February 27, 2012 - Elder Ivie :)

Dear Family,

 

Whazzup??!! Wha    zzup    y'all. Haha I love emailing you guys so much :) I totally miss just hangin' out with the fam and doing fun stuff. Elder Jensen and I would often mention to each other how we'd sorta forget that we had a family back home and then all of a sudden BAM - the thought of a loving family back home would slap us in the face. You probably think that I sound a little weird, but it's true! It's like, "Woah... Elder Jensen, I totally have a family." Yeah, it hit's me in the face every now and then. I hope you know that I'm constantly being reminded that the Atkin family exists.

 

Yes, I have a new companion! Now as to prevent myself from going into an extremely long novel about how I miss Elder Jensen very badly and such, let me tell you about Elder Ivie. Hahahaha Elder Ivie :) Elder Ivie has been out 4 1/2 months (he'll get mad if you say he's been out 4), and he came from Ava, Missouri, which was his first area. His home is in American Fork, Utah, and he has 8 siblings. Ultimate Utah Mormon right here, folks. Not to say that I'm not one either, but I like to think that I'm an Okie now. I'm tired of people complaining about how all elders come from Utah, so I think I'll just lie about it in the future. Anyways, Elder Ivie is somewhat of a shy guy, but he'll talk your ear off if he knows you well enough. He is very socially awkward, and he is very much a nerd (shame on me). I get him excited for the day by talking about Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon, and video games. BUT I love the guy already. He's not one to let his pride get in the way, and he's easy to befriend. It'll be interesting when we start doing more tracting, but I'm not too worried. I could convince him to do anything :) We biked all day yesterday even though he hasn't biked at all yet his mission. We're going to be the hardest working missionaries ever!!

 

Sadly, we weren't able to get much done this week because Elder Jensen had to pack and things are crazy around transfers. Branden wasn't able to meet with us anyways though, because his grandma was really sick. Naturally, they didn't make it to church either. But hey, at least David came for the 7th week in a row! He had to leave church early because he had a nasty head-ache, but at least he came. We have an appointment with Joe this wednesday at 6:30, so we're hoping that we can start teaching him and his family regularly. We stopped by this week, but he was busy again. But at least he told us he was still interested.

 

We have a bunch of potential investigators from all of the tracting that we've done lately, and so this week Elder Ivie and I are going to try to follow-up on all of those. I think I'm starting to like tracting more and more as I do it. Elder Jensen and I tracted some apartments a couple of days before he left, and pretty much every door we met somebody crazy. There was this one door we knocked on and this guy answered that looked like a zombie. Literally. His face was white as snow, his clothes were all tattered and stained, his hair was standing straight up, and his eyes were bloodshot. It scared the pants off of me! I'm pretty sure he's into some heavy drugs or something. As you can guess, he was not interested.

 

Last week, I mentioned that we got to "cast out demons". I probably shouldn't say it that way, because really we just went to a non-members home and blessed it with the help of Bro. Hagedorn. It was actually a really good experience and the spirit was able to be there. Though I have to admit I sorta wanted to see something crazy happen or feel a presence. Yeah, I'm horrible. Chevy (the non-member who lives there) originally had us come over because she had been seeing spirits and hearing strange noises, but I didn't feel or see anything besides the Spirit. Bro. Hagedorn gave a beautiful blessing on the home, and we left the house with a good feeling. Elder Ivie and I stopped by on Saturday, and Chevy says that nothing's been happening since. Yay, the Priesthood works!! We're going to try and teach her and her boyfriend Forrest in the future. Haha how do you like those names? Chevy and Forrest...

 

Ashley dropped us this last week, only a couple of weeks after we started teaching. Super sad! Her husband just wasn't interested and she didn't want to cause contention in the house. I was really bummed a few days ago, but I can at least find comfort in the fact that we taught some great lessons and planted a bunch of seeds. I really think they'll come around some day.

 

So that's about it for this week, I guess. You always say that you're boring, but I really think that I'm the boring one. I wish I could be in the choir with you, Mom. I haven't been able to do ward choir in a while around here, and it would be so much fun to sing with you anyways. You'll have to tell me how it goes. And oh boy, a new calling! Please keep me updated. I'm alo excited to see the color of the paint that you're using with the house when I come back. I always like surprises.

 

Have a great week! I love you so much! The gospel is so true. In fact, it is THE truth. I just love the knowledge that comes from that.

 

Love, Elder Atkin

February 21 ,2012- Transfers.... again.

Dear Family,

Haha it's okay if you send the same letter to both of us Mom. At least you sent one at all. It means a lot to me that you even consider writing an email specifically for me, so I'm okay with it.

To answer a few questions: My toe is doing all better. In fact, it's just wonderful! I never thought that I'd be free of pain on that toenail. I had just gotten used to it. The sad thing though, is that my other toe is now starting to get a little in-grown. I thought that it might happen from all of the walking that we do, and it seems to be getting worse. I'm going to try a few things before I go and get it cut out, but it'll probably have to happen sooner or later. At least it's good to know that I'm not the only one. Missionaries go in like every week to get in-grown toenails taken care of. And don't worry, it's not that bad.

Yes, transfer calls just happened. I totally forgot to tell you! This last Saturday we went out to lunch at a Chinese buffet (transfer call day tradition), and then that night was transfer calls. Elder Jensen and I were crossing our fingers and hoping that we wouldn't get a call. We've had such a good time together! Calls start at 9:00 and go until 10:30 (bedtime). We waited and waited until 10:30 came, so we went to bed thinking that we were both safe. But to our dismay, we got a call at 10:35 from the assistants. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Both of us started freaking out and throwing stuff around the room. I answered the phone and Elder Noyce informed me that I would be staying in Owasso as district leader, but I would be getting a new companion named Elder Ivie. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! (sorry Elder Ivie!) I then tossed the phone to Elder Jensen and he was informed that he would be moving to Pittsburg, Kansas to be senior companion. It was not a happy occasion :(

Well, what can I do. It's all part of the mission life. It's easy for me to say that Elder Jensen is my favorite companion. We worked so well together and we totally felt like brothers. We could tell each other anything and joke with each other. We could have friendly arguments. We were like a 1-2 punch. Long walks/bike-rides around Owasso were so much fun because we had so much to talk about. The ward could see our unity and it got them pumped. No offense to Elder Ivie, but he's got big shoes to fill. But like I said, it was going to happen sooner or later, even if we beg and beg president to keep us together (which we did haha). But I'm excited for the opportunity. I have so much more growth to go through, and I know that Elder Ivie has many things to teach me. We're meant to be companions, and I truly believe that. I'm determined to make it just as fun and exciting as it was with my man Elder Jensen.

But there is some happy news. Elder Villarreal is staying in my district for another transfer! He'd been told he'd leave because he's supposed to be a Spanish elder, but I guess he'll be doing more work in Claremore. Him and his companion Elder Burbank are really turning things around in their area. They get along very well and they're working hard. It makes my job easier as a district leader. And speaking of which, I was able to go on exchanges with him last Wednesday and Thursday. It was so much fun!!! Who'd of thunk that we'd go to the SAME mission? Who'd of thunk that we'd be in the SAME district?? And who's of thunk that he'd come to Owasso for a day to proselyte with me??? We're just starting to get used to it, but when we first saw each other at transfer points we didn't even know what to say. It was almost awkward because of how crazy-ridiculous it was. But now it's just fine. We talk to each other like old pals. We tracted all day when he was with me, and it was one of the most fun experiences of my mission. In all seriousness, I feel like I've been blessed. To have an old friend in my district? Priceless.

The work is continually progressing here in Owasso. I feel like Elder Jensen and I have fought tooth-and-nail to get things going around here. But I really do not mean to bring any credit towards myself. All it took was a lot of praying and hard work. The Lord does the rest. And to realize that there is an infinite amount of things more that we can do just makes me all the more excited. Elder Ivie is coming from back-woods Missouri where the work can get kinda slow, so he'll probably love it. Elder Jensen and I were able to set a baptismal date with Branden (I think I told you about him last week) on Tuesday. How exciting is that!!! Branden is really really quiet, but he knows that baptism is important, and Deb (his grandmother) is all for it. All we have to do now is help him understand the principles of what we teach and to get him excited for March 17 - which happens to be St. Patrick's day (I think).

David came to church again for the 5th time in a row! He's basically active now :) Each week it's fun to meet with him after church and hear what he thought about it. And each week, without fail, the talks and lessons seem to be just for him. Topics such as tithing, the temple, and obedience/blessings. I can see David's confidence and testimony growing exponentially. He loves the fellowship that the ward is giving him. We weren't able to have a lesson with Ashley this past week, but she's off of work this week and she said that her husband will be willing to listen too. We're going to try and set a date with Ashley in our next visit.

Mom, I'm sure you've been wondering where Jim has gone in all of this. We hadn't seen Jim in a long time until this last week. He really is just not willing to change, sadly, despite our contant visits and some of the cool stuff you sent me to share with him. But we thought we'd drop by this last week with Bro. Gaylord (who happens to be Jim's electrician) and we had a nice visit with him. Jim really appreciates the fellowship our ward is giving him, so hopefully that helps in the future. As for now, we're only going to drop by every now and then.

I'm proud to report that we got 20 again! The stake presidency has really taken notice and they like what we're doing. I've heard that Stake highcouncilmen have been braggin up on us. Sweet!

Well, I'm out of time, but I love you and wish y'all the best. Thanks for all you do! Wish Grandma well for me and have fun with all the snow. Lucky...

Love, Elder Atkin

P.S. We got to bless a home that was inhabited by evil spirits yesterday. Legit! I guess you could say that we were "casting out demons".

February 13, 2012 - Ugh... Valentines

Dear Family,

 

Happy Valentines to you too! Thanks so so so much for the package. It was perfect in every way - well timed, candy packed, and super thoughtful. I love my family so much :) Besides, your mail is almost all the mail I get nowadays. Not like I'm complaining or anything, but I think people just get tired of replying to my letters. I pretty much just expect a weekly letter or two. I loved the card that you sent too. My parents are so goofy hahaha! I seriously laughed until tears came. Oh boy, what a hoot.

 

Why yes, Mom, I have had another good week. This week marks two in a row for new investigators! That's unheard of around here! Well, I guess Ashley was technically a former, but she feels new because we're starting all over. This last week I missed our appointment with her because we were on exchanges with the zone leaders :( But it was a great exchange! Elder Jensen stayed in Owasso with Elder Gutierrez and I went down to Tulsa with Elder Wright. Elder Jensen had a really successful day while I was gone (I hate it when that happens), and they had a great lesson with Ashley on the Plan of Salvation. She's beggining to be more receptive, and so we think we'll extend the baptismal invitation next week. Elder Jensen also asked if her husband would be interested, and so she's going to ask him to listen in on the lesson too. Sweet!

 

Yesterday we had a little miracle, I guess. We went on splits with Bro. Kimball and his son, and we went to visit a less-active we stop by often. Her name is Deb. She's usually busy or we don't have a male with us so we have to talk on her doorstep. But this time we were able to have a male with us AND she was home. Elder Jensen and I didn't think much of it, but we thought it would be good to stop by. Deb's husband (who's usually not there because he's often out getting hi off of drugs) answered the door and let us right in. So what usually is just a stop-by ended up being quite the partay! Gary (the husband) usually isn't all there (if ya know what I mean), and so we just talked to Deb and her grandson, Branden, who lives with them. We shared Ezekiel 37 with her and talked about the Book of Mormon and the Bible going hand in hand with each other to form the fulness of the everlasting gospel. The spirit was able to be there and we had a great discussion about the scriptures and how they can help us. Deb eventually just flat out told us that she knows she needs to come to church, even though she's in so much pain (she's basically made of metal from so many surgeries). It was perfect that we had Bro. Kimball with us because he piped up and said that he'd love to help her get to church, even if she could only make it to sacrament meeting. We talked about how that's the most important meeting of the day, and she agreed that she'd come next week. I thought we'd never get Deb to church! And even better - We've been sort of hinting each time we see her that we would love to teach Branden and eventually baptize him, and she agreed to let us come tomorrow and start teaching Branden. Badda bing badda boom new investigator! Branden is a really good kid and he remembers liking primary, so I'm excited to start teaching him.

 

We were able to reach 20 this week, even though (once again) yesterday we had to work our tails off. You're probably thinking that numbers is all we focus on nowadays! But I really have seen the benefits of trying to get these 20 lessons. Take Deb and David for example. We're trying to see as many people as we can, and we wouldn't have seen them if we hadn't set this goal. Sundays are turning into our toughest days. But David has come to church 4 times in a row now! Haha we had to wake him up with a text yesterday, but he showed up and had a great time - even if he was in jeans and his shirt was half unbuttoned, showing his gnarly chest hair. David is quite the beast :) After church we went and had a great lesson with him about overcoming Satan and his temptations. We compared David's experiences with Moses' experience of seeing God face-to-face and then seeing Satan. David has had some really neat experiences lately, and he can't let Satan make him forget that. It was a great lesson.

 

Well, I'm still chuggin' along, dear family. This next week we're going to tract tract tract our guts out. It'll be great :) And guess what? Zeke is in my district now because of an emergency transfer that happened! And guess what again??? I'm going on exchanges with him this week because I'm district leader (we do it with everybody in the district) I'll let you know how that goes :)

 

I'm so sad to hear that Grandma broke her hip!!! Tell her that I love her and miss her. I hate it when things like that happen back home :(

 

Have a great week! I hope it's snowing in Cache Valley. Because it snowed here last night! It was only two inches, but it is SO beautiful! Everyone around here is freaking out haha

 

Love, Elder Atkin

 

P.S. That's sweet that Thomas got married! And Frank is in a tripanionship? Cool!

February 6, 2011- Zone Conference

Dear Family,

 

How's it going family? I love you and I think about you often! As of today, it's been 7 months since I've seen you. Holy cow doesn't that seem soooo long? It's been a great 7 months though. I never would've imagined that so much could happen in just 7 months, but yet so much has happened. Was I really in Springdale, Arkansas? Have I really been here in Owasso for more than 9 weeks? Time flies.

 

We didn't get our goal of 20 this week :( But that's okay! We're only doomed according to the Law of Moses :) But I'm no Law of Moses missionary. It was still a great week in my mind. Zone conference was this past Friday. It was so good! I just absolutely love being instructed by President Merkley and the assistants. They have such good things to say, and I learn so much each time. Certainly that's what zone conference is about - to teach us how to be better missionaries and to inspire us to work harder. It works. I always leave feeling like I could tract my guts out, teach 50 lessons, and baptize nations. Maybe I'm super gullible? Hmmm... One of the main points of zone conference is that we should never give up tracting/finding. So many missionaries out here give up on tracting because of little success. The assistants talked about how we can be the most effective "fishers of men" and how to find people most effectively. I've already got some really good ideas up my sleeve.

 

So. Not to make up excuses or anything, but Super Bowl weekend and Zone Conference certainly didn't help when it came to getting our lessons. It was hilarious - a couple of ward members invited us to their houses for food yesterday. We both knew that they were Super Bowl parties, and so we ended up not going. We could've just eaten the food and not watched the TV, but I know that it would've been too much of a temptation. I heard the Giants won though. Bro. Standley is a HUGE fan, so I know he's a happy man right now.

 

Well, we picked up an investigator this week! Well, sort of... Her name is Ashley and she's a former investigator. Bro. Kennedy introduced the missionaries to her last year, but things just didn't work out and the husband wasn't too interested. But Bro. Kennedy figured that it was about time for us to try again, and he didn't want to give up. We set up an appointment with her on Thursday and so we showed up at 3:00 with Bro. Kennedy. I was expecting just a normal looking woman (whatever that means haha), but I was completely wrong. When Ashley opened the door, she had the punk/skater style with baggy pants and short wild hair. To be quite honest, she looked like a boy! But the lesson went really well as we reviewed the Restoration with her and committed her to read/pray about the Book of Mormon. She didn't say to much, and so I don't know how receptive she was, but I certainly felt the spirit. Bro. Kennedy shared his conversion story, which was totally awesome. We're going to see her again this Thursday, so I'll let you know how that goes. I'm starting to realize that Ashley might be the investigator that Elder Jensen and I have been praying and fasting for. Boy, does the Lord surprise me sometimes! It just goes to show that Heavenly Father's ways and thoughts are above ours. I can't expect a "golden investigator" to drop into my lap because of diligence, prayer, and fasting. Though I have to admit that would be nice... Skater/tomboy Ashley needs the gospel just as much as anybody.

 

David has now come to church 3 weeks in a row (fist pump). We've been visiting with him at least twice a week, inviting him to basketball on Saturday mornings, and staying in constant contact with him. We can't lose him now! He just loves the fellowship that he's been receiving, and he knows he'll stay active for good this time. The last meeting we had with him we talked about Lehi's dream of the Tree of Life. Elder Jensen had an extra poster of an artist's really cool rendition of the story and so we gave him that as a reminder of where he wants to be. It was cool to talk to him about the fruit and how he's dropped the fruit in the past and looked towards the Great and Spacious Building. He hung up the poster so he can always be reminded of his goal of the Melchizedek Priesthood and the Temple. I love David so much :)

 

Well, I'm off to do some shopping and stuff. Have a great week and don't feel too lonely! Thanks for the letter from November. Haha I finally got it from Springdale this past week. Man, I don't know why it took so long... Love you bunches!

 

Love, Elder Atkin

 

P.S. I'm glad you liked my pictures. Elder Jensen and I go to that park (Elm Creek park) often. It's been a really warm winter and a lot of people go there to exercize and eat lunch and stuff. It's a good way to contact people, don't you think? We haven't had any success yet, but I think we'll see more in the future.

 

P.P.S. I like your "Super Full" idea! So what do you think? Is it breaking the Sabbath to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday? If so, I think half the ward here would be guilty :)