tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829952234704171472024-02-19T08:47:33.368-07:00Elder TJ HartmanTerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-36934389680233088812012-12-17T22:02:00.000-07:002012-12-17T22:02:56.294-07:00He's Coming Home<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello my family and friends,<br />
<br />
Life is still good up here in Alaska, serving the Lord is the best<br />
full-time service anyone can ever do. I read a quote in a members home<br />
the other day: "the pay for the Lord's work is not that great - but<br />
the retirement plan is out of this world." How true that is :) I can<br />
already see the blessings the Lord is bestowing upon me - it is almost<br />
not fair, but I will accept with a grateful heart, otherwise it is<br />
worse.<br />
<br />
Said goodbye to a lot of the members the other day. I am glad to have<br />
finished my mission here in the Meadow Creek ward, the members here<br />
are so loving and I have had the blessing of forming some good<br />
friendships with them.<br />
<br />
Kind of hard to express how I feel at the moment - a lot of mixture of<br />
emotions that is for sure. Please do not be surprised if I seem<br />
incredibly awkward at first, for I will be in the process of adjusting<br />
back to reality.<br />
<br />
I had my exiting interview with President on Saturday. At one point in<br />
it, I just sat there in silence acting like I had a question when in<br />
reality I was just prolonging the interview because I did not want it<br />
to end. One thing he told me that gave me a lot of comfort was that he<br />
will 'always' be my mission President. There are four people, whom I<br />
look up to in life, here is the order: Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ,<br />
dad, and Jon Beesley - my mission President. He is awesome, as is his<br />
wife. I love them so much and am so grateful for their dedication to<br />
serving the Lord with all of their heart, might, mind, and strength.<br />
<br />
I have been studying a lot on the Atonement this last week. It is<br />
interesting, to me, how that is the core doctrine of our faith, yet it<br />
is the one we have the least amount of understanding. We really do not<br />
know exactly how it works - but we know that it simply doesn. The<br />
thing that has stood out to me is how it, not only covers our sins and<br />
transgressions, but EVERYTHING, all of our shortcoming and<br />
inadequacies - whatever our weakness may be - whether it be spelling,<br />
school, relationiships, work - the Atoment covers all of that. Again,<br />
I am not sure how it does, but after the experience of my mission, I<br />
know that it does just that.<br />
<br />
I will end my letter with a part of a song that I love:<br />
<br />
"I will be home in a while, you don't have to say a word.<br />
I can't wait to see you smile, wouldn't miss it for the world."<br />
<br />
I cannot wait to see all of you again in person. I love you and I<br />
thank you again for your support.....I do not really want to end this<br />
letter, but I know that all good things must come to an end and that I<br />
am needed elsewhere - the Lord has told me so and in the words of<br />
Joseph Smith: "When the Lord commands - do it!"<br />
<br />
Love, Elder Hartman</div>
Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-57481283605269109572012-12-11T14:37:00.001-07:002012-12-11T14:37:09.742-07:00One Week Left<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi everyone!<br />
<br />
I have not read any of the inbox mail yet, so if this does not include<br />
or answer any questions ya'll had for me, that is why.<br />
<br />
This week was just awesome, we were so blessed with work and being<br />
able to see some of the fruit of our labor. We taught more than double<br />
the lessons this week than we did last. A lot of them were active<br />
member lessons, a lot of good came from doing it, the members in this<br />
ward really like us. My new nickname here is 'short timer' :) don't<br />
worry, it still has not hit me yet actually, I feel like I am going to<br />
always be out here in Alaska serving the Lord - but I do know that I<br />
will soon be called to serve elsewhere. Bro. Herbert, our ward mission<br />
leader, told me 'you are told, in your time growing up before the<br />
mission, that you have to stay away from the ladies; now it is open<br />
season.' Such an Alaskian term, I love it :)<br />
<br />
My birthday was great, our district on Saturday had a surprise for me.<br />
They shot confetti at me and had some cake before district tract<br />
started, it was wonderful. I got another Unicorn pillow pet, some kit<br />
kats and a card from everyone. This district is awesome, I am going to<br />
miss it dearly.<br />
<br />
We found three new investigators this week. We have return<br />
appointments set up witih all of them this week and members coming<br />
with us to help fellowship. One of them asked a lot of deep doctrine<br />
questions, it was a little tricky to bring everything back to simple<br />
principles and doctrine - the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I did better<br />
learn how to take control of a situation from the lesson, it required<br />
me to 'gently' interrupt the member who was present at the lesson<br />
before he got off on too big of a tangent.<br />
<br />
One thing that came to my realization this week was how blessed we are<br />
to have the truth. With the Book of Mormon, one of the things it<br />
clarifies is doctrine and gives us a clearer perspective on it -<br />
especially with the Bible. There was one investigator who did not<br />
believe that anyone has seen God because of a scripture in John 1 - I<br />
cannot remember the exact verse. I asked him about the martyrdom of<br />
Stephen and how he said he saw Christ standing on the right hand of<br />
God. He said he did not know. It was a simple thing, but was a<br />
testimony to me that we have the truthfulness of the gospel restored.<br />
<br />
I am not sure if this is my last weekly letter or not, kind of a crazy<br />
thought. If I do not e-mail next week, you know why, but I am pretty<br />
sure I will get to one more time. Next week, this time, is my last day<br />
in the mission. I can honestly testify to all of you that my mission<br />
has changed me for the better. I love my mission.<br />
<br />
Love, Elder Hartman<br />
<br /><div class="ecxim">
1. When is the fireside we can watch? I think you said the 13th -<br />
what time? Any more details we need to know?<br />
<br />
</div>
It is at 7 pm here, I keep on forgetting the time difference, on<br />
Thursday the 13th. I gave the link to ya'll in one of my last e-mails,<br />
but if you need it again just call the mission secretary or someone<br />
and they can help you out with it :)<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
2. What are you doing this week? (You probably told us in the family<br />
letter - so if you did you can skip this question.<br />
<br />
</div>
Mainly just missionary work!! :)<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
3. What did you do for your birthday? Did you get your birthday<br />
present on time? Did you wait till the 9th to open it?<br />
<br />
</div>
I did open it on time yes and THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I LOVED it!! :)<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
4. Any special requests for the day you get home? Breakfast? Nap?<br />
Let us know if you do.<br />
<br />
</div>
Nope, nothing for me, just being with the family really and adjusting<br />
back to reality...<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
5. Are you going to write next week or will you be busy with lst<br />
minute packing etc?<br />
<br />
</div>
I should be able to write next week most likely :) just expect an<br />
e-mail from me, but if not, you know why :)</div>
Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-14908566505736851662012-12-04T10:45:00.001-07:002012-12-04T10:45:36.352-07:00Sick Week<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="ecxim">
Hello everyone!<br />
<br />
Basic summary of this week: we all got sick. It was so inconvenient.<br />
Mainly E. Merrell got down with a bad sinus infection, I think it was,<br />
and had many other problems, starting Thursday and still is having a<br />
bit of a rough time - but he is improving. E. Merrill had a bad<br />
stomach ache Friday morning, most of that day we stayed in and all day<br />
Saturday we stayed in. I got, and still kind of do have, a sore<br />
throat. It is so irritating, seeing as how that is the main way you<br />
work as a missionary is by talking to people so when your voice is<br />
messed up, it is really difficult to testify. I can definitely tell ya<br />
it was a trial of patience for me, seeing as how I really want to<br />
finish my mission off strong and made it a goal this last week to<br />
testify of Christ more often. It was a trial of diligence as well,<br />
reason being is because I had to figure out how to stay productive and<br />
still get work done, even tho we were in the apartment. We used the<br />
phone a lot and got a lot of appointments set up. It was a valuable<br />
lesson learned, after much trial and affliction. We did go out on<br />
Sunday, thank goodness, and taught three lessons and set up a lot of<br />
appointments for this next week. I had several members tell me to take<br />
it easy and that I should rest, but I did not want to at all so I just<br />
tried to say as little as possible during the lessons and dinner<br />
appointments. I ended up bearing testimony at one of them; my voice at<br />
the end of the night was gone, it sounded awful - but it was worth<br />
it!<br />
<br />
I did remember, while my companions were sick, how mom took such great<br />
care of me whenever I was sick; she would bring me milk and cookies,<br />
sometime bring me a new movie, and overall just kept on checking up on<br />
me and showing me that she cared. Spur the moment, I did not really<br />
notice, but looking back on it, I see what a blessing it was. I tried<br />
my best to mirror that example and kept on checking on my comps and<br />
trying to think of things to do for them. It was a little difficult at<br />
times, but thro moms example, I was able to serve the Lord by serving<br />
His children. That was probably the lesson I had to learn from all of<br />
this.<br />
<br />
Thank you everyone! I love you very much and will talk to ya'll next week!<br />
Love, Elder Hartman</div>
<div class="ecxim">
<span style="color: #888888;"> </span><span class="ecxHOEnZb"><span style="color: #888888;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxim">
1. You said that last week was your last week proselyting - why is<br />
that? Why don't you do it these next couple of weeks?<br />
<br />
</div>
This will actually be my last normal proselyting week, I was wrong<br />
last week. I am going to finish strong, but with the missionary<br />
fireside and everything, we are going to be busy with planning for<br />
that, then we are going to the temple and some other things I think.<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
2. I know you haven't had much time to think about it but what would<br />
you like for Christmas? A few little ideas would be greatly<br />
appreciated!<br />
<br />
</div>
I feel bad asking for them. The only wishful thing I want is just and<br />
iPad, but if that is too expensive, don't bother please. I really have<br />
no idea....a phone would be nice. Maybe some coupons to subway haha :)<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
3. I thought you were having a Christmas party with everyone there -<br />
when it that? What did you do?<br />
<br />
</div>
The Christmas party is on the 21st here, I will be gone for it.<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
4. What are you doing these last couple of weeks?<br />
<br />
</div>
Working and spreading the gospel until I leave!<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
5. How are your companions doing? What has been the most challenging<br />
with them? What has been the most fun?<br />
<br />
</div>
They are awesome, I love them to death! It has been a little tricky<br />
teaching at times, but we have made that adjustment now. It is fun the<br />
whole time, like I keep saying, there is never a dull moment with<br />
them. They are not too big of fans with being Zone Leaders and doing<br />
the little things that come with the calling: monthly goals, taking<br />
stewardship, etc. But they are doing a great job with it :)<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
6. Is there anything you want to especially do when you get home?<br />
<br />
</div>
Just be with the family. Also, the new Lord of the Rings comes out<br />
sometime this month, that would be AWESOME to see!<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
7. What was the hardest thing you had to do this week?<br />
<br />
</div>
Patiently wait for the sickness to pass and work thro the sore throat.<br />
It made it hard to teach, epsecially when I wanted to say something<br />
the people had a hard time understanding me sometimes, it was a little<br />
irritating.<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
8. Please send me your exact address of your apt.<br />
<br />
</div>
18607 #24 Park Pl. Eagle River, AK. I THINK that is it, but no<br />
guarantees on it...<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
9. Can you believe you will be 21 next week??? Do you feel it?<br />
<br />
</div>
Not really to be honest, I actually forgot until one of my comps told me :)<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
10. Did you gain or lose weight on your mission? How much?<br />
<br />
</div>
I have gained five pounds at the moment. At one point I was up<br />
fifteen, almost twenty pounds, but lost it because I was not happy<br />
with it. Now, I am floating around 160 - 165 :)<br />
<span class="ecxHOEnZb"><span style="color: #888888;"><br />
<br />
</span></span></div>
Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-13433136147370958322012-11-28T13:14:00.000-07:002012-11-28T13:14:10.417-07:00Loving Alaska<div style="text-align: center;">
<span><span>Hello family and friends, my people folk,</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>(British Accent) Oh what joy fills my bosom with this wonderful</span><br /><span>opportunity I am now granted to sit down upon a chair in front of a</span><br /><span>computer screen to type the desires of my heart and the happenings of</span><br /><span>this past week to my family and friends alike; it is a pleasure</span><br /><span>indeed. :)</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Sorry, just had to get that out :) This week was great! This transfer</span><br /><span>is going to go by too fast, we are getting along great as a</span><br /><span>companionship; we are working hard, but having fun throughout the day</span><br /><span>as well. I will admit, it is easy to see the adversary working hard to</span><br /><span>cause a weak finish to my mission - probably why the Lord gave me two</span><br /><span>comps :)</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Thanksgiving was great, we had a contest to see who could gain the</span><br /><span>most weight that day, it ended up being a tie, we gained six pounds -</span><br /><span>my goal was seven. We went to the church and ate with the Fullmers, a</span><br /><span>huge, well known family here in Eagle River. The family is so big they</span><br /><span>reserve the church every year and all of the family members come, it</span><br /><span>ends up being around 50 - 60 people! This year there was only about</span><br /><span>twenty tho. It was still a blast. We had a lot of desert that day as</span><br /><span>we went around visiting other members and less actives.</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>This is my last legitimate proselyting week, I am going to do my best</span><br /><span>to make the most of it. It is funny how some things are just a habit</span><br /><span>now almost. Getting up at 6:30 is easier than it used to be, although</span><br /><span>it was never easy. Exercising in the morning is a lot of fun and it is</span><br /><span>hard for me not to now almost (probably because I do not want to come</span><br /><span>home fat either). The schedule is just my daily routine now, hopefully</span><br /><span>I carry a lot of these habits home.</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>I had another great experience while studying this week. I have found</span><br /><span>that the greatest studies that I have had are while I am studying the</span><br /><span>basic principles of the gospel, not immersing myself in deep doctrine,</span><br /><span>I have always learned the most. The most important thing I am trying</span><br /><span>to do is strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ and I have made it a goal</span><br /><span>this week to testify of Him every day, whether it is at a dinner</span><br /><span>appointment, a less active, whoever it is, I have found that I need to</span><br /><span>testify of him more often.</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>We have zone conference on Wednesday. I am training on 'the Power and</span><br /><span>Authority of Your Calling' out of Preach My Gospel, on page four if I</span><br /><span>recall right. I am really excited for this, I have learned a lot from</span><br /><span>it and am excited to help other missionaries realize how much power</span><br /><span>they can or already do have. I really believe that missionaries do</span><br /><span>realize how much more they can magnify their calling and the power</span><br /><span>they are endowed with - if they are worthy. I will let ya'll know how</span><br /><span>it goes next week!</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>I love you all so much! I got the package from Matt and Mikelle, thank</span><br /><span>you! Hopefully you did not want me to wait until my birthday to open</span><br /><span>it, because I may or may not have already... :) Thank you everyone</span><br /><span>else for the continual support and prayers. I love you very much and</span><br /><span>am grateful for each and everyone of you. I love you!</span><br /><span></span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span>1. WHAT WAS THE BEST THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU THIS WEEK?</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>My study session I talked about in my weekly letter. It was great</span><br /><span>because, basically my faith in Christ grew during that, that is the</span><br /><span>best way I can describe it.</span><br /><span></span><br /><span></span><br /><span>2. HOW IS IT HAVING 2 COMPANIONS AGAIN? I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW MANY</span><br /><span>THREESOMES YOU HAVE BEEN IN - ISN'T THAT UNUSUAL OR IS IT COMMON IN</span><br /><span>YOUR MISSION?</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>I have had fifteen total comps on my mission - almost one for every</span><br /><span>transfer, due to all of the trios I have been in. It is unusual to</span><br /><span>serve in as many trios as I have, but I love it, never a dull moment,</span><br /><span>that is for sure.</span><br /><span></span><br /><span></span><br /><span>3. I THINK YOU HAD YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY FRIDAY NIGHT. HOW WAS IT -</span><br /><span>TELL US ABOUT IT - WHAT YOU DID, ETC.</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>We did not have a Christmas party friday night, or at least we did not</span><br /><span>go to one, we just spread the gospel that night!</span><br /><span></span><br /><span></span><br /><span>4. HOW IS YOUR ZONE NOW?</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Awesome, we have zone conference on Wednesday, so it will be great to</span><br /><span>see everyone :)</span><br /><span></span><br /><span></span><br /><span>5. YOU SAID YOU LOVE THIS AREA - WHY?</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Mainly because of the members, they are so loving and nice to us. I am</span><br /><span>for sure visiting some if I ever come back to Alaska!</span><br /><span></span><br /><span></span><br /><span>6. HOW DO YOU LIKE TRAINING 2 PEOPLE WITH THE SAME LAST NAME? WHICH</span><br /><span>ONE DO YOU LIKE BETTER - ELDER MERRIL OR ELDER MERRIL?</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>I love them both, I do not love one more than the other. It is fun,</span><br /><span>and really easy training them both, they are great missionaries and</span><br /><span>know what they are doing :)</span><br /><span></span><br /><span></span><br /><span>8. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FIRST THINGS YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU GET HOME?</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Spend time with the family, and then later, my friends.</span><br /><span></span><br /><span></span><br /><span>9. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO MISS MOST ABOUT ALASKA? WHAT WILL YOU MISS LEAST?</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>The people and the missionaries. I will just miss Alaska, the state</span><br /><span>itself, it is where I need to be right now and it is going to rip my</span><br /><span>heart out to leave.</span><span></span><br /><span></span><br /><span>-Elder Hartman1</span></div>
Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-17904363296423733812012-11-25T14:31:00.002-07:002012-11-25T14:31:36.306-07:00Last Transfer<div style="text-align: center;">
<span>Hello family and friends,</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Well, transfers were this week. Looks like I will be staying in this</span><br /><span>area and getting two new companions, E. Merrill and E. Merrell, I am</span><br /><span>going to tell everyone they are brothers ;) I already served with one</span><br /><span>of them in Klatt actually, I am excited to serve with him again, I</span><br /><span>love that kid. They are two new zone leaders so Pres. wants me to</span><br /><span>train them on how to fulfill this role, should be fun. E. Dastrup is</span><br /><span>going to be training in Wasilla, he is going to be a great trainer no</span><br /><span>doubt.</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>I have not read any of the e-mails yet, but it is so weird to think</span><br /><span>that mom and dad are now home! I wrote last night in my journal that</span><br /><span>it does not even seem like they served a mission, as weird as that</span><br /><span>sounds. They were home when I left my mission and they will be home</span><br /><span>when I get back.</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>It is really weird that my last transfer has started, and I can</span><br /><span>already say that temptation is working too; as in not working</span><br /><span>diligently or having a weak finish. I love this area tho, I am glad</span><br /><span>that I will finish my mission here. We are going to the Turkey Bowl on</span><br /><span>Thanksgiving, way excited for that. Then we have dinner with one of my</span><br /><span>favorite families in the ward later that night, I guess it is a huge</span><br /><span>family activity night they have where they all get together and have,</span><br /><span>I guess you could call it, a talent show. I am looking forward to it!</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>The sun is out shining bright right now, it is a clear day, about a</span><br /><span>solid 9F. I wish it would snow, it is a little weird that we are this</span><br /><span>late into the month and have not been hit with snow yet.</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>In my experience in being a zone leader, one thing that I have really</span><br /><span>strived to learn is (1) how to recognize peoples strengths and (2) how</span><br /><span>to give constructive criticism. The latter has been really hard</span><br /><span>because I am not good at giving contstructive criticism, especially</span><br /><span>when it is needed, but there has been improvement. I have learned that</span><br /><span>you always start out with something positive, that way you can get</span><br /><span>them to listen because if they are not listening, then odds are they</span><br /><span>are not really going to internalize anything you say. It is fun</span><br /><span>telling others things they are good at tho, you cann really see that</span><br /><span>it gives them more confidence and lights up there day. That is</span><br /><span>something that I have learned from dad by the way, he ALWAYS was</span><br /><span>building me up when he was helping me work on something - it was</span><br /><span>always positive. Thro his example, I have learned a lot. Thank you</span><br /><span>dad!!</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Well, I should get to the other e-mails I have in the inbox now. Thank</span><br /><span>you everyone for your kind words and constant support! I promise that</span><br /><span>I will finish my last transfer strong and work 'till the very last day</span><br /><span>on my mission. It has not quite hit me yet, that I am leaving soon,</span><br /><span>but that is just fine with me :) I love you all and thank you again!</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Love,</span><span></span><br /><span>-Elder Hartman1</span></div>
Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-61819587391975821252012-11-14T23:38:00.000-07:002012-11-14T23:38:00.007-07:00Becoming More Like Christ<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello everyone,<br />
<br />
This week went by way too fast. We had ZLC on Tuesday and Wednesday,<br />
probably the best ZLC I have been to on my mission. It was mainly due<br />
to the spiritual ending we had, the testimony meeting. We also did a<br />
lot of activities, so we were able to get up and move around a lot<br />
instead of doing a lot of sitting for the majority of the meeting. Our<br />
zone did pretty good on their goals, we set some higher ones for this<br />
next transfer so that everyone will strive for a higher plane.<br />
<br />
I had a cool personal study the other day: I was reading in the New<br />
Testament about when Christ is proclaiming He is the light and life of<br />
the world. I started thinking about how much I want to be like Him,<br />
how He had all of the perfect attributes and characteristics that made<br />
him who he was. I started to think about how he had all of the perfect<br />
characteristics from each color of the color code. His Red was<br />
awesome, I love how straight forward he was with the pharisees and<br />
saduces (however you spell that); He was not afraid to tell the world<br />
at that time the things they were doing wrong. His Blue, when I think<br />
of it, is best shown thro the Atonement, mainly in the scripture<br />
Moroni 7:47, talking about charity. I also loved what President<br />
Uchtdorf said in this last conference, about how he tried to picture<br />
Christ running to and from appointments, trying to get a bunch of<br />
things done. He could not see it. Instead, he saw the Savior spending<br />
personal, quality time with those he was with; everyone around him<br />
felt special. That is actually my desire now, is to help everyone see<br />
themselves the way the Savior sees them. His White is shown thro His<br />
meekness, His humility. I think it sums it up in Gethsemane when he<br />
said 'if thou wilt, remove this cup from me, nevertheless not my will,<br />
but thine be done.' For His Yellow, I like how he lived in the present<br />
and taught others to live in the present as well. He told us to 'take<br />
no thought for the morrow'. I think that is a great way to live life<br />
:)<br />
<br />
It is weird that I am coming up on my last transfer, it is really sad<br />
actually, I am pretty sure I am nowhere close to being ready for my<br />
mission to end - but thank goodness it has not yet! Thank you<br />
everyone! I love you all!<br />
<br /><div class="ecxim">
1. How was zone council conference this week? What was the focus?<br />
Are you still a lone zone leader?<br />
<br />
</div>
It was great, for sake of time, you can refer to the weekly letter I<br />
sent. Yes, I am still a zone leader surprisingly, I really do not know<br />
why I am, but it is fun :)<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
2. Tell us about your new companion. How do you get along? Will you<br />
stay together now for the next transfer?<br />
<br />
</div>
We get along great, I love him. I do not think we will stay together<br />
next transfer, just because I will be leaving in the middle of it OH<br />
BY THE WAY NOTE: our group is doing a fireside and our mission pres.<br />
wife said that family can tune into it, I do not have all of the info<br />
yet, but it is going to be on the 13th of Dec. I will have more info<br />
for you later :)<div class="ecxim">
<br />
3. How is the weather there now? Did you get a chance to gather a<br />
few little items for me?<br />
<br />
</div>
It is pretty chilly, around 20 F. It still has not snowed yet tho...I<br />
have not gotten the items yet, but I will get them soon!<div class="ecxim">
<br />
4. Did you have a zone conference this week also?<br />
<br />
</div>
No, it is at the end of the month - hopefully I will not be a Zone<br />
Leader by then! ;)<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
5. Are you taking pictures?<br />
<br />
</div>
Trying to! I have not taken a whole lot...<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
6. What was the best experience you had this week?<br />
<br />
</div>
Probably ZLC, like I talked about in the weekly letter or the personal<br />
study I had. Just the super big spiritual experiences are always<br />
golden moments in a mission.<br />
<br />
7. What was your favorite lesson you taught this week? What was it<br />
and who was it to? (Not names just descriptions)<br />
<br />
Honestly, not sure, it is hard to recall at the moment. Active member<br />
lessons are always fun because you get to go a little more in depth<br />
into the doctrine and the spirit is always stronger in the homes.<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
<br />
8. What is your apartment like? Is it warm?<br />
<br />
</div>
It is great :)<br />
<span class="ecxHOEnZb"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-82302047942699857972012-11-09T15:53:00.001-07:002012-11-09T15:53:11.003-07:00Crazy Week!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello everyone,<br />
<br />
To say the least: this week has been one crazy week, it would take too<br />
long to explain everything in full, but long story short: I have a new<br />
companion and am pretty much a one man Zone Leader for the next little<br />
bit, this should be interesting. This has been since last Wednesday.<br />
Again, I will just have to explain everything to y'all when I get home<br />
so you can get the full story so if you have questions, just wait<br />
until then :)<br />
<br />
My new comp is E. Dastrup, he has been out for about eleven months. He<br />
is from St. George and is about 6 '2, and weighs about 260 lds - he is<br />
a big boy :) We get along great with each other and are having a lot<br />
of fun. Things in our area are going so great right now. We have a lot<br />
of lessons set up this week and are already experiencing such great<br />
blessings from the Lord. We have been working very diligently and are<br />
seeing it pay off. We are doing a lot of Active Member Lessons. We<br />
have been getting great responses from the members; they really seem<br />
to enjoy them. We are working on getting referrals and just overall<br />
teaching more lessons as a whole. I love working with Active Members,<br />
it is so much fun, you build such great relationships and the spirit<br />
is so strong in the home.<br />
<br />
We have ZLC (Zone Leader Council) Tuesday and Wednesday this week, we<br />
are going to be talking about how the zones are doing and also<br />
planning for the upcoming zone conference. It is weird to think that I<br />
am one of, if not the only, oldest Zone Leader in the mission now. I<br />
have learned a lot from having this additional responsibility tho, and<br />
it is not all that hard too, thank goodness.<br />
<br />
Not sure if exchanges to Nome will work this transfer, sadly; we have<br />
a really busy schedule and it is just not looking too probable.<br />
Hopefully I will stay in this area for one more transfer, but at the<br />
same time, it would be a lot of fun to go somewhere else for my last<br />
four weeks of my mission. Weird to think about, but a lot to look<br />
forward too as well!<br />
<br />
Thank you everyone! I love you!<br />
<br />
Love,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elder Hartman </div>
Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-35824953175604227762012-10-30T21:27:00.000-06:002012-10-30T21:27:14.919-06:00Waiting for Snow<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello everyone,<br />
<br />
I write this epistle with gratitude in my heart for the wonderful<br />
opportunity I have to converse with my family and friends all over the<br />
world :)<br />
<br />
The weather is starting to get colder little by little every day. It<br />
is staying around a steady 20-30F, but still no snow yet! I am<br />
actually waiting anxiously for it to come, I cannot wait to see snow<br />
:)<br />
<br />
Life is going good, I am doing fine in the area, we are working hard<br />
and doing our best to get things rolling. We have been having a lot of<br />
success contacting less actives in the ward, going to also be doing<br />
some more active member lessons to.<br />
<br />
We were on exchanges from Sat to Sun with the Assistants. E. Na'a came<br />
into our area and E. Poole went with E. Adams in Anchorage (I served<br />
with both of the assistants, E. Adams was my first comp and I served<br />
with E. Na'a in Fairbanks for those who do not know). It was fun to be<br />
with Na'a again, I miss that guy and love being around him; he has<br />
always been a great friend on my mission. During our comp study, we<br />
were talking about how our missions have changed us and we started<br />
talking about spiritual experiences we had. I shared with him the<br />
dream I had, I am not sure if ya'll remember this, where I was with<br />
dad up in Sundance and we were walking down the road to the old park<br />
where I would play when I was little and where the kids play now. When<br />
we got there we started talking about our missions and sharing stories<br />
and experiences. I have no idea why, but at this point in the story I<br />
started crying, it was really weird. It is just one of those 'golden<br />
moments' you have on a mission that really impacts you. I am so<br />
grateful for all of the wonderful experiences I have had on my mission<br />
and I cannot hardly wait to share all of them with ya'll. I have<br />
written down as many as I can recall in both my spiritual journal and<br />
normal, day-to-day journal. Thank you everyone for helping me come on<br />
a mission. And also thank you for your continual support. I keep<br />
telling members that I think the two most common phrases I say in my<br />
letter home are 'I'm sorry" and "I love you." I say I am sorry because<br />
I realize how much mom and dad put up with me while growing up. I say<br />
I love you because I can never say it enough to the people who matter<br />
most to me. I LOVE YOU! Thank you!<br /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Questions from Mom:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. What are you doing on Halloween? Do kids go trick or treating or<br />
is it too cold?<br />
<br />
Just a normal proselyting day until 7 pm, then we head into our<br />
apartments for the night. Yes, kids go trick or treating still - wish<br />
we could...<br />
<br />
<br />
2. Did you get to see Elder Holland in Alaska? When did he come<br />
there? Did he talk to all the missionaries?<br />
<br />
I barely missed him actually...he came up right before I got back in<br />
Anchorage from Whitehorse, so last November I think it was...yes, he<br />
did a fireside for all of the missionaries.<br />
<br />
<br />
3. You never told me you went to Jill's house for dinner a few<br />
times!!!! How was it - why did you never mention it???<br />
<br />
That is really weird I never told you that....my bad! It was good, her<br />
laugh was just like yours actually, it was so weird! She is way nice<br />
tho, it was fun to talk with her and get to know her a little bit.<br />
<br />
<br />
4. Tell us about your area. How do you like it? What is the ward like? etc.<br />
<br />
It is the Meadow Creek ward. I love the members here, they are so<br />
welcoming and loving, very nice ward. The work is a little slow at the<br />
moment, but we are picking it up :)<br />
<br />
<br />
5. How is your companion? Will you most likely be together till you leave?<br />
<br />
He is awesome. No, I am almost certain we won't be together after this<br />
transfer actually. He has been here for three transfers already and I<br />
only have four weeks left after this transfer.<br />
<br />
<br />
6. Do you think your mission has changed you for ever? How?<br />
<br />
Oh yes, I most definitely think it has. The best way I can expound is<br />
just by saying it has overrall made me a better person. I think the<br />
best way will be for you to see me in person.<br />
<br />
<br />
7. Did you get to go on splits to Nome? How far is that from where<br />
you are? How big is your zone? (people and area)<br />
<br />
No, that is next week :) I don't know the exact mileage, but it is<br />
really far away. Our zone is about 13 companionships, the area is big<br />
due to the bush areas (Nome, Bethel and Kotzebue).<br />
<br />
I loved your last paragraph in the letter mom - especially the part<br />
when you said 'I am so glad I get to spend all of eternity with you.'<br />
It really touched me and I am so grateful that we have that knowledge.<br />
I too, am forever grateful that I will get to spend eternity with you.<br />
It would not be heaven without you. I love you mom!!!<br />
<br />
Love,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elder Hartman 1<br />
</div>
Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-68831302813036083462012-10-17T12:32:00.001-06:002012-10-17T12:32:28.119-06:00A Warm Welcome Hi everyone,
Well, my letters will probably be a little shorter now, seeing as that
I am going to be doing my e-mails in Anchorage again so I am on a time
limit.
I have had a really warm welcome into the new ward that I will be
serving in for at least the next five weeks now. The members are very
nice, I have loved all of the families we have had dinner with
already. We do a lot of tracting here for work; it has taken me a
little getting used to again, since I am used to doing more teaching
and contacting people via the ward roster, but it is like the good ol'
days in Whitehorse again! Knockin' doors 'till you cannot remember if
you already knocked some of them or not :)
My new comp is way awesome, his name is E. Poole and he is from the
San Fransisco bay area, if I remember right...He went to BYU for a
year before his mission, so he is pretty familiar with Utah. He served
with one of my companions for a little bit, E. Ashby, if y'all can
remember him. He is way intellectual, very smart person, understands
the doctrine really well, we have some good deiscussions about it :)
Hopefully this transfer we will get to go out to Nome for exchanges,
we will talk to Pres. probably a little later today and see what he
says. This zone is really good, need some unity building, but that
will come in time. Not sure if I will finish my mission here or not,
probably. We spent a lot of the day today moving apartments, so
stressful, but we got most of it done!
Time is short, I apologize for not having a lot of good info yet, but
I will have more next week. I love you! Thank you for everything!
Love,
-Elder Hartman1
Questions From Mom:
1. Did you find your camera charger?
No, but E. Poole is letting me use his, bless his heart :)
2. Tell us bout your new area. How do you like it so far? We looked
on google but could just find the National Forest - do you have an
address? Will you most likely spend the rest of your mission there?
How do you feel about that?
I like it, a little rough getting the work going, but we are growing
throughout the experience. I do not have an address yet, sorry. We
live in Eagle River. If you look at Meadow Creek Rd, that is in the
middle of our area pretty much. I am not sure if I will spend the rest
of my mission here or not, I kind of just want to finish my mission
just a Senior comp. missionary, not a Zone Leader, but whatever the
Lord wants I will do. I would be fine with finishing my mission here,
but I would also like to go somewhere else, so mixed feelings about it
I guess :)
3. Tell us about your new companion. It is ok to omit his shoe size.
E. Poole, from San Fransisco bay area, went to BYU Provo for a year.
Very smart, highly intellectual. About 6'2, has three other siblings,
second oldest. I think he wants to be a lawyer if I remember right,
but he is still undecided - like me :)
4. How is your new zone? How many missionaries in it? Do you know
most of them? Is it a good one like your last?
It is pretty good. There are, I think, ten companionships? I cannot
recall the exact number at the moment. I know a good amount of them,
yes. We are working on the unity right now, but that is because it is
pretty spread out is the problem, so unity has always been a challenge
here. Fairbanks was just a whole other world in itself, that place was
perfect :)
5. Are you mostly teaching natives (eskimos?) or is it regular people
there? Is it a populated area?
Mostly regular people actually, you teach more natives out in the bush
areas for the most part, not in the city. It is a pretty populated
area, I think it is the fourth biggest city in Alaska, about 32,000
people if I remember right....
Hopefully those answers suffice! I love you mom!Gunn Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06468547903055769522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-21348089150221601462012-10-13T23:08:00.003-06:002012-10-13T23:08:49.825-06:00Transferred!! Hello everyone!
Well, the biggest news is that I am getting transferred from
Fairbanks. I have been called to labor in the Meadow Cree ward in the
Chugach zone with E. Poole. He is one transfer behind me in the
mission and I think he is from Utah; I will let you know everything
about him next week i.e. height, weight, eye color, hobbies, hair
color, shoe size and what have you ;) This was a pretty bitter sweet
moment, mainly because E. Boyer and I are getting separated into
different zones (he is going back to Delta Jct. his old area) and we
said goodbye to some families last night. I am really going to miss
this zone, it was a blast being a zone leader up here, I loved every
second of it. It was the easiest zone to be a zone leader for, any
zone leader could come up here and instantly look amazing because the
zone is doing so good.
A really cool experience happened last night. I have to set up what
happened the week prior for it to make sense. So the week prior, we
were teaching this family lesson three, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We
had an activity to go along with it. We brought balloons for everyone
and had them write their goals on it; these goals could be whatever
they wanted, whether they were spiritual or temporal, short term, long
term, anything. After they wrote them down, they gave them all to me
and we commenced to teach them the lesson. After a little bit, I
popped one of the balloons, on purpose. We kept on teaching, then I
popped another one; this continued throughout the whole lesson until
they were all popped. After we taught them the lesson, we talked about
how the gospel of Jesus Christ provides us comfort in our lives as we
pursuit our goals. It gives us a chance, when we mess up, to start
again and kind of gives us a fall back when times get hard and we are
trying to pursue something. We had them blow up some other balloons
and had them keep them with some goals written on them. It was a great
lesson.
So that was last week. This time, right when we walked inside, the
first thing we see is a balloon next a picture of the temple. It hit
me so hard because this couple has not been married in the temple yet
and the lesson we had with them last week really had an impact on
them. We saw another balloon on the other side of the room with some
other goals written on them. It made me so happy to see how they are
progressing in the gospel and how the lessons we have had with them
have had an impact on them. The lesson we had was amazing, the spirit
was so strong. We taught the commandments and 'why' it is important to
keep them. It was the perfect ending to this transfer. This has been
one of the best transfers of my mission, I have loved every second of
it. I am really going to miss Fairbanks, but I realize that the Lord
needs me elsewhere.
Hopefully you can feel the spirit from this story as strong as I did
while I typed it down. I hope ya'll are having a great day! I love
you!
Love,
-Elder Hartman1Gunn Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06468547903055769522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-78581032209627478682012-10-01T17:08:00.000-06:002012-10-01T17:08:31.600-06:00"I Know the Lord is Helping Us."Hello again!
This was yet another great week of missionary work, we have
continually been blessed with people to teach and have had so much
success it is unreal. Earlier this week we met with the family whom I
told you a little bit about last week (the dad and his son who wanted
their kids to take the missionary lessons). It was a great lesson, the
grandpa sat in and gave great input, the only problem is the parents
are not interested - which is a huge obstacle right now because if we
were to baptize the kids, they would pretty much be baptized straight
into inactivity. We really hope to set up a lesson later on this week
and meet with just the parents and go over what we are teaching the
kids.
On a weather note: it snowed the other day! But quickly left a few
hours later...the sun is out shining bright right now, but the
temperature is dropping really fast - it is staying around a steady 25
- 30F. It is starting to get pretty chilly - I think winter is
officially here!
Another update: we are in a trio again - this is my fourth one! I
honestly never thought I would be in a trio on my mission, let alone
four of them. His name is E. Drake, he is from Danville, Ohio and has
been out for about twenty months - one transfer behind me. He was
actually serving in Sand Lake - the last area I was in in Anchorage. I
miss that ward, I am grateful that I served there.
We made a contact goal with our ward mission leader the other week. We
did not have one before but we thought it would be really beneficial
to make one and see the blessings come. The next morning, we made a
contacting goal and prayed that, as we strived achieve it, we would
have help from the Lord. That day, we were at a lesson and made a
contact via the less active's friend who was not a member, which was
great. After the lesson, we went to the elevator and started talking
to the guy who was in there and made another contact right after the
first one. After we got off, E. Boyer said 'it is so funny to see how
the Lord literally puts people in our path to contact.' No sooner did
the last word leave his lips that another lady down the hall says out
loud to us 'I was baptized Mormon.' We talked to her, set up a lesson,
and went on our way. Three great contacts in ten minutes, it was
awesome. It just comes to show how when you really desire something -
a goal - the Lord will help you accomplish it. It has been so fun
talking to people and actually having an objective throughout the day
to achieve. We have seen the blessings come from it and I know the
Lord is helping us.
Thank you, as always, everyone. I love you very much! Until next week,
take care!
Love,
-Elder Hartman1
Questions From Mom:
1. Tell us about teaching this week - in particular the 9 grandkids
of the biker in the church parking lot.
It was a great lesson we had with them, we basically taught about
Heavenly Father and His love for us and how He shows that to us by
blessing us with families. We are currently working on trying to get
the kids parents involved right now so the family will be more
unified. The kids want to come to church, but the parents are not
interested, it is sad and pretty hard; we have been doing a lot of
praying for them.
2. Is it getting cold there now? Are you prepared for the cold? You
still have your warm clothes right?
A little chilly yes, around 20-35F. Ya, I am ready for the cold (I
think). I have all of my warm clothes, yes, so I should be good :)
3. What stands out this week in your mind as being a great experieince?
We were teaching an active member lesson on Friday and we were at the
point where we talk about how the gospel blesses families. We started
off the lesson with a mormon.org video - you should watch it, it is
the one about a man named Jarem who is an amputee. At one point in the
video, he is on a ski lift and I recognized the scenery instantly -
Sundance, my favorite place in the whole world. After we watched it, I
commented on it and said how every year, my family and I usually go up
to Sundance for the holidays. I told them how, looking back over those
many years, I start to realize why I loved it so much: it was not so
much the temporal gifts - although they were still awesome and I loved
them - that I recalled, but it was just spending time with the family.
Seeing the Christmas tree lit up, all of the decorations up around the
house and the whole family just relaxing and enjoying each others
company. It was the memories and being with the family that was the
treasure and the thing I remember most and that to me was a testimony
that Heavenly Father loves us; He blesses us with these wonderful
treasured memories so that we can reflect on them and experience joy
in the trials of our lives. I love the holidays, and I LOVE being with
the family :)
4. Who are you currently teaching?
A lot of people, some more actively than others. I do not think we can
give out names, which is why I never mention anyone in specific.
5. What are you doing for pday today?
Running a lot of errands, then playing basketball. We might be playing
golf with a less active in the ward, but it might be too cold, but she
is also taking us out to lunch to which will be nice :)
6. Do you think you will have any changes with transfers next week?
In our companionship, sadly, yes I am sure there will be a change....I
think I will be staying with E. Drake and E. Boyer will be leaving and
going back to his old area...which is awesome, it is just bitter sweet
:'(
7. We will be sending you your ballot to vote. Do you know who you
will vote for?
I have no idea who I will vote for...have dad give me basic info on
both of the candidates so I can somewhat of a rational choice.
8. Mikelle will be registering you in the next couple weeks - any
thing you would like her to do about classes - or should we just
guess? What classes did you take last semester?
Just guess, I will go to class when I have to, I am not sure if I want
to overload right off the bat, but I whatever you want to me to do or
think is best should be fine. Use your best judgement :)Gunn Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06468547903055769522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-24824651144413264532012-09-26T11:22:00.001-06:002012-09-26T11:24:36.586-06:00So Immensely Blessed
Hello!
I am starting off my e-mails with the weekly letter this week so I can
write a little bit more - hopefully.
As I said last week, we have been so immensely blessed with work in
our area it is almost overwhelming at times. We were at the church the
other day helping some other missionaries in our zone fill up the font
for a baptism they were having. We were just leaving the church
parking lot to invite some investigators to it (the baptism) and
noticed two men talking to on of the Elders outside. Right when we
were pulling out, the Elder called us and said they were interested in
talking to us and they lived in our area. We pulled right around, got
out of the car and started talking to them. It was a father and his
son; they were both Harley Davidson riders, had the big beards, skull
caps, and everything. After talking to them for a little bit, the dad
said he wanted his five grand kids to meet with the missionaries and
have us teach them the lessons. We have a lesson set up with them this
Thursday.
Another cool experience was earlier last week. We were contacting
people on the ward roster who we did not know. We got in with a
mexican family who we have tried a few times in the past to contact.
They were super nice to us, one of the warmest welcomes we have gotten
from a less active family. They were super nice, started telling us
how they want to come back to church and their nine year old daughter
was just talking about how she wants to be baptized. Talk about good
timing ;) I have no idea why the blessings are being poured out to us,
but they are. We have been sure to say a prayer of gratitude after all
of these visits.
We have been having awesome lessons lately, the members who have come
with us to them have been extremely helpful as well. One question we
have been getting asked a lot lately is about Cain going to the
Canaanites. The concern is 'if Adam and Eve were the first people on
the earth, where did these other people (the Canaanites) come from? It
says nothing about them in the Bible.' It is funny, in the last three
days, we have been asked that exact question three times. We
researched it and found a pretty good answer we feel, hopefully the
people like it. It is so much fun to teach people about the gospel -
it is even better when they accept the things you are teaching them as
well!
Thank you everyone for your prayers offered on our behalf. I know that
it is because of you and your support that we are having this success.
The more I try to memorize Alma 26, the more I feel exactly like him.
Throughout that passage, he talks about the goodness of God and
praising Him for letting him (Ammon) be apart of His work. Indeed, it
is very humbling to realize what a blessing it is that Heavenly Father
is loving enough to allow us to help Him out. I will always be
grateful I chose to serve a mission. Thank you again everyone for your
support.
Love,
-Elder Hartman1
Questions from Mom:
1. What was your most spiritual experience this week?
When I read some chapters out of the Book of Mormon that were focused
solely on Jesus Christ. The ones I read were 1 Ne. 10-11 and 1 Ne. 19.
Give it a shot, it works! :)
2. Is it starting to get cold there yet? When does the snow start?
Yes it is actually, just this morning it was pretty chilly. I am not
sure when the snow starts, probably by the first week in Oct. I am
guessing?
3. Do you talk to Jill much at church?
When I see her I say hi, but we are usually going somewhere so I do
not have a whole lot of time to talk...
4. You have a transfer coming up in October - what do you think will
happen? Will you stay with your current companion in Fairbanks do you
think?
I think I will stay up here in Fairbanks with E. Boyer, but nothing is
certain. I hope I do.
5. What is your favorite discussion to teach? Did you get to teach
it this week?
Probably the Plan of Salvation I think. Yes we did actually, twice.
One was an active member lesson and another was with two
investigators. I just love testifying of the Atonement and how
families can be together forever - my two favorite principles of the
gospel :)
6. What are you doing today for pday?
Going on a hike :)
7. Did you get your camera ok? How do you like it? Take lots of
pictures - since you lost all your other ones. Can you get some
pictures from past companions?
Yes I got it and love it. I have been taking pictures, they are really
good :) I got a few from my last comps, I have a pretty good amount :)
8. How is your companionship going? What do you struggle with? What
makes it easy?
It is going great. I really do not think we struggle with anything to
be honest. We are both just easy going, obedient, and work hard, that
is what makes it work.
9. What has been your favorite experience in Fairbanks so far?
Teaching the gospel :) I know that is a typical missionary answer, but
it was the first that came to mind and I am short on time on
e-mailing. I love you!Gunn Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06468547903055769522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-22551139633006395952012-09-17T17:21:00.001-06:002012-09-17T17:21:38.006-06:00Feeling Your Prayers<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello everybody,<br />
<br />
It is always so great to hear from everyone and how everybody is doing<br />
back home; thank you for your e-mails and updates, it is greatly<br />
appreciated :)<br />
<br />
I got the packages and mail from mom, dad, and Summer, thank you for<br />
your support.<br />
<br />
Well, time is short for me, so I will not be able to write as much as<br />
I had hoped, but I just had to send an e-mail of gratitude. We have<br />
been so blessed with our work up here in Fairbanks. The whole zone is<br />
still doing awesome, they are still over-achieving almost every goal<br />
we set for them, it is so much fun to see. We found three new<br />
investigators in our area this week - one of which we had a great<br />
member present lesson with. The best feeling in the world is when you<br />
can literally feel the spirit work thro you as an instrument in the<br />
Lord's hands in this great and marvelous work. Nothing beats that! I<br />
literally feel exactly like Ammon when he glories in the Lord in being<br />
apart of this great work! (see Alma 26:1-12, like how I did that? :))<br />
We have felt all of your prayers and are indeed grateful for them and<br />
your support. Because of you and your faith, this work has been going<br />
forward and we have been very blessed. Without the prayers of the<br />
faithful, this world would probably be in utter calamity. We have been<br />
sure to thank the Lord over and over again for Him allowing us to be a<br />
part of this great and marvelous work. Sorry this e-mail is short this<br />
week, we have to go and run a lot of errands, we did not go grocery<br />
shopping last week! Thank you again. I love you!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. What was your best day this week and why?<br />
<br />
Saturday. We found a new investigator and had a member present lesson.<br />
It was just a great lesson all around, the member was awesome; short<br />
and brief with his input; the spirit was there, we taught the doctrine<br />
simply and clearly. The best part of it was how I could literally feel<br />
the spirit work thro me (I will talk about this again in the weekly<br />
letter home), I love being an instrument in the Lord's hands, it is<br />
the best feeling in the world - that and eating some fresh apple pie<br />
or brownies ;)<br />
<br />
2. Do you think you will finish your mission in Fairbanks? Do you<br />
hope so? where would you like to go if not?<br />
<br />
I think I might, but not for sure if I will or not. I think for the<br />
last transfer, which will be about four weeks long I think, I will be<br />
closer to President just to make it easy to travel to the airport and<br />
such, which I would not mind, I love Anchorage.<br />
<br />
3. Which of your friends have you corresponded with lately? Any news<br />
from them?<br />
<br />
Ya, a few. Talked with Broc recently and Kaitie. I e-mailed Trev a few<br />
times, I need to write him a letter!! I e-mail Landon every week as<br />
well. Nothing too big that I can recall at the moment, I e-mailed them<br />
back a little bit ago.<br />
<br />
4. How are your meds holding out? How are you feeling?<br />
<br />
Doing just fine :)<br />
<br />
5. What is your most difficult trial currently? How are you handling it?<br />
<br />
To be honest, it is hard to think of one right now because we are<br />
being so blessed. The work has been going great and we have a really<br />
bright future ahead of us :) The hardest trial would probably be not<br />
getting distracted with thinking about home too much and having that<br />
get in the way of the work.<br /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-Elder Hartman1
</div>
Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-13949212971314422232012-09-11T19:26:00.001-06:002012-09-11T19:26:36.511-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
Well, time is short right now (big surprise) so I will not be too<br />
lengthy with this e-mail. I did not get the packages from mom yet, but<br />
I am sure this week I will. Looking forward to them! :)<br />
<br />
The missionary work in our area is going great, absolutely loving it.<br />
Our zone is doing awesome as well, they beat every one of the zone<br />
goals we set except for one - which is amazing. It was a bummer, we<br />
invited two investigators to church and one of them told us that he<br />
has seen too many hypocrites to go to church - it has put on a bad<br />
image for him, which I can understand, it is just a shame when people<br />
have these bad experiences when they are younger and it starts to put<br />
an image that is very hard to alter. We will keep on working with him<br />
and praying for him. It is great seeing people who do not come to<br />
church often at Sacrament meeting tho, that is always such a reward,<br />
especially when they are consistently coming too.<br />
<br />
Cool news for today, we are going on a Apache flight simulator! I<br />
guess it is a once in a lifetime opportunity or something like that. I<br />
will let you know how it goes :)<br />
<br />
One goal that I have been working on the last week is memorizing Alma<br />
26 - the whole chapter. Since our training plan is centered on that<br />
chapter, I thought to myself how I have never memorized a whole<br />
chapter out of the scriptures; the longest scripture I have memorized<br />
is D&C 121:34-46. I am currently up to verse eight right now and I<br />
hope to have it all memorized by next Monday! Memorizing scriptures is<br />
a really cool experience, the more you recite the scripture, the more<br />
you learn about it and the message that it contains. It is really<br />
edifying and a great recall in times of need or trial.<br />
<br />
That is the updates for the most part. Hope everything is going well<br />
back home. Miss y'all very much! Take care!<br />
<br />
Love,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elder Hartman 1</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Tell us more about your zone conf pulling the handcarts, etc.<br />
<br />
The handcart pulling was pretty short for the most part, lasted about<br />
an hour, but the activities we had the district leaders do along the<br />
trail were a lot of fun tho. One of them did an activity where we had<br />
to spin around a baseball bat seven times then run to a tree and it<br />
was related to following the spirit. We did ours on being equally<br />
yolked in the companionship. There is not much more to say other than<br />
that about the handcarts other than it was a great experience.<br />
Honestly the best part of zone conference was the testimony meeting,<br />
just because it is always great to hear from everyone, whether it is<br />
stories or lessons learned, whatever it is, my testimony is always<br />
strengthened afterwards.<br />
<br />
2. How was your zone council? What did you learn there? Did you go<br />
to Anchorage for that?<br />
<br />
Unfortunately we did not go to Anchorage for that, which was a huge<br />
bummer. It was pretty good, a lot of the discussion was geared towards<br />
missionary disobedience, which almost all of it our zone was not<br />
having a problem with, so we did not have a whole lot to say during<br />
the discussions. We learned about our new training plan called 'Lord<br />
of the Harvest', it will be really cool, it is focused on Alma 26.<br />
<br />
3. How often do members feed you there? How does it work with Elder<br />
B. being vegan? Is he really strict vegan? No eggs or milk? Are you<br />
learning to cook at all?<br />
<br />
We get fed pretty often, I would say on average every other day<br />
probably. E. Boyer is vegetarian, not vegan - yet. He just does not<br />
eat meat. He is really polite so he eats really little at members<br />
homes when they feed us - I usually eat his leftovers, which I am just<br />
fine with :) I sometimes cook vegetables for us, but that is the most<br />
I do with cooking.<br />
<br />
4. What was your week like? What did you do?<br />
<br />
It was pretty busy and a lot of fun. We are getting a lot of work done<br />
here and it feels great. We went on exchanges, saw a lot of less<br />
actives and pretty much just did missionary work. Nothing too big<br />
happened for the most part, just a lot of teaching and testifying of<br />
Christ! :)<br />
<br />
5. How is your companionship going? Has anything interesting happened?<br />
<br />
It is going great, loving it. By means of something interesting<br />
happening....not sure if I can recall anything that would fit into<br />
that category...we did wrestle the other night, I won of course ;)</div>
Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-15343539433832302972012-09-05T02:40:00.000-06:002012-09-05T02:40:06.022-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello everyone!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
To sum up everything that happened within the last week: it was really<br />
weird. I do not know how to describe it other than that, it just was.<br />
It involved Russians, various instruments including Mandalyns and<br />
Banjos, and really weird/interesting people. E. Boyer and I are having<br />
a ton of fun together tho, we are working really hard and having a lot<br />
of laughs. We were visiting a less active family the other night and<br />
after the spiritual message, they noticed his name tag. Apparently<br />
they also have family with the last name Boyer. After some<br />
conversation, they started examining him for genetic similarities,<br />
running their hands thro his hair saying how perfectly structured it<br />
was (this was his first time meeting the family), comparing teeth,<br />
noses, and hands, it was so entertaining to watch from my perspective<br />
:) I guess he must be related to them somehow tho! Their hands did<br />
have similarities as well as their teeth as well. One of the family<br />
members just became a new investigator and she is actually someone who<br />
we really want to focus on to be baptized before E. Boyer leaves. It<br />
would be a really cool experience if he was actually related to her<br />
and she was baptized before he leaves.<br />
<br />
Almost half the zone changed for transfers, there are four trainers up<br />
here so we got more exchanges this transfer - probably one every week.<br />
We have ZLC tomorrow from about 8 - 3. We had zone conference this<br />
weekend, it was a great experience. I fell in love with a turkey that<br />
was at the members house we did it at. We had training in the morning,<br />
then went and did activities, then had dinner, then closed with a<br />
testimony meeting that was really spiritual. Our training plan for<br />
this transfer is Zions Camp, so we pulled handcarts for part of the<br />
conference and had activities along the trail around the members home.<br />
E. Boyer and I trained on being 'equally yolked' as a companionship.<br />
We talked about how the person you should be serving the most, next to<br />
the Lord, is your companion. It is funny because a lot of the time, I<br />
think we as missionaries forget to serve our companion because you are<br />
with him/her all the time - I know I am guilty of that. I have been<br />
making a greater effort to serve my companion tho and I have<br />
definitely seen the difference. As you serve your companion, your<br />
companion serves you back - it follows the adage 'what goes around<br />
comes around.' Alma 41: 14-15 is a perfect scripture that talks about<br />
that exact same thing. I am a firm believer of that saying as well. It<br />
takes a lot of effort to serve your companion, whether it is a spouse,<br />
brother, sister, or missionary companion, but it is definitely worth<br />
it.<br />
<br />
Hope y'all enjoyed this letter! I will talk to you next week!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Tell us about your new companion. Do you think this will be an<br />
easy or challenging companionship? Why?<br />
<br />
This companionship is going to be super easy, it already has been.<br />
Elder Boyer is a Yellow with White, way easy to get along with, we<br />
have had so much fun the last week. He is the oldest in his family,<br />
has one younger brother and one younger sister. He plans on going to<br />
school at UNLV, then transferring to either the U or BYU. He wears<br />
glasses, likes a lot of the same stuff as Bree actually, reminds me of<br />
her in a lot of ways - which is really nice :) not sure what else to<br />
say about him, let me know what else you want to know!<br />
<br />
2. Did your zone change much? Have you had much interaction with the<br />
new missionaries called there this week? Did you get your packages<br />
this week?<br />
<br />
Yes, nearly half of the zone changed actually. We are on exchanges<br />
right now, I am with E. Parkin, from Virginia, who is a new<br />
missionary. I have met all of the other ones and they seem solid, this<br />
is going to be a really fun transfer :)<br />
<br />
3. I wrote to you about talking to your president and our homecoming<br />
- does that sound good to you?<br />
<br />
That sounds perfect to me :)<br />
<br />
4. Is it beginning to feel like fall there yet? Do the leaves change<br />
there or is it mostly evergreens? How soon till the snow starts<br />
falling there?<br />
<br />
Yes it does actually. The leaves are changing colors now, it is going<br />
to look so pretty. The snow probably will not come 'till around late<br />
September - early October I think.<br />
<br />
5. What do you want us to remember to do this Christmas? Anything<br />
you especially want us to plan, food, activities, etc.?<br />
<br />
Just go to the cabin, that is my biggest and only wish - at the moment<br />
:) I am so excited...<br />
</div>
Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-7894288806238321552012-08-28T01:32:00.003-06:002012-08-28T01:32:47.917-06:00Staying in Fairbanks<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello everyone,<br />
<br />
Well, as y'all know, this week was transfers and to give you and<br />
update, I will be staying here in Fairbanks. I am getting a new<br />
companion, E. Boyer from Las Vegas. I have served around him a little<br />
bit before and talked to him a few times. He is way tight, this should<br />
be a lot of fun :) E. Na'a and E. Leota are both leaving to go serve<br />
in Anchorage; this last week we said a lot of goodbyes to members in<br />
the ward and other people. Last night we had dinner at an active<br />
members home and they have this tradition where missionaries who are<br />
leaving eat the dinner only using their mouths. It was really fun, we<br />
ate spaghetti with a lot of sauce on it. It started into a food fight<br />
at the end, it was so much fun. Another funny thing that happened<br />
during the dinner, after all of the madness and everyone was cleaning<br />
everything up, was when the lava lava I was wearing for my first time<br />
(the families daughter is Samoan) and Polynesians usually wear that<br />
attire and the pants I had on got sauce all over them, which in case<br />
you do not know, it is pretty much a light skirt that both the men and<br />
the women wear in the culture. I was bending down to pick up a pan<br />
that just fell and the lava lava came undone! A good amount of people<br />
got to see my hairy legs - do not worry, I was wearing my garments ;)<br />
It was so embarrassing...but a great story.<br />
<br />
Our baptism this weekend was great, the investigators whole family<br />
came and the dad said the closing prayer. It was a touching<br />
experience, it is so cool to see how the gospel brings families closer<br />
together. It definitely does unite everyone and give us a purpose in<br />
life. Now we just have to get the ward involved with the family so<br />
they can stay strong and actively come every Sunday; there were<br />
actually about seven less active families that we have been working<br />
with that came to church yesterday, it was so wonderful to see.<br />
<br />
Life is good, everything else is going great. I was not able to write<br />
back to anyone for letters again today, I apologize to those who are<br />
wondering what is taking me so long. I will make time for them -<br />
hopefully ;) I love you all very much and I feel your love as well.<br />
Have a great week and I will talk to you again next week!<br />
<br />
Love,<span class="ecxHOEnZb"><span style="color: #888888;"><br /><span style="color: black;">Elder Hartman</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. TELL US ALL ABOUT YOUR TRANSFER.<br />
<br />
It was so good. It went by way too fast. I loved it, I learned a lot<br />
about myself - a lot of things I really need to work on and do better.<br />
<br />
2. TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW COMPANION. (WHERE HE IS FROM, HOW LONG HE<br />
HAS BEEN OUT, ETC ETC ETC)<br />
<br />
His name is E. Boyer. He is from Las Vegas and has been out for one<br />
transfer longer than me, so 21 months. He plays the banjo a little<br />
bit, so I will be more familiar with the banjo this upcoming transfer<br />
:) I am not with him yet, I am getting him on Wednesday morning so I<br />
will be able to tell you more about him next week :)<br />
<br />
3. HOW ARE YOUR INVESTIGATORS COMING ALONG? DID YOU HAVE THE BAPTISM<br />
YOU WERE HOPING FOR?<br />
<br />
They are doing pretty good. We did have a baptism this weekend. It<br />
went really well, the whole family came. It was a great experience,<br />
hopefully this strengthens their family and they continue to be<br />
nourished by the ward! We have to meet with some of our other<br />
investigators, there are some that we have not met with for a while<br />
now, hopefully they are still interested.<br />
<br />
4. TELL US SOMETHING NEW YOU LEARNED THIS WEEK (OR MONTH).<br />
<br />
To not be selfish and desire only my own personal salvation.<br />
<br />
5. I KNOW DAD WROTE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR CAR - WHAT DO YOU THINK?<br />
ANY IDEAS AT ALL YET?<br />
<br />
Not yet, I really do not have a preference, so long as it can go in<br />
the snow pretty well. I will take anything :)<br />
<br />
6. MIKELLE IS GOING TO REGISTER YOU FOR SCHOOL IN A FEW WEEKS - ANY<br />
THOUGHTS ON CLASSES YOU WANT TO TAKE? BY THE WAY SCHOOL STARTS ON<br />
JAN. 7TH I BELIVE)<br />
<br />
No, not really, just sign me up and I will go :)<br />
<br />
7. DID YOU TALK TO THE PRES. ABOUT YOUR RELEASE DATE? CAN YOU BE<br />
HOME ON THE 16TH OF DEC. (SAT) SO OUR HOMECOMING CAN BE THE 17TH? WE<br />
CAN WRITE HIM IF YOU WOULD LIKE??<br />
<br />
Would you write to him? That would be ever so nice :) I have not<br />
talked to him about it yet no.<br />
<br />
8. WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR PDAY THIS WEEK?<br />
<br />
We are going to go ice skating! Yay! :) Then after that we are not sure yet :)<br />
<br />
9. DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL DAY.<br />
<br />
Wake up at six thirty, do a little bit of an exercise (that is<br />
something where there is a lot of room for improvement), then shower,<br />
eat breakfast, studies, then head out the door and proselyte. We<br />
mainly do less active work here, so we drop by a lot of persons homes<br />
throughout the day, since there are so many in the ward and our area<br />
is pretty small. We usually are in around 9 - 9:30, plan for the next<br />
day, then wind down and are usually in bed by around 10:30. I know it<br />
is not in great detail, but I do not have a whole lot of time.<br />
<br />
10. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE YOUR MISSION ENDS?<br />
<br />
Great question....maybe finding an investigator family would be really<br />
cool. There are a lot of part - members up here. I cannot think of<br />
anything else specific at the moment, sorry!<br />
<br />
I love you!</div>
Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-30702033682501268232012-08-20T14:45:00.001-06:002012-08-20T14:45:52.765-06:00A Lesson Learned<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello!<br />
<br />
Once again, starting out another letter is always difficult, I never<br />
have any idea how to begin...<br />
<br />
This week was another great week. We are still just working mainly<br />
with less actives in the area, since there are so many. We are having<br />
good success with them! We found a new investigator from one. We were<br />
driving away and E. Na'a felt prompted to go back and give him<br />
something. We grabbed a copy of the Book of Mormon and a Restoration<br />
pamphlet and went back, bore our testimonies about its truthfulness<br />
and how it brings us peace and happiness from reading it. He sounded<br />
like he was sincere about it and said he would read from it. I love<br />
testifying about the Book of Mormon, it is so fun :)<br />
<br />
I learned a good lesson this week: never be afraid to talk and testify<br />
about the gospel. We were at a members home, we were doing service and<br />
they fed us afterwards. I was helping the mom clean and I wanted to<br />
talk about the gospel but did not know what or how I would. I asked<br />
her how long she had been a member for and that started a great<br />
conversation we had. After talking to her for a little bit, I noticed<br />
the other lady in the room was listening to us. I turned to her and<br />
started talking to her. Eventually, she ended up bearing her testimony<br />
to me about how the gospel really shows us and teaches us what is<br />
important in life. The spirit was so strong in the room, it was<br />
awesome. I read in Preach My Gospel earlier this week how a great way<br />
to invite the spirit is to share spiritual experiences. I tell you<br />
what, that really works, I followed that and it invited the spirit and<br />
I know that everyone in that room could feel it. The lady thanked me<br />
afterward for the great conversation and she was gung ho about<br />
missionary work after that. It is so cool to see how the gospel bring<br />
us so much joy into our lives and gives us such fulfillment too. I am<br />
grateful for this gospel and the purpose it gives me in life. If I did<br />
not have it, I would probably be wandering around aimlessly, doing<br />
this and that, without any real purpose behind it. The gospel gives me<br />
that foundation that I need and I know that it is true.<br />
<br />
I love you! Have a great week!<br /> -Elder Hartman1<br />
<br /><br />Questions</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />1. You said to remember to ask you about your president interview<br />
last week when you get home. Tell us at least one thing he said so we<br />
don't forget.<br />
<br />
He just showed me love, it was not so much what he said, but just what<br />
he did and how he helped me.<br />
<br />
2. What is something you will miss about your companions when transfers come?<br />
<br />
The spontaneous craziness. They know how to have a lot of fun :)<br />
<br />
3. Tell us about your hike last week who did you go with, where etc<br />
<br />
It actually was not all that epic. It was just a skiing trail that<br />
went around in a circle. We just went and walked for about 1 1/2 hours<br />
then went to the institute and stayed their for a little bit. The<br />
p-day we have planned today tho is a spiritual p-day. We are meeting<br />
at two at the Stake Center. Every companionship in the zone is doing a<br />
team building activity that relates to a principle of the gospel. We<br />
have about 7-10 minutes to do it. After that, we are going to have a<br />
testimony meeting. It is going to be awesome :)<br />
<br />
4. Have you thought about what kind of car you want when you get home?<br />
<br />
Not really. The Jeep was just awesome, but it does not matter to me<br />
all that much what I get, so long as I at least have something that<br />
gets me from place to place :)<br />
<br />
5. Are you happy? Why or why not.<br />
<br />
Life is good. I am content right now :) Just trying times, lots of<br />
trials, but lots of blessings as well :)<br />
<br />
5. Did you get 3 months of your meds last month? If not go get more.<br />
How are you feeling?<br />
<br />
The ones that Summer sent to me yes. I am feeling good, nothing wrong with me :)<br />
<br />
7. Any news about your camera?<br />
<br />
Not yet, just continuous prayer for it and putting trust in Heavenly Father!<br />
<br />
8. Tell us about your upcoming baptism.<br />
<br />
It is this Saturday at 7 p.m. We are meeting with the family one more<br />
time this week to talk about the baptism (I just realized I did not<br />
talk about this in my weekly letter to y'all!), who she wants to talk,<br />
the songs, go over the interview questions, etc. She wants the<br />
missionaries to do a musical number for her, so we are in the process<br />
of planning that out. It should be good tho! Everything is looking<br />
good.<br />
<br />
9. Do you know we talk about you every day. Several times a day. We<br />
talk about how much we love you and can't wait to be with you again. I<br />
am so happy families are forever!!<br />
<br />
That is great to hear. I really appreciate that :) I think about y'all<br />
a lot too and miss you very much. I still love and take pride in<br />
talking about my family and how awesome everyone is. I too am forever<br />
grateful that I know I am able to spend eternity with my family :)<br />
<br />
10. Why are you up so early today emailing? What are you doing today?<br />
<br />
No reason, we just got here a little earlier. Next week is transfers,<br />
so if I do not e-mail then you know why. Remember that ;) We are doing<br />
the spiritual p-day, as I answered in question 3 :) I love you!<br />
</div>
Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-2726855834606615632012-08-13T15:00:00.001-06:002012-08-13T15:00:22.873-06:00Life is Good<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />Hello!<br />
<br />
Well, yet another week in the missionary life here in Alaska!<br />
<br />
Two of our investigators came to church yesterday. It was so great to<br />
see them, and also a few less active families that we are working with<br />
came as well! I love seeing people come back to church, such a great<br />
feeling. One family that we are working with closely is doing really<br />
well. We meet with them often throughout the week, like 3 - 4 times.<br />
We have a good relationship with them and have a good time when we are<br />
over there. They are just a fun family and they know that we look to<br />
them as our friends. The daughter was a little uneasy towards us at<br />
first, and now, just the other day, she texted us and said we were<br />
welcome there anytime! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes it is not until you look back that<br />
you see how much progress you have made with some people; the change<br />
is so small and slow sometimes that you do no know that they are<br />
actually changing right before your eyes. I really like how when we<br />
visit some people that, although they drink alcohol or smoke - do<br />
things that our standards do not necessarily agree with - we are there<br />
and are casual with them. It is not like we have any right to judge<br />
them on what they are doing. They are all great people too, just have<br />
made some bad choices in life. It is really edifying when people<br />
realize that, that you are there to see them and they know that you<br />
love them.<br />
<br />
We had a zone study this morning. It was pretty good, the<br />
companionships who came seemed to really enjoy it! We studies on teach<br />
when you find, find when you teach and did a lot of real plays. We<br />
said how people are used to short, clear, simple messages and related<br />
it to commercials. Usually commercials are no longer than 30 seconds<br />
because that is how long your attention span lasts for. We are<br />
encouraged to develop the habit of immediately testifying about our<br />
message with those we come into contact with. We did real plays that<br />
lasted for a minute, then 45 seconds, then 40, down until we had only<br />
5 seconds to give a message. Sometimes that is all you have is just a<br />
few seconds to change someones life. Sometimes it is those short, but<br />
powerful statements that have a huge impact on you. I wrote about one<br />
in the questions I answered to mom, you can read it there :)<br />
<br />
Life is good. I feel your prayers and am continually grateful for your<br />
support. Thank you everyone. I love you!<br />
<br />
Love,<span class="ecxHOEnZb"><span style="color: #888888;"><br style="color: black;" /><span style="color: black;">Elder Hartman</span></span></span></div>
Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-89886730955215665142012-08-07T02:18:00.000-06:002012-08-07T02:18:07.669-06:00Baptisms<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello!<br />
<br />
First thing is first: the Zip code for the mission is 99502, not<br />
99512, just some info for ya :)<br />
<br />
The Baptism was a success! Since we were teaching two kids, E. Leota<br />
confirmed one and I confirmed the other the next day in sacrament<br />
meeting. One was a child of record baptism and the other was an<br />
investigators since she was nine. It was my first time confirming<br />
someone. I was a little nervous beforehand, but it went really well<br />
tho, got all of the wording right :)<br />
<br />
We have interviews with Pres. on Friday, I think he is going to give<br />
us some info on what is going to happen with transfers or at least<br />
what he plans on doing. It is always fun to talk to Pres. he is so<br />
awesome. Transfers are slowly sneaking up - still about two weeks<br />
away, but it is just weird to think that this transfer is almost over.<br />
Transfers are going to be on the 28th, so if on the 27th you do not<br />
get an e-mail from me - I am driving down to Anchorage, just a heads<br />
up.<br />
<br />
The work in the area is still moving. We are mainly doing less-active<br />
work right now. We were unable to meet with our other investigators<br />
last week - both were no-shows. Hopefully we will meet with them this<br />
week tho!<br />
<br />
For pday today we are probably just going to be hanging out at the<br />
church - playing sports and writing letters mainly, maybe play some<br />
board games too :)<br />
<br />
We had a good lesson with a former investigator the other day. Had it<br />
outside, near the river on a bench, kinda fun for a change of scenery.<br />
He met with the missionaries a while back, about last year sometime,<br />
and has Jehovah's witness beliefs, very firm in the trinity belief -<br />
all one God, not individual. That is always one that is hard to help<br />
people see a different perspective on, there is only so much you can<br />
do on your part to help them see, but in the end it is always up to<br />
them. Hopefully we meet with him again.<br />
<br />
We watched 17 Miracles with a less-active family the other day. Every<br />
time I watch it, I always feel guilty because the trials that I go<br />
thro are nothing compared to what they went thro. I always have to<br />
strive to be grateful for what they did for us, the sacrifice they<br />
performed in order to bring later generations the greatest blessings.<br />
<br />
Thank you everyone for your prayers and support. I love you very much<br />
and always strive to remember you and the things you do for me! Take<br />
care!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<span class="ecxHOEnZb" style="color: black;"><br />Elder Hartman</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="ecxHOEnZb"><span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">____________________________________________________ </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="ecxHOEnZb"><span style="color: #888888;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Tell us a little bit about your zone council conference you had last week.<br />
<br />
It was good. We mainly just discussed how the work is going in the<br />
zones, the new mission training plan and how to help disobedient<br />
missionaries. Our zone is doing way good, everyone is working really<br />
hard and a lot of people are going to be baptized this month :)<br />
<br />
2. Were all your pictures from your whole mission on your camera?<br />
Did you ever download any of them?<br />
<br />
Yes they were...I downloaded a few, but that was mainly the first six<br />
months of my mission. I am so upset about that still, but will<br />
continue to pray to find it!<br />
<br />
3. What was your favorite day of this week? Why?<br />
<br />
I am not sure....probably either Sunday or Saturday. Those were our<br />
most productive days, we saw a lot of people and had good success.<br />
<br />
4. How do think you have changed since you left on your mission?<br />
<br />
I like to think so - in a good way. I have learned so much and<br />
continue to grow each and every day. The new challenges and trials<br />
that come my way seem to get harder and harder, but every time<br />
afterwards I am always grateful for them. I think I have matured a lot<br />
these last 19 months, the Lord has broken me down and built me back up<br />
to be the person He wants me to be.<br />
<br />
</div>Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-9919236002691124112012-08-02T12:24:00.001-06:002012-08-02T12:24:20.855-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello everyone,<br />
<br />
Brief rundown on why you are getting this weekly letter today: We went<br />
down to Anchorage for Zone Leader Council and were there until this<br />
morning and drove back up and got back a few hours ago. That is why<br />
you are just getting this :)<br />
<br />
I got the package from Summer while I was there. I have not opened it<br />
yet, I will probably wait until tonight to do that :) Thank you<br />
Summer!<br />
<br />
The trip to Anchorage was way good. It was fun seeing some old<br />
companions and missionary friends. I don't know if y'all remember<br />
Elder Meteer; he was my first companion in Whitehorse, and he just<br />
went home yesterday - went home early for school. He is so awesome, I<br />
am missing him so much right now, but I will see him when I get back.<br />
We were both actually wondering if he could maybe stay at our house<br />
during the middle of Dec. when I get home possibly....If not it is<br />
totally fine, but he would stay until my homecoming. If you want his<br />
e-mail I can give it to ya and you can talk to him then :)<br />
<br />
Update on last week: it was the first time on my mission I taught<br />
twenty lessons! 19 months and I hit the missionary standard. We saw a<br />
ton of less actives last week, it was a bomb week. We put another one<br />
of our investigators on date for the 25th of Aug. We are very excited.<br />
We rode bikes all day Saturday, I felt like a real missionary because<br />
that is how everyone kind of pictures missionarys, with the helmet and<br />
backpacks. It was a lot of fun, it was actually our most productive<br />
day too, we taught seven lessons and picked up a new investigator who<br />
wants to be baptized! He (the new investigator) literally called us<br />
last Wednesday (last week) and said he met with the missionarys before<br />
in Alaska but had to go to Colorado for eleven months and is now back<br />
and wants to meet with us again; we wants to know what he has to do to<br />
be baptized. It was a great lesson we had with him, he already has a<br />
testimony of the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith, there is nothing we<br />
need to do other than just commit him :) Our are is definitely picking<br />
up, it is way cool.<br />
<br />
While we were in Anchorage, I worked in the Sand Lake ward a little<br />
bit during the evenings with E. Kvavle (pronounced quively, nothing<br />
like how it looks). Since it was my last area, the people we visited<br />
still remembered me pretty well. It was so nice being back there<br />
again, I miss that area, it was a blast. It is also great to hear<br />
about some of the people you were teaching who got baptized or less<br />
actives that you worked with started coming back to church. I have<br />
really enjoyed all of the areas I have served in on my mission and my<br />
companions too, I have been very blessed :)<br />
<br />
On a sad note: I lost my camera!!!!!! You have no idea how incredibly<br />
upset I am over that....It is going to bother me forever. I looked and<br />
looked and looked and could not find it. I lost it while in Anchorage.<br />
We looked all over the apartment we stayed at and everything. I am so<br />
frustrated. I was so excited to show everyone the pictures I had and<br />
tell the stories behind them....ugh. Hopefully it turns up sometime! I<br />
have been praying really hard to find it. I will let you know if I<br />
do...<br />
<br />
It is scary to see missionarys who have been out were out on their<br />
mission just a little bit longer than me start going home. I have to<br />
start thinking about school and life after the mission now. It does<br />
scare me quite a lot - hopefully I am not awkward or anything. Next<br />
time we go to the temple, I will probably start focusing and praying<br />
on a career and school. I hope I have a smooth transition with it all!<br />
<br />
That is all for this week! Thank you everyone for your consistent<br />
prayers and support throughout my mission. You have no idea how much<br />
it they have helped me endure thro it and make the most of it. I love<br />
you all and thank you sincerely for it.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<span class="ecxHOEnZb"><span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">Elder Hartman 1</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="ecxHOEnZb"><span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. What was your favorite thing that happened this week?<br />
<br />
Going down to Anchorage for Zone Leader Council and seeing some old<br />
companions and missionary friends :) we also visited the Sand Lake<br />
ward - my last area - for a little bit, got to see some members, it<br />
was way fun :)<br />
<br />
2. I'm so happy you finally got your meds. How are you feeling overall?<br />
<br />
Pretty good, a few pains in my side every now and then, but nothing<br />
too big tho. Doing great :)<br />
<br />
3. What are you doing today for pday?<br />
<br />
Well, it is Wednesday because we drove down to Anchorage early on<br />
Monday morning and we were there until today - we just got back about<br />
an hour and a half ago. Today tho, we are working in our area and<br />
planning a baptism that we are going to have this weekend :)<br />
<br />
4. Did you meet Heather and her family yet? I guess they are living<br />
with Jill while they redo their house?<br />
<br />
No I have not. I will let you know when I do.<span></span><br />
<br />
6. At his point in you mission what rule would you say is hardest for<br />
you? why?<br />
<br />
Always staying within sight and sound of your companion. I like to<br />
have some Peace every now and then ;) imagine that haha<br />
<br />
7. You said one of the issues you had in your current area was<br />
getting the trust of your members - weren't your 2 companions in the<br />
same area for the past 6 or so months? Why is that still an issue?<br />
<br />
I honestly am not sure. It is getting better tho, the bishop is really<br />
taking a liking to us it seems like. We saw a ton of less actives last<br />
week - twenty two to be exact - and some of them were ones that the<br />
ward has not had contact with for almost a few years now :)<br />
<br />
8. Is their a gospel princiiple that is currently on your mind<br />
lately? If so what?<br />
<br />
There are always a lot of them on my mind actually, but I would say<br />
hope. That is still something I am trying to work on right now the<br />
most. I try to find something to hope for in the future - especially<br />
when times are hard.<br />
<br />
9. Any more thoughts on school when you get home? What? Where?<br />
Living where? Should we get Mikelle to get you registered - do you<br />
want to pick your classes or should we get you signed up for some of<br />
your basics?<br />
<br />
I want to go back to UVU I am pretty sure. I am not sure where I will<br />
live yet to be honest. If I can find some roommates then I will<br />
probably live with them, but if not I hope it will be okay if I live<br />
at home for a little bit. I am not sure about the classes yet. I think<br />
I need some more time for that one - ask me again in the future tho<br />
please :)<br />
<br />
10. What kind of companion do you think you will be remembered as on<br />
your mission?<br />
<br />
I really have no idea. Probably the one who loves Unicorns :)<br />
seriously, I have a ton of Unicorn stuff it is crazy, but I love it.<br />
<span class="ecxHOEnZb"><span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></div>Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-60502190406383569502012-07-23T14:44:00.001-06:002012-07-23T14:44:36.508-06:00Happiness Lies Within...<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi, hello,<br />
<br />
Well, to be honest I am not quite sure what to write about. I always<br />
do my weekly letter home after I answer everyone else on e-mails back.<br />
I feels like I am repeating myself when I say some of the stories or<br />
thoughts I have had throughout the week, but that is okay.<br />
<br />
This week went swell, we got a lot of work done in our area. That<br />
always feels good. Saw a lot of less actives. We are going to start<br />
helping a family with going to the temple. We are going to set up some<br />
goals for them and help get them started. I really hope they are able<br />
to make it and put forth their effort so they can enjoy the richest<br />
blessings that are in store for them. They have come a long way from<br />
where they were. Throughout our time meeting with them, we have really<br />
seen how the gospel has blessed their lives and as they have made an<br />
effort to come to church, there is really a difference on the days<br />
they are able to make it and the days they miss it. It is such a<br />
blessing to see the fruits of your labor as a missionary.<br />
<br />
On Saturday, it was E. Merrills birthday. For those who forgot, I<br />
served with him in Klatt in Anchorage when I first got back from<br />
Whitehorse last November. We went out, bought some ice cream for him<br />
and a few little decorations and had a little surprise party for him.<br />
We ended up sitting in their apartment for a half hour waiting for<br />
them because they kept on getting calls from people who had stuff for<br />
them. It was great to see his reaction tho, he was really surprised<br />
and happy to see us. Making people smile always brings you those warm<br />
fuzzies. I wrote him a letter, I figured that was the best thing I<br />
could do for him. It made me realize, as I was writing it, that life<br />
really is not about yourself at all, it is always about other people.<br />
Thank you dad for hammering that into my head :) I read a talk by<br />
Pres. Faust, a BYU devotional he gave I think in 1999; it is called<br />
'Our Search for Happiness.' It was such a great talk, y'all should<br />
definitely read that when you get a chance, it is so good. At one<br />
point in it, he said 'the key to happiness lies within the dimension<br />
of the heart.' When I read that, I remembered another quote: 'the mind<br />
is enriched by what it receives, the heart by what it gives.' How true<br />
that is. If we want to experience true happiness in this life, we must<br />
recognize what we have to offer others, what talents we have that we<br />
can recognize then use to bless the lives of those around us. When I<br />
look at dad, I see someone who has recognized and utilized his talent<br />
to the fullest. I always saw dad happy. That is what I wanted. I have<br />
realized that I must give my heart to everyone if I want this<br />
happiness for myself. In giving our self to others, we find ourselves.<br />
<br />
There is my thoughts for the week! I love you all! Thank you!<br />
<br />
Love,<br /> -Elder Hartman1<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Did you pick up your medicine?<br />
<br />
I love how this is the first question, but that is because I expected<br />
it to be :) and yes I did get my medicine, I am good for the next<br />
while now :)<br />
<br />
2. How is Fairbanks? How about the ward and people? What do you<br />
like about it best and least?<br />
<br />
I honestly think you have asked me this question almost every week<br />
that I have been in Fairbanks hahaha. I love it here, it is so great<br />
:) we are still working the ward in getting their trust. We are going<br />
to start teaching more Active Member Lessons, which we should have<br />
been doing this whole time. I love the less actives. I am not sure<br />
what I like least about it to be honest...<br />
<br />
3. How are your companions? You said you<br />
really like your zone - why?<br />
<br />
Doing great! I love them :) I love the zone because we are all pretty<br />
close knit, we work close to each other and are kind of, in a way, in<br />
our own little world up here :)<br />
<br />
4. Any investigators after the fireside last week?<br />
<br />
Not yet, which is surprising. We were hoping that a lot of referrals<br />
would come, but not yet. Everyone who came really enjoyed it tho! Even<br />
if we only helped one person from that, it was worth it :)<br />
<br />
5. Utah was unbearable hot while we were there - is it still hot<br />
there? When does it start cooling down?<br />
<br />
It has been overcast the last little while. It will start cooling down<br />
here pretty soon I think, we are losing more and more light. It got to<br />
75 ish the other day, it was pretty dang warm, mainly because the sun<br />
was out. I think in September it will start cooling down pretty fast.<br />
<br />
6. You said last week there are some big changes coming next<br />
transfer. What did you mean by that?<br />
<br />
I was thinking more in our companionship. Mainly because E. Na'a has<br />
been here for six months and with Pres. Beesley, that is pretty rare<br />
for someone to stay in an area for that long. He also said in our last<br />
interviews that E. Leota will be leaving because he has been with E.<br />
Na'a for 7 1/2 months now and he cannot be with him forever.<br />
<br />
7. Do you know why you are still in a threesome - is it numbers,<br />
language, what? Are there any other threesomes in your mission?<br />
<br />
President does not like trios, there are not a whole lot in the<br />
mission, I think just two others. We help him a lot with the language,<br />
he has made a lot of progress :) mainly it is language I would say.<br />
<br />
8. what was the best thing that happened this week?<br />
<br />
When we found our Zone Leader book :)<br />
<br />
9. What was the worst thing that happened this week?<br />
<br />
When we first lost our Zone Leader book haha.<br />
<br />
10. What new principal did you learn this week - or what was the most<br />
spiritual experience you had. Tell us about it.<br />
<br />
Always having faith in the Lord, throughout the whole trial. We lost<br />
our zone leader book, as I mentioned earlier, on Thursday and could<br />
not find it! The last place we both KNEW we had it was at the<br />
institute. We looked there over and over again. We called everyone and<br />
kept on searching for it, literally the whole day. We were getting<br />
irritated and could figure out how it disappeared. Later that night,<br />
we prayed and asked the Lord for help. I got the assurance that we<br />
will find it, more specifically before Monday morning we would find<br />
it. I asked the Lord what I needed to do and I heard 'patience.' I<br />
just needed to wait on the Lord and put my trust in him. The week went<br />
on. Still no luck with finding the book. My faith was starting to<br />
waver a little bit I will be honest, but we kept on going. Sunday<br />
came, still not luck. Sunday night came and still no luck. The cool<br />
thing was I was clam throughout this whole time. Around 10:25 last<br />
night (Sunday) we were sitting there and told some Elders that are<br />
staying with us for the day that we lost our Zone Leader book, just<br />
casual conversation. 'It's in the back of our car.' E. Na'a and I<br />
about lost it. It was the greatest night ever :) I learned from it<br />
that the hardest part of trials is always the end, that is the part<br />
where you are really tested to see if you have faith or not. There is<br />
my story for the week! :)<br />
<br />
11. Did you get you package this week? Now we are back here they<br />
will slow down a bit - I do have your monthly pkgs. ready to mail at<br />
home. Is there anything you want or need me to have Summer put in<br />
them?<br />
<br />
I did get it, just not from the post office yet, I have the slip and<br />
everything. Just snacks to put in their, anything is fine :) maybe<br />
like granola bars or something. :)<br />
</div>
<br />Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-43673403559160831872012-07-16T17:29:00.000-06:002012-07-16T17:29:08.047-06:00Finding My Purpose<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />Hello everyone,<br />
<br />
This week was great, a little stressful at times setting up for the<br />
fireside, but overall it went really well and was a great success. I<br />
already sent mom and Summer the link for the fireside, but if you want<br />
to watch it, here it is: <a href="http://fairbanksstake.org/" target="_blank">http://fairbanksstake.org/</a> I am on the far,<br />
top right of the group. My two companions are the two polys, just so<br />
you have a visual. The spirit was so strong during it, especially when<br />
Pres. Duval finished it off. I love it when Pres. Beesley talks, he is<br />
so solid!<br />
<br />
We had some good lessons this week. Taught one of our investigators<br />
about obedience using the swords that mom sent (thank you mom!), they<br />
were a huge help. We showed them how the swords are always pointing<br />
up, towards Heavenly Father, when you hold them. We then related it to<br />
the scriptures when it says to take upon 'the sword of the spirit,<br />
which is the word of God.' We told them how it is important to read<br />
the scriptures and as we are obedient in doing so, we will be<br />
protected from harm and danger. It was a lot better in person than<br />
trying to describe it over an e-mail I promise, but it was fun<br />
nonetheless.<br />
<br />
A lot of times on the mission, I feel like I am not a success at all<br />
and I am not serving Heavenly Father in a pleasing way. It has taken<br />
me a while to realize what my purpose is as a missionary, which I<br />
thought was kind of weird. I think there are a lot of lessons you<br />
learn on a mission that just come over time. I think really realizing<br />
what your purpose is is one of them. As missionaries we invite others<br />
to come unto Christ. The word that stands out to me is 'others', I<br />
never realized who that was, I always thought it was investigators and<br />
less actives when I first came out. The other day, I was talking to E.<br />
Adams, my MTC companion who just went AP actually, and he was saying<br />
how he is just starting to get it; he is just starting to get<br />
missionary work. The word 'others' in that statement includes everyone<br />
except you. A mission is two years of service to the Lord. It is cool<br />
to me how you lose yourself in the work and yet you find yourself in<br />
it. As we lose ourselves in the service to others, although we are not<br />
thinking about ourselves, we are the ones who are learning the most<br />
from it. I still am doing my best to learn to put other people before<br />
myself and truly serving them in a loving, charitable way. I read some<br />
scriptures the other day about charity that have turned into some of<br />
my favorite verses in the scriptures, in my favorite chapter in the<br />
Book of Mormon, Ether 12:32-34. I cannot tell you how much I love<br />
those verses, that whole chapter even. I have a long way to go and a<br />
lot to learn. Thank you everyone for showing me what charity is and<br />
making life about others, not myself. I love you!<br />
<br />
Love,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elder Hartman 1</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. How was your missionary fireside? What aw it about? Who spoke?<br />
How many we're ther? Tell us about it.<br />
<br />
It was a great success, a lot of people showed up and the talks were<br />
just phenomenal! You can watch it on <a href="http://fairbanksstake.org/" target="_blank">http://fairbanksstake.org/</a> I am<br />
on the far top right, hopefully I do not look like an idiot ;) The<br />
whole chapel was full. Two recent converts spoke, then Pres. Beesley,<br />
then Pres. Duval, the Stake President. We sang a few musicals, which<br />
you can watch. It was so spiritual overall, I love it when Pres.<br />
Beesley talks, he is the best mission Pres. ever!!<br />
<br />
2. Did you find out anything about transfer yet - when the president came?<br />
<br />
Ya, I will be staying in Fairbanks for another transfer with the same<br />
companions. There was a few changes in the zone, but not too much.<br />
Next transfer there will be a ton of changes.<br />
<br />
3. You didn't tell us one reason you are in a threesome aws because<br />
one of your comp. didn't speak much English! How is that going? Did<br />
you find out when you will be spitting up? How is the companionship<br />
going now?<br />
<br />
It is going pretty good, I am learning bits and pieces of Samoan, so<br />
he can feel more comfortable with me. His English is doing great tho,<br />
much better than when he first came out. We will probably be for sure<br />
splitting up next transfer. Our companionship now is doing great, I<br />
love it.<br />
<br />
4. We heard you had to cancel your dinner plans with Jill. Did you<br />
reschedule yet? If so when?<br />
<br />
No we did not reschedule yet, we have been super busy to take time to<br />
see when we can next. Our day is crazy right now; E. Na'a headed down<br />
to Anchorage for transfers, to pick up some new missionaries while I<br />
stay behind and manage things here.<br />
<br />
5. Tell the truth.....how often have you been skipping pills? Will<br />
you promise me you will pick up a refill today!?<br />
<br />
For a few days, I literally realized I was out on Saturday and was<br />
going to e-mail you and tell you today. I will get a refill today,<br />
yes. I just need the ones I told you about, I am good on the other<br />
ones for a while still.<br />
<br />
6. The train ride sounded like lots of fun. Aaything else fun planned?<br />
<br />
Not at the moment no. Just sports for today probably.<br />
<br />
7. What was the best thing that happened this past week?<br />
<br />
The missionary fireside. It was awesome :)<br />
<br />
8. Have you talked to your president at all yet about coming home?<br />
Will you or would you like us to call the mission home ad ask? Ant<br />
more thoughts on classes you want us to sign you up for? We could<br />
probably sell your housing contract. Do you want us to try and do<br />
that?<br />
<br />
I think the release date he has for us is around December 17th if I<br />
remember correctly, he is planning on sending us home before Christmas<br />
for sure this year. He is so awesome. If you want to talk to him about<br />
a release date, I gave his cell # to dad in a e-mail. I really have no<br />
idea on classes I want to take to be honest, just generals really. I<br />
am still trying to make sure that I want to major in Exercise Science<br />
and if Physical Therapy is something I want to pursue. What do you<br />
mean by selling my housing contract?<br />
<br />
9. What would you say is your biggest struggle in Fairbanks? what<br />
is your favorite thing about this area?<br />
<br />
Getting good relationships with the members. Helping them be more<br />
missionary minded. I love the less actives here, they are so great. A<br />
lot of them tell us what they need help with, we just need the active<br />
members to support us.<br />
<br />
10. Did you get your packages yet? How did you like them? The capt.<br />
Moroni one? Did you use any of them with kids there? If so tell us<br />
about it.<br />
<br />
I got the capt. Moroni one, yes. I loved it. I used the swords for a<br />
lesson we taught to one of our young investigators. It was a very<br />
successful lesson, they loved it. Thank you! I related the swords to<br />
obedience. I showed the kids how the swords are always pointing up<br />
when they hold them, meaning they are pointing to God because He is<br />
above us. We are supposed to hold to the word of God, which at one<br />
point in the scriptures is related to as a sword. I told them as we<br />
are obedient to Heavenly Father, we will be protected by reading our<br />
scriptures. It was fun :) Hopefully this all makes sense...<br />
<br />
Be sure to tell me how the trip to Africa went! Hopefully y'all made<br />
it there safe and sound :)<br />
</div>Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-82241060298588810932012-07-11T18:40:00.001-06:002012-07-11T18:40:05.339-06:00Traveling by Train<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello friends and family!<br />
<br />
I am sorry for not writing a good letter last week, I did not have a<br />
whole lot of time to write a decent one. Reason why I am writing an<br />
e-mail today is because yesterday we went on a train ride for p-day.<br />
It was from eight in the morning 'till eight at night. It was from<br />
Fairbanks to the Denali national park. You ride on the train four<br />
hours, there and back, which is why it takes so long. It normally<br />
costs 100$ per person one way, but we were able to get a deal to go<br />
for free! A member in one of the wards here blessed us with that :)<br />
Everyone in our zone except for one companionship went. We took tons<br />
of pictures, it was beautiful. The problem with taking pictures in<br />
Alaska is that they never do it justice, Alaska is an experience, a<br />
place you have to see with your own eyes. On the way down we just<br />
enjoyed the ride, took pics, and ate breakfast - we brought our own.<br />
Once we got there, we went on a hike. It was a really easy hike, we<br />
just went to a small lake and took more pictures there. We hiked back,<br />
walked around the park for a little bit, and then went on the train<br />
ride back. We played some songs for all of the people who were on the<br />
train, sang a lot of hymns (got to do your missionary work!) and at<br />
the end of the ride, we all sang 'God be with you 'till we meet<br />
again.' It was so sweet.<br />
<br />
Fairbanks is doing awesome. We are having a missionary fireside this<br />
Sunday for all of Fairbanks. We are going to have four musicals and<br />
three speakers: Pres. Beesley (our mission president), Pres. DuVal<br />
(our stake president) and a recent convert of about four months. It is<br />
going to be so awesome, hopefully it helps spark the missionary work<br />
here! President will be coming up Thursday night with the APs so we<br />
will probably find out what is going on with transfers Friday if not<br />
that night. We will also be most likely driving down to Anchorage next<br />
Monday or Tuesday for transfers, so if I do not e-mail on Monday, that<br />
is why.<br />
<br />
My studies have been going awesome these last few weeks. I have been<br />
learning so much and always love studying out of the scriptures. There<br />
are tons of things I want to share with y'all, some of it is so cool!<br />
I found tho, that my most edifying studies are the ones I do out of<br />
Preach My Gospel, probably because that is one that is the most<br />
applicable right now. It is always a solid study when I base it off<br />
that.<br />
<br />
Know that I love each and everyone of you! Sorry to the people whom I<br />
have not written back yet, I have not had the most time on the p-days<br />
to write a decent letter back! Sorry!<br />
<br />
Love,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elder Hartman<br /><br />1. What was the best thing that happened to you this week?<br />
<br />
Probably the train ride we did yesterday for p-day, it was a blast! I<br />
took tons of videos and pictures. It was just what I needed. The<br />
scenery was breath taking along with the gorgeous weather on top of<br />
it. The thing with Alaska is that it is an experience, pictures will<br />
never do it justice.<br />
<br />
2. When are your next transfers?<br />
<br />
Next week. We are having a missionary fireside on Sunday, however, to<br />
help spark the work here in Fairbanks. Pres. and the APs are coming up<br />
on Thursday, so we will know where we are going by then most likely. I<br />
am always so anxious to find out.<br />
<br />
3. You had a ZLC last week. What was the theme? What did you learn?<br />
When is your next zone conference? Do you decide the topic? What is<br />
it going to be on?<br />
<br />
I would not say there was a 'theme' really, just discussed how the<br />
zones are doing and the mission overall. It was Zone Leader Council,<br />
not Zone Conference, just in case you got them mixed up ;) our next<br />
Zone Conference is probably going to be late August or early<br />
September, not quite sure yet.<br />
<br />
4. You said you really like your zone right now. Why? Do you have<br />
sisters in it? What do you do as a zone?<br />
<br />
We do have sisters in our zone, just one companionship; Sis. Chan, who<br />
is from Hong Kong, China, total Yellow; and Sis. Burbank, who is from<br />
Bountiful, Utah.<br />
<br />
5. what did you end up doing on the 4th of July?<br />
<br />
Going to a BBQ and a family house party. It was delicious :) got a<br />
good taste of some quality southern grillin'.<br />
<br />
6. Are you teaching anyone right now?<br />
<br />
Yes, a lot of kids actually, which can be a little tricky at times. It<br />
is incredibly hard to teach really simple - on a level that a child<br />
can understand. We have about...five investigators in our teaching<br />
pool right now I want to say.<br />
<br />
7. Did you do anything fun this week? Tell us about it.<br />
<br />
The train ride on p-day. I wrote you a letter actually, I sent it<br />
yesterday, not quite sure when it will get to you, but I elaborated on<br />
it a little bit in that :)<br />
<br />
8. What are you doing for pday?<br />
<br />
The train ride haha :)<br />
<br />
9. How are you doing with your companions this week? ( i love your<br />
attitude and how you work on yoursellf)<br />
<br />
Doing really well, we are getting along and things are going well. I<br />
still have a lot of things I need to work on, so still being refined I<br />
guess is how you could put it :)<br />
<br />
10. How are you on meds?<br />
<br />
Great :) do not need a refill yet.<br />
<br />
11. Please send your address so we can google you.<br />
<br />
624 Cushmen, I believe...<br />
<br />
12. Did you get your packages? Which protein bars did you like? How<br />
did you like the other little packages?<br />
<br />
I got one package that I can recall, the one with all of the protein<br />
bars. I really liked the jay bar and the vega sport ones, they were so<br />
good, thank you so much!!! I am not sure if I have already gotten the<br />
'other packages' yet tho...<br /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-Elder Hartman1</div>Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-6712771903858067182012-07-03T13:55:00.002-06:002012-07-03T13:55:59.181-06:00Letter to Dad & Questions from Mom<div style="text-align: center;">
Questions<br /><br /><div class="ecxim">
1. Tell us about Fairbanks now that you have been there a while.<br />
What do you like? Dislike?<br />
<br />
</div>
It is still way too hot. I love the zone and how much our unity is<br />
building. We are still trying to build good relationships the ward<br />
right now, that may take some time. I love the scenery of Fairbanks,<br />
some of the drives are just gorgeous! A place that you definitely have<br />
to visit in the Summer.<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
2. Tells us about your companions. What color are they? How ,long<br />
have they been out? Were they companions before you got there? I<br />
always hear a threesome is hard. Do you agree? Why or why not.<br />
<br />
</div>
I am not 100% sure on their personalities yet, but I think that E.<br />
Na'a is a Blue with Red or Red with Blue. E. Leota is a Yellow with<br />
Blue I believe. E. Na'a has been out for twenty months and E. Leota<br />
has been out for eleven months. They were companions before they got<br />
here, yes. It always depends on your companion, whether or not a trio<br />
is hard. It is tricky with certain things, like having member presents<br />
at lessons or tracting. It is fun tho, an interesting dynamic that is<br />
for sure.<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
3. Did you move since you got there? What is your place like? Do you<br />
know the address yet?<br />
<br />
</div>
I do not know the address yet, sorry. Yes, we did move, the new place<br />
is so hot, we often sleep without the sheets on at night to stay cool<br />
and have two fans going.<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
4. What do you think about Rands idea to shadow someone?<br />
<br />
</div>
I think it is a great idea, one that I will definitely do when I get<br />
back; I need to decide on what I want to do for a career and I really<br />
think that will help.<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
5. What are you doing for the 4th of July? Anything special?<br />
<br />
</div>
Not that we know of yet. Probably going to some big activities and<br />
events to get our image out there.<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
6. How are the members in your ward? Is it an older or younger ward?<br />
Do they feed you most of the time?<br />
<br />
</div>
Seems more older. They feed us on and off, more on the off side I<br />
would say. Like I said earlier: we are still building our<br />
relationships with them.<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
7. How is it going for you with no nights - mostly all sunshine? It<br />
was 102 here today! Are you adjusting to the hot weather there?<br />
<br />
</div>
Trying to adjust to the hot weather still, I have no idea how I will<br />
survive in the desert of Utah, but we will cross that bridge when we<br />
come to it. It is not problem sleeping at night, I usually go to bed<br />
really tired anyways :)<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
8. What was the funniest thing you did this week?<br />
<br />
</div>
It usually takes too long to write out some of the funny things that<br />
happen during the weeks. I will have to tell you all of the funny<br />
stories when I get back - plus I cannot think of anything right now :)<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
9. Do you have any questions for us?<br />
<br />
</div>
It is hard for me to focus right now because I am e-mailing at the<br />
mission home and other missionaries are talking, so I do not have any<br />
questions at the moment.<br />
<div class="ecxim">
<br />
10. Did you get the packages we sent? The one with the protein bars<br />
- be sure and tell us which ones you like if you want more of them.<br />
<br />
</div>
They were sent up to Fairbanks last week, but we are in Anchorage<br />
right now for ZLC, so I will get them when we go back :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dear Dad - <br /><br />This transfer has been an interesting one, it was very challenging at<br />
first due to cultural differences, but now, after studying the Christ<br />
Like attribute of Charity and love, it has been so much better.<br />
<br />
The biggest lesson that I have learned from you - and hands down the<br />
most important in my opinion - is to not make life about yourself, but<br />
to make life about others. After doing my best to embrace that (still<br />
much room for improvement) it has made the biggest difference in the<br />
world.<br />
<br />
I am always praying for you and for a speedy recovery for you, it is<br />
always so nice to hear about your health returning rapidly, I hope you<br />
get to go back to Africa soon and get back to work, they need you out<br />
there.<br />
<br />
A cool experience I had the other night while praying; during my<br />
personal prayer before I retired to bed, I was thanking Heavenly<br />
Father for all of the blessings in my life and doing my best to<br />
recognize His hand in this work. As I kept on praying, a little vision<br />
went thro my mind. You and I were up at our cabin in Sundance -<br />
probably my most favorite place in the world - just out walking<br />
enjoying the weather. It was a clear blue sky day and we were out at<br />
the park down the street where the kids often to play. You and I<br />
walked there and sat down and just started talking about our missions<br />
and the things we learned. I have a big regret: not having those<br />
conversations with you and not being nearly as considerate to you in<br />
times past as I should have been. I have learned from my mistakes now<br />
tho and could never thank you enough for the invaluable lessons you<br />
have taught me in my life. I look forward to having those awesome<br />
conversations with you and just talking about anything and everything<br />
with you - the best dad in the world. I look forward to those days<br />
where just you and I are kicking it, it will be such a blast :) I love<br />
you dad!<br />
</div>
<br />Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82995223470417147.post-80990790354382763352012-06-25T14:47:00.005-06:002012-06-25T14:47:48.522-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello everyone,<br />
<br />
First thing: when mailing stuff up here do NOT use the P O box. I<br />
guess the postal service gets mad when mail is sent there. Sis.<br />
Campbell, one of the senior couples who works in the office, called<br />
and told me.<br />
<br />
Yes, I am still a ZL, hopefully for not too much longer tho, I like<br />
just being a normal missionary and being able to really focus on the<br />
area that I am serving in. We have four exchanges lined up for this<br />
week. They are only going to be 1-8 pm exchanges because we have so<br />
many trainers and want to see how they are all doing before we go down<br />
to Anchorage for ZLC again so we have an update to give.<br />
<br />
This week was a little rough, we did two exchanges so time was not on<br />
our side. The highlight of it was when we went OYMing at the festival<br />
for the Summer Solastace. I managed to talk to I think 40+ people. I<br />
really do not know if that is good for an hour and a half of trying to<br />
talk to people, it was pretty much my third or fourth time<br />
legitimately doing it, but it was a blast nonetheless. Gave away a lot<br />
of Mormon.org cards and some pamphlets. I am sure my approaches were<br />
aweful, but I did manage to meet some wonderful people. I was also<br />
used to rejection very quickly as well. Some buddhist woman took out a<br />
crab and started chanting something at us, we figured she was not<br />
interested :)<br />
<br />
Life is going good, loving my mission; growing closer to Christ every<br />
day, some days better than others. I have had some real spiritual<br />
experiences while writing in my journal lately. There are a lot of<br />
entries I will have to show ya'll, I love looking back on them and am<br />
so grateful I have kept a journal. There are so many things I have<br />
forgotten so quickly, but when I read back over that passage, the<br />
memory is refreshed :)<br />
<br />
Love ya'll, thank you again!<br />
<br />
Love,<br /> -Elder Hartman1</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
========================================================= </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Did you talk to Elder Kolicker again? Too bad you didn't know he<br />
came from Africa.<br />
<br />
No, I did not. I did know he came from Africa actually and he even<br />
mentioned he knew both of ya'll haha, sorry, forgot to mention that in<br />
the last letter I think ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
2. Are you still a zone leader? I am assuming because you had to go<br />
for zone leadership training to Anchorage. By the way how did you get<br />
there? Fly? Drive? How long did it take to get there?<br />
<br />
Yes ma'am I am. We drove down to Anchorage, beautiful drive, loved it.<br />
It takes about six hours to drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks. I have<br />
some pics, but I keep forgetting either my camera or my little chord<br />
connector thingy or both. I will probably end up showing you all of<br />
the awesome pics after my mission haha.<br />
<br />
<br />
3. What was the best thing that happened this week?<br />
<br />
When we went OYMing. It felt so good to be out and doing my part in<br />
inviting others to come unto Christ. I felt really accomplished that<br />
day.<br />
<br />
<br />
4. How are you liking Fairbanks now? What do you like about it?<br />
What don't you like?<br />
<br />
I like it. It is super hot up here tho, way too hot; it got up to I<br />
think 87 degrees the other day while we were tracting, I felt as if I<br />
was going to pass out. I am, however, getting a nice tan again :)<br />
<br />
<br />
5. Did you get to participate in the summer solustice? If so tell us about it.<br />
<br />
No unfortunately, but a fun fact: there is a contest to see who has<br />
the best outfit, we did not get to see a whole lot unfortunately<br />
because we were not there during the evening. I talked to a storm<br />
trooper and a Sith Lord, it was sweet :)<br />
<br />
<br />
6. How are the companionships going? Why are you in a threesome for<br />
so long? Isn't that unusual?<br />
<br />
They seem to be going really well, everyone seems to be getting along<br />
from what we can see. I have no idea why I am in a trio for so long,<br />
it is weird to think this is my third one in a row - not due to<br />
anything I have done I assure you ;) It is unusual to be in a trio, I<br />
know that President does not like trios all that much. I think this<br />
next transfer this trio will change.<br />
<br />
<br />
7. Where are you living? It sounded like a members home. How is it<br />
there? Describe you apt.<br />
<br />
We were living with members, but now we are living in our own place<br />
now. It is way too hot inside of it, we sleep with out any sheets and<br />
two fans going.<br />
<br />
<br />
8. Did you know Brad Davis? I told you last week we were supposed to<br />
see him this week in Angola. Did you know about Ashley?<br />
<br />
I did not know about Brad - I know who he is, really nice guy.<br /> I knew Ashley wanted to serve a mission - I had no idea she got her<br />
call tho! That is so exciting! Try and get her address for me so I can<br />
congragulate her. It is a shame I will not get to see her before she<br />
leaves...<br />
<br />
<br />
9. The Woods said "the church is truer in Fairbanks". Do you agree or<br />
disagree. By the way did you tell the people there hello from them?<br />
Remember he was the stake president there that we told you about.<br />
<br />
I have no opinion regarding the matter. I have not told the people<br />
hello from the woods here yet, I apologize. I totally forgot he was<br />
the Stake Pres. up here.<br />
<br />
<br />
10. What was the most spiritual thing that has happened in Fairbanks?<br />
Tell us about it.<br />
<br />
I am not sure if you mean for the zone or for the companionship we are<br />
in. I cannot think of the most spiritual thing that has happened for<br />
Fairbanks this week, but I did have a very spiritual experience<br />
writing in my journal. There are a lot of journal entries I have to<br />
show you, they would take too long writing out or talking about.<br />
<br />-
-Elder Hartman1 </div>
<br />Terrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12933542454251180013noreply@blogger.com0