12/21/2011

Hey Everyone!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Well, I'm glad that you were able to watch the video! That is good that the girls loved it! Can you put it on the Blog at all? I actually forgot that I sent it. So yes, we did have a Ward Christmas Party, It was really good! we had it last Saturday and a lot of people showed up to it! we had a lady from the Philippians come, she is a nice lady, she is friends with a member here so we gave her a Tagalog Book of Mormon. There was a lot of food there at the party too, we took quite a bit of left overs with us. The Primary had sang a Christmas song too, it was really good, it's amazing when they sing, you can literally feel a difference in that room. It felt as if the spirit grew a exceeding amount and brought a huge smile to me. Children can do so many miracles! So that Santa that was in the picture is actually the man that we have been helping out with building his house. He is a really nice guy as well. Always willing to give. Sorry that you couldn't go to the Christmas party, but I'm glad that you still had a good time.

So for church next week, we only have Sacrament to go to so we will be getting out at 11:00 my time which is 9:00 your time, I may call later on in the afternoon for you, just to give you all time to get the presents out of the way. Thank you for Laurens number, I already knew it seeing that it was only one number away from mine, but a reminder helps. I'll be sure to call her but I have no clue how long I can talk to her. Oh, and to answer your question, No, we cannot Skype unless I am from a different country. In a way, I'm happy that I don't have to Skype, It may be to hard for me. Are you all excited for Christmas? I hope so, Being on a mission during the holidays really makes me appreciate the true meaning of Christmas. It seems that a lot of people forget what it's all about. Yes, being with family during this time is fantastic but when we put Christ in Christmas, I really enjoy it more.

The Colts won? Yes!!! That really brings me into a better mood! I heard that Manning is starting to throw now, I hope that he will be better for next season. This week for us was good, we were able to see a few people this week. We met with a new investigator of ours twice this week. She just get married to a member and she seems interested in the Gospel. Well we taught her the Restoration and she understood it quite well. She remembers learning about it in the past, we taught her the Plan of Salvation on Friday and she said: "Yes! This makes sense! This is how life should be! Not just Heaven or Hell, but more than that!" I was quite happy and surprised to hear that, we invited her to be baptized and she said that it would be something that she would defiantly consider, so it's not a yes or a no but she wants to know more before she makes the definite answer. She comes to church all the time and loves it. Her husband one week was really tired and wanted to go home after Sacrament and asked her if she wanted to go home early and said no! Yeah! the non member telling the member what is right!!! How about that!?!? For the most part, that was the highlight of my week, we visited a less active man and he has gotten into a bit of anti literature so he was asked a few questions that we didn't have a problem answering, he also randomly asked questions that were really ridiculous. I thought to myself: "Did he really just ask me that?" But I never got angry, he was curious and has every right to ask questions.

That is great news that the Missionaries back at home brought someone like that to church, he needs a really good fellowshipper but I'm sure they are on that already. I better get going, I love you all, I hope that EVERYONE has a verry Merry Christmas! and I'll talk to you on Sunday!!

Love always,

Elder Daniel Stuart

12/14/2011

Hello!

That is awesome to hear that you are starting a new job next month, even tho its just a temp job. Mom! Prayers get answered fast. This is especially good because there are many people out there that are begging for jobs right now are are having no success what so ever. I see it all the time out here and it is incredibly sad. Hopefully that will help with the wedding a bit. So how is the Weather there? Remember when I told you last time that it has not snowed yet? Well, when we left the library, there was snow! I couldn't believe it! It only stayed for about 2 days then It melted. But it has been staying frosty in the mornings! But by the afternoon, it hits about 50 degrees. We really have interesting weather here. Is it snowing there? Is Lauren Skiing a lot? If so, Then she is very lucky... I miss that so much. Elder Payne snowboards a lot so we have many debates about this. I actually was not able to see the Christmas devotional last week, I had no way of seeing it. Everyone tells me that it was really good.

Elder Payne and I get along very well. He is probably one of the funniest kids that I have ever met before! We have a lot in common and in some areas we don't, it's funny, we sometimes argue over the dumbest things, it sounds like we are a old couple. It's pretty ridiculous, he's awesome tho. It's funny, he told me the other day: " Man, Elder Stuart, I've never worked this hard before in my entire mission! Could you slow down a bit!?" I told him: What are you talking about? I thought this was slow." We had a pretty good week this week! We are starting to see a lot of less-actives, there are a lot in the area! So that is what we did for the most part, we are not even close to being done, There are a few people that The Bishop wants us to see as well and he will be coming out with us. We are visiting a less-active lady that is 88 years old and for the most part enjoys the company more than anything, she repeats herself about 6 times but she is really nice.

We are teaching a young man that is dating another member in the ward, we taught him the Plan of Salvation last and I invited him to be baptized, he accepted but we are going to be careful and make sure that he is doing it for himself and not for her or anyone else. There is another investigator that we are going to start teaching that is very interested in the gospel and has been coming to church for quite sometime, she actually got married to a member a few weeks ago and we were there witnesses, it was pretty cool. There is another older couple that we are teaching that are pretty cool. They believe in the Trinity and are stuck on it. We have gone through scriptures countless times with them that the Godhead exists, not the Trinity. We had a Christmas party at the church on Saturday! It went pretty good, Elder Payne and I sat on Santa's lap and took a picture for a Christmas photo/card, that was funny. I got a stuffed bear out of it.

I am very disappointed to hear about the Colts this year, I've heard all about it and about that college kid that may Manning's spot!?!? are you kidding me!?!? If that happens, I won't be happy at all. You'll never hear the end of it with me. Grrrr. I hope that doesn't happen at all. On another note, I'm happy to hear that the Cowboys lost! I better say that quietly, there are a lot of Cowboy fans here. More Razorback fans then anything else. I better get going, I hope that you all have a terrific week. I'm happy to hear about all the blessings that are going on at home! Oh, I don't really know what else I want for Christmas. Maybe just money? I don't know, dont worry if you can't send anything. Have a great week!

Elder Daniel Stuart

11/29/2011

Hey,

I'm glad to hear that everyone is feeling better, as for myself am feeling a whole lot better except that I am starting to get sinus headaches every so often. But no biggie. I'll be sure to call Lauren for Christmas. I hope that she has a great Christmas there at Joey's! My Thanksgiving was pretty good! we ate at two families houses. The first one was at a investigating family. I had fun there, the food was great and unfortunately I wasn't hungry to begin with because of my illness earlier that week so I only had one of almost everything just to be nice. The other family was a less-active family that we are slowly but surely bringing back! I had a great time there! that family is fantastic! sadly I hardly ate anything but the food there was great as well. I think it was safe to say that I didn't eat a thing the next day until a we had a late dinner. So yes, transfer calls came in and I am getting a new companion. His name is Elder Payne. I know of him, he was in my last zone out in Tulsa so I've talked with him before. He is a nice guy from what i know of him. I swear this transfer was by far the fastest that I've ever had! holy cow! The area here is going good, a little slow because of Thanksgiving and no one wanted to see us that day but oh well, it's the past now.

This week for me was somewhat bitter sweet, we didn't have very much success due to Thanksgiving but that wasn't our fault. Also, remember that lady that I was telling you about that we found about two weeks ago that was interested in the gospel and accepted to be baptized? well from what her fiance' told me is that she kind of flipped out and said how she is sick of having religion in my life and God and what not, so she packed up her stuff and left for Springfield to go back to her druggie life. I was really sad to hear that but I know that it was not our fault, in a way, I think it was her fiance's fault. He was pressuring a lot of it on her and I kept telling them over and over again that we are only going to be working on her level only and no one Else's. We kind of figured that she wasn't completely done with her drug life, I just hope that she will find the light at the end of her long tunnel and draw closer to the gospel in the future. Everything else is going good, I'm still trying to become more familiar with the area better, thank Heavens for my GPS! I'm getting to know the members here a lot better, it's hard tho ha ha!. For some reason, I just feel that something is missing in this area and I cannot put my finger on it and It's driving me nuts!

The weather here is getting colder and colder, It was fine the other day then it rained all day then the next day it's been pretty chilly ever since We have yet to have snow but who knows, that may be soon. Elder Denton and I are doing good, I'm going to be bummed that he is leaving, but I'm sure I'll see him again soon. I hope that all is well with the family and I love you all so much and I'll talk to you next week!

Elder Daniel Stuart

11/23/2011

Hello everyone!

Sounds like you all are having a good time! That's crazy on how much snow that you all are already getting. As for the weather here, there isn't any snow on the ground, it has been raining a lot off and on it's been in the 50's or so during the day and almost the 30's at night. Great to hear that Joey is spending Thanksgiving at our place this year, I bet you are already preparing the food for Thursday. Are you going to watch the parade this year? I miss watching that. Next year tho! Congrats to Adam for the wedding date! Man, it's like it's a fad to get married ha ha. I'll defiantly check out Lauren's Mormon.org page, I'm on there quite often, I'm sure I'll find her, I've seen Joey's before and a lot of other people that I know from home! Thanks for the bad news with my team ha ha. I really hope that Peyton gets well soon to bring them back on the spot! They are still my favorite team! I think they are bad this year because my face isn't painted blue again as I watch it lol remember that?

So this week was pretty good, we are almost done with the outside of the house that we are working on. We've been working on that quite a bit this week, It needed to be done seeing that it has been raining a lot here, we finally got the roof on a few days ago! That went good too. So do you remember that lady I was talking about last week that we picked up as a investigator? well we have been teaching her and we invited her to be baptized and she said yes!!!! She really wants to. We are working on a date now that will best work for her. We are not sure what it is yet but I'll let you know! That was probably the highlight of my week right there, other than that nothing else really happened. Just the same old same old stuff. My companion and I are doing good, We get along really well and I'm getting to know the ward members here much better now. This place is really great! As for me, I'm doing okay, I feel like complete crap. Last night, I wasn't feeling too well, my stomach was upset and a family invited us over for family night playing games, well one of the members there wasn't feeling too well either so she ran to the bathroom to throw up and I did the same minutes later, so in a funny way, she and I took turns puking our guts out through out the night. Man, I have no idea what was wrong with me, I still don't feel well, I'm really weak. I had a pretty good ab workout when I was throwing up bile. That hurt.Haha! But anyways, that was probably too much info for you all! Sorry that this letter is shorter than usual but as you just read, I'm out of it and I cannot focus real well, I hope you all have a great week and a Happy Thanksgiving! Love you all!!!

Elder Daniel Stuart

11/15/2011

Hey there,

Well it sounds like you had a good week! congrats on the job interview, Mom! Prayers do get answered! I will be sure to continue to pray for you of course :) That is really awesome to hear that the girls gave talks in class! I wish I was there to hear both of them. Did Amber talk about me the entire time? Great to hear! Dwight came to church! yes! I love to hear that!!!! I too cannot believe how fast this month has shot by, I'll be out for 14 months tomorrow, that is weird to think, huh? You guys are getting snow huh? We're not. It was cold last week but it's warming up again into the 60's. I hear that it will get cold again too. Apparently, we were on tornado watch all week last week, who knew!? Well nothing happened, so that is good. I'm pretty good on my winter stuff, As soon as spring comes, I'm sending all of my winter stuff home. It takes up way to much room in my luggage! Hey, is there anything that you guys would like out here? like a souvenir? I know that I'm still in the states and nothing is really different, but let me know if you want something. If I was out of the country like Garrett or Kelton or Adam then it would be much different!

Oh, so I was going through some of my letters the other day and I noticed that I haven't written Alex as well so I wrote him and sent it off today. I feel like a jerk for blowing that off. I'm still going thought to see if I missed anyone else. Hey can you find a way to get Lauren Agoneselli's (sp?) address? I'd love to write her! Garrett is a district leader!?!? Woah! Congrats to him! He has a lot of work to do now! he will do great! he had that kind of caring, work hard attitude. And I will be sure to write Dillon, I hope he gets out of that phase, it's not fun.

This week was pretty good, we were able to teach a lot this week and do a lot of service as well! Nothing really exciting happened this week. Other then on Saturday, we had a dinner party at the church and I saw a man there that I knew from Springfield! Man, I can't believe that this happened again! we recognized each other and we started to talk to each other. He is a less active that is starting to come back and he just moved here with his fiance' and she wants to know more about the Gospel as well, so we scheduled a date for Tuesday for us to teach her. Well, she came to church yesterday and didn't want to go to Relief Society, so we taught her the Restoration and she seemed to like it. She asked really good questions too! We are going to have to take it slow with her, but that's okay! We are going to teach her again this Tuesday. I can't wait! we are having really good success! I love it.

On Wednesday, we had exchanges and I went to a town called Harrison and I was with the district leader. He is a mega stud and really hilarious! we played a game called lemon, it's when you see a yellow vehicle, you hit each other and yell lemon! It's fun, I have a bruise on my shoulder haha. On Thursday, we had a zone conference, that pretty much took up the whole day, it was in Springfield and that is almost 3 hours away from Mountain Home so by the time we got home, it was ccompletely dark. But I enjoyed it, I was able to see familiar faces again, that is always good.

I better get going but I love you all and I hope that you have a great week!

Elder Daniel Stuart.

11/07/2011

Hello,

So I'm going to say it right now, I hate daylight savings... We set our clocks back the night before the saving hit. Well it turns out that Elder Dentons alarm clock automatically does it and he didn't know! So it turns out that we actually woke up late, real late. As soon as we ended our morning prayer, we heard a loud honk outside and we both looked at each other and Elder Denton ran to the window and shouted: No! He's here! and about 10 seconds later, we heard a knock at the door, it was our ride for stake conference! we got dressed as fast as possible, I didn't even have time to shower or shave! I looked like crap but no one said anything. Stake Conference is held in Springfield, and that is about 2 hours away and our ride literally drove like he belongs in NASCAR. He was going 90 in a 65 zone! scared me half to death... So yeah, there is a funny story for the family. Moral of the story is to double check your alarm I guess... or to shower and shave the night before something big happens. Haha.

This week was pretty good. We were able to teach quite a few lessons and also picked up 2 new investigators! they are awesome. They say that they don't have much of a desire to be baptized at the moment, but they are kind of sick of there own church. We taught them the Restoration. They loved it! they asked a lot of other questions, a lot the revolved around the Plan of Salvation. We answered there questions and they told us that they find those answers to be really comforting! This is so cool! It turns out that we do a LOT of service in the area. Like I said before, more than half the ward is really old so we always help them, especially now that winter is coming soon so they need help with fire wood and stuff like that. I've come to really like this area, the people are great and very generous. I really do love serving a mission. People ask me all the time how long I've been out and I tell them and they say: Man! your running out of time! or something like that. I am excited to be going home, but it's quite depressing when I think of it sometimes. I will never have a time in my life to do what I'm doing right now ever again. I know that you don't want to hear this, Mom but I'm really considering about extending my mission. It will only be for 30 days but the likely hood of President Merkley doing that for me isn't very likely. It's harder to do now I guess. But I'll really start to think about it more when I get even closer to the end.

Sorry to hear about the broken ankle, Lauren. I hope that it will get better soon! Hopefully before the wedding huh? ha ha it will, no worries. I really hope that you have better luck finding a job. Mom. I pray for your success all the time! But on the other side, Dwight is still working, and that is good! Prayers are answered in different ways. So I saw a movie the other day called 17 miracles. That movie is terrific! I highly suggest you find it and watch it as a family, it defiantly made me more thankful for what my ancestor pioneers have done. I actually started to tear up when I watched it, and that is saying something seeing that I never cry. I ordered it online and It should arrive sometime this week! Congrats on the mission call for Maryn! I hope she does great! she'll love it! That lady that saw that Bishop is doing great! We still talk to her. So, another funny story before I close. We were at a lesson a week or so ago and as we were teaching, the investigator looked down, paused, and said: You know, Elder Stuart, I just realized something about you. I said: What's that? He said: You have really big feet, What size do you wear? I told him then he said: WOW, that is HUGE! I felt so embarrassed when he said that but there is really nothing I can do! Oh well. Love you all and I hope you have a fantastic week!

Love, Elder Daniel Stuart

10/31/2011

Hello!

Happy Halloween! Wow, It's Halloween already, I can remember that a year ago today, I was in Springfield! It's going by so dang fast. It's actually quite sad, I start to tear up when I think about it. I'm never going to experience something this spiritual and amazing like this again. Well, maybe if I go back in the future with my wife. This is literally one of the most physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally hardest things that I've ever done in my life. But, it's all so worth it. I love it all! even during times when we are not having success, I'm still doing what I'm supposed to do and I know for a fact that I and my family will be blessed for it and I've experienced it as well!! So this week was pretty great! I got to see more people and we were able to teach a lot as well! We have a few people that are getting closer towards the waters of baptism, but I think that fear is in there path. They just need to take baby steps to do it. People here are really nice and are willing to listen all the time. We also do a lot of service here as well, we are helping a man demolate his house and build it back up, it's actually really fun! the food here is really good! I just need to be carefull, I have to keep my hot model look going... :)

So Church was quite interesting. Remember that lady that I was talking about last week that was in Springfield? Kat? well she is having problems, problems that I won't mention, but while during a lesson in church, she just started crying, really badly, so as soon as the closing prayer was finished, she bolted out of the room and we left to find her to see whats up. The spirit is definatly working on her overtime, she feels as if she shouldn't be here, and so forth, well we told her that she needs to see the Bishop and that it is for the best, she is terrified to see him, well we finally got her to see him!!!! That night, Bishop called us and thanked us for comforting her to see him! this is fantasic news! Repentance is the greatest! Man the church is so true!

Sorry to hear about Lauren and her ankle, I've been in one of those places in Las Vegas. There fun! but you need to be carefull. Sorry that this letter is short, but I got to get going. Hope your all well and I'll talk to you next week! Love you all!!

Elder Daniel Stuart

Oh, by the way, can you PLEASE give me the Rooks address!?!? I'd love to talk to them and can you please start forwarding my letters to Garrett? I love you!!!

10/26/2011

Hey,

So this week was quite interesting, on Monday, we had a district outing in Claremore, its a town right outside of Owasso. We hung out with the Sister missionaries and the senior couple and went to the Will Rogers Museum that is that is there, that place was... interesting. He is some really popular guy that used to live around here in the early 1900's. The pictures of him honestly makes him look like a pedophile, especially with his pencil mustache. After that, we went to a Gun Museum! It has the largest gun collection in the world! Holy cow there were a lot of weapons! I forgot to bring my camera this week but I will next week, sorry! I'm going to miss that District, they are all really cool people! The people in the ward are amazing! I took loads of pictures with them as well. But I'm needed somewhere else! So I just realized that missionaries collect a bunch of junk if they are in a area for a while, it makes it that much harder to pack!

On Thursday, I woke up around 5:30 Am to finish packing, after that, we headed to Tulsa to transfer points and there, I met a few people that I recognized. I got a few pictures with them, then we left. I was in such a hurry, I didn't realize that I left my area until we got to Missouri. I sat with my cousin! Elder Stuart. Did you know that I have a distant cousin out here? I think I told you. The drive was really long. A total of at least 4 or 5 hours. Geez... But along each transfer point, I saw other missionaries and past companions. One good old reunion in my opinion. When we finally got to my transfer point, I met Elder Denton, he's really cool! very polite as well. He's from ( ready for this? ) Utah! I've only had 2 companions that are not from Utah. He is somewhat of a cowboy. He works on a farm all the time and with horses everyday. He has been out for about 3 months, so I'm follow up training someone again. He is older than me, it's weird to be senior companion over someone that is older than me. This area is super busy! as soon as I got there, we went straight to work! I love it. We met with a investigating family that believes in the Trinity and doesn't agree with the Godhead. We explained why we believe in that and they still didn't really believe it. They are all about the Bible, (as is everyone here) so I whipped out some Scriptures in the Bible that clearly explains how God and Jesus are two different people!!! that really made them think when they saw that. They then said: Well, what about the Book of Mormon, does it explain it too? We said of course! and flipped out some passages on that as well. That lesson went really well, the Spirit was definatly there. It really made them think. So, Funny thing about this area, there is a Town that we cover called Flippin. Can you believe it?! Flippin! HAHA!!!! That will never get old to me, they also have a Church called The Flippin Church of God. Holy cow! if someone doesn't think that is funny, then they don't have a sence of humor. I'm getting a picture of it, don't worry!!! I can't turn down a wonderful oppertunity like that! Welcome to Flippin Arkansas! hahaha!! wow... that made my day.

So the ward here is great, I found out that a good 85% of the members are old, really old. Mountain Home is a place where people come to retire. There is a very small amount of youth here, like 5 people. So my first day of church, and I got hit on already. Oh, brother... don't worry, they are not attractive, and I mean that in a nice way, not a jerky way. The Bishop asked me to go up and bear my testimony, I was more than happy to do so. After I was done, I was walking back to my seat and in the process, I saw someone that I regonized, but I couldn't put my finger on it. It literally bothered me for the rest of sacrament. After Sacrament was over, I went up to intorduce myself to her but someone beat me to it, as I was waiting, I heard her say that he name is Katherine. That name clicked! I now knew who she was! when she said that, I said: Kat! she looked around confused and saw me and smiled and said hey! she was a less-active in my first area, Springfield. She just moved here and her first day to church just happened to be mine as well. I tried so hard to get her to church in Springfield and she never came. How crazy is it that she came when I was here! Nuts huh? anyways, I'm enjoying this area, I still miss Owasso a lot, but I always will. I just have to keep moving on. I better get going, I love you and hope you have a great week!!!

P.S. Congrats Lauren on the Blessing! I wish I was there!!!

Elder Daniel Stuart

Hey there,

So this week was somewhat bitter sweet... Transfer calls came in on Saturday and I'm leaving... I was so crushed when I heard this, I almost broke into tears and put a hole in the wall. I've come to really love this area with all my heart and I have really grown to love the people here as well, this area is super hard but I would never trade it for anything. I'm going to Mountain Home Arkansas. Arkansas again. I thought I would never go back there again, Oh well, I guess the Lord has something else planned for me. Everyone that I have talked to about this area has absolutely loved it and has had a load of success there. I'll be the Senior Companion again and will be follow up training a Elder Benton. He came out in late July. I'm pretty excited to start fresh in a new area tho. So on church on Sunday I told quite a few people and they weren't very happy, especially Sister Nielsen and the Bishop. I love that family! Then again there were some other people that didn't really affect them. Kind of surprised me but I just have to keep reminding me that I am just a missionary. It happens all the time to members, one come in and they leave and get a new one. Just another Missionary in a way, I'm here to serve them and the Lord and then go to the next area. But for some reason I can't help but to REALLY love the people that I serve. They are almost like family! Sorry if this sounds somewhat depressing, I don't mean it to be, Ha ha.

So the rest of this week, Bishop gave us a list of people to see, so we have been working on that quite a bit and we have been on bikes as well so it takes a bit longer then it would in a car. We easily bike up to or over 20 miles a day, I'm getting really used to this biking! So I found out that I will be in a full car area, I'm kind of bummed out about that, maybe I'll bike once a week or so. That is great to hear that you are in Primary, Mom! I'm glad that you enjoy it there, and congrats on the new Job, Lauren, I hope you enjoy it there. And I'm sorry to hear that work is slowing down with Dwight. I really hope that will pick up for you soon.

It is really weird that I have now been out for over 13 months! your right, this will be my last Halloween, winter, all holidays, everything! Holy cow! Good thing I'm not trunky :) It is just going by faster and faster. Oh, to answer your question about the picture. That white powder is flower, it was in those small pantie hose like material and we decided to rip them open and dump it on each other. The game was so big, that random people would drive in and watch us play. That was pretty cool!! Enjoy the new pictures. Well, that about it for me this week. I hope you all have a fantastic week! love you all!!!

Elder Daniel Stuart

October 11th, 2011

Hello there!

Sorry for not e-mailing you yesterday, It was Columbus day and the Library was closed. No matter, yesterday was freaking awesome!!!! We had another Capture the Flag game with our Zone and the other one. This one was WAY more fun then the last one. We won, again! This time it was 5-1 instead on 4-1 lol. It was located at the same place as well. I have pictures too so be sure to post them on the blog. :) So I'm sort of splitting my preparation day in half. Before I go on with the letter, I did get the package! thanks a lot! I LOVED it all! (especially the camel ha ha) I loved the pictures too, the only problem is that I still don't know what my house looks like... It's okay tho, I'll see it sooner or later. So as I told you last week, We moved into the Johnson's house last weekend and it's going pretty good. They are very nice and polite people, always willing to do stuff for us. They have a small farm that consists of some ducks, two cows, and two donkeys. My first morning there, President Johnson captured a possum in a small cage that had dog food in it. I guess they like that kind of food. This one looked like it had rabies. It has been killing a lot of there ducks. Pretty interesting day.

On Sunday, we ate at the Nielsens house. In case you forgot, that is where I last lived. It was great being there again. After we left a spiritual thought, we talked for a while and Bishop and Sister Nielsen both told me that they are extremely proud of me and the hard work and dedication that I have put into this ward. I've really turned this place around since I've been here. I'm not trying to be boast full, but that did make me feel better about myself! and Elder Chriss is doing a fantastic job here as well! We both switch off the lessons really well and get along just fine. I spoke with President Merkley during interviews a month ago and he asked me how my area is doing, I flat out told him that I absolutely love this area I don't want to leave for a while. I also told him that I know that I don't have a say in what happens for transfers, ONLY he does, but I really want to stay here for a while. He nodded his head and said: " Well, Elder Stuart, This is your area and your doing a great job here, so i'd like to keep you here for a while." Now, there is no guarantee that this will happen, so we'll see. It's wherever the Lord wants me, and I'm cool with it. :) Oh yeah, awesome to hear about the Wedding date! who is all going!?!? Now, on with the letter........

This week was pretty good! We picked up a new investigator, Koalby. His Mother is a member and he's ten. We taught him the Restoration and invited him to be baptized and he accepted! The Mom said that her Husband, Non member, wants him to be baptized only if Koalby is absolutly sure that it is what he wants to do. So we haven't set a date yet. But we will soon! I told the mother not to worry about it, I know exactly how she feels. As for the rest of out investigators, they are doing good. One of them is feeling a little stressed out with all that is going on, so we are trying to take it easy with him. Baby steps, very small baby steps he he. And for another investigator, he and his son, who is also investigating are struggling with the Word of Wisdom, they both smoke. So we are going to work with that when we see them next time.

I went on Exchanges with my District leader on Wednesday, that went really good. Elder Fullmer is a awesome missionary, I respect him a lot. He goes home in 8 weeks. His companion is brand new, like 5 weeks old ha ha . Other than that, not much has happened. I hope that you feel better soon! and I'll talk to you next week! Love you!!


Elder Daniel Stuart

Sep 26th, Oct 3rd 2011

**Sep 26th letter & Oct 3rd letter**
Hey!

So, How is everything going today? How was your week? This week was quite challenging. We had great things planned this week but a lot of things fell through which was incredibly frustrating but these things happen sometimes I really don't like having nothing to do but what can you do? We were in a car for most of the week. We switch off every Wednesday but we are trying to save miles so we were still on bikes every so often. I enjoy being on a bike, It's really healthy and gives me time to think. The bad part is that there isn't any bike lanes so we have to bike on the white lines on the busy roads. I've only gotten flipped off a few times; Not a big deal ;) So, as you can probably tell, I noticed that I didn't receive my package at all this week but I'll still be looking out for it you must be sending me something special if you are still gathering things together ha ha.

I actually did hear about Peyton Manning! that's too bad that he is out for the season. I hope that he gets well soon. I heard that he had to leave the country to get this certain kind of surgery. Is that true? Man, in a way I'm happy that I'm not watching football this season, because if I was then I would be super ticked right now :) But not to worry, Manning is probably making up a whole list of plays for when he is back, so things will be back to normal soon I hope.

So they are engaged? Well Congratulations! When is the big date going to be? Don't worry if I'm not there for it. This is where I need to be and I'm not leaving. Besides, I'm not allowed and I'm perfectly fine with that. I know that If I stay here that not only will I be blessed for it, but my family will be as well. That was a really good poem! who wrote it? Good job for them. So I talked to the person that was going to was baptized and asked him if he is really ready for it or not and he told me that he honestly is not. He wants to be baptized but he just isn't quite ready for it. I'm really happy that he told me this instead of us baptizing him and then he goes less-active.. Tell Dwight that I'm sending off the letter today, I'm almost done with it. I've been quite busy. I got a letter from Garrett again!!!! Man it's great to hear from him, I only get a letter from him like once a month.

I hope that you all have a great week and I'll talk to you next week! Enjoy General Conference!! Love you all!!


Elder Daniel Stuart

OCT 3rd LETTER
Helloooooooo!!!!!!!!!!

So I have not gotten your package yet but its all good, I'll be looking forward to it soon!!! I can't wait. Thank you for sending me it. I'm sure that I will like it. :)

So this week was pretty insane... Missionaries who live with members have a certain time limit to staying at there home and the limit is two years. We have been at the Nielsen's house for two and a half. So our Stake President has been looking around for a place for us to stay and he finally found one a few weeks ago. It's his house. So I'm not happy that we have to leave the Nielsen's house. They are great people!!! Sister Nielsen totally makes that place home away from home. They don't even want us to leave, Bishop Nielsen told President Johnson that it's really no big deal, we can still stay here. But unfortunately it has to happen. So we moved on Saturday, We now live farther away from everyone so we will still be at the Nielsen's house for lunch everyday to save time, gas, and energy when we are on bikes. So I don't remember the address to the Johnson's so for now continue to send my mail to my normal address or the mission address then they will send it to where I'm at now. But besides that, Conference went GREAT!!! I loved it all! being a missionary has made me appreciate conference so much more. Elder Holland's talk in Priesthood was my favorite. It seemed that Conference was too fast. Did Joey and Lauren go? I cannot believe that they are building ANOTHER temple in Utah and its going to be another one in Provo! well actually I can believe it. That temple is so busy. It's right across the street from the MTC and right down the road from BYU so it's always packed.

But the work this week was somewhat slow because of packing and moving stuff but this week should hopefully be better. We picked up another investigator this week! That was awesome!! He is a Pentecostal along with his father who is already investigating. They are fantastic! and are both very interested in the Gospel. We had a investigator with a date but he feels pressured so it will take a while.

That is really weired to hear that Danny and Kayleen will both be home soon. Feels like they just left. So when are Lauren and Joey getting married? Where? Well that was pretty much my week. Hope that you all have a fantastic week and enjoy the weather! It's slowly cooling down here. Love you all!!!


Elder Daniel Stuart

Sep 23, 2011

Hello there!!

This week was great! It was a little slow tho, only because we are on bikes this week. Poor Elder Chriss, I am wearing him out so badly, as soon as we get home for lunch, he passes out and in Church too! I feel bad for him, we are biking so much lol but hey, the work needs to be done! So, I love being senior companion! It is a huge change and challenge but It's so worth it. I have to really focus on everything to make sure that I don't mess up with any appointments. Oh, I don't know if I told you but we have a baptism coming up soon. October 8th! Hopefully, he can make it. He smokes and he has to be smoke free for a while before the big day. Hopefully we won't have to move it but I'd rather have him be totally ready before he does get baptized.

Nothing extremely new has happened this week, other than my year mark! Holy cow, it really doesn't feel like a whole year. It only feels like a few months. It's all going down hill from here. So it was raining here pretty hard for a few days off and on and we were biking in it and with in seconds, we were both soaked and the wind was blowing super hard in our faces and I couldn't help but to just laugh, not sure why, but I did. I also started singing "count your many blessings" out loud.

So that is cool to hear about Joey and Lauren and awesome that he asked. Again, no surprise there, but I'm really happy to hear about that. I just realized that I'll be in laws with John and Katie!!! They are awesome!!! Tell them and his parents that I said hi and that I love them! I wonder when the big date will be? I'm not allowed to go home early for the wedding. I already knew that but I asked President Merkley just in case and he said that it is absolutely a no. I'm cool with that, I need to be out here and I have no problem if the big day is while I'm out here.

I'm not sure if there is anything else that I need in the package. Just what I said I guess and anything else you want to put in. Preferably not a lot of sweets. I'm trying to stay healthy... Oh, can you PLEASE send me the Rooks address? I sent Garrett a letter well over a month ago and I'm wondering whats up. Also, I'd like to hear from the Rook family. Well I got to get going butI love you all and I hope you have a fantastic week and I'll talk to you next week!!

Elder Daniel Stuart

Sep 13th 2011

Hello!!!

This week was very awesome!! Monday and Tuesday were a little slow but come Wednesday was transfers, I spent practically the whole day with my zone leader, Elder Bartholomew (love that kid) and 2 other zone leaders in the zone next to us, we just pretty much just chilled at his apartment, they had a big load of star burst candy and we started to throw them at each other. Well sooner than later, it was a huge war between us all and when we get hit, it hurts, really badly. Good times..... After that, we had to give someone at a cancer treatment a blessing, when we got to the building, it looked like a casino, it was huge!! and get this, they even had valet parking, at a cancer treatment place! what the heck!? when we gave the man a blessing, the spirit was so strong there, I wish the best for him. When we left, valet worker went to grab our car and when it came, Elder Bartholomew, said thanks man! and shook his hand and in the process tried to slip a dollar bill in his hand in a cool way like they do in the movies and the worker said sorry sir, we don't accept tips. Elder Bartholomew said are you serious! Man, I wanted to look cool and you shot me down. I was laughing so hard. It did look pretty cool, tho.

So when the last transfer loop came around, Elder Chriss was there. It was around 4:30 of so, I was sort of nervous to meet him, I was thinking to myself: "Ah man, what is he going to be like, is he going to be a cocky punk? is he going to be really homesick and not want to do anything? man I hope everything goes okay." Well when I met him, he was happy to see me and as was I. He is super awesome. He has only been out for almost 4 months and is super excited to work. I'm follow up training him, which means that missionaries are transferred for 2 transfers and follow up trained for 1. So, in a way I'm sort of training him, then again, net really. There are a few differences in being a senior companion and a junior companion. The Senior gets to drive (boo ya!) and also has to plan for everything, especially if you are in a area for a while and know the place and people. There are other stuff to do as well. So I have to do a lot of work. When I told my zone leaders and my ward mission leader that there are going to be changes in this area this transfer, I wasn't kidding one bit. Ever since Elder Chriss came in, we have been working our butts off like it's on fire. We have hardly been home, only for lunch and when we retire for bed. We taught a LOT more people then we have in the past. Put it this way, in the 4 days Elder Chriss has been here, we have taught more people then we have in a entire week. So, it's amazing. My ward mission leader is very impressed! He even told me last week that he is very excited for me becoming the Senior companion and he says that he and the entire ward expect a lot out of me. No pressure, right? Lol.

So, a month ago, we got a referral from another set of missionaries in a town called Gore. a man in that area moved to our area, so we visited the man and he is awesome, has read the Book of Mormon and really believes in it and loves it. So we thought he was solid! Well he was asking for some money from the church to get his prescriptions and I gave him the bishops number and told him to call him. Well I guess that there is a new church wide rule that we can no longer give out money to non members (people have stolen money from us) So in a way, the man got offended and didn't want to really see us anymore. Well when Elder Chriss came in, found out that his last area was Gore! and he know the man, he taught him! so we stopped by and the man opened the door just wide enough to see me and he said that today isn't a good day and was starting to shut the door. Before he did, Elder Chriss said: "Hi Ron!" He opened the door wider and saw Elder Chriss and the man said what are you doing here!?!? he came out and started talking to us. I explained to him about the new rule and sincerely apologized to him. He said that there is no reason to apologize, he said that he shouldn't of been so rude last time we met and he apologized to us. Well, long story short, he is a new investigator now!!!! Man, If Elder Chriss wasn't here, then we wouldn't of been able to get through. Talk about fate, huh?

Well, I'm almost out of time, but I have to get going, I am having a blast here and Love every bit of it. Tell Dwight that I got his letter and I'll write him this week. Love you!!!

Elder Daniel Stuart

9/6/2011

Hello there,

So this week had it's ups and Downs, I was sick for about 3 days with a chest cold so we didn't work at all. I went to the doctor and he prescribed me a inhaler to use and some other medicine. I am so grateful for missionary insurance!!!! I only have to pay 10 dollars for prescriptions, co pays, and other stuff no matter what. A dentist in our ward prescribed me some canker sore medicine and asked me if I am on my own insurance? I said i'm not sure, the church pays for it and I only pay 10 dollars, he said good, cause I'm going to get you the good stuff. He wasn't kidding! the insurance saved me 450.00 on a tube of cream!! holy cow! Well, I'm feeling better, I'm still hacking up stuff but I feel great.

So, if I'm correct, the page that they are talking about is Mormon.org members can create a page of there own and you can share your testimony on it and tell them why you are a Mormon. I believe that all you need is your membership number. It will take a few weeks for your page to be created. The church has to review it to make sure you are not putting anything inappropriate or apostate. But it is a fantastic tool to use, I encourage you ALL to create one and become familiar with it like I have. The last baptism I had came from Mormon.org, so it works. I cannot create one as a missionary here, we are not allowed to in this mission, which is cool, I don't need to. Yes, I did get Dwight's letter last monday but if he sent another one, I have not gotten it yet. I'll keep a eye out for it!

That is great to hear that you enjoy primary, Mom. Those children are amazing. Here, they all colored pictures for Elder Joyner and I. It was missionary month so that is why. I loved it! we have like 60 primary kids. They all have such sweet hearts and spirits. It's amazing how much of the Gospel they know, just listed to them. Keeping it "primary simple" is the simple basics of the Gospel. I've listened to the children here and I swear that they will make excellent missionaries in the future. I would love to serve in primary. I'll be looking forward to recieving the package, If you can, could you send my some music? Just not any tribute cd's, they are country and I hate country, and no EFY one's as well :) But Piano music, This is the Christ, Men's motab, stuff like that maybe? Also, The best two years movie. In a nut shell, that is what I do, But things have changed a bit. Also, PICTURES!!!! Its been ages since i've seen any new ones.

Okay so transfer calls, I'm staying! and Elder Joyner is leaving. I'll become the Senior Companion for the first time and I will also will be follow up training a missionary. That means that we are trained for two transfers and follow up trained for one. So he has been out for about three months. His name is Elder Chriss and he is from Gilbert Arizona. Finally, not a Utah companion.... I'm so happy I'm staying here, I love Owasso! I just wish there were mountains here.

Wanna hear something funny? All that news from home, I already knew would happen. Garrett, Adam, and I have been telling Marisa that she is going to have little red heads running around very soon. Sounds like we are right. And for Lauren and Joey, knew it. You knew it too, Mom. :) Can I have Joey's address or E-mail address please? Don't be too worried, Mom, she's growing up! We all saw this coming :) Joey is a great guy! Tell Dwight that I trust him and he is a good friend of mine.

So real quick before I log off our whole zone went to a minor league baseball game yesterday!! The Tulsa Drillers. It was awesome!!!! President and Sister Merkley came too. President Merkley is a Baseball freak!!! But we all had a blast and I got a little red. It's okay, I need some more color he he. Well I love you all and I hope you enjoy the pictures that I sent you! Love you all!!!


Elder Daniel Stuart

8/29/2011

Hello there,

How was everyone's week? mine was good, We were able to teach more people this week (thank heavens) now that people's life's are slowing down because of school. We have been looking in the potential investigators section for a while now and we have been contacting people in there, also we have been given a list from the ward council of people to go and contact, that has been turning out really well too! The weather is still hottish. It should be cooling down soon. (I hope)

We found this part member family a while back and we have been teaching him and invited him to be baptised, he said yes! but in time. So we are working with him slowly but surely. His name is Wade. He is awesome!! He comes to church and he is reading out of the Book of Mormon, he really likes it! It's a huge change for him but he can defiantly feel the spirit. His fiance' and her son are members and I was talking to her yesterday at church about him and she said that he is really changing! She said it is taking time but its amazing on how well the spirit is working on him. I told her about Dwight and the struggles, I also told her how proud he is of me and how he wants to talk in church on Fast Sunday, and how far he has come since the past. She started to smile and cry, I felt like she needed to hear that, turns out she did! She said that that made her feel a lot better. Man I love what I do...

So transfer calls are coming this Saturday, I'm really nervous, anything can happen. Elder Joyner might die here (as a missionary) or may leave. I may leave too. I sure hope I DON"T! this area rocks. It has defiantly been a slow process here but there is so much work to do here. Elder Joyner has been getting kind of trunky so all he talks about is home and the members can tell as well and our Zone Leaders found out and talked to me about it privately, I told them it is true. They told President Merkley, so we will see what happens this Saturday.

It is so crazy that I've been out for this long. It really doesn't feel like it. You all may think other wise tho ha ha! I haven't burned anything at all, I don't have any ugly ties to burn, I'm not going to burn a good tie that I have bought. Sorry to hear about Lauren and her job. I thought she was doing so well there? I'll be praying for her to find a new one soon... Again, I find no suprise what so ever that Lauren and Joey are hanging out so much. We saw this coming before he even left... that good that he treats her well. Thats awesome that she started college. Just the basics this year i'm guessing?

So Jade sent me out a package with a letter for my birthday! I was happy to recieve it. She went to the Harry Potter theme park in Orlando Flordia a month or so ago and got me some souviners! she took pictures of the place too. It's official, I'm going there, no matter what!! It looks so cool!!! I was really jealous.

I went on exchanges with Elder Bartholomew, one of the Zone leaders, (in the picture) he is really awesome!!! I had a blast with him, we were talking untill really late and he asked me if I think that I am ready to take on being a senior companion yet. I told him absolutly, I'd be scared and nervous for a while but I know that I can take it. If I become Senior companion here, that would mean that I would be District Leader I told him that I can do that too. He agrees with me 100% So we will see! Even tho he has no control on what goes on with transfers, It was great to hear that...

We gave a talk in church yesterday, It was on Missionary work (duh!) It went really well! I focused my talk on D&C 4 the best missionary scripture. I broke it down and explained it easier. Elder Joyner talked on member missionary work. It all went great!!! Well, that is about it for me, I hope you all have a great week!!! love you all!!

Elder Daniel Stuart

8/23/2011

Hey there!!!

Hello! How is everyone doing? My birthday was great!!! I spent most if the day biking, But it was all worth it. We stopped my a active family to talk to there son who is going to be baptized soon and Elder Joyner told them that today is my birthday so they grabbed a small loaf of banana bread with chocolate chips and put a candle on it and sang Happy Birthday to me. That was really thoughtful of them. For dinner, we ate at the Zonts and Sister Zonts made some delicious enchiladas! that is pretty awesome that she got that recipie from you, and she made....ready for this?.....Cherry Pie!!!!! I almost flipped out when I saw this!! I haven't had a homemade pie since i've been out!! It was delicious! she also made some cupcakes that are to die for. We spent the night playing games and having a good time. After that, We went to another members house and ate ice cream at there house and they bought us both a tie. (nice ones too)

So I did get the package. Thanks!! I enjoyed what was inside, I was a little bummed when I didn't see any pictures in there, but its okay. Thanks for the tie too. Its really nice! Now I have two of them. Haha, I bought the same tie 4 months ago. But thank you anyways!!!
I'll admit, it is kinda weird not being a teenager anymore. Its weird to thing I'm now in my 20's. That must make you feel old huh mom? Just kidding... Thats awesome to hear that Joey is home now, I bet it is weird for him to be home. Oh did you know that so many people are engaged or married since I havce been out? Holy Cow! everyone is getting married! It must be the popular thing to do now. Haha.

Well this week has been pretty good, We taught a few more people than we usually do but it is still slow, We have been on bikes since Wednesday and it was really hot for about two of those days, Elder Joyner is used to biking, he was in a bike area for 10 months of his area, so he would sometimes get really far ahead and I would be really far back, I almost puked one of those days, haha. My shirts have been soaked!!! It has its advantages tho, I get to be in shape and take more pictures, like a dead cat!! I really do love serving a mission. There are times when I don't want to do it because of how slow it is but then again I think to myself of how miserable i'd be if I was home now. I can definatly feel the spirit here, especially when I follow the rules, even if they some are stupid....

I better get going, but thank you for the package and the birthday wishes! Also, thank you for all of your support and love and prayers you send my way!!!! I love you all and have a great week!!!!

Love, Elder Daniel Stuart

08/17/2011

Hey there!

So, this week was pretty good, we were able to teach more people! Thank heavens... Unfortunately, no one came to church. It is still somewhat slow but I know it will change soon. Bishop asked us whats going on with the work and we told him that its just been really slow and not just us, there are also many other areas that are the same. It's all because school is out and people are out of town. Thankfully, school is starting up this coming week, so things should be back to normal. The Bishop and members of the ward council gave us a list of people to see that could possibly have people for us, so we are giving that a shot! I'm very grateful for a loving ward to serve in and are willing to help.

So we were at a members home the other day. The Zonts and I was talking to sister Zonts and she knows that my birthday is Saturday and she wants your number to ask you about my favorite foods that you like to make me. She is also a baker and she makes the best cupcakes that I have ever tasted in my whole life! her husband is so hilarious! We joke around every time we see each other. That is just one example of a family that I love dearly and how wonderful they are. The University ward is awesome too! Its a little different when it comes to missionary work, but I'm getting the hang of it. A lot of members in that branch are leaving to go back to college this week and it is going to be very weird this Sunday when I don't see the usual people. I was talking to one of them that are leaving and he said : "Well, I guess I'll see you on the other side huh?" Then I said: " Yeah, or on Facebook." He said: "Oh yeah! I forgot!!! Thank heavens for that!" Haha!!! He is so cool!

So we had Zone Conference this week, it went great!!! We watched a video about real missionaries going into a part member/less active home and reactivating them and also converting his wife, she was in tears before she went into the font. This made me think of Dwight and it started to make me cry as well. Man, the spirit was so strong at that moment. Gave me goosebumps. We had a lot of instruction from President Merkley and the Assistants and the Vehicle Coordinator, Elder Bond. I loved it all! until when Elder Bond told us that there is going to be a huge change with the vehicles in the mission. We are now in a car share with the Elm Creek elders, that I don't mind at all, they need it! But we are also losing 150 miles on our vehicle. (We are only limited to driving a certain amount of miles each month.) So, its going to be pretty interesting on how this goes. Thankfully, losing our miles wont start until the first of September. But we are going to give Elm Creek a break and start the car swap on Wednesday. I guess that that is what members are for, huh? We are really going to have to rely on them much more.

On the bright side, the weather last week was awesome!!! there were so many rainstorms and it really dropped the temperature! in around the 70's! One day, it must of been a high of 80 degrees! We finally gave our AC in our car a rest! man, Oklahoma has the oddest weather in the world! we set the state record for the hottest day, which was about 115 or 118 and now we broke the state record for most rain. It needs to rain more tho. I wish it was now.

That is great to hear that you are doing service, Mom. We need more people in the world that are willing to do service out of pure love, not forcing. That is also awesome to hear that Grandma and Grandpa are still there! So, Remember when I told you about the members that lived here and moved to Indianapolis? well I got a letter from them and they love that place!! They also told me that the 2012 Superbowl will be held there! Mom, you and Dwight need to get tickets for us now! especially since I'll be home!!! Too bad that the Colts won't play there tho. Dang rules.....

I miss you too, Mom and don't worry about it, time is going by so fast, I cannot believe it at all! Where is that kid going on his mission?! Dillon was telling me there is a friend of his that just got here to serve and he went to school at Arbor View! I have to meet him to see is if I recognize him! Who knows, Maybe I'll serve with him. Thanks for sending me off a package, I can't wait for it! I love you all and I hope you have a great week!!!



Love, Elder Daniel Stuart

8/8/2011

Hey,

This week was better than the past ones, Even tho it was pretty slow. On thursday, we got a referal saying that there is someone in our area that was taking the discussions from other missionaries in this mission but since he moved, he hasn't had the discussions. So when we got to his house, the man said, Elders! your fast! I only moved on friday! He was really happy to see us, I think he has a lot of potential! We can't really see him for a little while because he is going into knee surgery. But i'm really excited to start teaching him! I smell...Baptism!! In the future of course :)

So this weather is really....hot, i'm just thankful that its not really humid because it hasn't rained here for about 12 weeks. Its been in the hundreds for about a month straight! So because of the extreme heat, everyone in the city is cranking the A/C, which is putting a lot of stress on the power plant, so they are starting to temporarly shut off the power in sections of the city so it won't be so bad on the power plant. So there have been rolling black outs for about a week now. We were at a dinner appointment on saturday and the first 10 minutes of us being there, the power shut off, and the food was still in the oven! but luckly, it was barely done. I still had fun there, we were having a good time, making each other laugh, then it got really hot in there but it wasn't any better outside, but luckly there were dark clouds coming our way then it started to finally rain!! It felt so good. Too bad it only rained for about 15 minutes. Good times!

So yesterday, we ate at a members home and they told us at church if we spoke spanish, I said no and Elder Joyner speaks a little, but not enough to get by. Well the member (The Ahlborns) said that they are inviting there 5 friends over for dinner too and they are all mexican and only 2 speak english and 1 speaks very little. Well they are really nice, The Ahlborns also can speak spanish so It was kinda weird when they were all jabbering in spanish and they all would laugh, so Elder Joyner and I would smile and sorta laugh as if we knew what they were talking about. Thankfully, Sister Ahlborn would translate for us. So the really funny part was that, before we had to leave, Sister Ahlborn went to the kitchen and started putting candles in a big cake! Elder Joyner whispered to me: Do they know your birthday is coming up? I told him that I didn't tell them, so I thought that they found out some how. Well, it turns out that the cake wasn't for me, it was for them. Both of there birthdays are on tuesday. But its okay, I thought it was funny, I still laughed. There friends are extremely nice! I kick myself for not learning spanish in high school. Because It really can be usefull out here.

So a few members in the ward invited us to play basketball with them and there non member friends on monday night at the church, so we came along, and it was fun! they got along with us just fine! turns out that the non members are next door neighbors to one of the members and they want to do this every monday night now! They also want to eat dinner with us and the members too.

That realy funny that Grandpa dressed up like Don Johnson from Miami Vice for the 80's party, I've heard of the show, but not the actor. I wish I was there to see that! Man, I cannot wait untill I can go to Penny's Halloween parties! (don't worry, I'm not getting trunky) Well I got to get going, but I love you all and I hope you have a great week!!

Love, Elder Daniel Stuart

8/2/2011

Hey,

I'm doing pretty good out here. The weather is still hot. It's been in the high hundreds for a few weeks now but what else is new. The work is still kinda slow but its starting to pick up. Not a whole lot really happened this week, except for Monday, that was so fun!! We played capture the flag with our zone and the Tulsa zone as well. It was Zone vs. Zone! Even President Merkley played, and he is really competitive!! It was a blast! instead of tagging each other because there were girls there, we had these small panty hose like sacks filled with white flower and we would throw them at each other, whenever we got hit, we had to go to jail. I still wish that we were playing! We won 4-1! other people in my district were taking pictures, so I'll be able to copy them onto my camera and then send some to you. Man, I wish I was still playing!! It was super hot tho, I was so exhausted afterwards. Totally worth it.

Thats really great that Grandma is able to be up there to help you, Tell her I said Hello! Sad to hear that Dwight was sick on his birthday, hopefully you guys can do something later on. It really is bizare that I'm close to hitting my year mark!! It is going by really fast! I Joey really coming home that soon? already? Was that already 2 years? Geez Where did the time go!? So you can send a letter to Garrett but he probably wont send one back. He is told my that he is trying to be more obedient and emailing friend is against the mission rules (same here, I should probably do the same.) so we are starting to hand write each other. Sure it takes longer, but it is so worth it! Tell Lauren I said I love her back, and she too needs to write Garrett! he said he hasn't gotten a letter from her for 7 months!

So I have to say that the highlight of this week would probably be Capture the Flag and yesterday (Sunday) I had to instruct about 100+ people during 3rd hour on member missionary work. It was something that Elder Gibbons instructed us 2 months ago. Because it was the 5th Sunday of the month, there were more classes combined. It actually went really good!!! My companion was in the University Branch giving a talk, so it was me and my ward mission leader. He spoke for a little bit. Once towards the end when I said "any questions?" There was a man that came up and said that he can 100% testify to what I said, This plan that we have, he used someting like it on his mission and they had a goal of 150 baptisms in one year and they hit 152! This is going to work. I can really feel it! It may take a while to get the ward in the motion, but it's going to work!!

Well I better get going but before I go, could you send me out some stuff for my birthday? The only things I can think of at the moment is a few CD's I really can't think of anything in particular. If you need Ideas, just go to deseretbook.com or ask the missionaries for ideas. Also, there is a movie called The Best Two Years. Its hilarious! and you can get it on the same website. Ties, of course :P oh, and my cargo shorts. You know, the brown ones that I wore everywhere back at home. If you can't get to them or can't find them, don't worry about it. maybe just random knick nacks. Ask the missionaries! lol or Brian or Alan. Oh, and pictures please! would you guys like anything out here? I just realized I'm almost at my year mark and I have hardly bought any souviners! Thats what happens when your broke lol. So just let me know if you need something. ;) My shoes are fine, I'm taking very good care of them. The rest of my clothes are good too. If you cannot send out that stuff, don't worry about it.

I should go, butI hope that you all have a great week and I'll talk to you next week! Love you, bye!

Daniel

7/25/2011

Hey there,

I'm doing good, This week was alright. Not a whole lot happened this week, We had a few lessons which was good! We are trying to get a hold of one of our investigators that are literally impossible to get in contact of. I'm not sure why it happens but we'll see how it goes.
Transfer call came on Saturday night and we are both staying here another transfer. I'm happy that I'm staying. I love this place! So I'd have to say that the best thing that happened to me this week is when I actually got mail, I got a letter from Garrett!!!!!!!! I was jumping up and down when I saw his handwriting in the mailbox. He's doing great, he brought up past memories that made me laugh my head off. I cannot wait until we all I reunite with all of my friends and family.
When I heard that a cars 2 was coming out I knew that it would be bad, the first one wasn't that great either, so I don't blame the girls at all. I'll have to be sure to send Dwight a letter to wish him a happy birthday. I cannot believe that my birthday is coming up so soon! Today is going to be a busy day, because its the last week of the transfer, our whole zone and another zone are going to play capture the flag! I'm really excited for this. Its going to be huge! too bad I forgot my camera.
That is FANTASTIC news that Dwight came to church!!!! Its even more awesome that he wants to speak during testimony meeting!! Tell him that I'm so happy for him!! Man, I wish I was there to see that! I actually have never heard a non member do that before. Other than one of my investigators doing that before she was baptised, that was Corey. I wonder how she is. I wrote her a while back and haven't gotten anything. Oh, before I go I've been meaning to tell you a few things.
One, is that I gave one of our recent converts, Heath, the priesthood a few weeks back. I was shocked to hear that he wanted me to do it. It was funny because I was at sacrament in the singles ward and the executive secretary in the Ranch Creek ward came in and sat next to me and said. "Do you have your temple recommend on you?" I said uh, yeah, why? he then said good, because Heath wants you to give him the priesthood, are you okay with that? I of course said yes. So I left to go do that and when I walked into the room where he was at he looked and me and just lit up! he was so happy to receive it. This really made my week!
Another thing I wanted to tell you is that I'm really considering of becoming a pilot, more than likely a Airline Pilot, but I'n not 100% sure about this. It's just a strong thought, you know how much I love flying, why not do something I love to do?We will see, things could change.
I better get going but I hope that you are feeling better and taking your medication, tell everyone that I said hello and that I love them, also, tell Lauren to write me for once!! It's been a while. Have a great week, talk to you later!!!

Love, Elder Daniel Stuart

7/18/2011

Hey,

So this week was pretty good, still slowish but we are being effective. It was a really interesting week we got a phone call from the zone leaders asking us how we are being effective. We told them how, then they said okay, thats good because they were in a meeting with a lot of people in each ward and people in this ward is having a really hard time trusting the missionaries in this ward thanks to past missionaries that really burned them, meaning that they were really pushy and didn't really take no for a answer. So, its going to be twice as hard to work in this ward to gain the members trust, because without that, then you minus well sit in your room and do nothing. We are going to try to earn the trust in both areas. So we are keeping our service clothes in the car at all times and just stop by members in the area and offer service. We aleady have one service appointment this week to do, put in a mail box. That will be fun stuff.


We were in Tulsa for most of the day on Saturday, trying to find some people that a member in the singles ward refered us too. That was a adventure... That city is all messed up, and it doesn't help that there is constantly construction. We had a member in the singles take us at the last second (thank heavens) and we told him what is going on and he said: Well, you have my trust. Score!!! one down, 599 to go.... I might have to extend my mission lol.. Oh yeah, so the weather is pretty insane, it just gets really hot! Which I don't mind, but when you add the humidity, then we have a very uncomfortable problem. Haha. Its okay tho. I really don't mind it. I just sweat a lot and I just drink a lot more water

So we have been working so hard by trying to get a hold of one of our investigators that will be baptised at the end of the month and its literally impossible for some reason. Its the strangest thing. Well we found out from a member who is a friend of hers said that she will not be ready to be baptised at the end of this month but her daughter still is but we are not sure if we want to baptise her without her mom. So we will see how this goes. I'm pretty happy that I found out about this because I don't want to baptise her if shes not ready. That is a huge mistake.

I'm happy to hear that you are feeling better mom. It really sounds like you are improving greatly! I hope it continues. Yeah.... everyone here is talking about the Harry Potter movie and how awesome it is... I'll just have to cover my ears and wait! That is all I can do haha... Well I got to go. Tell everyone I said hello! and I'll talk to you next week. I don't really care what I get in the package, as long as there is PICTURES!!!!!! I love you all very much. Thanks for being my biggest support mom. Bye!!



Love, Elder Daniel Stuart

July 5th, 2011

Mom,

I had a pretty good 4th of July yesterday! in the morning, the ward had a big breakfast with a lot of games! I played a lot of volleyball. It was super humid yesterday because of the rain that we had Sunday night. It also didn't help that we were playing on wet grass too... In the afternoon, we got invited to play softball with the zone leaders and the assistants in Tulsa, that was a blast!!! we won by a point! It was great seeing past missionaries that I haven't seen for a long time such as Elder Smith, my trainer! he goes home in a few weeks. In the evening, we went to a BBQ with the singles. That was fun too! we played Volleyball, again. We kinda left before the fireworks went off because they were going to play some awesome music that isn't allowed for missionaries.... also there was going to be a dance. But I still had fun.

Yeah, I remember Ben, He is a nice guy. We get along pretty well. That is nuts that Joey comes home next month! I figured that Nathan came home sometime this month. So you were watching home videos huh? oh boy... We really have grown up. Haha.. Yeah I knew that the Rooks are moving and I knew that Garrett was planning on going there. I know Sunday was his Birthday!!!!! you don't think I wouldn't know when my best friends birthday was!?!?! Haha. I wonder what he did. Wish I could of sent him something, but it would of taken 3 months to get there haha.

This week was good, but slow, real slow. No one was home this week so it was really hard for Elder Joyner and I to teach people this week. People were out of town for the 4th. But I still had a good week. We rarely go tracting. I can honestly say that I haven't tracted in about 3 months. It is a waste of time for the most part. So we are really focusing on members for now on. We are here to serve them and they always have a friend that is not a member. It is a lot more use full. We are trying to change the habit of tracting because it has really been worn out and other religions are doing it too.

So how was your Independance day? did the girls like the fireworks? How are they? Good I hope. Did you guys go on the boat again this year? How was Lauren's birthday? I bet she was gone all day and night with her friends. Well, I better get going, Its so crazy that I've been out for almost 10 months!!! Wow! I hope that you all have a great week! I'm really happy to hear about the Hot Dog eating contest! I wish I could of seen it. How much did he eat? Love you all!!

Elder Daniel Stuart

06/27/2011

Hey Mom,

This week went pretty good, It was a little slow because no one was home, its was the weirdest thing. But we went on a exchange with the assistants and it was a blast! Elder Woodward and Asay are the best! they were both my zone leaders at one point and they both used to serve in Ranch Creek so they gave us a lot of names to visit people. So now we are going to be even more busier! My companion, Elder Joyner and I are getting along just fine, he's really funny and awesome! He likes A LOT of the same music as I do. Metallica, Iron Maiden, and so forth.... We make a lot of jokes together but we also work real hard together and that is very important and good.


I'm sorry that you didn't recieve the pictures, I'll try again. It sounds like you guys had a great week! How is the weather there? It's the same here, hot and wet but its all good. Oh, thank you for telling me that you are enjoying delicious fish fry without me, I guess that I'll just have to enjoy eating huge juicy delicious steaks here without you. lol. We practically eat like kings as missionaries when we are at members homes if we don't eat with them then it seems like I'm scraping crumbs out of the toaster haha!! I'm so broke right now. But its okay, the members feed us really good here and its almost the first of the month!!

The other day we set a baptism date for a mother and her daughter for July 30 and they accepted!!! I'm so excited!! SO,for the 4th, We are having a big ward breakfast in the Ranch Creek Ward, then in the afternoon, we might play baseball with the zone leaders, the assistants, and President Merkley, then in the evening we are going to watch the fireworks light off with the University Branch, Yep. Pretty busy there. Oh yes I did get Justin and Elizabeth's package. That is so awesome they thought of me! I loved it!! can I get their address so I can write them and thank them please? So there is a family here that just moved to Indianapolis Indiana! Lucky, I told them to get me a football autographed by Peyton Manning so I can give to Dwight. Wait! I want it Haha.

I better get going. I hope all is well, Take care and I love you all!!!

Elder Daniel Stuart