Hello One and All,
I'm all settled in Hermiston. Life is gradually falling into a
routine which is nice. Things are starting to become "normal", or as
normal as to be expected on a mission. First order of business, here
is my new address:
Elder Richards
565 Willow Court #A
Hermiston, OR 97838
Hopefully that works, but I'm pretty sure that that is it. Or if there
is any doubt, letters can be sent to the mission office address, and
from there they will find me.
The Plex is a pretty cool place to live. It's by far the largest
apartment I've lived in so far. The Vancouver apartment might have
been close, but this one is so much more furnished. I have laid claim
on a comfortable arm chair, that is usually where you will find me in
my down time. It can be a lot of fun living with an extra set of
missionaries, but I am still doing well and not going crazy and
partying. Me and Diaz are getting along well. The other two are
Westover, and Fucuri, they're both pretty cool guys.
E. Fucuri taught us all how to knit. Yup, knit. I am a stud at
casting, but my pearling leaves something to be desired. I was making a scarf but it wasn't looking too good, so I eventually destroyed it. I'll give it another shot soon though. Although occasionally stressful,knitting can be kind of therapeutic.
The other night we had snow. Nothing major, just a light frosting.
Speaking of which, it is much colder in Hermiston than it was in
Kennewick, here it actually feels like it's the middle of January.
The group here is pretty small, but it has some good core families.
Today we'll be running all around getting things ready for a FHE
activity we will be hosting tonight, it should be a lot of fun. One of
the strongest members is Freddy Alva, who as coincidence would have it knows Eric from the mission. We finally made the connection last night, and he started texting all the old gang from Eric's group telling them I was here in Kennewick. They all seemed pretty excited. Apparently Russel Carlson an old companion of Eric's lives up in Yakima, and is now hoping I get sent there. We will see what happens. With only three more transfers left my odds of moving are getting less.
The work here is pretty good. There is a lot of potential. We have
several people who are right on the edge of baptism. "Momma" Maira, who prides her self on taking care of the missionaries; Lisa Sanchez,who is waiting on her husband to get back in town to get baptized; the Estrada Family, who have been with missionaries for ever; and another woman who we actually put on date the other day, the only catch is she kind of practices witchcraft so we need to put a stop to that (she showed us her tarot cards and everything). But we're not too concerned she's a sweet old lady and we can still feel the spirit around her, she even said she would give it up if that's what God wanted, and it's what He wants.
On Friday we have zone conference, we'll be doubled up with the
Kennewick East Zone. I'll get to go back to familiar turf for a few
hours and see Anderson and everyone else, that will be nice. Speaking of old stomping grounds, I worked it out with Fucuri (the district leader, yup I'm just a normal missionary now) so that I can go on an exchange to Boardman during the transfer. I'm really excited for that, to get to see old converts and whatnot. it'll be fun.
Well I think that pretty well covers it for the week, I hope everyone
is doing well, and don't be strangers, it's OK to write.
Love,
Elder Richards
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
Where oh Where in the WKM...
Hello One and All,
Well the sad news is that transfers are in and Elder Richards is out! But it's not the end of the world I suppose. Wednesday I'm shipping off to my greeny zone, not Boardman but darn close in Hermiston. My new companion will be none other than Elder Diaz, yep my first companion from my time in Vancouver. I'm kind of bummed to leave Kennewick, especially before a lot of awesome stuff that is just around the corner. I don't know the address, I'll send that next week. I'll be living in what is known as the "Plex". A four man apartment with two other english elders that is widely recognized as one of the funnest living arrangements of the mission, I was in Boardman when the Plex was founded, and now a year later, I'm living there, should be fun. And if I'm still a district leader I'll be able to arrange exchanges where I go check out my old stomping grounds in Boardman.
This last week was a good week. We taught some good lessons, had a few laughs, and did a lot of speculating on what transfers might bring. Elder Anderson is going to be staying and Elder Broadhead will be taking my spot. So the area's in good hands.
I've learned a lot during my time here in Kennewick, and even though we only had the two baptisms, I am leaving feeling very accomplished. Our mission president forwarded us a list of reminders from Elder Ballard and one of them hit close to home:
"Second, that we understand that the real measure of success as we move from any assigned area is whether the ward/branch is better and stronger than when we came. We do that, not only as we “find, teach and baptize”, but also as we bring back members who have fallen by the wayside through inactivity. Also, by the feelings we have for those within the ward/branch boundaries and their feelings for us."
When I came the branch was one week old, strong, but still somewhat similar to a deer on wobbly legs. This last Sunday we were shocked to realize that 15 people (less active members) all showed up independently of one another, and testimony's were very much directed towards us. One of which was a young man who is now getting ready to start his mission papers because of a conversation we had with him at dinner. Another one of the branch missionaries is also getting his papers ready. The Ramos family is now one of the strongest families in activity. Bro. Ramos has been sustained as a member of the Elders Quorum presidency (secretary), and I've made numerous strong friendships. This area has truly been a success for me. I will always remember my time here.
I got to talk with Yhon on the phone which was way nice. He went back to New Jersey about a month ago, and is making preparations so he can move back permanently with his wife. His wife spoke with me for a moment and expressed a great deal of gratitude for what I did for her husband, but it wasn't me, it was the Lord. I really look forward to visiting Yhon with mom and dad in a few months, he'll be back by then, and he is looking forward to it too. Such a cool guy.
Thanks everyone for all the letters and support and what not, my journal writing is still 100% so far. Next time you hear from me, I'll be back in Oregon!
Love,
Elder Richards
Well the sad news is that transfers are in and Elder Richards is out! But it's not the end of the world I suppose. Wednesday I'm shipping off to my greeny zone, not Boardman but darn close in Hermiston. My new companion will be none other than Elder Diaz, yep my first companion from my time in Vancouver. I'm kind of bummed to leave Kennewick, especially before a lot of awesome stuff that is just around the corner. I don't know the address, I'll send that next week. I'll be living in what is known as the "Plex". A four man apartment with two other english elders that is widely recognized as one of the funnest living arrangements of the mission, I was in Boardman when the Plex was founded, and now a year later, I'm living there, should be fun. And if I'm still a district leader I'll be able to arrange exchanges where I go check out my old stomping grounds in Boardman.
This last week was a good week. We taught some good lessons, had a few laughs, and did a lot of speculating on what transfers might bring. Elder Anderson is going to be staying and Elder Broadhead will be taking my spot. So the area's in good hands.
I've learned a lot during my time here in Kennewick, and even though we only had the two baptisms, I am leaving feeling very accomplished. Our mission president forwarded us a list of reminders from Elder Ballard and one of them hit close to home:
"Second, that we understand that the real measure of success as we move from any assigned area is whether the ward/branch is better and stronger than when we came. We do that, not only as we “find, teach and baptize”, but also as we bring back members who have fallen by the wayside through inactivity. Also, by the feelings we have for those within the ward/branch boundaries and their feelings for us."
When I came the branch was one week old, strong, but still somewhat similar to a deer on wobbly legs. This last Sunday we were shocked to realize that 15 people (less active members) all showed up independently of one another, and testimony's were very much directed towards us. One of which was a young man who is now getting ready to start his mission papers because of a conversation we had with him at dinner. Another one of the branch missionaries is also getting his papers ready. The Ramos family is now one of the strongest families in activity. Bro. Ramos has been sustained as a member of the Elders Quorum presidency (secretary), and I've made numerous strong friendships. This area has truly been a success for me. I will always remember my time here.
I got to talk with Yhon on the phone which was way nice. He went back to New Jersey about a month ago, and is making preparations so he can move back permanently with his wife. His wife spoke with me for a moment and expressed a great deal of gratitude for what I did for her husband, but it wasn't me, it was the Lord. I really look forward to visiting Yhon with mom and dad in a few months, he'll be back by then, and he is looking forward to it too. Such a cool guy.
Thanks everyone for all the letters and support and what not, my journal writing is still 100% so far. Next time you hear from me, I'll be back in Oregon!
Love,
Elder Richards
Monday, January 2, 2012
Happy 2012
Hello One and All,
Well, the new year has finally arrived, which makes the end of my mission seem shockingly close. But that's ok, I still have plenty of time to buckle down and get some good work done. This last week we put one of our investigators on date, she has 4 children of baptismal age, and a nephew who lives there also, so this could potentially be a sextuple baptism. That would be way cool. The cool thing about this investigator is that she has recognized the change that the spirit has brought into her home. We are hoping for some good things from them.
Dad, in regards to you and mom visiting ...my mission president had this to say:
"Elder Richards, Thank you for your letter and hard work. As to your question, I do not have a problem with your family coming to the field at the end of your mission as long as you avoid contact with other missionaries. That can be a serious distraction. With love, President." So there you have it, it is approved.
It's really hard to believe that the transfer is almost over. This saturday we will get the calls telling us what the changes will be. And there will for sure be some changes in our district, which is derived of the sister missionaries Elder Anderson and myself. (I included a few pics of the district). I really hope that I get to continue working here for a little while longer, it would really be great to get to see the fruits of all the great seeds we've been planting. Especially with the Ramos family and Yhon and a few other awesome people I've been privaldged enough to get to know during my time here.
New Years was pretty fun, we went to a small branch activity and played some games. During a game of musical chairs Elder Anderson and I got into a small tussel and things escelated quickly, but that's ok, all is well in the companionship. A good time was had by all.
Well, I hope everyone is doing well, and hopefully everyone has some great resolutions. Mine is to write in my journal every night, thankyou for the sound rebuking Mike. I'm taking it to heart.
Love,
Elder Richards
Well, the new year has finally arrived, which makes the end of my mission seem shockingly close. But that's ok, I still have plenty of time to buckle down and get some good work done. This last week we put one of our investigators on date, she has 4 children of baptismal age, and a nephew who lives there also, so this could potentially be a sextuple baptism. That would be way cool. The cool thing about this investigator is that she has recognized the change that the spirit has brought into her home. We are hoping for some good things from them.
Dad, in regards to you and mom visiting ...my mission president had this to say:
"Elder Richards, Thank you for your letter and hard work. As to your question, I do not have a problem with your family coming to the field at the end of your mission as long as you avoid contact with other missionaries. That can be a serious distraction. With love, President." So there you have it, it is approved.
It's really hard to believe that the transfer is almost over. This saturday we will get the calls telling us what the changes will be. And there will for sure be some changes in our district, which is derived of the sister missionaries Elder Anderson and myself. (I included a few pics of the district). I really hope that I get to continue working here for a little while longer, it would really be great to get to see the fruits of all the great seeds we've been planting. Especially with the Ramos family and Yhon and a few other awesome people I've been privaldged enough to get to know during my time here.
New Years was pretty fun, we went to a small branch activity and played some games. During a game of musical chairs Elder Anderson and I got into a small tussel and things escelated quickly, but that's ok, all is well in the companionship. A good time was had by all.
Well, I hope everyone is doing well, and hopefully everyone has some great resolutions. Mine is to write in my journal every night, thankyou for the sound rebuking Mike. I'm taking it to heart.
Love,
Elder Richards
Monday, December 26, 2011
Another Christmas Come and Gone
Hello One and All,
Well where to begin. It was good talking to everyone yesterday. Kind of odd, seemed like we were really clutching at straws for conversation topics. Life in the mission is good, and I love being a missionary. The people here are fantastic and I love working with them. Hope all is well with everyone and that they have a safe drive home.
Love,
Elder Richards
Well where to begin. It was good talking to everyone yesterday. Kind of odd, seemed like we were really clutching at straws for conversation topics. Life in the mission is good, and I love being a missionary. The people here are fantastic and I love working with them. Hope all is well with everyone and that they have a safe drive home.
Love,
Elder Richards
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Christmas Time
Hello One and All,
So some business items up front I suppose, Mom, I got the two packages, thank you very much. Dad, for the call let's do 2 pm Washington time. I'll call the conference number, we're allowed to call out.
So what has happened this last week. Well we had our Branch Christmas party which was a blast. Complete with delicious food, music, dancing, and piñatas. (Side note: when the sponge bob piñata hit the ground I was reminded of a zombie movie when the kids jumped on it and ripped it apart with their bare hands. It was graphic). We had 10 or so of the people we are working with there, and it was a lot of fun. We stole one of the table center pieces (a six inch wire Christmas tree) so we'd have a tree to put our presents under.
Our week was pretty good, a little bit all over the place. We are trying to get things moving along again now that it's after the baptism. All attention goes to things like that so afterwards there's always a scramble to try and get back into the normal swing of things. This next week will also be kind of crazy what with Christmas mission conference, Christmas Eve, and Christmas. It'll be a crazy but hopefully fun week. We'll be spending Christmas day with the Hernandez family, he's the branch president, they're a younger couple with two little kids, it will be a lot of fun, games and dinner and goodies galore.
Speaking of goodies, Elder Anderson and I send our thanks for the Christmas baked goods.
Well, I can't think of too many other things that need reporting. I'll be on the computer for a little while longer, so dad if you want to write back to confirm the time of the call or change it please do so. Have a great week!
Love,
Elder Richards
So some business items up front I suppose, Mom, I got the two packages, thank you very much. Dad, for the call let's do 2 pm Washington time. I'll call the conference number, we're allowed to call out.
So what has happened this last week. Well we had our Branch Christmas party which was a blast. Complete with delicious food, music, dancing, and piñatas. (Side note: when the sponge bob piñata hit the ground I was reminded of a zombie movie when the kids jumped on it and ripped it apart with their bare hands. It was graphic). We had 10 or so of the people we are working with there, and it was a lot of fun. We stole one of the table center pieces (a six inch wire Christmas tree) so we'd have a tree to put our presents under.
Our week was pretty good, a little bit all over the place. We are trying to get things moving along again now that it's after the baptism. All attention goes to things like that so afterwards there's always a scramble to try and get back into the normal swing of things. This next week will also be kind of crazy what with Christmas mission conference, Christmas Eve, and Christmas. It'll be a crazy but hopefully fun week. We'll be spending Christmas day with the Hernandez family, he's the branch president, they're a younger couple with two little kids, it will be a lot of fun, games and dinner and goodies galore.
Speaking of goodies, Elder Anderson and I send our thanks for the Christmas baked goods.
Well, I can't think of too many other things that need reporting. I'll be on the computer for a little while longer, so dad if you want to write back to confirm the time of the call or change it please do so. Have a great week!
Love,
Elder Richards
Monday, December 12, 2011
It's Begining To Look a Lot Like Christmas
Hello One and All,
Well where to begin. We were very happy with a successful baptism this last Saturday. We got chewed out a couple of times about our poor scheduling by very stressed out relief society sisters who were simultaneously running a Christmas party, but I say our event was more important. So too bad for them. The baptism went great, the program even went over fantastic and there was a ton of support from the branch. It was super spiritual and awesome. Anderson baptized Omar and Alejandra. That just leaves Griselda (the mother) and Andreina (the oldest daughter). They're not quite there yet, but with time they will be.
One thing that me and Anderson are excited for is that tonight to celebrate the baptism, the Ramos family is taking us out to Chuck E Cheese's, where Andreina works. The last and only time I went to that place was when I was 17, and it was not that great, but I am hopeful and optimistic for how this time will go. It will certainly be with a better group for that kind of activity.
Christmas is in the air. The temp has finally settled in the mid 20's. There have been a few attempts at snow, but nothing of note.
One mystery that we are trying to figure out is as follows: Last night Anderson and I got home only to find a white bag complete with Bow hanging off our door knob. Written on it in mildly girly had writing was: "To Elder Anderson, With Great Admiration!" Inside said bag was a zip lock bag filled with home made cookies, and written on that baggie was "To Elder Anderson and Crew, Keep working hard!" So not only does my demotion to the title of "crew" make me feel like a "tree of no account", but also Anderson has some sort of secret admirer. We are absolutely stumped as to who this could be from. But that's ok, it made for a fun evening.
Mom and Dad, happy travels. You too Whit and Cody. Eric, enjoy hosting the folks. Mike and Jess, I don't know your plans but Merry Christmas!
Love,
Elder Richards
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