Dec 29, 2014

This week has been Great. Lots of cool things that happened. 

Monday we emailed then shopped. After all of the shopping we went to the senior sisters to play games. We played UNO and had fun. Then we had dinner at Senior Sisters with the Hiawatha Sisters.  Then we went up to Falls to see a few people. 

 

Tuesday we had district meeting. Before District meeting I cleaned up after a mouse and set a few traps. When I was doing this Elder Riddle put on a Santa suit. During district meeting we talked about helping our investigators come to church and using all of the resources we have to help us and our investigators. Then we went down to Horton to see a few people. Saw Sister Jacobson in Willis, Kansas. Then we saw Steve and Sabrina Franklin. Then we went out to Everest and saw Brother Jessup and the sister investigator family and then saw Sister Betty Smith. 

Wednesday we had we had Weekly Planning. Also Elder Riddle went to the Doctor for his ankle. Saw Sam at the Doctors office and talked to her. She is a friend with the Larsons up in Falls City. Then we went out with the sisters caroling to people in Falls and Hiawatha. Then that evening I was able to finish the Book of Mormon. About a month ago President Bell asked all of us as a mission to read through the BofM and to look for Faith and Jesus Christ and the Atonement. This was the fastest I have read through the BofM. It was about 13 pages a day when we started. I finished it at 9:54 that night when we were asked to have it read by Christmas Night.

Elder Riddle

Thursday was Christmas. We were at the Senior Sisters at 7 am. Sister Gunderson made Breakfast for all of us. She made Pop Up pancakes or German pancakes. Then we opened up gifts. Then we song at the retirement home in Hiawatha. Skyped our families. It was nice all of us were able to meet everyone family because we all Skyped at different times. Then we had dinner at the Senior Sisters. Then we had a District Powwow. We talked about using the time we talked to our family to help us this next year in the missionary effort. 

Friday we worked up in Falls City. We were able to see lots of people. We were able to walk because it was nice out side. We saw Teresas and Lyle and The Myers. Then we had dinner with Sister Mients. We were able to teach her next-door neighbor because he was there for dinner. Then we saw the Rasmussen. Then we saw Jess at Subway. 

Saturday we went to Horton. We were able to see Adrian and his Brother in Law Steven. Then we saw Athena and Barren. They are a nice couple that have talked to missionaries for the last 5+ years.  Also we were able to meet their daughter Maria and talk with her. Then we had time to see The Sayliors. We were able to give her a blessing because she was sick. Then we went over to the Rasmussen to feed their dogs because they are out of town. Then we called President Larson to ask him a question. In the end he asked us to speak. 

Sunday we had Church. Before church we feed the dogs again. Then we went to church with President Larson. I talked about pray and about asking if the Book of Mormon is true. Then we had a great church meeting. It was very small. 5 priesthood holders and only President Larson. All of his counselors were out of town.  Then we had time to work in Falls City. We saw Teresa and Betty Smith and fed the Rasmussen dogs.

Thanks for all the Christmas Cards. Hope you all had a Great Christmas Break. Have a Happy New Year. Thanks For Every thing.

Love,

Elder Andrew Allen. 

Monday the sister’s house got sprayed for the Bed Bugs. So the Chruch spent $1000 to take care of the bugs. This came with a 6-month warranty. But they had to take off all the light and outlet covers in the whole house. They also had to clean every thing. 

Tuesday the sister moved back into their house after 3 week at the Senior Sisters house. That night Elder Riddle and I went and put all the covers back on for them. They did even know we did it till the next day. Then we also help the senior sister clean up the mess and every thing from having the sister leave there. 

Sunday we had about 25 people at church.

Dec 22, 2014

This week has been interesting. Lots of fun things happening. 

Monday we spent time at the Senior Sisters house with Sister Chapman and Sister Williams and Sister Gunderson. Then Sister Chapman when to pick Sister Murphy up in Kansas City from the Airport so we went and emailed. Sister Murphy was flying back from Seattle where she was for a week with her brother. Then when Sister Chapman and Sister Murphy got back we had dinner at the senior sisters’ house. Sister Gunderson and Williams fixed the food. Then we went out to carol in Hiawatha. 

Tuesday we had district meeting in Hiawatha. The Zone Leaders came and after District Lunch we went on exchanges. Elder Riddle went to Laurence with Elder Walton and I stayed in Hiawatha with Elder Godfrey. We were able to see Sister Jacobson in Willis and were able to meet her nonmember husband and talk to them about the atonement. Then we went to Horton about 12 miles south of Hiawatha. We were able to see Sabrina and others down there. Then we saw Brother Bone. Then we helped the Wheeler Family setup for the branch party at the church. We also had dinner with them. 

Wednesday Elder Godfrey and I went to Holton to exchange back. It ended up that Elder Walton and Riddle were two hours late so we spent time talking to people in Wal-Mart and DQ. Then we left Holton to travel to Whiting and back to Horton to finish see everyone in town. We had great lesson with a few of our investigators and the sisters. The sisters were not able to make it down because Sister Williams was sick so we stopped by a few of their houses for them. Then we had dinner at the Senior Sisters house and then had the branch party.  Then we cleaned up the church building.

Thursday I was Sick. We started weekly planning but did make it to far because I passed out on the couch. But we were able to finally get though it. Then we had dinner at Sister Meints house. Then we went over to Teresa and Norma’s. We were able to show them the Joy to the world DVD. 

Friday we were able to work in Falls City all day. We saw Lyle and Myers and Rasmussen and Jess. We were also able to talk to the mayor in town. We knocked on his door and he let us in and we talked about thing we can do to help him and the town. This was a great opportunity to talk to him. He was very nice.  After dinner we were walking to Shariah’s house when we stopped to talk to the next-door neighbor and he thought that we were the cops. It ended up that they called the cops because they need their help but we showed up first so they thought we were them. Then went by the Rasmussen and talked about church and reading the scriptures. Then we went to Subway on our way home to talk to Jess. Jess is a 24 mom of 2 kids that we found last week at Subway. Jess was working and we were able to talk to her and Jamie a less active until we got kicked out of the store by the manager. It ended up that the Manager saw on the camera feed that we were talking to them after buy a drink but we were talking to long so she called the store and told them to tell us that they have to finish cleaning. So we left but we were able to invite Jess to church this week. 

Saturday we had to take our car to the car shop. The back wheels had mud in the rims so they were vibrating the car. They were able to fix it and also rebalance the back tires. Now the car drives great. Then we had time to then play Uno in Hiawatha with the Retirement home. This was great to talk with them. I almost won but I forgot to say uno and Sister Williams caught me and I had to draw 6 cards so I lost. Then we went out to Seneca for dinner. We had dinner with the McGiffins. 

Sunday we had a small church meeting. We ended up having about 20 people. The missionaries and The Crowther Family all participated in the program. On Brother Crowther mission they had a lesson they taught during the holiday season about the importance of Jesus Christ and how he relates to Christmas. So he revised it and added congregational songs and scriptures and this is what we had for our program. Then we had combined 2nd hour and left. No third hour of church because of the road conditions. Then we had time to meet a few more less actives in Hiawatha before we went to Falls City. Sunday night we tried a former which was dropped a year ago. Stacy Foster teaching record stuck out to us when we were looking through the area book during weekly planning.  We were able to make it to her house. When we got there her 8-Year-old son answered the door. She then showed up to the door with just a towel around so that was interesting. It ended up that she could not talk because her husband was not home. We were about to give her a He is the Gift card but she said two guy in Wal-Mart in Hiawatha last week gave her one. So it is interesting that we ran into her twice in a week. 

I hope all of you have a safe week. Thanks for all the letters. I love all of you.

Love,

Elder Allen.

Could you pick out your baby picture?  Which picture did they use, one by yourself or one with Benjamin?

 It was funny because I recognized the pictures when they first when through them and then the president said that he has a twin so that gave it all away. 

Dec 15, 2014

This week has gone by fast.

Monday we had time to email and then we went over to the senior sister place. Had dinner with the Senior Sisters. Then we went caroling in Hiawatha with the sisters.

Tuesday we had District Meeting. Then we had time to go back up to Falls and teach a few people. We were able to see The Rasmussen and Lyol and Jim.

Wednesday we had time to wash the Car again because we did not get all of the mud out of it on Monday. The tires were vibrating the car because there was mud in the inside of the rims. Then we had Weekly Planning and then helped Sister Larson at the Public Library in Falls City. There was a Youth Exercise Program happening at the library so we were asked to help them. This was lots of fun to help the kids with the games and make crafts . Then we went over to Teressa’s and were able to talk to her. Then we stopped in at Subway to try to talk to a less active but she was not there. We ended up meeting Jess. About 13 weeks ago Elder Pasquale and I ran in to her when she was with her friend Katie. So this time she asked us if we were going to convert her. We ended up leaving a He is the Gift card with her. Then we got Gas.  As we were doing this Elder Riddle and I felt like we need to invite her to be baptized so we went back. She was on a smoke brake when we got there and was willing to talk to us. It ended up that her mom is a member of the church and she went when she was young. What a miracle.

Thursday we had a mission Christmas Party and Specialized Training. We left Falls at 7:30 am to make it to the Stake Center in Topeka at 9:00 Am.  We first had the meeting part of the Day. We were able to also have time to have a hands on Activity. The Zone leaders in Topeka and Lawrence and the Sister Training Leaders all Dressed up as non-Members and when through the building to a classroom. Then as Districts we taught them about the Book of Mormon.  Then we had lunch and Games after. We played “What missionary is this baby”. (Mom sent a picture to the Mission Home)  This was lots of fun. Then we sang songs and then had Book of Mormon charades. Then we left Topeka to Seneca. We stopped in Wetmore and saw the Rosebushes and then drove to Seneca. In Seneca we saw Allen and meet a few new people. Then we went to Hiawatha and saw the Atlaksons and went over to the senior sister’s to give Sister Williams a blessing. A long day with lots of Driving.

Friday we had time to work Falls City and pass out He is The Gift Cards. We were able to meet a few new people because of the New Cards. Then we had dinner with the Larson Family. Then we saw Austin and Tristan. Then we stopped over at Norma and Teressa’s.  Norma thanked us for all the help we done and the example we have been to Derick and Blake, her Grandsons.  Then we saw the Rasmussen.

Saturday we had time to see the Myers before we left to Hiawatha. Then we played Uno with the sisters at the retirement Home. This was fun to play with them and to get to know them.  Then we had the Hiawatha Bell Choir come and perform at the church building. One of the members of the Choir is also a member of the church.  Then we had dinner with Sister Meints. Then we saw Jamie at Subway.

Sunday we had a small Church Meeting.  Then we contacted less actives in Hiawatha. Then we went to Falls and also saw less actives. Saw the Rasmusens and talked about Joseph and Marry.  Saw Teressa and started to teach her son Blake who is 19 and moving to Prescott AZ.  Then we tried to see Jess at Subway But she was not there because she was sick.

This week has been great. Thanks for all the Letters and Emails. Hope you all have warm week because it is getting cold up here. Thanks.

Elder Andrew Allen

Dec 8, 2014

This week has been interesting. We have had lots of driving and meetings. It has gotten cold down here and lots of fog on the roads. 

Monday we had zone P-day in Lawrence. We were able to email at the Zone Leaders apartment’s Clubhouse. Then we went to a music store for Elder Riddle. Then as a Zone we meet at the Lawrence Gym. We were all able to get in and play soccer and Volleyball. Had a great time as a zone. Then we left for Hiawatha. Then the Senior sisters fix a dinner for us. This was a long p-day because of the drive back to Hiawatha. 

Topeka Zone

Tuesday we had District meeting. Elder Riddle trained us on using the "He is the Gift" Cards and different things that we can do to find new investigators this time of the year.  Then we help make more cookies for the sisters. They came up with an idea of passing out 3 plates of cookies to 3 families in Falls City and Hiawatha. These plates of cookies had instruction to pass the plate to another family. We started this to help the community spread the holiday spirit.  On the note it had a message of Christmas and a quote from a Apostle and #sharethegift. We were also able to see 2 new less active families in Hiawatha. Then we had dinner with the Senior Sisters. Then we went back up to Falls City to drop off the plates. We were able to have fun doorbell ditching people as missionaries. 

Wednesday we had weekly planning. During weekly planning Sister Williams called and told us that they have bed bugs. This explains why Sister Williams for the last 2 months has had lots of bites. So the sisters ended up washing all of their clothing and drying it. They ended up moving to the Senior Sisters place till the Mission can clean the apartment. Then we had time to see Alan and others in Seneca. Then we helped the McGiffins paint their Girl’s Room pink. Then we had dinner with the McGiffins after painting. Then we went out in Seneca Caroling Christmas songs. 

Thursday Elder Riddle had a District Leader meeting in Topeka. So we drove down to Topeka and I went with two elders for the morning. Then President Bell took us all out for lunch after the meeting. Then we drove to Horton and worked our way back to Falls City. We were able to see Brother Jessip and Sister Arthroten and help the Saiors move a few things. 

Friday we went out with the Senior Sisters to Humbolt. We were able to see Ann Taylor a Less Active and give her a Book of Mormon, then we saw a few others. Then we had time to see Teresa and her son Blake. Then we had cordination with President Larson and with the Senior Sisters and Young Sisters. Then we had dinner with Sister Meints. Then rode down with President Larson to Highland to move the Allen Family. 

Missionaries at the Crowthers

Saturday we had Zone Training in Topeka. This was a long 41/2 hour meeting. Then we had lunch.  Everyone in the zone left except us and the Hiawatha Sisters because the meeting ran a hour and a half over. Then we went to Valley Falls to see a member but it ended up he was out in Utah. So we left for Hiawatha. We ended up getting stuck in the mud because we drove down a dirt road so we didn't have to go out side of the mission. This was Fun but we got our car dirty.  Then we had dinner with the Crowther Family. We had a long drive home after dinner. There was lots of fog on the roads driving to dinner and back. 

 

Elder Riddle in the mud after the car was stuck

Sunday we had a small Branch Fast Sunday. We had 33 People there. But we had a great meeting. Then we had time to invite people in town to the Christmas Devotional. We ended up having Teresa and her son Blake show up to the church building to watch the Broadcast.  This was great to hear about Christmas and stories of people’s families. Then we heard from the senior sisters that Ann Taylor loves the Book of Mormon and has read the First 6 chapters. 

Thanks for all the letter and emails. I hope you all have a great week.

Love,

Elder Andrew Allen

Dec 1, 2014

This last week has gone by very fast and we had lots of sickness go around this area.

Monday we emailed in Hiawatha, cleaned the car and had time to record some of the songs the District is writing. Then we had dinner with the Senior Sisters in Hiawatha. Then we tried to meet with a few investigators in Hiawatha. Sister Williams ended getting sick after p-day.

Tuesday we had district meeting because none of us got transferred this week. We talked about the opportunities we have this holiday season to share the gospel. We then had district lunch then we drove back up to Falls to see a few people. Then we saw a few investors and less actives. Then we had dinner in Falls City with the Rasmussen.

Wednesday we made cookies for less actives and investors in the branch. We made cookies for 30 different families. This was a fun event as a district. During the evening we went to Everest and Horton and Wetmore and Corning and Seneca and Centralia. We were able to give them cookies and also sing a primary song. We song My Heavenly Father loves me. This was great that we were able to really lift people life up with a great song.

Thursday we finished delivering the cookies. We did Hiawatha and Rulo and Falls City, Morrila and Sabetha and Seneca. We had Thanksgiving at the Wheelers and Senior Sisters. We ate at 2pm with the Wheelers and then at 5 we ate with the senior sisters. Then we went after words to meet more less active in Highland and Robinson.

Elder Allen, Elder Riddle, Sister Gunderson, Sister Williams, Sister Chapman, Natalie, Sister Murphy
Natalie's daughters

Friday I was sick. We started weekly planning but I was out of it. So it did not go well.  But after a nap and lunch I felt better so we went over to see Norma and Teresa's. They fed us pie. Then we saw Tristan and Julie. Then we had dinner and then we to the town Christmas event in Falls City.  They had a window opening night. This is when all the shops are open and Santa came and a carriage ride. We ended up singing Christmas songs for the people passing.  The chamber of commerce of Falls City came up and thanked us for singing. Then we went over to the Rasmussen's to feed their dogs and help them set up their tree. This was fun to help them get in to the Christmas spirit.

Saturday we finished with weekly planning. Then we had time to contact formers and potentials in Falls City. We were able to find a new investigator and talk to many outside. It was 55 out side all day. A very nice day.  Then we had dinner and saw Tristan and Austin.

Sunday we had church. We had a few less active come and 2 investors from the sisters there. Then we worked Horton and Hiawatha after church. We also went out with the senior sisters to Robinson. We ended up heading to Lawrence Sunday night. We left Hiawatha about 7pm with the sisters following us to get to Lawrence for zone p-day on Monday.  We stayed the night in Lawrence with the zone leaders.

This week has been great. We were able to meet lots of people and have a great Thanksgiving. Thanks for every thing.

Love,

Elder Andrew Allen.