March 2, 2015

This week we have had fun and had lots of lessons this week.

Monday was p-day with the Millers. Brother Miller was working from home so we went over and did our laundry and had fun out there all day. We even had dinner with the Millers. Then we saw the Coopers, which is Brother Miller’s daughter. She is in high school and is married. Ever since she was married she has became less active with her husband.

Look at how large of an egg Elder Blaylock and I found at the millers.
We found a total of 7 eggs in one day from 10 chickens. 

Tuesday we had District meeting. Then we had time to work. Elder Lott when out with Brother Danise. Brother Dansie served in the mission then when he went home, he came back to Lamar. His Girl Friend was baptized in December. I went out with Elder Blaylock. We were able to talk to 8 people in 30 min. Then we had dinner with the Millers. Then we had sports night. We had lost of investigators show up.

Wednesday we had weekly planning then we had district interviews and then Elder Blaylock had a Baptismal interview with Austin. We also had to take care of our car because it was hit some time on Monday night or Tuesday. Then we had time to see investigators and less actives.

Thursday we ended up doing service at the Millers house. Brother Miller had been sick since Tuesday so he stayed home with us to clean their house.  We cleaned their house for their party on Saturday. Then after dinner we took the Miller boys out with us. Elder Blaylock had another interview with Pete for baptism. We were able to get 4 members present lessons in 90 minutes. This was a great time with Future missionaries.

Friday we finished cleaning at the Millers. We ended up shampooing their carpets and cleaning their kitchen. Even the sisters came over to help. Then we had time to go out again with the Miller Boys.

Sister Furner, Pete, Sister Marcum

Saturday we had Pete’s baptism. Before the baptism Elder Blaylock and I shoveled the sidewalks at the church and filled the fount. Then we had the baptism and then time to visit the Whites and Brandon and others in town. We also had lunch with Bishop Anderson and his wife. Then we had the party at the Miller’s house. It was Charley's late birthday part. This was lots of fun because we had less actives and non members there.

Sister Marcum, Sister Furner, Annie Bollinger, Austin, Tyler Bollinger. 

Sunday we had a large group at church. Then we had Austin's baptism. Then I went out with Elder Lott and Brother Miller went with Elder Blaylock.  We were able to find a new investigator because we visited a part member family and picked up the grandmother as an investigator. Then call ins and dinner.

This was a great week. Lots of service and 2 baptisms of the sister’s investigators.

Love,

Elder Andrew Allen.  

Feb 23, 2015

This week has been fun.  Now I have two companions here in Colorado. We are serving out in Lamar, Colorado.

Monday it was my birthday. Spent time with elders in Wichita. Spent time with Elder Hunsman, Elder Jones, Elder Clarkson and Elder MacArthur. Then we went to the Stake Center with the other missionaries. Then we had dinner with the Cardon Family. Their little daughter had a birthday also so we celebrated it together Sister Cardon made a cake and we had Ice Cream with it.

Tuesday spent most of the day packing.  Went out to eat with the district for lunch. We were able to visit with Sister Berreth. We then had dinner with the Clarks. They live up the floor from us. This was lots of fun learning about medical and dental school and playing with Lego’s with their son. Then we were able to see the Simons family and then the Marshall family and the Grantham Family.

Wednesday was transfer day. About 3/4 of the mission came to the Mission Office. We all had lunch and then had a music show and transfer devotional. We had 6 missionaries come out and about 25 go home so it was a long meeting. Then we left for Dodge City in the Mission Van. The Kitchens from the mission office drove the van. We got to Dodge around 6pm. Then we waited for Elder Blaylock and Elder Lott to get here from Colorado. We then had to drive to Lamar through Garden City. We ate dinner with the Lamar sisters in Dodge City because we were all traveling home. We ended up getting to the sister’s house after 10pm. We didn't get home till 10:30. It was a very late drive.

Lamar district Elder Allen, Elder Lott, Elder Blaylock, Elder Gordon, Sister Gordon, Sister Furner, Sister Marcum

 

Thursday we had time to unpack and shop and then we went over and visited Brother Kisamore. We ended up leaving Elder Lott there when Elder Blaylock and I went to visit Ben and Victoria. Then we had dinner with the Maestas Family.   Then Elder Lott and I went out to work when Elder Blaylock went to teach Marchus with Brother Maestas.

Friday we had time to weekly plan then we were able to clean the apartment then go out and work. Elder Lott went out with Tyler, a return missionary.  Elder Blaylock and I bought food for the sisters because of the big storm on Saturday. We then had dinner with Sister Hunt. Then we had time to visit a few potentials and less actives.

Saturday we had a service project at Ben and Victoria’s. We hung drywall in the house. Elder Blaylock and I and the sisters hung 6 sheets. This was lots of fun. Even Victoria, the mom came and helped us screw up the sheets on the ceiling. Then we meet Tyler and a few others in town. We then had dinner with the sisters at the church building. Then we saw Tyler our neighbor. The Millers came out with us. Brother Miller with Elder Lot and I with their son and Elder Blaylock with their other son.

Sunday we got lots of snow. Church was small because people were not able to make it. It was a great day. Then we had lunch with Zariiah. Then we went out again with the Millers.  Elder Lott and I visited Marchus and The Ortiz family and Elder Blaylock visited Brother Kisamore. Then we had dinner with the Millers.  On our way home we got stuck in a ditch for a little bit. We made it home safe. Lots of fun out in Colorado. 

Thanks for all the letters and mail. I am having lots of fun out here and seeing lots of people. Thanks for every thing. It is fun having two companions, have a safe week.

Love,

Elder Andrew Allen

Feb. 16, 2015

This week has been great.  Lots has happened.  Transfer time is here and I am moving to Lamar, Colorado now. Transfers are this Wednesday. 

Monday we had p-day in Wichita. Most of the Newton Zone came down for p-day, lots of fun with all the missionaries.  Then we went by Wily's so Elder Clay could get a hair cut. 

district picture

Tuesday we had Zone Conference. The Wichita and Newton and Derby zones got together at the mission office. There were lots of missionaries. We talked about Elder Holland’s talk on Feed my Sheep. We also talked about using the Questions of the soul to help resolve questions our investigators have. President Williams, the stake president, came and talked to the missionaries in the Wichita Stake. They feed us lunch and all had a fun time playing a game with President Bell.  Then we left to go to dinner. We had dinner with the Marshall family. Then we went out with President Crawford, the Elders Quorum President to visit the Roath family. This was a great visit with this less active Family. 

Wednesday we had weekly planning. During weekly planning the Zone Leaders came by to do Stake Reports and Apartment inspections. Then we had time to go out and work. We biked around the neighborhood talking to people and visiting investigators. Then we had dinner with the Peterson family. After dinner we had time to go out with Brother Cardon to contact a new family. We were not able to find the house. Then we went by the church to pick up crafts the activity day girls made for us for Valentines Day.

Thursday we had a day to do service. We helped brother Grantham paint his dance studio. Then we saw Sister Berreth. Then we had dinner and then helped move Brother Grantham’s sister.

Friday we had district meeting. It was the last district meeting for sister Judy in our district. Then we had time to contact a few people before dinner. We had dinner with Vam Skiver family. Then we saw Lafe Olson.

Saturday we had stake conference. At 10 am we had the baptism of Cora who the sisters taught. Then we had time to ride around seeing a few people. Then we had dinner with the Vickers.  Sister Vicker’s ex-husband was visiting the kids and stayed for dinner so it was interesting having dinner with this family on Valentines Day. Then we had stake conference.  Elder Real came to this conference. Funny thing is I meet him in Topeka when he came for stake in November. All the missionaries in the stake sang a few songs during the adult session.

Sunday we had stake conference. Elder Real talked about faith and fear.  This was a great meeting. After the meeting I was able to talk to Elder Real and thanked him for speaking at two stake conferences for me. He said it was funny that I was following him around to the state in Kansas. Then we went to visit a less active with Brother Down. Had time to visit Sister Berreth and Brother Shun and then had dinner with the Marshals.

This has been a good week. Thanks for all the emails and letters. Next email will be from Colorado. Have a great week.

Snow today as a birthday present

Love,

Elder Andrew Allen

Feb 9, 2015

This week the weather has been very interesting, very cold days on Monday and Tuesday and then nice warm days on Saturday. 

Monday we had P-Day and then we had dinner with Brother Simons. He took us out to eat. 

Tuesday we had district meeting. During District meeting we talked about using the questions of the sole to find people with problems. Then we went out to eat as a district.  Then we had d=time to see people before dinner with the Blakes. We were able to give the Blakes 2 copies of the Book of Mormon because they have names of people they want to give them to. 

Wednesday we had time to go to the Sedwick area with brother Van Skiver. We were able to see the Inkelleers and Peggy. Then we had time to start weekly planning and then we saw Sister Berreth with Brother Hunt. Then we had dinner with Wileys. They are both from Canada and all of their kids are Canada citizens. It was cool to talk with them about Canada and how it is different being in Kansas.  

Thursday we finished weekly planning and then had time to visit a few people off of the ward roster. Then we had dinner with the Hunts. I found out that I am related to Brother Hunt. His Hunt line runs through the Hunts in Snowflake and the Mormon Battalion. Then we went on splits with the Hunts. Brother Hunt went with Elder Clay to see Lafe. Caleb came with me to meet a few part member families.  

Friday Elder Clay had a doctor appointment. I was able to talk with few people in the lobby.  Then we were able to see the Petersons. We had dinner with the Petersons. Then we saw Byron and the Mricks. 

Saturday we Zone Training. Then after Zone Training we attended a baptism for the Spanish branch. Then we had district lunch at Keeper of the Plains. Then we saw Jerry and then we had dinner with the Bresses. Then we saw the Hunts because we had an appointment and Brother Hunt was going to come out with us then he canceled 5 min before. Then we saw the Marshall family. 

 

Keeper of the Plains

Sunday was Church. We had a great Sunday. We had lots of people there. Cora, the sister’s investigator came and now is getting baptized on Saturday. We also had many less actives come to church.  Then we saw Beth and the other Marshall family. Then we had dinner with the Threlkeld family.

This week we have had lots of time to meet new people and have had great weather. Hope all of you are staying safe and warm. 

Love,

Elder Allen

Feb 2, 2015

This week we have had great weather and bad weather. 

Monday we had several zones p-day. We watched the Other Side of Heaven and then had fun talking to missionaries in the Newton Zone. Then we had dinner with the Bennetts here in Wichita. With weather about 60 to 70 degreees.

Tuesday we had district meeting. Then we had time to walk around and bike to see people here in Wichita. We were able to bike about 5 miles and then we had dinner at our place before we saw the Marshall family. 

Wednesday we had time to have Weekly planning and we also had time to do service for a lady that lives by a member. We then had dinner with the Brobergs and then we had time to talk with the Sanders family. We also had pie with the Concourses, which are now a new senior couple in our mission office. 

Thursday we were planning on finishing the service but it got to cold outside that she canceled on us. We ended up then having time to see a few former investigators here in the area. Then Elder Clay’s bike tire broke so we ended up get in a ride from a member. We then helped Brother Granthom tape the walls at his dance studio before he painted. Then we had dinner with Downs. Then we walked to the Roath’s house after dinner which about 3 miles and then back to our apartment. 

Friday we had interviews with President Bell. Then we had training by the Aps about the amount of lessons we teach a week. The goal is to have total of 48 lessons a week. This was a great training on using time to the fullest.  Then we had district lunch and then were able to go out and work. We ended up going on exchanges with the district leader. I went with Elder Jorgensen and we tracted and talk to people in our paths. We then had dinner with the Blake family. 

Saturday we had coronation meeting with the Sisters and Brother Cardon, the Ward mission Leader. Then we went out to Pratt for a baptism.  Elder Clay taught him a lesson so we were able to travel an hour for the baptism. It ended up being a 5-hour trip but we were able to see the mission president. Then we had dinner with the Harlochers. They took a picture of us and sent it to our parents. This was lots of fun. It got really cold on Saturday. It was raining and windy all day. 

Sunday it was a very cold day. It snowed during church but it blew all away. Church was great and we had a great lesson in priesthood. Then we had dinner with the Grindstaff family. Then we walked to see a few people. It was very cold. It was about 18 when we left our house after dinner with lots of wind. We ended up getting lost after an hour of walking but were able to find the Barker family and we stopped in to get warm. He ended up giving us a ride home because it was very cold. 

I hope all of you had a great week and are staying warm. Thanks for all the letters and mail. Have a great week. 

Elder Andrew Allen

Jan 26, 2015

This week has been great. 

Monday was a holiday. We spent time at the west-link building here in Wichita with all of the missionaries.  Then we had dinner with the Barker family then we helped JC Parson move a couch to his house. 

Tuesday we had a full day of contacting people and meeting new people. We had time to also start filling out paper work for our apartment office. Then we had dinner with Brillharts. Then we had time to go out with Brother Hunt. We were not able to see any people with him so we ended up having family scripture study with them as a family.

Elder Clay

Wednesday we had District Meeting. Before district meeting we had district interviews with Elder Hoak. Then after District meeting we were able to see a few of our investigators. Then we had dinner with the Cardons. Then we had time to help clean up after YM and YW.

Thursday we had weekly planning. Then we went over to the apartment office to finish the paper work to live there. Then we went up to Colwich and Andale. These towns are about 8 miles and 12 miles from Wichita. We were able to contact less actives up there. Then we had dinner with the Marshall Family.  Then we had a lesson with Byron but he did not answer when we went by.

Friday we went on exchanges. Elder Hoak came to my ward with me. I went to the doctor for my knee and we were able to have Caleb Hunt, a priest, come out with us for a little bit. We had a great luck with contacting people and having luck with people talking to us. We had dinner with the Van Skiver family. Then we went with Brother Van skiver to see Lafe. This was a great lesson. 

Saturday we went to morning sports at the stake center. We exchanged back after sports. Then we had coronation meeting with the Sisters and Brother Cardon. Then we up to Colwich, Andale and Sedwick. We were able to meet lots of less actives and people that now live in the homes of moved less actives. Then we had dinner with the other Marshall family. Then we had time to see Peterson up in Maize.

Sunday we had church. We had meetings before and after church. We also had a baptism in the building for the Spanish branch. We were able to attend the baptism and this was fun because it was all in Spanish. President Bell and the APs also came to the baptism. This was fun talking to President Bell.  Then we had dinner with the Threlkeid Family. 

Cool Story. The day I got transferred in to this area here in Wichita we went shopping at Wal-Mart. I met Peggy. She was a recent convert when I was in Wellington. She ended up moving to Wichita when I was still in Wellington. Then when I ran into her in Wal-Mart we talked about church and her life and every thing. It ended up that she has not gone to church after she left Wellington. Finally this last Sunday she went to church. We were able to help her get a number for the bishop of her new ward and she was able to get a ride to church.  The funny thing is that she in not even in our stake here in Wichita. Now the ward knows her and is helping her get a ride to church now 

This week has been very nice because we had the car and the weather was not to cold. The area is starting to pick up and we have a great week planned for this next week. Thanks for all the letters and emails. 

Love,

Elder Andrew Allen. 

Here is an email I got this week. It is funny that Benjamin got to meet them.

Hello Elder Allen!

I was going through our past letters and finally found your email address. We've been looking for it since Christmas to send you an email.
Guess who we met at Christmas time in Iola?! You probably already know by now, but we wanted to send you photographic proof that we did meet and hang out with your twin over the holidays. It was great to meet him. We had to constantly say, this isn't the Elder Allen we knew in Larned because we would start joking around with him like it was old times. You guys REALLY look alike! But we could easily kid him about table saws like we did you! ;)
Anyway, we want to let you know how proud we are of you and your brother! Your parents raised you both very well.
Thank you for the Christmas card and for keeping in touch with us on your mission. It's been great to hear from you.
Keep up the great work you are doing for the Lord! The Gospel is true and it brings true happiness. Have a great new year.

Sincerely,
Tessa and Glenn McMillan

Elder Benjamin Allen and the McMillans

Jan 19, 2015

This week has been interesting.  This week was also bike week for us. Lots of tracing because we don't have lots of investigators. The weather has been very warm and nice. 

Monday we had p-day at the stake center. We spent time also playing games in the building. Then we had time to tract around our house. We ran into a few people that have talked to missionaries before and they were very nice. 

 

Pond by apartment

Elder Caly and Elder Allen

Elder Allen

Tuesday we had district meeting. Then we had time to tract.  Then we meet a few members that we traced into. This was fun to knock on their door and they let us right in.  Then we had dinner with the Simmons family. They are a younger family that has 3 kids and he is a mechanic in the air force. They are a great family that is working on going to the temple to be sealed as a family. 

Wednesday we had weekly planning and the plumber came over to fix the tub. Then we had time to talk to people. Not to many people wanted to talk to us. It was a nice day. 

Thursday the zone leaders went on exchanges with us. This was fun because they called when we weren’t having lots of thing happening. I went with Elder Hughs and found a few people that are interested in talking with us. Then we exchanged back and had dinner with The Hunts. Then we went over to the McKnights. We had scripture study with them. 

Friday we had time to bike around the Area seeing former Investigators. We were able to met lots of people. Then we dinner with The McKnights. This was fun because we were able to talk to their daughter that is back from Idaho on break. Then we had time to also see Bryan and a few less actives. Today was very warm. 

Saturday we went up to Maize. There was lots of wind when we were biking and it was very warm. A very nice day. We were able to talk with the talk with members. Then we saw Nyles and Lafe.  

Sunday we had church. There were lots of changes in the ward because we had a few families that moved in and moved out. We saw Nyles with Caleb Hunt. Then we had dinner with The Cocannours. Then we visited a man in the hospital with a member. 

This week we had tots of time to contact people to build our teaching pool. We also had time to meet the members. This week we get the car. Thanks for every thing. Have a great week. 

Love,

Elder Allen