last news, I got bit by a dog. Yup, Seriously. No joke. We were visiting some less active people, who wanted us to call before we dropped by. I did, and they didn't answer, so stupid me thought, "Nah, I'll just drop by anyways." Ha! The dog was outside and went straight for us. I stuck out my hand to have him sniff it, and when he snapped, I pulled back. He charged and bit Elder Kerr in his leg and Elder Kerr backed up into a car mirror and got in my way. The dog snapped at my leg, ripped my expensive Men's Warehouse pants, broke the skin and I ran. The lady came out screaming....AT US? "I thought I told you to call first! If you don't call, we can't put my dog inside and he will attack!" Well, why on Earth do you have this satanic, evil thing outside for it to bite innocent missionaries? She then cooled down and offered to buy me new pants. I refused the offer and went home, cleaned the wound and put anti-infection cream on it. It's healing nicely. I went to Wal-Mart, and got some super comfortable slacks for eleven bucks, and I'm totally fine. I forgot to get my camera to show you the wound. So, sorry.
Well, I've got three minutes left so thank you for all that you do. I love you all and am so grateful for your support. Loves, hugs and handshakes.
--
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
I told you last week about who we had at church. A couple miracles. Timothy being one, and the other was the ex-communicated member, Jeff. So, I'll give you his background story. He joined the church when he was 12, when he moved to California from Samoa (btw, he doesn't look Samoan. He's half Samoan and half white) and only got baptized because his grandmother said: "You either get baptized or you get hauled back to Samoa." You know which one he picked. But he never understood what the church was about. So, at 16, he was ex-communicated for breaking the LoC with the bishop's daughter (obviously, the bishop had a grudge against him). He then went and joined the Navy, and moved to Washington where he met his wife, who is a Mormon. They got married, but her nagging to come to church, his past, and hatred towards the church for ex-communicating him drove him to be very Anti. His marriage eventually died as he chipped and cracked his wife's spirituality until it broke. She filed for divorce and is now making false claims to the court and authorities that he beat her, although he never did. The ward turned against him. But as the accusations were turned down, one after another, the ward slowly saw that his wife was lying. Anyways, he began drinking and smoking heavily. Every night, he would drown his pains away. Until one Sunday. The Spirit nudged him. "Go to church." He argued and argued as he got ready to go, and showed up at our building, during our time and was welcomed into the ward. He told us that he had been visiting all other churches and felt that there was something missing. When he walked in, he said he thought that he would be nervous, but in fact, felt at home.
We met with him the following Tuesday. We talked about all I just said and then some. Then, he pulled out "The Testaments," and said that he wanted to watch it. During the last scene when Christ heals Helam, Jeff began to cry. He told us that the movie echoed his life and that he wanted to be baptized. We left him to read 3 Nephi 11, and he loved it! We then met the following day, where he told us all about his experiences in repenting. He confessed a lot of sins to us that frankly, I didn't want to hear. He told us about how he stopped drinking alcohol, smoking and watching pornography. He told us about his war stories and we told him to confide in the bishop, rather than us, since it was his prerogative as to how to help him repent and not ours. Then, Elder Kerr taught the entire Restoration by himself. I was so proud. As his step-father, I was really surprised he taught so well for it only being his second transfer. We left him to read (and I only had him read this because I was guided by the Spirit) Lehi's vision (1 Nephi 8, 11-15). When we taught him two days later, I connected the vision to the Gospel of Jesus Christ lesson. You should have seen it click. There was this understanding I've never seen. Mom, he totally gets it. His problem is that he was Anti for so long, he didn't understand the basic fundamentals. The lesson went amazing! I've never felt the Spirit as strong, besides the temple, as I have felt it in his home. I cried the whole lesson as I bore my testimony and he gets it.
Lastly, we taught him the Plan of Salvation (speaking of which, I came up with this totally new, cool way to draw the picture, and teach the lesson. I'll tell you about it afterwards) and he just got it. We had him read before hand Alma 40-42, and so that helped him understand what happens when we die. He loved the lesson. We brought over a prospective missionary, and he brought over a movie called "Praise to the Man." So, I thought this was "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration," but it wasn't. It was this terrible documentary on Joseph Smith's life. The Spirit wasn't in the room when we watched the movie, even during the first vision and death of the prophet. Yup, if you would like to see the worst, most unimportant facts about Joseph Smith, this is it. It was crap. Jeff loved it though, and fortunately, because he has some background with the church, he understood most of what the movie talked about. Whew. Anyways, he met with the Bishop on Sunday. Our bishop loves him and is going to pull his records so he can get baptized. We're meeting with him tomorrow to teach my least favorite lesson...the commandments.
So, the big news. Like I told you, I came up with this new, totally awesome way to draw the Plan of Salvation. The entire lesson needs to be focused on Jesus Christ, but every time a missionary teaches it, they completely forget about that. So, instead of drawing the linear line, I draw in in a circle. I start with drawing Christ in the middle, and then draw the Pre-Earth Life in the top left corner. Then, going counter-clockwise, I draw Earth Life, Death and the Spirit World, Resurrection, Judgement and the three Kingdoms of Glory, with the Celestial Kingdom at the same level as the Pre-Earth Life. I talk about how we come down to Earth to get a body and gain experience. Then, because we have sinned and died, the only way to get back up is through Christ, which is when the drawing starts to go back up (with the Resurrection). I'll draw one and send it to you so you can see how genius it is. Also, I had some recent revelation. In my Patriarchal Blessing, it said that I would have the gift of discernment. I thought: "Sweet, now I can tell if people are lying or not. Awesome." But I discovered that it's not what it is. The gift of discernment is the ability to discern what the Spirit is teaching you. It's taken me a very long time to figure it out, but now I've learned how to listen to Him and he guides me while tracting, teaching and studying.
Last news, I got bit by a dog. Yup, Seriously. No joke. We were visiting some less active people, who wanted us to call before we dropped by. I did, and they didn't answer, so stupid me thought, "Nah, I'll just drop by anyways." Ha! The dog was outside and went straight for us. I stuck out my hand to have him sniff it, and when he snapped, I pulled back. He charged and bit Elder Kerr in his leg and Elder Kerr backed up into a car mirror and got in my way. The dog snapped at my leg, ripped my expensive Men's Warehouse pants, broke the skin and I ran. The lady came out screaming....AT US? "I thought I told you to call first! If you don't call, we can't put my dog inside and he will attack!" Well, why on Earth do you have this satanic, evil thing outside for it to bite innocent missionaries? She then cooled down and offered to buy me new pants. I refused the offer and went home, cleaned the wound and put anti-infection cream on it. It's healing nicely. I went to Wal-Mart, and got some super comfortable slacks for eleven bucks, and I'm totally fine. I forgot to get my camera to show you the wound. So, sorry.
Well, I've got three minutes left so thank you for all that you do. I love you all and am so grateful for your support. Loves, hugs and handshakes.
--
Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
Monday, October 24, 2011
Hello!
Ha, ha, ha. You finally got a new lawn mower. I'm so happy for you. So, how's it been here in Olalla with a junior companion. Stressful. Just difficult. It's easy to sit in the passenger seat, bear your testimony once and a while, be obedient of your companion, and rely on him for planning. Now, suddenly, all of this is on me. I have to teach the lessons. I have to drive everywhere. I have to know where everything is. I have to be obedient. I have to plan to stay under miles (We get 50 a day! 50!). I have to do everything and it's driving me nuts. Today, the Zone wanted to meet in Gig Harbor to play volleyball. Well, at least I had an idea where it was. Then the Elders said: "Hey! Let's go play football." I told them I had no idea where it was and that I needed someone to show me how to get there. Did anyone wait...NO! I drove around, called one of the Zone Leaders, who told me to call one of the District Leaders, who told me the wrong address and I ended up driving several miles south of where I was supposed to be. I finally decided to pick up my dry cleaning (which I accidentally dropped off in Bremerton) and drove past the park. Seriously. Now, we're already at 50 miles and I've been freakin' out. I'm stressed out of my mind and I offended an Elder. Mom, I'm just having a hard time. I don't know why God made me a senior companion, or what he's trying to teach me, but when I figure it out, it'll probably be the end of the transfer. Great. I'm trying to obey the rules with exactness (not perfection) but I don't feel like I'm doing a good job. I don't feel like I'm being a good example for Elder Kerr.
On a happier note, the area is on fire. Elder Kerr is great. He and I, by the way, get along great. We work well together, we teach well, and I really feel like we are doing a good job. The Wilson's have hit a plateau, Rick is still on date, a lady named Leanne won't come on a church tour even though she says she wants too (she doesn't believe in the Book of Mormon, or Joseph Smith's first vision), and Shawn isn't interested in learning more. But we had some amazing miracles! We had a former show up to church. He's been waiting on the road to Damascus, and someone gave a talk on how testimonies do not come from massive angels and such. He talked about Alma's conversion story. When Alma bears his testimony, he never once contributes his conversion to the angel and such. But rather, it came from many days of fasting and praying. Afterwards, we showed Timothy "Finding Faith in Christ" which he loved. He told me he doesn't believe in Joseph Smith, which means there is a barrier we have to pass.
The other miracle was unexpected. A man by the name of Jeff walked into church. Afterwards, we talked to him and he told us about how he was baptized into the church when he was twelve, but was excommunicated when he was caught breaking the LoC with the bishop's daughter (there is most likely more to that story than he let on). He didn't like the church and became Anti. He married a Mormon, but remained Anti, and hated the church. That drove a wedge between them. She now wants a divorce. He's gone to dozens and dozens of churches and never felt comfortable at any of them. Well, he finally decided to humble himself and come to church. He said that when he walked in, he felt a feeling of peace. He felt like he was home. He's wanting to take the lessons and get baptized as soon as possible. He asked us: "When can I get baptized?" "In three weeks." "What?!? I thought it was going to be something like a year." "Nope. That's the Jehovah's Witnesses." We are meeting with him on Tuesday. I'm super psyched.
Another former, Stacy, is dating a member and living with him. He's less active and went off the deep end. She was originally being taught but she broke up with him and no one ever saw her again. That is until Brown and I dropped by to see the boyfriend, and she was there. It was great! We asked her if she'd like to keep learning and she said: "Yes." We've taught her the Restoration and the Gospel, although she feels like we are being to pushy for baptism. So, we're going to back off a little, let her cool off, then go back to teaching her.
Anyways, lots of miracles going on in the Olalla ward, and lots of baptisms will come from them. I love you all. Thank you so much for your support. Good luck, hugs, handshakes and loves to you all.
Elder Courtney Casselman
Ha, ha, ha. You finally got a new lawn mower. I'm so happy for you. So, how's it been here in Olalla with a junior companion. Stressful. Just difficult. It's easy to sit in the passenger seat, bear your testimony once and a while, be obedient of your companion, and rely on him for planning. Now, suddenly, all of this is on me. I have to teach the lessons. I have to drive everywhere. I have to know where everything is. I have to be obedient. I have to plan to stay under miles (We get 50 a day! 50!). I have to do everything and it's driving me nuts. Today, the Zone wanted to meet in Gig Harbor to play volleyball. Well, at least I had an idea where it was. Then the Elders said: "Hey! Let's go play football." I told them I had no idea where it was and that I needed someone to show me how to get there. Did anyone wait...NO! I drove around, called one of the Zone Leaders, who told me to call one of the District Leaders, who told me the wrong address and I ended up driving several miles south of where I was supposed to be. I finally decided to pick up my dry cleaning (which I accidentally dropped off in Bremerton) and drove past the park. Seriously. Now, we're already at 50 miles and I've been freakin' out. I'm stressed out of my mind and I offended an Elder. Mom, I'm just having a hard time. I don't know why God made me a senior companion, or what he's trying to teach me, but when I figure it out, it'll probably be the end of the transfer. Great. I'm trying to obey the rules with exactness (not perfection) but I don't feel like I'm doing a good job. I don't feel like I'm being a good example for Elder Kerr.
On a happier note, the area is on fire. Elder Kerr is great. He and I, by the way, get along great. We work well together, we teach well, and I really feel like we are doing a good job. The Wilson's have hit a plateau, Rick is still on date, a lady named Leanne won't come on a church tour even though she says she wants too (she doesn't believe in the Book of Mormon, or Joseph Smith's first vision), and Shawn isn't interested in learning more. But we had some amazing miracles! We had a former show up to church. He's been waiting on the road to Damascus, and someone gave a talk on how testimonies do not come from massive angels and such. He talked about Alma's conversion story. When Alma bears his testimony, he never once contributes his conversion to the angel and such. But rather, it came from many days of fasting and praying. Afterwards, we showed Timothy "Finding Faith in Christ" which he loved. He told me he doesn't believe in Joseph Smith, which means there is a barrier we have to pass.
The other miracle was unexpected. A man by the name of Jeff walked into church. Afterwards, we talked to him and he told us about how he was baptized into the church when he was twelve, but was excommunicated when he was caught breaking the LoC with the bishop's daughter (there is most likely more to that story than he let on). He didn't like the church and became Anti. He married a Mormon, but remained Anti, and hated the church. That drove a wedge between them. She now wants a divorce. He's gone to dozens and dozens of churches and never felt comfortable at any of them. Well, he finally decided to humble himself and come to church. He said that when he walked in, he felt a feeling of peace. He felt like he was home. He's wanting to take the lessons and get baptized as soon as possible. He asked us: "When can I get baptized?" "In three weeks." "What?!? I thought it was going to be something like a year." "Nope. That's the Jehovah's Witnesses." We are meeting with him on Tuesday. I'm super psyched.
Another former, Stacy, is dating a member and living with him. He's less active and went off the deep end. She was originally being taught but she broke up with him and no one ever saw her again. That is until Brown and I dropped by to see the boyfriend, and she was there. It was great! We asked her if she'd like to keep learning and she said: "Yes." We've taught her the Restoration and the Gospel, although she feels like we are being to pushy for baptism. So, we're going to back off a little, let her cool off, then go back to teaching her.
Anyways, lots of miracles going on in the Olalla ward, and lots of baptisms will come from them. I love you all. Thank you so much for your support. Good luck, hugs, handshakes and loves to you all.
Elder Courtney Casselman
Hello!
Alright, So first off, I went out and bought a small cheap Garmin. It's really handy, and I really didn't need $150. So, I took what was left (I spent $103, including a one-year protection plan) and bought myself a nice (REALLY NICE) pair of slip on shoes. It's annoying, on the mission, to bend up and down, all the time, to tie and un-tie the shoes. Especially since you can't just slip them off without damaging them. They were 30 bucks, but I don't care, I think it was almost as good of a purchase as the GPS! Also, I did get my package. I was so happy. I saw the beef jerky and it just made my day. Thank you so much.
So, Yolanda's last name is Wilson. Yolanda Wilson. By the way, she, Tianna and Jessie came to a baptism on Friday. Afterwards, Jessie turned to Yolanda and asked: "When can I get baptized?" Yolanda is getting even closer to baptism and Tianna has been less sick. When we asked Yolanda how her prayers have been going, she told us she hasn't gotten an answer yet. We asked her what she prayed about and she said the was asking God if she could continue learning. Well, of course the answer was yes, but we told her that her prayers need to be more focused on the Book of Mormon. We said that she needs to open the Book of Mormon, just let it fall open, and read that chapter. That night she opened to Alma 14, which is about Alma and Amulek and persecution they received, when the saints of God were burned alive and when the missionaries broke out of prison. She told me that it was funny that the chapter was about believing. "What a coincidence," she said.
We gave our first and only church tour on Saturday with a really cool dude named Shawn. We softly committed him for baptism on the 3rd of July and will be teaching him this week. Also, we contacted a former. She is dating a less active member, and was being taught. She was put in the former list after she broke up with him. Her name is Stacy Schmidt and her boyfriends name is Andrew Knudson. We went over there and talked about her lessons with the elders, and discovered that the missionaries screwed it over by making their house a 'hang-out house' rather than a place of spirituality. We taught her and Andrew about prophets, the Apostasy, Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon. I bore my testimony stronger than I ever have. Ever! She even started to cry herself.
Okay, so the new elder is Elder Kerr. He's been out for six weeks, and was trained by my follow-up trainer. So, in a strange sense: I am his step-dad, and his dad is my step-dad. Confusing...huh. Did I tell you that my trainer went AP? Yeah, Berger is now an AP. My daddy. Anyways, he's a great kid, and much further along than I was at that time. I feel in-adequate sometimes because he has such solid testimonies about things I haven't even tried. Like member inspires and such. He was a huge gamer, which means we'll get along just fine. And we do, which rocks. Even without a teaching plan, when we taught Stacy and Andrew, we switched off perfectly. It was a fantastic lesson. I think I'm going to love this transfer. And hey! No Elder Brown! I know that's rude of me, but he did drive me insane. He was so negative and condescending. I really am grateful President stuck him with the AP's so he can learn that the world isn't so bad and doesn't hate him, and he doesn't have to hate it. YAY!
Well, Until next time. I love you all so much. Your support and packages are the best! Hugs, loves and handshakes to you all.
- Show quoted text -
--
Elder Courtney Casselman
Alright, So first off, I went out and bought a small cheap Garmin. It's really handy, and I really didn't need $150. So, I took what was left (I spent $103, including a one-year protection plan) and bought myself a nice (REALLY NICE) pair of slip on shoes. It's annoying, on the mission, to bend up and down, all the time, to tie and un-tie the shoes. Especially since you can't just slip them off without damaging them. They were 30 bucks, but I don't care, I think it was almost as good of a purchase as the GPS! Also, I did get my package. I was so happy. I saw the beef jerky and it just made my day. Thank you so much.
So, Yolanda's last name is Wilson. Yolanda Wilson. By the way, she, Tianna and Jessie came to a baptism on Friday. Afterwards, Jessie turned to Yolanda and asked: "When can I get baptized?" Yolanda is getting even closer to baptism and Tianna has been less sick. When we asked Yolanda how her prayers have been going, she told us she hasn't gotten an answer yet. We asked her what she prayed about and she said the was asking God if she could continue learning. Well, of course the answer was yes, but we told her that her prayers need to be more focused on the Book of Mormon. We said that she needs to open the Book of Mormon, just let it fall open, and read that chapter. That night she opened to Alma 14, which is about Alma and Amulek and persecution they received, when the saints of God were burned alive and when the missionaries broke out of prison. She told me that it was funny that the chapter was about believing. "What a coincidence," she said.
We gave our first and only church tour on Saturday with a really cool dude named Shawn. We softly committed him for baptism on the 3rd of July and will be teaching him this week. Also, we contacted a former. She is dating a less active member, and was being taught. She was put in the former list after she broke up with him. Her name is Stacy Schmidt and her boyfriends name is Andrew Knudson. We went over there and talked about her lessons with the elders, and discovered that the missionaries screwed it over by making their house a 'hang-out house' rather than a place of spirituality. We taught her and Andrew about prophets, the Apostasy, Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon. I bore my testimony stronger than I ever have. Ever! She even started to cry herself.
Okay, so the new elder is Elder Kerr. He's been out for six weeks, and was trained by my follow-up trainer. So, in a strange sense: I am his step-dad, and his dad is my step-dad. Confusing...huh. Did I tell you that my trainer went AP? Yeah, Berger is now an AP. My daddy. Anyways, he's a great kid, and much further along than I was at that time. I feel in-adequate sometimes because he has such solid testimonies about things I haven't even tried. Like member inspires and such. He was a huge gamer, which means we'll get along just fine. And we do, which rocks. Even without a teaching plan, when we taught Stacy and Andrew, we switched off perfectly. It was a fantastic lesson. I think I'm going to love this transfer. And hey! No Elder Brown! I know that's rude of me, but he did drive me insane. He was so negative and condescending. I really am grateful President stuck him with the AP's so he can learn that the world isn't so bad and doesn't hate him, and he doesn't have to hate it. YAY!
Well, Until next time. I love you all so much. Your support and packages are the best! Hugs, loves and handshakes to you all.
- Show quoted text -
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Elder Courtney Casselman
Who am I? WHAT?!? I haven't changed that much. It's a mask, to make me look like I'm being a good, obedient missionary. Actually, it's true. I have changed a lot in these past few months. What scares me most is the idea that I will continue changing. I still love movies and it's a pain to ask people to turn off the t.v. and when people play video games...it makes me want to cry. But yes, I am working on being the best missionary I can.
I'm glad you don't mind if I don't hand write a letter to you. In fact...ha, ha, ha. I wrote a letter for you just a few hours ago, and then I left it in a member's house in Key Center. I may never get them back...so, too bad. It was a good letter too. So much has happened. Elder Brown is driving me insane. But I found out some awesome news. So, on Saturday, we had R&R's (Return and Report) and along with that, interviews with our mission president! This was actually my last interview with President Bowen. He's finishing his three year mission and has been called back home. He is such an amazing guy, and has changed my outlook of the word "Sacred."
Anyways, I was waiting outside for my interview when President Bowen walks out with Sister Oehler. He stops her and points to me and says: "Do you know this Elder? Well, you should really get to know him. He is a magnificent missionary. You may not see it, but he WILL go leadership. Maybe next temple trip, he might even be Zone Leader." Wow! We went in for my interview and he just praised me. It was great. But I can't let it get to my head. During the interview, he told me his plans for transfers...which are next week. I was surprised he would tell me but this is what he said. "We have some wonderful changes going on in the Olalla area. Don't tell Elder Brown this (that has been difficult), but we are sending in a new missionary and you will be the senior companion to train him." Mom! Can you believe that? I've not even passed my greenie mark (six months) and I'm already going to be a senior companion. I'm follow-up training a greenie! I mean, what an honor. It was hard to say good bye, mainly because I may not get another chance but I will still love and give President Weaver my "unswerving loyalty."
So, the work here has been going great. We set up a church tour (the first one set up in over eleven weeks) and are working on getting a friend of the missionaries on a church tour also. Shawn (our church tour on Wednesday) works at Fred Meyer, which is why I think I got him to go on a tour. I could relate to him. We talked about the stupidity of the shoppers and how much they bug us. He agreed to go on a tour and I even got fellowship. Leanne is a friend of the missionaries. She loves them and they'd go over there and watch t.v. and such. But strangely enough, no one ever invited her on a church tour. Seriously. I asked her and she said she would love to, and now we're just working on setting a date.
Rick's baptism date is set. He's getting baptized on the 30th of July. Holy cow, I still don't believe that miracle. A man has been investigating the church for over twenty years, and finally, after all that time, decided he wasn't to get baptized. It's an honor to be the one part of that. Yolanda, and the kids missed church last week. She came in yesterday, sick as a horse and barfing up a lung. She said that she prayed, because she didn't want to go to church, and she felt like she should go. She came and felt better. I told her that it was the Spirit testifying to her that what she did was right. We got in a long conversation about the Restoration movie and discussed issues she had, the Book of Mormon, prayer, church, the Holy Spirit, and the commandments. She said that she is getting closer to baptism and the only thing holding her back is her smoking and coffee habits. Ah, but Brown and I came up with a way to get past that.
What we were thinking of doing was have Yolanda stop smoking and drinking coffee for three days. During that time, when she gets a craving, she should pull our her Book of Mormon, Bible, or Gospel Principles book and read it. Then pray about what she read. We will testify to her that since those substances are not in her body, she will be much more susceptible to the Spirit, and be able to here the answers to her questions. Will you pray for her? Pray that she will be able to receive an undeniable witness that Jesus is the Christ, that the Book of Mormon is true, that Joseph Smith is a true prophet, and that the Church of Jesus Christ is Christ's kingdom once again established on the Earth.
Her kids are pretty hard to help though. Tianna has been very sick and the doctors don't know what to do to help her. She is even missing out on girls camp. Bah, she now won't be able to feel the spirit there. I pray that when she prays, that her prayers are answered, even though she fully doesn't understand it. Stetson and Tianna didn't come to church this week, they wanted to stay home, and although it was bad that they didn't show, Yolanda is now going to force Greg and the kids to all go to church. Besides the Llamas, the Wilson's are the best and most prepared and ready investigators yet. They just don't know it yet.
Well, I've got to run, Brown is getting impatient. Ooh, I have a question. Since Brown is leaving, I need a GPS...I was wondering if maybe I could get my birthday present early. What I was thinking is that you could stick enough money for a Garmin into my account, and then I will go and buy it with my card. That way I don't have to wait for shipping and all that jazz. Would that be all right? Sweet. I will get it probably Saturday, so, don't be surprised when you see a $100 drop in my account.
Anyways, I love you all...oh so very much. I wish the best for you and and pray for you all every night. Peace, love, live long and prosper. Hugs and handshakes to you all!
- Show quoted text -
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Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
I'm glad you don't mind if I don't hand write a letter to you. In fact...ha, ha, ha. I wrote a letter for you just a few hours ago, and then I left it in a member's house in Key Center. I may never get them back...so, too bad. It was a good letter too. So much has happened. Elder Brown is driving me insane. But I found out some awesome news. So, on Saturday, we had R&R's (Return and Report) and along with that, interviews with our mission president! This was actually my last interview with President Bowen. He's finishing his three year mission and has been called back home. He is such an amazing guy, and has changed my outlook of the word "Sacred."
Anyways, I was waiting outside for my interview when President Bowen walks out with Sister Oehler. He stops her and points to me and says: "Do you know this Elder? Well, you should really get to know him. He is a magnificent missionary. You may not see it, but he WILL go leadership. Maybe next temple trip, he might even be Zone Leader." Wow! We went in for my interview and he just praised me. It was great. But I can't let it get to my head. During the interview, he told me his plans for transfers...which are next week. I was surprised he would tell me but this is what he said. "We have some wonderful changes going on in the Olalla area. Don't tell Elder Brown this (that has been difficult), but we are sending in a new missionary and you will be the senior companion to train him." Mom! Can you believe that? I've not even passed my greenie mark (six months) and I'm already going to be a senior companion. I'm follow-up training a greenie! I mean, what an honor. It was hard to say good bye, mainly because I may not get another chance but I will still love and give President Weaver my "unswerving loyalty."
So, the work here has been going great. We set up a church tour (the first one set up in over eleven weeks) and are working on getting a friend of the missionaries on a church tour also. Shawn (our church tour on Wednesday) works at Fred Meyer, which is why I think I got him to go on a tour. I could relate to him. We talked about the stupidity of the shoppers and how much they bug us. He agreed to go on a tour and I even got fellowship. Leanne is a friend of the missionaries. She loves them and they'd go over there and watch t.v. and such. But strangely enough, no one ever invited her on a church tour. Seriously. I asked her and she said she would love to, and now we're just working on setting a date.
Rick's baptism date is set. He's getting baptized on the 30th of July. Holy cow, I still don't believe that miracle. A man has been investigating the church for over twenty years, and finally, after all that time, decided he wasn't to get baptized. It's an honor to be the one part of that. Yolanda, and the kids missed church last week. She came in yesterday, sick as a horse and barfing up a lung. She said that she prayed, because she didn't want to go to church, and she felt like she should go. She came and felt better. I told her that it was the Spirit testifying to her that what she did was right. We got in a long conversation about the Restoration movie and discussed issues she had, the Book of Mormon, prayer, church, the Holy Spirit, and the commandments. She said that she is getting closer to baptism and the only thing holding her back is her smoking and coffee habits. Ah, but Brown and I came up with a way to get past that.
What we were thinking of doing was have Yolanda stop smoking and drinking coffee for three days. During that time, when she gets a craving, she should pull our her Book of Mormon, Bible, or Gospel Principles book and read it. Then pray about what she read. We will testify to her that since those substances are not in her body, she will be much more susceptible to the Spirit, and be able to here the answers to her questions. Will you pray for her? Pray that she will be able to receive an undeniable witness that Jesus is the Christ, that the Book of Mormon is true, that Joseph Smith is a true prophet, and that the Church of Jesus Christ is Christ's kingdom once again established on the Earth.
Her kids are pretty hard to help though. Tianna has been very sick and the doctors don't know what to do to help her. She is even missing out on girls camp. Bah, she now won't be able to feel the spirit there. I pray that when she prays, that her prayers are answered, even though she fully doesn't understand it. Stetson and Tianna didn't come to church this week, they wanted to stay home, and although it was bad that they didn't show, Yolanda is now going to force Greg and the kids to all go to church. Besides the Llamas, the Wilson's are the best and most prepared and ready investigators yet. They just don't know it yet.
Well, I've got to run, Brown is getting impatient. Ooh, I have a question. Since Brown is leaving, I need a GPS...I was wondering if maybe I could get my birthday present early. What I was thinking is that you could stick enough money for a Garmin into my account, and then I will go and buy it with my card. That way I don't have to wait for shipping and all that jazz. Would that be all right? Sweet. I will get it probably Saturday, so, don't be surprised when you see a $100 drop in my account.
Anyways, I love you all...oh so very much. I wish the best for you and and pray for you all every night. Peace, love, live long and prosper. Hugs and handshakes to you all!
- Show quoted text -
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Elder Courtney Casselman
Still Alive
Hello!
So, the work in Olalla is REALLY slow! But, we have someone on date. Rick Johnson. His wife is a member, and he has been coming to church for over twenty years. They recently moved from Colorado to our ward. Paula, the wife, and Nick, their son, went in for interviews with the bishop for Patriarchal blessings. Rick sat in while they went on, and after Paula talked to the bishop about getting a temple recommend, Rick turned to the bishop (Bishop Theel) and said, "I want to get baptized. Can you send the missionaries over to re-teach the lessons?" Rick has been through over forty different companionships, and been to church hundreds of times. Finally, he decided it's what he wants to do.
The problem is this. Nick doesn't have the priesthood (he's 15) and Paula has this weird idea that Rick should be baptized on the same day the Nick was. Which is July 30. Which is at the end of NEXT transfer. Yup, in eight weeks. That's a long time for some one to wait to be baptized. But the family wants their extended family to come, so the grampa can baptize Rick and ordain Nick to be a Teacher. Yup, Nick was sustained in church yesterday. Dang it! He totally could have gotten the priesthood yesterday, but NO...Paula has to be difficult. Oh, well, at least it's happening.
The Wilson's are getting closer to baptism. At least the kids. Tianna (the oldest who is 15) isn't sure about all of it. God, Jesus Christ, prophets, and Joseph Smith. But she's going to girls camp and reads the Book of Mormon and Bible with her aunt. Stetson (12) knows Joseph Smith is a prophet, and knows that what we teach is true. Jessie (8) is eight. They all love coming to church, and missed church yesterday because Yolanda, their aunt who is adopting them in a week or two, was sick. Yolanda is getting closer to quiting smoking but is no where near not drinking coffee. But she says she is considering baptism and wants to do it. Greg...is no where near baptism, period. But they're a great family and I totally love visiting them. I'm praying we can dunk the kids before the end of the transfer and Yolanda next transfer.
Besides that, the work is going slow. We mostly visit less-actives. Before I showed up, Elder Brown and his companion would just go to a series of peoples houses and watch tv and movies. But I'm working on getting that completely out of the missionary work in Olalla. We visit two of them, and I ask them to turn off the tv, and the old fart we visit, well, he won't turn it off, so we don't visit him that much anymore. Elder Brown is getting up and 7:15 now. Also, he is doing a half of an hour of personal study before he curls up and goes to sleep on the couch, and we do about 20-30 minutes of companionship study. When ever he gets lazy and sits on the coach and whine and moans, I take over and plan out the rest of the day so we can be productive.
Elder Brown is getting on my nerves though. We're good friends and sometimes actually talk. But his issue is that first, he's lazy and second, he's so negative. He whines and complains about everything! Oh boy. It makes me feel bad for doing that when I was a kid and teenager. But when I say everything...I mean EVERYTHING! If it rains, he complains. If it's cloudy, he complains. If it's sunny and hot, he complains. He blames his problems on everybody else and never takes responsibility for his own mistakes. I just ignore it and don't comment. That usually shuts him up. But I'm getting to get along with him better and better.
I joined the ward choir. I'll probably be in the ward for a while so I figured, why the heck not. My favorite member, Bro. Knapp, is the choir president and so I sit next to him and we sing hymns. It's pretty fun, but I suck at breathing (I haven't been in band for four years) and I can't sing tenor line by myself. But it's a blast.
Sounds like you had a great sibling retreat. How was Pirates? I see trailers for it all the time when people have their tv's on. It looks good. Also, did you see Super 8 comes out soon? Seriously. Tell me what you thought of it. it's being directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg. It's gonna be good.
Brock dated Amanda? WHAT?!? I asked her out on a date and she said, "No." Dang, fetch, oh my heck, what the holy scrud. She asks Brock out on a date? She's like 18. Argh. Oh well, she wasn't meant for me anyways. Ha. No, but I'm glad he had a good time.
Yes I did get your letter with the "treat" inside. I loved it. Got myself some clothes to last me for my mission. Thanks for sending that, it meant a lot. I'm proud that Aaron is going back on a mission. Hopefully he'll stay on it. Just stay busy. Work, work, work. If you work, you have the Spirit. If you have the Spirit, you will be less likely to break the rules. I laughed so hard when Alyssa happened to get strep throat on the day of her first date. Ha, ha, ha. If that's not the hand of God, I don't know what is. That's hilarious.
So, I need to apologize. I have not been sending you letters lately. Long letters at least. But I'm losing my will to. You know. It's just hard when you want to but.... I hope you don't mind. I made this e-mail longer so you didn't feel jipped and maybe that's what I'll do. Just e-mail you and occasional write a sweet letter. I hope you don't mind. If you do, tell me, I write you.
Well, it sounds like everything is going great back at home. I'm doing fine. It's hard but I just passed my four month mark and things are starting to speed back up. So, thank you for your support. I love you all and am so grateful that you guys rock and love me so. Enjoy the week. Good luck. Loves, hugs and handshakes to you all.
- Show quoted text -
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Elder Courtney Casselman
So, the work in Olalla is REALLY slow! But, we have someone on date. Rick Johnson. His wife is a member, and he has been coming to church for over twenty years. They recently moved from Colorado to our ward. Paula, the wife, and Nick, their son, went in for interviews with the bishop for Patriarchal blessings. Rick sat in while they went on, and after Paula talked to the bishop about getting a temple recommend, Rick turned to the bishop (Bishop Theel) and said, "I want to get baptized. Can you send the missionaries over to re-teach the lessons?" Rick has been through over forty different companionships, and been to church hundreds of times. Finally, he decided it's what he wants to do.
The problem is this. Nick doesn't have the priesthood (he's 15) and Paula has this weird idea that Rick should be baptized on the same day the Nick was. Which is July 30. Which is at the end of NEXT transfer. Yup, in eight weeks. That's a long time for some one to wait to be baptized. But the family wants their extended family to come, so the grampa can baptize Rick and ordain Nick to be a Teacher. Yup, Nick was sustained in church yesterday. Dang it! He totally could have gotten the priesthood yesterday, but NO...Paula has to be difficult. Oh, well, at least it's happening.
The Wilson's are getting closer to baptism. At least the kids. Tianna (the oldest who is 15) isn't sure about all of it. God, Jesus Christ, prophets, and Joseph Smith. But she's going to girls camp and reads the Book of Mormon and Bible with her aunt. Stetson (12) knows Joseph Smith is a prophet, and knows that what we teach is true. Jessie (8) is eight. They all love coming to church, and missed church yesterday because Yolanda, their aunt who is adopting them in a week or two, was sick. Yolanda is getting closer to quiting smoking but is no where near not drinking coffee. But she says she is considering baptism and wants to do it. Greg...is no where near baptism, period. But they're a great family and I totally love visiting them. I'm praying we can dunk the kids before the end of the transfer and Yolanda next transfer.
Besides that, the work is going slow. We mostly visit less-actives. Before I showed up, Elder Brown and his companion would just go to a series of peoples houses and watch tv and movies. But I'm working on getting that completely out of the missionary work in Olalla. We visit two of them, and I ask them to turn off the tv, and the old fart we visit, well, he won't turn it off, so we don't visit him that much anymore. Elder Brown is getting up and 7:15 now. Also, he is doing a half of an hour of personal study before he curls up and goes to sleep on the couch, and we do about 20-30 minutes of companionship study. When ever he gets lazy and sits on the coach and whine and moans, I take over and plan out the rest of the day so we can be productive.
Elder Brown is getting on my nerves though. We're good friends and sometimes actually talk. But his issue is that first, he's lazy and second, he's so negative. He whines and complains about everything! Oh boy. It makes me feel bad for doing that when I was a kid and teenager. But when I say everything...I mean EVERYTHING! If it rains, he complains. If it's cloudy, he complains. If it's sunny and hot, he complains. He blames his problems on everybody else and never takes responsibility for his own mistakes. I just ignore it and don't comment. That usually shuts him up. But I'm getting to get along with him better and better.
I joined the ward choir. I'll probably be in the ward for a while so I figured, why the heck not. My favorite member, Bro. Knapp, is the choir president and so I sit next to him and we sing hymns. It's pretty fun, but I suck at breathing (I haven't been in band for four years) and I can't sing tenor line by myself. But it's a blast.
Sounds like you had a great sibling retreat. How was Pirates? I see trailers for it all the time when people have their tv's on. It looks good. Also, did you see Super 8 comes out soon? Seriously. Tell me what you thought of it. it's being directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg. It's gonna be good.
Brock dated Amanda? WHAT?!? I asked her out on a date and she said, "No." Dang, fetch, oh my heck, what the holy scrud. She asks Brock out on a date? She's like 18. Argh. Oh well, she wasn't meant for me anyways. Ha. No, but I'm glad he had a good time.
Yes I did get your letter with the "treat" inside. I loved it. Got myself some clothes to last me for my mission. Thanks for sending that, it meant a lot. I'm proud that Aaron is going back on a mission. Hopefully he'll stay on it. Just stay busy. Work, work, work. If you work, you have the Spirit. If you have the Spirit, you will be less likely to break the rules. I laughed so hard when Alyssa happened to get strep throat on the day of her first date. Ha, ha, ha. If that's not the hand of God, I don't know what is. That's hilarious.
So, I need to apologize. I have not been sending you letters lately. Long letters at least. But I'm losing my will to. You know. It's just hard when you want to but.... I hope you don't mind. I made this e-mail longer so you didn't feel jipped and maybe that's what I'll do. Just e-mail you and occasional write a sweet letter. I hope you don't mind. If you do, tell me, I write you.
Well, it sounds like everything is going great back at home. I'm doing fine. It's hard but I just passed my four month mark and things are starting to speed back up. So, thank you for your support. I love you all and am so grateful that you guys rock and love me so. Enjoy the week. Good luck. Loves, hugs and handshakes to you all.
- Show quoted text -
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Elder Courtney Casselman
So, hello. Yup. The libraries were closed yesterday, so I am e-mailing today.
How has everyone been? These have been the hardest three weeks so far in my mission. But they've taught me so much. I'll send a letter...hopefully...that explains what's going on here in Olalla. It's a hard though, knowing that these tough weeks will be nothing compared to what's going to go on in the rest of my mission. But the Lord provides a way. I can testify to that. We had some really cool and irritating things happen here, so, you'll hear in my letter. I don't want to give all the details here and have nothing to say in the hand-written letter.
Alyssa is going to a concert? I'm glad she's going to a concert...but Bruno Mars...Oh, what a waste. Why not something that is actually fun to go to. Oooh, burn. But that's great. She'll love it! And nail school. What the freak. Soon she's gonna be graduated and all that crap. Mom, I've been gone for four months and the world is already coming to end. All those dang natural disasters (Don't worry about me. God will protect me). And now Alyssa is freakin' dating and all that crap...not like that stopped her before. JK. Wow! Wish her good luck at school for me!
If you can somehow, maybe sort of, get a video of Issac crawling, that'd be great. I mean, I can picture it, but I totally want to see him in action! Hah, ha, ha. I bet it's hilariously adorable. I hope you had a good Memorial Day. Ours was great. We hung out with our bishop all day. He's a cool guy. I'm so excited that Cody is in the MTC! Man, I was the first of my friends to leave...Nate will be the last. Wow, that's a weird thought. I'm gonna get home and none of my friends will be home. It's a good thing that I'll go straight to college or else I might have killed myself in the future. Video games are only slightly less appealing than they used to, and after two years of constantly moving...It'll be hard to just switch over to just sitting, staring at a computer screen and clicking the mouse. But I'll still play them. You can count on that! I congratulate Aaron for going back onto a mission. That shows commitment. And if he hadn't done this...who knows were he could have ended up!
Well, look forward to a letter. I'll write it tonight. I totally forgot yesterday, and I promised to write you EVERY WEEK! So, I will! Except on transfer week. That's just how the cookie crumbles. Anyways, it was good to hear from you! I love you all. Hugs and handshakes to you all!
Elder Courtney Casselman
How has everyone been? These have been the hardest three weeks so far in my mission. But they've taught me so much. I'll send a letter...hopefully...that explains what's going on here in Olalla. It's a hard though, knowing that these tough weeks will be nothing compared to what's going to go on in the rest of my mission. But the Lord provides a way. I can testify to that. We had some really cool and irritating things happen here, so, you'll hear in my letter. I don't want to give all the details here and have nothing to say in the hand-written letter.
Alyssa is going to a concert? I'm glad she's going to a concert...but Bruno Mars...Oh, what a waste. Why not something that is actually fun to go to. Oooh, burn. But that's great. She'll love it! And nail school. What the freak. Soon she's gonna be graduated and all that crap. Mom, I've been gone for four months and the world is already coming to end. All those dang natural disasters (Don't worry about me. God will protect me). And now Alyssa is freakin' dating and all that crap...not like that stopped her before. JK. Wow! Wish her good luck at school for me!
If you can somehow, maybe sort of, get a video of Issac crawling, that'd be great. I mean, I can picture it, but I totally want to see him in action! Hah, ha, ha. I bet it's hilariously adorable. I hope you had a good Memorial Day. Ours was great. We hung out with our bishop all day. He's a cool guy. I'm so excited that Cody is in the MTC! Man, I was the first of my friends to leave...Nate will be the last. Wow, that's a weird thought. I'm gonna get home and none of my friends will be home. It's a good thing that I'll go straight to college or else I might have killed myself in the future. Video games are only slightly less appealing than they used to, and after two years of constantly moving...It'll be hard to just switch over to just sitting, staring at a computer screen and clicking the mouse. But I'll still play them. You can count on that! I congratulate Aaron for going back onto a mission. That shows commitment. And if he hadn't done this...who knows were he could have ended up!
Well, look forward to a letter. I'll write it tonight. I totally forgot yesterday, and I promised to write you EVERY WEEK! So, I will! Except on transfer week. That's just how the cookie crumbles. Anyways, it was good to hear from you! I love you all. Hugs and handshakes to you all!
Elder Courtney Casselman
Olalla
AGH!!! Alyssa is driving and dating now! Eew! Like that stopped her before...lolz. Keep an eye on that female. She's a stinker. That burger sounded nasty. I'm sort of surprised you ordered a burger at a Mexican resturaunt, but I digress. I ordered chicken nuggets...you yelled at me about it.
I got your package. Yup, I liked it. More spices. And what's great is that I will have those my whole mission! Seriously...that rocks! The letter also made me laugh. Isaac (Clark) is so cute and I love his face as he is eating the ice cream. Pure contentment. So, this mystery mail item...WHAT IS IT!?! I'm so stoked. I love mail.
Elder Brown and I had a conversation. He and I are going to work on being better missionaries and being more obedient. I'll help him get up early enough to study and keep him awake, while he will let me teach a little more. It was a good conversation and I think we're going closer together and becoming better friends. He's a big comic book nerd (just found this out a few days ago) and so we can talk about that stuff for forever!
Oh, poor Brock. It's for the best. I think that if he had dove into this relationship head first...it could have ended badly. Give Brock a tip...In the prieshood session, Thomas Monson said: "It's not about finding the right person...It's about being the right person." Even as a missionary, it's a great quote to know for when I get back and work with companions, investigators, less-actives and members.
Man, Cody's leaving. Holy freak. All of us will be gone soon and you moms can get together and share missionary stories. Oh how cute. Give that kid my best. Wish him luck for me. I'm so proud that he made this decision. Also, tell Kyle that if I don't ever get a letter to him (I'll try but it's busy) that I love that kid and wish the best for him.
All right...fine! I sent you a Mother's day card. I designed it myself. Hope you enjoy it. Well, I love all of you. Hand shakes, love and hugs to you all!
Elder Courtney Casselman
I got your package. Yup, I liked it. More spices. And what's great is that I will have those my whole mission! Seriously...that rocks! The letter also made me laugh. Isaac (Clark) is so cute and I love his face as he is eating the ice cream. Pure contentment. So, this mystery mail item...WHAT IS IT!?! I'm so stoked. I love mail.
Elder Brown and I had a conversation. He and I are going to work on being better missionaries and being more obedient. I'll help him get up early enough to study and keep him awake, while he will let me teach a little more. It was a good conversation and I think we're going closer together and becoming better friends. He's a big comic book nerd (just found this out a few days ago) and so we can talk about that stuff for forever!
Oh, poor Brock. It's for the best. I think that if he had dove into this relationship head first...it could have ended badly. Give Brock a tip...In the prieshood session, Thomas Monson said: "It's not about finding the right person...It's about being the right person." Even as a missionary, it's a great quote to know for when I get back and work with companions, investigators, less-actives and members.
Man, Cody's leaving. Holy freak. All of us will be gone soon and you moms can get together and share missionary stories. Oh how cute. Give that kid my best. Wish him luck for me. I'm so proud that he made this decision. Also, tell Kyle that if I don't ever get a letter to him (I'll try but it's busy) that I love that kid and wish the best for him.
All right...fine! I sent you a Mother's day card. I designed it myself. Hope you enjoy it. Well, I love all of you. Hand shakes, love and hugs to you all!
Elder Courtney Casselman
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Another letter
Dear Mother and Father,
So, this has been a long three weeks. Olalla is a tough area because no one is home during the afternoon and morning. We just don't have a lot to do. But the ward is great and we will baptize this transfer.
I've been having a tough time with obedience. Elder Brown, as much as I love the guy, is lazy, negative and disobedient. That give me less reason. But I'm working on repenting and doing the basics: waking up at 6:30 rather than 6:35, reading the scriptures during personal study...at my desk. Stuff like that.
We have six investigators. The Wilson's, our five-piece family, and Rick Johnson, our non-member husband. The Wilson kids, Tianna, Stetson and Jessie, are so close to being put on date. The mom, Yolanda, is considering it, and sort of, kind of, wants to quite smoking and drinking coffee, and the dad, Greg, is no where near baptism. Rick has been coming to church for over 20 years, and he's finally wanting to get baptized!
So, we've been teaching them and it's been going great!
Sorry this letter is so short. I'm busy and forgot to write on P-day, so I'm writing it in the evening of some random day, now that I have free time.
Well, I love you all! SO MUCH! Good luck with life! Hugs and handshakes,
Elder Courtney Casselman
So, this has been a long three weeks. Olalla is a tough area because no one is home during the afternoon and morning. We just don't have a lot to do. But the ward is great and we will baptize this transfer.
I've been having a tough time with obedience. Elder Brown, as much as I love the guy, is lazy, negative and disobedient. That give me less reason. But I'm working on repenting and doing the basics: waking up at 6:30 rather than 6:35, reading the scriptures during personal study...at my desk. Stuff like that.
We have six investigators. The Wilson's, our five-piece family, and Rick Johnson, our non-member husband. The Wilson kids, Tianna, Stetson and Jessie, are so close to being put on date. The mom, Yolanda, is considering it, and sort of, kind of, wants to quite smoking and drinking coffee, and the dad, Greg, is no where near baptism. Rick has been coming to church for over 20 years, and he's finally wanting to get baptized!
So, we've been teaching them and it's been going great!
Sorry this letter is so short. I'm busy and forgot to write on P-day, so I'm writing it in the evening of some random day, now that I have free time.
Well, I love you all! SO MUCH! Good luck with life! Hugs and handshakes,
Elder Courtney Casselman
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Last Sunday in Puyallup
Hello!
So, I had so much fun last night talking to you all. It was great to hear you're all doing great. I'm so happy you all could be there on the phone call. It was a good phone call that really picked me up.
The ward said their farewells at church. It was sad. Mainly because I bet a little more involved in the ward this transfer. I said good-bye to Elder Stringham. That was really hard. Not because I'm sad I won't see him any time soon. But as I stood there, singing "God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again," I had this awful realization that all these people I was surrounded by and loved, would be leaving before I did, and I would most likely never see any of them again. The Spirit was so strong, and I was so sad, that I couldn't even sing.
My new companion is Elder Brown. I'm serving in the Olalla ward which is in the Gig (Geeg) Harbor Zone. The area is small, but insanely rural. Some houses are miles apart, which will make tracting really difficult. Here's my new address:
1335 Swofford Lane
Port Orchard, WA 98367
We're only teaching the family of five that I told you about. Which I'm fine with. We can find more and more potentials.
Well, that's crazy about the lawn mower! And I'm glad you're had a fun Mother's day. I gotta go, but I'll send you a letter on Monday of next week. Well, I love you all. Happy Mother's day and have a great week!
Elder Courtney Casselman
So, I had so much fun last night talking to you all. It was great to hear you're all doing great. I'm so happy you all could be there on the phone call. It was a good phone call that really picked me up.
The ward said their farewells at church. It was sad. Mainly because I bet a little more involved in the ward this transfer. I said good-bye to Elder Stringham. That was really hard. Not because I'm sad I won't see him any time soon. But as I stood there, singing "God Be With You 'Till We Meet Again," I had this awful realization that all these people I was surrounded by and loved, would be leaving before I did, and I would most likely never see any of them again. The Spirit was so strong, and I was so sad, that I couldn't even sing.
My new companion is Elder Brown. I'm serving in the Olalla ward which is in the Gig (Geeg) Harbor Zone. The area is small, but insanely rural. Some houses are miles apart, which will make tracting really difficult. Here's my new address:
1335 Swofford Lane
Port Orchard, WA 98367
We're only teaching the family of five that I told you about. Which I'm fine with. We can find more and more potentials.
Well, that's crazy about the lawn mower! And I'm glad you're had a fun Mother's day. I gotta go, but I'll send you a letter on Monday of next week. Well, I love you all. Happy Mother's day and have a great week!
Elder Courtney Casselman
Keep on keepin on
Dear Mother and Father,
Hello! So, I'm in my new, very rural area! And I'm just going to warn you now. These letters I'll send whilst in Olalla will be pretty short. Not a lot happens here.
We only have nine investigators, four of which I have not met and/or gotten a hold of. And three of those Elder Brown hasn't even met. Oh, dear. Our family of five, the Wilson's, are further from baptism than I originally anticipated. It'll be tough, and we'll have to work hard with them.
The area is very rural, making tracting useless, and everyone here works at the shipyard. That way, no one is home during the mornings and afternoons. It's tough to come up with stuff to do during those times and stay under miles.
Elder Brown is pretty disobedient. We don't tract 5-7's, he sleeps in until 9:30, so I get two hours of personal study, and well, there's a long list. But he's still a great guy and I'm working on it. This area is tough, but I'll be fine.
We taught the Wilson's the commandments, and I tried to commit the mom to quit smoking and drinking coffee. She said no. But I'll keep working on that, also. I taught Elder's Quorum. It was on missionary work. SURPRISE! But it went well, and I practically begged for referrals.
Well, sorry it's so short, I love you all. Hugs, loves and handshakes.
Elder Courtney Casselman
Hello! So, I'm in my new, very rural area! And I'm just going to warn you now. These letters I'll send whilst in Olalla will be pretty short. Not a lot happens here.
We only have nine investigators, four of which I have not met and/or gotten a hold of. And three of those Elder Brown hasn't even met. Oh, dear. Our family of five, the Wilson's, are further from baptism than I originally anticipated. It'll be tough, and we'll have to work hard with them.
The area is very rural, making tracting useless, and everyone here works at the shipyard. That way, no one is home during the mornings and afternoons. It's tough to come up with stuff to do during those times and stay under miles.
Elder Brown is pretty disobedient. We don't tract 5-7's, he sleeps in until 9:30, so I get two hours of personal study, and well, there's a long list. But he's still a great guy and I'm working on it. This area is tough, but I'll be fine.
We taught the Wilson's the commandments, and I tried to commit the mom to quit smoking and drinking coffee. She said no. But I'll keep working on that, also. I taught Elder's Quorum. It was on missionary work. SURPRISE! But it went well, and I practically begged for referrals.
Well, sorry it's so short, I love you all. Hugs, loves and handshakes.
Elder Courtney Casselman
late, late, late
(Please forgive me for my lateness in posting letters. Our modem has been on the fritz.)
Dear Mother and Father,
Okay, we had the most amazing baptism yesterday! Casey Cottey and Darlene Chappell were baptized at the same service! And the Spirit was so strong!
So, Casey brought his mom and younger sister, while Darlene brought her daughter's (Brandi)husband, Billy. I gave the missionary inspire/moment, and invited all who have not been baptized (especially those three people) to be baptized! Brandi reached over and patted Billy on the shoulder. Bill got teary eyed during the baptism, and said that he wants to see Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration!
After the baptism, I talked to Casey's mom. She said that she wishes Casey would have waited. I was a little scared until she said that he should have waited to do it...as a family! Woot! What we were thinking we would do is teach them (the mother and the daughter) and have Casey baptize them. Holy Cow! That's be amazing!
We put another UBC on date for Saturday. Woot! Matt Love is the son of a less-active, seven-year convert. The mom, Sister Fink, is coming to church and enjoying it. The ward, sadly, is not being supportive of this...:( (sad face). In fact, all but one of the Gem Heights UBC's are frowned upon. But Brother Jones says: "Do it anyway and don't take it personally!" Mwa, ha, ha.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!
Totally freakin' happy day to be a mommy! Even better...I get to call you.
Alright. I'll tell you how the baptisms turn out.
Loves and stuff!
Elder Court Casselman
Dear Mother and Father,
Okay, we had the most amazing baptism yesterday! Casey Cottey and Darlene Chappell were baptized at the same service! And the Spirit was so strong!
So, Casey brought his mom and younger sister, while Darlene brought her daughter's (Brandi)husband, Billy. I gave the missionary inspire/moment, and invited all who have not been baptized (especially those three people) to be baptized! Brandi reached over and patted Billy on the shoulder. Bill got teary eyed during the baptism, and said that he wants to see Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration!
After the baptism, I talked to Casey's mom. She said that she wishes Casey would have waited. I was a little scared until she said that he should have waited to do it...as a family! Woot! What we were thinking we would do is teach them (the mother and the daughter) and have Casey baptize them. Holy Cow! That's be amazing!
We put another UBC on date for Saturday. Woot! Matt Love is the son of a less-active, seven-year convert. The mom, Sister Fink, is coming to church and enjoying it. The ward, sadly, is not being supportive of this...:( (sad face). In fact, all but one of the Gem Heights UBC's are frowned upon. But Brother Jones says: "Do it anyway and don't take it personally!" Mwa, ha, ha.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!
Totally freakin' happy day to be a mommy! Even better...I get to call you.
Alright. I'll tell you how the baptisms turn out.
Loves and stuff!
Elder Court Casselman
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Continuing letters
Woot! It's Mother's Day in a week! Happy Mother's day! So, I get out of church at 4:30, and we'll probably be at Bro. Radamak's house by 5:00. I'll most likely call you from 5:00 to 6:00 (which is 6:00 to 7:00 your time) It depends on how long each of our calls take. There are four of us so I might actually call pretty late. But be expecting a phone call...now...what's your phone number again...hahah. That was a joke. Also, I haven't heard from Sarah in a long time, if you want to (I mean, if you want it to be a family thing, that's totally cool) invite her over. I'd love to talk to her.
We had our baptisms last night. Darlene Chappell and Casey Cottey. I'll tell you about the baptisms in the letter I'll send you. We also got another baptism (that's five for this weekend!) and so we are going to be at the church all day! And our slightly irritating ward mission leader won't let us have a baptism on mother's day, so we'll be cramming five or six all on Saturday. Which I guess is good. Then we'll have eight or nine confirmed on the following Sunday!
Okay, so, I got the package...and LOVED IT! Oh, man. I was so excited when I saw it. Funny story. Elder Wager and I were in the house the entire day, then when we go and email...the package shows up. So, I had to wait until the following day...after Zone Meeting...to get it. But it was just GREAT! I especially loved the Onion powder. That rocked. We'll be making Mac' and Cheese soon!
Oh, now you're talking about movies. We were at a members last night (the snake guy) and he was telling me about a movie he saw on TV multiple times. Then he rented it and found out how much it swore. Guess what movie it was. Yup, that's right...The Shawshank Redemption. Poops. One of my favorite movies! But I told him about the ClearPlay and he was TOTALLY down with it! I love telling members about it because they're not like Utah Mormons who get shunned if you watch an 'R' rated movie. Mormons here watch 'em already. Ha ha ha. So, when you tell them about the ClearPlay...they always get excited. "Oh, now I can watch that movie without the filth!"
I can't wait to hear about who the new Bishopric is! I'm totally pumped! Any one from our ward? What's dad going to do now? Anyways...I'll send you a letter of all that is going down with the work. It's pretty amazing with how many POTENTIALS we can put on date. That's not including all the ones we are teaching. So, I totally look forward to calling you! It'll be great to talk to you and not have to read only! See, if you're okay with it, if you can get Sarah there to. Give her a call. Tell her what's going on! Alright...Loves, hugs and handshakes to you all! By the way...Three months down, and I've already got eight baptisms! Love you all!
Elder Courtney Casselman
We had our baptisms last night. Darlene Chappell and Casey Cottey. I'll tell you about the baptisms in the letter I'll send you. We also got another baptism (that's five for this weekend!) and so we are going to be at the church all day! And our slightly irritating ward mission leader won't let us have a baptism on mother's day, so we'll be cramming five or six all on Saturday. Which I guess is good. Then we'll have eight or nine confirmed on the following Sunday!
Okay, so, I got the package...and LOVED IT! Oh, man. I was so excited when I saw it. Funny story. Elder Wager and I were in the house the entire day, then when we go and email...the package shows up. So, I had to wait until the following day...after Zone Meeting...to get it. But it was just GREAT! I especially loved the Onion powder. That rocked. We'll be making Mac' and Cheese soon!
Oh, now you're talking about movies. We were at a members last night (the snake guy) and he was telling me about a movie he saw on TV multiple times. Then he rented it and found out how much it swore. Guess what movie it was. Yup, that's right...The Shawshank Redemption. Poops. One of my favorite movies! But I told him about the ClearPlay and he was TOTALLY down with it! I love telling members about it because they're not like Utah Mormons who get shunned if you watch an 'R' rated movie. Mormons here watch 'em already. Ha ha ha. So, when you tell them about the ClearPlay...they always get excited. "Oh, now I can watch that movie without the filth!"
I can't wait to hear about who the new Bishopric is! I'm totally pumped! Any one from our ward? What's dad going to do now? Anyways...I'll send you a letter of all that is going down with the work. It's pretty amazing with how many POTENTIALS we can put on date. That's not including all the ones we are teaching. So, I totally look forward to calling you! It'll be great to talk to you and not have to read only! See, if you're okay with it, if you can get Sarah there to. Give her a call. Tell her what's going on! Alright...Loves, hugs and handshakes to you all! By the way...Three months down, and I've already got eight baptisms! Love you all!
Elder Courtney Casselman
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Baptisms
Dear Mother and Father,
So, you most likely got my email, which means I don't have a lot more to tell you about besides the awesome line-up of baptisms.
We have six...yes, count it, six people that are on date for baptism! Our first totally amazing baptism is Darlene. She is the mother to Brandi (a recent convert) and grandmother to Brandi (Brandi's daughter who is also a recent convert) and at first, she wasn't interested. BOO! But when she heard about the temple, she decided to listen in. When she asked Elder Stringham if she could go to the temple, he said, "Only if you get baptized." Her response was "...Okay!"
The second baptism, which is on the same day, is Casey Cottey. He came to youth group with a friend and afterwards, Elder Wager and the super-hot friend took him on a church tour. He totally wanted to get baptized but his mom was against it. After she talked to us, though, she changed her mind, is letting Casey be baptized and is interested herself! Woot!
The following week, we have four UBC's (un-baptized children)! Ali, whose mom is a less-active member, is super excited about baptism. Our miracle, Tito, who was adopted and is nine. A recent convert wanted all her grandchildren to be baptized, and one just turned eight. And Cordillia wants to follow in her brother's footsteps and be baptized! These are ALL miracles!!!
Well, I love you all, and I pray you're all doing great! Love, hugs and handshakes to you all.
Elder Courtney Casselman
p.s. Stringham came up with this idea: You could email me, but print off the email so I can read it before P-day!
p.p.s. It's hard to overstate my satisfaction.
So, you most likely got my email, which means I don't have a lot more to tell you about besides the awesome line-up of baptisms.
We have six...yes, count it, six people that are on date for baptism! Our first totally amazing baptism is Darlene. She is the mother to Brandi (a recent convert) and grandmother to Brandi (Brandi's daughter who is also a recent convert) and at first, she wasn't interested. BOO! But when she heard about the temple, she decided to listen in. When she asked Elder Stringham if she could go to the temple, he said, "Only if you get baptized." Her response was "...Okay!"
The second baptism, which is on the same day, is Casey Cottey. He came to youth group with a friend and afterwards, Elder Wager and the super-hot friend took him on a church tour. He totally wanted to get baptized but his mom was against it. After she talked to us, though, she changed her mind, is letting Casey be baptized and is interested herself! Woot!
The following week, we have four UBC's (un-baptized children)! Ali, whose mom is a less-active member, is super excited about baptism. Our miracle, Tito, who was adopted and is nine. A recent convert wanted all her grandchildren to be baptized, and one just turned eight. And Cordillia wants to follow in her brother's footsteps and be baptized! These are ALL miracles!!!
Well, I love you all, and I pray you're all doing great! Love, hugs and handshakes to you all.
Elder Courtney Casselman
p.s. Stringham came up with this idea: You could email me, but print off the email so I can read it before P-day!
p.p.s. It's hard to overstate my satisfaction.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
A new letter
Hello! How are all 'yal?
I'm yet to receive the package you sent me, but when I get it, I know I will enjoy it!
It's going so good here in Puyallup! We still haven't had a baptism yet (which means an entire "transfer" without baptisms) but we have two lined up for this weekend, and four more the last weekend of the transfer. Yep, I'll tell you about the baptisms in my letter.
My companions are great right now. we're all once again getting along, and doing missionary work like crazy! We've been tracting and teaching, and hardly have any time...which technically, you should never have time on a mission, so I guess that was redundent. We don't have toworry about filling time! I'm getting a little worried though. Seemingly, this is my "follow-up" training transfer, so I'll most likely get transferred. Which is kinda bad, because we'll probably have more baptisms lined up at the end of the transfer, but I guess that's the way a mission goes.
I will write you a letter, but I don't know if I will be able to finish it today. I've been playing RISK and sewing our couch cushions back together. Thanks for teaching me how to do those things because it's amazing how many Elders don't know how to fix rips in pants or sew cushions.
Easter was awesome...and speaking of Easter...HAPPY EASTER! At least we we celebrate the life of Jesus and not the death. Anyways, Easter rocked...we had five at church and put a kid on date.
Oh, it's raining. Now you get a taste of what I get almost everyday! LOL. Although, besides today and yesterday, it has rained once in the past two weeks. It's been sunny and warm. I don't even have to wear a coat. And the soccer thing. That's how it is all the time in Washington. They do cancel school for snow... :) But when it comes to soccer, kids play rain or shine. I kinda feel bad for the little boogers.
Well, I will send you a letter about the baptisms, but know that I am doing well and am gaving a great time. Loves and handshakes to the family. I love you!
Elder Courtney Casselman
I'm yet to receive the package you sent me, but when I get it, I know I will enjoy it!
It's going so good here in Puyallup! We still haven't had a baptism yet (which means an entire "transfer" without baptisms) but we have two lined up for this weekend, and four more the last weekend of the transfer. Yep, I'll tell you about the baptisms in my letter.
My companions are great right now. we're all once again getting along, and doing missionary work like crazy! We've been tracting and teaching, and hardly have any time...which technically, you should never have time on a mission, so I guess that was redundent. We don't have toworry about filling time! I'm getting a little worried though. Seemingly, this is my "follow-up" training transfer, so I'll most likely get transferred. Which is kinda bad, because we'll probably have more baptisms lined up at the end of the transfer, but I guess that's the way a mission goes.
I will write you a letter, but I don't know if I will be able to finish it today. I've been playing RISK and sewing our couch cushions back together. Thanks for teaching me how to do those things because it's amazing how many Elders don't know how to fix rips in pants or sew cushions.
Easter was awesome...and speaking of Easter...HAPPY EASTER! At least we we celebrate the life of Jesus and not the death. Anyways, Easter rocked...we had five at church and put a kid on date.
Oh, it's raining. Now you get a taste of what I get almost everyday! LOL. Although, besides today and yesterday, it has rained once in the past two weeks. It's been sunny and warm. I don't even have to wear a coat. And the soccer thing. That's how it is all the time in Washington. They do cancel school for snow... :) But when it comes to soccer, kids play rain or shine. I kinda feel bad for the little boogers.
Well, I will send you a letter about the baptisms, but know that I am doing well and am gaving a great time. Loves and handshakes to the family. I love you!
Elder Courtney Casselman
Monday, May 23, 2011
Next Letter
Dear Mother and Father,
Hello, how are you? I've heard from reliable sources that you're sending me a package. YAAAAAAAY!!! Woot, I am so excited! It'll be good to get stuff in the mail! Yay! Well, here we go!
The mission has been great, and going really well. I've been on bike a few times and totally enjoyed it. Yeah, I'll regret that later, but it's nice to go out and exercise! But, hmm, I'll regret it, so, shhhh! The work has been awesome! We had so many people on date, but there was one super huge problem, if people don't come to church, they can't get baptized! There's this mental wall that people just don't understand. But we did have this totally awesome miracle. This Asian lady, who was legitimately interested in the church, dropped us. We think her family got involved. Anyways, that's not the miracle. After this devastating phone call, a few hours later, we got a call from a member. They're adopting a nine-year-old son who wants to be baptized! Woot!
The Spanish elders gave us a referral, because we gave them one. His name is Alex Pleski. He's 50 years of age, a musician and divorced, and it's been my privilege to teach Alex without another missionary. Yes, it's been me, a member and the Spirit teaching this guy. I've taught the Restoration (which went awesome and read 3 Nephi 11 with him. There is still one big problem. He's done acid in his time and when he reads the Bible and Book of Mormon, he interprets them to what HE thinks it means. He says it's HIS gospel. The problem is that it's not his gospel, it's Christ's gospel. So, I'm getting an experienced missionary to help me teach.
Elder Walters, on night during finding, had a bowel attack. He hiked over to a recent convert's house where he met her boyfriend's brother, Cyprus. Walters asked Cyprus if he wanted to come to church, and now he's getting baptized! He and I get along great! He loves video games and comic books, so it's nice to have someone to talk to who knows what I'm talking about.
We've also got four UBC's (unbaptized children) on date, so plus Cyprus and a recent convert's mom, that means I'll get my goal of six baptisms this transfer! We actually have four or five baptisms on the last week of the transfer!
A member had us over for dinner and fed us the the "Famous Nalder Burger". In it's grossness, it contained peanut butter and bananas. I highly recommend not eating it. Well, I love you guys! Thanks for your support and patience. I can't wait to get my package! Hugs and handshakes to you all!
Elder Courtney Casselman
Hello, how are you? I've heard from reliable sources that you're sending me a package. YAAAAAAAY!!! Woot, I am so excited! It'll be good to get stuff in the mail! Yay! Well, here we go!
The mission has been great, and going really well. I've been on bike a few times and totally enjoyed it. Yeah, I'll regret that later, but it's nice to go out and exercise! But, hmm, I'll regret it, so, shhhh! The work has been awesome! We had so many people on date, but there was one super huge problem, if people don't come to church, they can't get baptized! There's this mental wall that people just don't understand. But we did have this totally awesome miracle. This Asian lady, who was legitimately interested in the church, dropped us. We think her family got involved. Anyways, that's not the miracle. After this devastating phone call, a few hours later, we got a call from a member. They're adopting a nine-year-old son who wants to be baptized! Woot!
The Spanish elders gave us a referral, because we gave them one. His name is Alex Pleski. He's 50 years of age, a musician and divorced, and it's been my privilege to teach Alex without another missionary. Yes, it's been me, a member and the Spirit teaching this guy. I've taught the Restoration (which went awesome and read 3 Nephi 11 with him. There is still one big problem. He's done acid in his time and when he reads the Bible and Book of Mormon, he interprets them to what HE thinks it means. He says it's HIS gospel. The problem is that it's not his gospel, it's Christ's gospel. So, I'm getting an experienced missionary to help me teach.
Elder Walters, on night during finding, had a bowel attack. He hiked over to a recent convert's house where he met her boyfriend's brother, Cyprus. Walters asked Cyprus if he wanted to come to church, and now he's getting baptized! He and I get along great! He loves video games and comic books, so it's nice to have someone to talk to who knows what I'm talking about.
We've also got four UBC's (unbaptized children) on date, so plus Cyprus and a recent convert's mom, that means I'll get my goal of six baptisms this transfer! We actually have four or five baptisms on the last week of the transfer!
A member had us over for dinner and fed us the the "Famous Nalder Burger". In it's grossness, it contained peanut butter and bananas. I highly recommend not eating it. Well, I love you guys! Thanks for your support and patience. I can't wait to get my package! Hugs and handshakes to you all!
Elder Courtney Casselman
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Snake
I got an email on Monday morning and this is what the subject line said:
Your son having fun @ the Egbert's.
Hmmm.
What did that mean?
Just look at the pictures below and you will see...
Don't you love the look on Elder Casselman's face here?
Here is his letter about the snake experience and my lack of memory as to his favorite scripture for the ward plaque.
"So, let's start off with this. How many times do I have to tell you what scripture I want on my plaque? lol. Just joking, it's 2 Nephi 22:2, 4 (Notice the comma. Verse 3, although great, is not part of my favorite scripture) Yup, it's a great scripture that I love to read every now and then.
So, I wasn't able to write a letter, mainly because I got stuck with Elder Walters as he blatently broke mission rules. But don't worry, I told him that what he was doing was wrong and I had to go, because he had to have a companion with him, and I lost the 'odd-one-out' game. Yay! I'll companionship inventory him on it, and express my displeasure of what he did. So, I will be writing the letter as fast as I can tonight, tomorrow morning and how every longer it takes to write your letter. There's so much going on so, I can't wait for you to get it.
Did I read the word 'package?' Yay! Ooh, I'm so excited to see what's in it. The snake was awesome, but before I held it, Brother Egbert said: "Keep it away from your face. Cuts can heal, but you can't get eyes back." Yeah, thanks for scaring my pants off. But it was awesome to hold, although I will admit, I was pretty freaked out when it started to slither up my arm, staring me right in the eyes. But yeah, it was pretty freakin' awesome to hold. It wasn't slimy, like you'd expect.
Yeah, could you talk to Bowman's. I know I mailed the check to you. I looked in my bag where I keep all my paper-work and couldn't find it.
Say 'hi' to Mr. Oram for me. Tell him I would like one of the Art History books at the end of the year, and ask him if it would be possible if he could save a nicer copy. You know, one with doesn't look like a dozen other students have used.
Wish grandma a happy birthday for me. Tell her that when I get the time, I'll send a letter to her. I just am so busy. Well, I don't have pictures yet to send you. It's been pretty busy here in Puyallup so I don't have a lot of time...even on P-days. But I'm doing great. Hey. I still haven't gotten a letter from Sarah. I'm kind of worried she's either 1) not getting my letters, 2) sending to the wrong address again, 3) just doesn't have time or 4) has a boyfriend...that last one was a joke. I don't care about that. I'd just like her to write me. Maybe you could talk to here and find out what's going on.
Well, thanks for all the support and patience you give me. It means a lot, especially with how hard a mission it. I love you so much. Thanks for being awesome."
Elder Courtney Casselman
Your son having fun @ the Egbert's.
Hmmm.
What did that mean?
Just look at the pictures below and you will see...
Don't you love the look on Elder Casselman's face here?
Here is his letter about the snake experience and my lack of memory as to his favorite scripture for the ward plaque.
"So, let's start off with this. How many times do I have to tell you what scripture I want on my plaque? lol. Just joking, it's 2 Nephi 22:2, 4 (Notice the comma. Verse 3, although great, is not part of my favorite scripture) Yup, it's a great scripture that I love to read every now and then.
So, I wasn't able to write a letter, mainly because I got stuck with Elder Walters as he blatently broke mission rules. But don't worry, I told him that what he was doing was wrong and I had to go, because he had to have a companion with him, and I lost the 'odd-one-out' game. Yay! I'll companionship inventory him on it, and express my displeasure of what he did. So, I will be writing the letter as fast as I can tonight, tomorrow morning and how every longer it takes to write your letter. There's so much going on so, I can't wait for you to get it.
Did I read the word 'package?' Yay! Ooh, I'm so excited to see what's in it. The snake was awesome, but before I held it, Brother Egbert said: "Keep it away from your face. Cuts can heal, but you can't get eyes back." Yeah, thanks for scaring my pants off. But it was awesome to hold, although I will admit, I was pretty freaked out when it started to slither up my arm, staring me right in the eyes. But yeah, it was pretty freakin' awesome to hold. It wasn't slimy, like you'd expect.
Yeah, could you talk to Bowman's. I know I mailed the check to you. I looked in my bag where I keep all my paper-work and couldn't find it.
Say 'hi' to Mr. Oram for me. Tell him I would like one of the Art History books at the end of the year, and ask him if it would be possible if he could save a nicer copy. You know, one with doesn't look like a dozen other students have used.
Wish grandma a happy birthday for me. Tell her that when I get the time, I'll send a letter to her. I just am so busy. Well, I don't have pictures yet to send you. It's been pretty busy here in Puyallup so I don't have a lot of time...even on P-days. But I'm doing great. Hey. I still haven't gotten a letter from Sarah. I'm kind of worried she's either 1) not getting my letters, 2) sending to the wrong address again, 3) just doesn't have time or 4) has a boyfriend...that last one was a joke. I don't care about that. I'd just like her to write me. Maybe you could talk to here and find out what's going on.
Well, thanks for all the support and patience you give me. It means a lot, especially with how hard a mission it. I love you so much. Thanks for being awesome."
Elder Courtney Casselman
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Puyallup
I've been doing great! We fasted yesterday (because the zone has not done well) and we met an eight piece family. They're black and actually, the wife and oldest son are interested. They're all over the age of eight, and are very nice! We also tracted into a very kind couple who want to come out on a church tour.
We had a strange semi-miracle. He's a 77 year old. I don't think he retains much, but he wants to be baptized. His date is set for the 17th but there are two problems. First is his wife. We have never met her and she doesn't know he's been taking lessons from Mormons. We will meet her tonight, so we'll see how that goes over.
The second problem is that his daughter is a sandbag (someone who's been baptized but not confirmed).
We also got a referral from the Spanish missionaries, Alex Pleski. He's a divorced musician who wants to sell a song he wrote 25 years ago. He came to church but I can't see him going anywhere, but Greenie-faith can be used for all good!
Conference rocked! I loved Elder Gibson's and Elder Scott's talks. They were the two that hit me the hardest! But of course, the ones I didn't fall asleep during were all amazing! I took great notes and everything!
Well, it sounds like everything is going swimmingly at home. Thanks for the update. Love you all. Hugs and handshakes to you all!
With love,
Elder Casselman
We had a strange semi-miracle. He's a 77 year old. I don't think he retains much, but he wants to be baptized. His date is set for the 17th but there are two problems. First is his wife. We have never met her and she doesn't know he's been taking lessons from Mormons. We will meet her tonight, so we'll see how that goes over.
The second problem is that his daughter is a sandbag (someone who's been baptized but not confirmed).
We also got a referral from the Spanish missionaries, Alex Pleski. He's a divorced musician who wants to sell a song he wrote 25 years ago. He came to church but I can't see him going anywhere, but Greenie-faith can be used for all good!
Conference rocked! I loved Elder Gibson's and Elder Scott's talks. They were the two that hit me the hardest! But of course, the ones I didn't fall asleep during were all amazing! I took great notes and everything!
Well, it sounds like everything is going swimmingly at home. Thanks for the update. Love you all. Hugs and handshakes to you all!
With love,
Elder Casselman
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Transfer Time
So, I'm kinda sad I won't be able to write you a letter this week. It's just been crazy busy and my new trainers don't leave me any time to myself like Berger and Cook did. Another sad thing is that I forgot my camera, so you won't be getting pictures this week.
All right. First item of business. I have been transferred to the Puyallup South area. I am being follow-up trained by Elders Walters and Stringham. I don't know them very well, since they never talk (I think they don't like each other). The other Elder is Elder Wager. He's pretty nerdy but we get a long great. Our new apartment is absolutely beautiful! It's clean, and I actually have a bed frame. In fact, I have a dresser! GO FIGURE!! Elder Berger made fun of me for bringing hangers, so, me being stupid, I left them all in Lacey. I get to Puyallup and there are no hangers. Yup, That's the story of my life. Elder Wager lent me some of his hangers until I can get a few. I'll get you pictures of the apartment eventually! lol.
So, I need you to do a couple things for me. The first is I need you to get Alyssa and have her manage my facebook account. Apparantly, I didn't change my profile picture, so Jamie checked me out on facebook to see a really freaky picture of the Joker. I need that changed. Have Alyssa change the picture to one of me and Sarah at Prom. That seems reasonable. Also, if I have any friend requests from Washington, that's one of my investigators, recent converts or a member. If it's from Washington, have Alyssa accept the request. If they live in Utah, send me they're name and I will yea, or nay.
My new address is:
17702 85th Ave. Ct. E #C
Puyallup, WA 98375
So, you can write me again. Oh, and could you get that address to Sarah? I haven't gotten a letter from her in over three weeks. Also, apologize to her from me, because I will not be able to write her this week. Along with that, give her my e-mail address.
I'm doing good, just got some great new ties. We didn't baptize in the last half of the transfer which was kind of hard. But, I'm much less stressed and besides being sick right now (just a wicked annoying sore throat...I CAN'T TALK AT ALL) I'm doing great. I love my apartment SO MUCH! How have you guys been? And why the freak is Alyssa in Mexico? Seriously, first you two, then Alyssa! Are you all taking vacations because I am gone? Thanks for sending a short e-mail. Reading on these plasma screens hurt the eyes, especially when you have so much to read.
Well, we were driving to my new area and we passed a giant billboard advertising for Portal 2. Yup, that made me homesick. Then, within seconds, drove past a GameStop! WHAT THE HECK?!? I was super sad after that. Well, that's all I can think of right now...sorry. I'm not feeling so well, and I need to take an Ibuprofen. Thanks for everything...Love you all.
Elder Courtney Casselman
All right. First item of business. I have been transferred to the Puyallup South area. I am being follow-up trained by Elders Walters and Stringham. I don't know them very well, since they never talk (I think they don't like each other). The other Elder is Elder Wager. He's pretty nerdy but we get a long great. Our new apartment is absolutely beautiful! It's clean, and I actually have a bed frame. In fact, I have a dresser! GO FIGURE!! Elder Berger made fun of me for bringing hangers, so, me being stupid, I left them all in Lacey. I get to Puyallup and there are no hangers. Yup, That's the story of my life. Elder Wager lent me some of his hangers until I can get a few. I'll get you pictures of the apartment eventually! lol.
So, I need you to do a couple things for me. The first is I need you to get Alyssa and have her manage my facebook account. Apparantly, I didn't change my profile picture, so Jamie checked me out on facebook to see a really freaky picture of the Joker. I need that changed. Have Alyssa change the picture to one of me and Sarah at Prom. That seems reasonable. Also, if I have any friend requests from Washington, that's one of my investigators, recent converts or a member. If it's from Washington, have Alyssa accept the request. If they live in Utah, send me they're name and I will yea, or nay.
My new address is:
17702 85th Ave. Ct. E #C
Puyallup, WA 98375
So, you can write me again. Oh, and could you get that address to Sarah? I haven't gotten a letter from her in over three weeks. Also, apologize to her from me, because I will not be able to write her this week. Along with that, give her my e-mail address.
I'm doing good, just got some great new ties. We didn't baptize in the last half of the transfer which was kind of hard. But, I'm much less stressed and besides being sick right now (just a wicked annoying sore throat...I CAN'T TALK AT ALL) I'm doing great. I love my apartment SO MUCH! How have you guys been? And why the freak is Alyssa in Mexico? Seriously, first you two, then Alyssa! Are you all taking vacations because I am gone? Thanks for sending a short e-mail. Reading on these plasma screens hurt the eyes, especially when you have so much to read.
Well, we were driving to my new area and we passed a giant billboard advertising for Portal 2. Yup, that made me homesick. Then, within seconds, drove past a GameStop! WHAT THE HECK?!? I was super sad after that. Well, that's all I can think of right now...sorry. I'm not feeling so well, and I need to take an Ibuprofen. Thanks for everything...Love you all.
Elder Courtney Casselman
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Baptism Pictures
Hello, how is everyone? I got the letters from mom, dad and Alyssa. I will be responding via letter though. I don't like sending emails that much so I will use this email only for sending you pictures.
So let's get to those pictures, shall we?
This is Jackie Phan. She was my first baptism. She was baptized by Elder Berger.
This is us doing the "baptism thingie". Yeah, I have no idea what it is, or why we do it, but it's where we point at the camera with our index fingers and one of our feet. I don't get it. I just do it.
This is the Prestidge family. Izaac and Alyssa were baptized. Alyssa was baptized, I think, about 10 months ago, and Izaac decided it's what he wanted. There are their other three kids, but I don't know their names. Annoying thing, though, Alyssa has not yet been confirmed. She is what Joseph Smith called a "Sandbag".
These pictures were taken after the baptism, so that is why Izaac and Alyssa are not in their jumpsuits.
This is Brother Peck and his wife. He was excommunicated and found faith just a year ago. When he wanted to get baptized, they couldn't find his records, so it counted as a missionary baptism. Mwa, ha, ha, ha. He was hilarious, though, as you can see as he unzips his baptism jumpsuit.
Us doing the pointing thing. Still don't get it...but okay.
Here is the greatest family of all time. The Llamas. That's Jamie and Oscar, and their three kids: Alex, Jr. and Juan. Yup, that may just be the highlight of my entire mission. And it was in my first transfer.
The man in the picture next to Oscar is Brother Lewis. He was the one who baptized them. He was awesome. It was weird though. At first, he hated the missionaries, and it wasn't until he met Jamie and Oscar when he realized we're not so bad.
You know the drill.
So let's get to those pictures, shall we?
This is Jackie Phan. She was my first baptism. She was baptized by Elder Berger.
This is us doing the "baptism thingie". Yeah, I have no idea what it is, or why we do it, but it's where we point at the camera with our index fingers and one of our feet. I don't get it. I just do it.
This is the Prestidge family. Izaac and Alyssa were baptized. Alyssa was baptized, I think, about 10 months ago, and Izaac decided it's what he wanted. There are their other three kids, but I don't know their names. Annoying thing, though, Alyssa has not yet been confirmed. She is what Joseph Smith called a "Sandbag".
These pictures were taken after the baptism, so that is why Izaac and Alyssa are not in their jumpsuits.
This is Brother Peck and his wife. He was excommunicated and found faith just a year ago. When he wanted to get baptized, they couldn't find his records, so it counted as a missionary baptism. Mwa, ha, ha, ha. He was hilarious, though, as you can see as he unzips his baptism jumpsuit.
Us doing the pointing thing. Still don't get it...but okay.
Here is the greatest family of all time. The Llamas. That's Jamie and Oscar, and their three kids: Alex, Jr. and Juan. Yup, that may just be the highlight of my entire mission. And it was in my first transfer.
The man in the picture next to Oscar is Brother Lewis. He was the one who baptized them. He was awesome. It was weird though. At first, he hated the missionaries, and it wasn't until he met Jamie and Oscar when he realized we're not so bad.
You know the drill.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Dear Mother and Father
Well, this has been a pretty stressful week. We did not give a single church tour. No church tours means no new investigators. No new investigators means no baptisms. I had a falling out with Elder Cook and overreacted. From this, Elder Berger taught me a very important principle. D.G.A.F. Don't Give A Flip. You know how little things just bug me. Well, don't give a flip! Big things will happen and I have to take them as they are, and move on.
Jamie and Oscar were baptized on Saturday! I was an amazing baptism. Elder Berger sang with two other missionaries, I gave my testimony on the Book of Mormon, and everyone came. Even President Bowen. I haven't told you about him. Oh, I will later in the letter.
Holy Cow, I finished the Book of Mormon! I know it's true! I prayed about it and received and answer!
We are baptizing a family on Sunday! Gary and Michelle and their two kids. They are so legit. I actually tuaght part of the gospel of Jesus Christ (lesson 3) to them, and I didn't do terrible. I actually taught repentance pretty well. Woot!
I've finally decided I love tracting! Seriously, I love it. Whenever I am having a hard day, tracting always makes me feel happy. Although this has been a hard week, I have learned so much about how to be happy. Tracting brings happy blessings!
I just realized that I haven't told you about my mission president! His name is H. Kent Bowen. He's super short and he is so smart! He went to MIT and graduated in less than three years. Then he went on to be the head of the professors that taught him. He's super spiritual, and when he asks you questions, he always pauses, staring straight into your soul. He's awesome, though.
I got your packages. First, the one you sent. Thank you so much! The gloves rock! jamie and Oscar had given me gloves but they were thick winter gloves. So, now I have spring and fall gloves. And, yay for stamps!
The other package from you and the Mongie's was super, SUPER fun! It made my day. There was so much good stuff that I didn't know what to do with it all. Thanks so much for thinking of me.
well, I think that is all that is going on here. Transfers are coming up in two weeks and I am pretty nervous. Well, loves and stuff. Thanks for the packages.
Elder Courtney Casselman
p.s. Sunday will bring ten baptisms. TEN! There is also another family that wants to be baptized on the 26th. I may get thirteen baptisms!!
Jamie and Oscar were baptized on Saturday! I was an amazing baptism. Elder Berger sang with two other missionaries, I gave my testimony on the Book of Mormon, and everyone came. Even President Bowen. I haven't told you about him. Oh, I will later in the letter.
Holy Cow, I finished the Book of Mormon! I know it's true! I prayed about it and received and answer!
We are baptizing a family on Sunday! Gary and Michelle and their two kids. They are so legit. I actually tuaght part of the gospel of Jesus Christ (lesson 3) to them, and I didn't do terrible. I actually taught repentance pretty well. Woot!
I've finally decided I love tracting! Seriously, I love it. Whenever I am having a hard day, tracting always makes me feel happy. Although this has been a hard week, I have learned so much about how to be happy. Tracting brings happy blessings!
I just realized that I haven't told you about my mission president! His name is H. Kent Bowen. He's super short and he is so smart! He went to MIT and graduated in less than three years. Then he went on to be the head of the professors that taught him. He's super spiritual, and when he asks you questions, he always pauses, staring straight into your soul. He's awesome, though.
I got your packages. First, the one you sent. Thank you so much! The gloves rock! jamie and Oscar had given me gloves but they were thick winter gloves. So, now I have spring and fall gloves. And, yay for stamps!
The other package from you and the Mongie's was super, SUPER fun! It made my day. There was so much good stuff that I didn't know what to do with it all. Thanks so much for thinking of me.
well, I think that is all that is going on here. Transfers are coming up in two weeks and I am pretty nervous. Well, loves and stuff. Thanks for the packages.
Elder Courtney Casselman
p.s. Sunday will bring ten baptisms. TEN! There is also another family that wants to be baptized on the 26th. I may get thirteen baptisms!!
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