May 4, 2015

This week was very long but great.

Monday we first started the day off with eating pancakes at the Fillmores. So I now have a record of 36 pancakes. Then we emailed and had fun. Then we were able to talk to a few people after dinner. We meet with Emmit and Jan.

Tuesday we had district meeting. Then after District meeting we gave Brother Ortiz a blessing. Then we visited a less active in Lamar that was able to cut Elder Mcitires hair. Then we were able to see many people before dinner with the Mackeys. Then we had sports night. The Millers, Jarred and Brittney, Bolinger Family all came this week. It was lots of fun because there were only big kids there. Then we talked with Brother Miller about the plan of missionary work.

Wednesday we went on a road trip. We went down to Walsh, Springfield, Two Butts and Campo. We were able to find some less actives that have been not contacted in many years. We had lots of fun. We even had fun on the dirt roads until we got stuck. We ended up in the country for 3 hours until Jarred and Brittney came to pull us out. We tried to call a lot of people. It ended up that only Jarred would talk to us so he came from Lamar to get us. Thanks to him we got home that night. We were able to talk to the Wheat field.

Thursday we had time to see people in town. We were able to talk with Emmit and Jan, Paulina, Sam Kisamore. We were able to have a church tour with Paulina and her date is for May 23. Then we had dinner out at the Millers. We were able to talk about less actives and church with him. Then we went to wish Pete a Happy Birthday. Pete is a recent Convert and our down stairs neighbor. It ended up that Pete was not able to come to the door. So we talked to Stana a less active and our apartment manager. We talked to her and Rick. Then as we were going into our building we saw lots of people walking in to Pete’s place. So we went to look into it. It ended up that Pete fell down in the kitchen and cut open his eyelid. We got Stana and she asked us to call 911. Pete passed out; we ended up giving him a blessing. The EMT then showed up and helped Pete. They took him to the Hospital. Then we had to talk to the police.

Friday we started off the day doing family history with Sam Kisamore. Then we talked to the sisters about the ward and the less actives we have met. Then we had lunch and then talked to Stana and the Police again. Then we had time to then start our drive to Garden. On the way to Garden we saw the Smiths and Colman's and Tirie. Then we had dinner at Porky's Parlor in Syracuse. We ended up getting to the Zls house at 9PM.

Saturday we started the day at 3am. We got on the bus in Garden City at 4:15. We made a stop in Dodge to pick up more missionaries. Then we got to Wichita at 8am. In Wichita we took a mission Picture. Then we had a mission talk and then we entered the church building. Then Elder Holland, Elder Christionson and Elder Desler talked to us for about 3 hours. It was great to learn from them. Elder Holland went up to Sister Williams and talking to us and ended up Yelling to us in Sister Williams face. He grabbed her head and shook it for a second. He also did it again with another Elder and kissed him on his head. This was a great meeting. They all talked about thing we can do to help improve as a mission. Then we got a sack lunch and left for home. We ended up not getting home until 6 pm our time, 7 pm Kansas Time. Then we saw Brittney and Jarred. We blessed their house and gave Brittney a blessing with Dave Miller.

Sunday we had church. It was a great meeting. We even had a missionary that served in the ward come back. Sister Fuller now Sister Hindrickson came to church on their way to Texas with her husband. I served around her when I was in Topeka. Then we had a Priesthood meeting that was broadcast from Garden. Then we saw Pete. He is doing lots better. He is planning on going home on Thursday. He said he did not like the birthday present of the hospital. Then we attended the YSA Broadcast.

This week has been very good. Thanks for all the Letters and Emails. Have a Great Week and have a safe Mothers Day.

Love,

Elder Andrew Allen

April 27, 2015

This week was good.

Monday we had zone p-day. We went down to Garden and played dodge ball. The zone leaders showed up an hour late. They were the ones with the keys to the building. Then we drove back to Lamar. On the way back we stopped by the Beards. Then we went out a helped Jarred load one of his cars on a trailer. Then we talked to Dave Miller.

Tuesday we had district meeting. After district meeting we went over to the Smith’s house to lay sod. This was lots of fun. The Smiths are not members but they are good friends with the Loveless family. Mr. Smith is also a surgeon at the Hospital. We were able to get all the grass done.  Then we saw Paulina and then had dinner with Sister Hunt. Then we had Sports Night.

Wednesday we had time to plan and to get everything up-to-date. Then we showed Paulina the Restoration DVD. We ended up having to take the TV a part so we could retrieve the DVD. It worked after we put it back together.  Then we went to Holly. We were able to find the Holly Branch Building. It is a newer building they don't use but still keep and plan on reopening it. Then we had dinner with the Smiths out in Holly.

 

Small Holly Building

Thursday we helped Dave Miller at work. We went up to North Queens to plant trees and to fix the drip and work around the shop. We are volunteering with the state so we can attend the voluntary dinner in May. Then we had time to eat dinner and then go to the old senior center to hear the music. We were able to talk with many of the residents there.

Friday we were able to meet many new people. We talked to Brother Kisamore. Then we talked to Tyler and Jan and Emmitt. We were also able to then have dinner with the Ortiz family. Then we were able to cheek up on Pete after his mouth surgery.

Saturday we started off the day helping one of bishop’s new tenants move a washer and dryer to her new house. It ends up that they are living across the street from the Whites. Then we had lunch and then talked to Emmitt, Jan and Stanna. Then we went out to help Dave Miller and the family with the garden.

Sunday we had church then we stayed to help with Pack meeting. Then we had lunch and then tried many people before dinner with Zaricha Sanders. Then we were able to put Percila on date for baptism.

We have had lots of work and service this week. I am looking forward to Elder Holland coming to the mission on Saturday. This is going to be fun to travel to Wichita and back in a day. Thanks for every thing.

Love,

Elder Andrew Allen

April 20, 2015

This week has been good. Lots of Driving. 

Monday we had p-day with the Fillmores and the Sisters. Then we had dinner with the Maestes Family. It was Brother Maestes birthday so it was lots of fun. Then we saw Jarred and Brittney.

Tuesday we had district meeting. The Zone Leaders came up and spent the morning with us. Then I went down to Garden City with Elder Whitaker. This was a great trip. We were able to see a few investigators before dinner with the Bishop of their ward. We were able to talk to the Bishop about how we could help him. He gave us some great ideas that we could do to help him and the ward. 

Wednesday we exchanged back. We meet at the Colorado border. We took pictures and then left. We then had time to study and weekly planning. Then we had lunch and then we went out to visit people. We were able to see Tyler and talk to Leo. Then we had dinner and then went to the church for a church tour. It ended up that he did show but we were able to talk to many members at the church building. 

Thursday we had a long day. We had lots of people not home. We were able to see Sister Smith and Brother Simmons and Pauline.  Then we had dinner with Sister Edwards and Brother Sanders. We were able to help them prepare for their wedding this week. Then we went to the Senior Center to hear Brother Simmons play in the 50-60 band. We were able to talk to lots of the people there. 

Friday morning we drove down to Garden City. Elder Mcintire had a DL meeting with the ZL and AP. During this meeting I went with the other companions out to teach people. I went with Elder Gaum and Elder Marley. They are both new missionaries so it was fun to talk to them because they asked lots of questions about my mission. Then we had lunch and drove back. We were able to see the Beard family and the Hicks on the way back. Then we had dinner with the Clarks. Then we helped Zachariah set up the Community center for the reception. 

Saturday we had the wedding at the Church Building. It was a total of 6 min with the Bishop performing the Ceremony. Then the Family took pictures and then we had the Reception at the Community Building. This was a great time because we were able to meet several people in Lamar that are not members. Then we went out to the Millers. We were able to fix the Tractor and to start to plow their garden.  We were able to talk to Opal, Brittney and Jarred out at the Millers. 

Sunday we had Church. We had a small amount of members show up. We had 111 attend church today. We were able to help a traveling nurse move in to Lamar. She met the Fillmores at the church and asked for help and we were called. Then we had dinner with the Whites. After dinner I played with their kids while the other missionaries did the lesson. We were able to build a train track. Lots of fun. Then we saw Brittney and Jarred. We were able to talk about them getting married but it sounds like this will be a hard step for them because they lose all the money from the state that they need. But we are still trying to help them. 

Thanks for every thing. Have a safe week and Remember to follow Jesus Christ. Just for your heads up we are having Elder Holland come to the Mission on May 2nd. So we will be all going to Wichita that week.  This is going to be a great day. 

Love,

Elder Andrew Allen

April 13, 2015

This week has been good. We have been able to talk to many people and see lots of members of the church.

Monday we spent most of the time at the Fillmores.  We also went to give Brittney a blessing because she has bronchitis. We had dinner and breakfast with Fillmores. Then we were able to see Brittney and Jarred and many others.

Elder Allen winning the pancake eating competition

Tuesday we had district meeting. Then we went out with Brother Miller to work for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. We were building a rain catch to provide water for the animals.   This was lots of fun.  There was Dave Miller and Derek, Charlie, Austin Crow and the Elders. We had lots of fun and lots of driving. We even had fun talking and fixing problems. We then had dinner with the Millers and then Sports night.  Lots of fun playing dodge ball.

Wednesday we had time to talk to lots of people in our apartment. We even had time to see Pete and Stanna and Tyler. We had time to also meet many people in town.

Thursday we saw Paulina, Jamie and Dennis and the Mastes family. We then left for Garden City because of our meeting on Friday.  We were able to still talk to people as we stopped in towns and gas stations. We ended up staying the night at the Spanish Elders place in Garden City.

Friday we had Zone Training. This went very long, they went over an hour and we still had to get lunch. Then after lunch Elder Mcintir talked to the Zone leader for an hour. Then we left about 4:30. Then on our way back we saw the Beard Family. We were able to talk to them and their less active daughter and her non-member kids. The Beards have been coming to church the last 6 weeks and are working to go to the temple. Then we had dinner with the Halls.  After Dinner we went on splits. I went with Tyler Bolinger and Brother Hall went with Elder Mcintir. We all had a great time.

Saturday we did service at the Millers house. We cleaned their house and also cleaned outside. It was lots of fun talking to Brother Miller when we were working on the project. Then we talked to Jarred and Brittney out at the Millers. Then were able to see Marcus, Ben and Paulina.

Lamar District Missionaries

Sunday we had a great church meeting. We had lots of people show up. After the sacrament we had to set up more chairs. This is cool to the see the ward grow. Brittney and Jarred were able to come and stay for two hours. Then we went over to their house for lunch. Then we saw the Deman Family and the Loveless Family. Then we had dinner with the Clarks.

This had been a great week and we saw lots of progression in many people this week. Jarred and Brittney are still working to baptism. Jarred had cleared up all the legal things that were holding him back now they are planning on getting married. Thanks for every thing.

Love,

Elder Andrew Allen

April 6, 2015

This week has been very interesting. Lots of driving and some loss of sleep.  I will have to keep this short because the library is closed today out in Lamar.

Monday we had p-day. We were able to take pictures as a district. Then we had dinner with the Ortiz family. Then we went down to Springfield. It was Derek Millers birthday. So the family went down to spend it with the older daughter, Megan, in Springfield.

Tuesday we had time to eat lunch with the Fillmore's. We then had time to say bye to people. We saw the Millers and Mastes family and many others. We also had sports night. It was lots of fun to play volleyball and Dodge Ball. We had a great turn out there. 

Wednesday we got up at 2:30am to drive to the Dodge area. This was a long drive and we got there in time but it ended up that the Van from the Mission office was very late. I ended up going with Elder Walton and Elder Goum back to Garden City to work. We had lunch with a member and were able visit a few people after Elder Walton spent hours working on stake paper work. Then we met up back at the building in Dodge City when Elder McIntier got there. Also Sister Brown got here for Lamar also. Then we made the drive back.

Thursday we had time to unpack and meet a few people. We were able to have lunch with Brother Simmons then we helped Pauline move. Then we had dinner with the Clark Family. Then we went over to the Millers to have a lesson over there. They we acting like an investigator family. The sisters were passing them off to us so we could teach them. It ended up that that Brother Miller then told us that they were members and he was the AWML (a ward mission leader). Then I was able to talk to Jarred. He is doing great but working through legal things before he can be baptized. 

Friday we had District Leader Interviews. Then we saw Pauline and Jamie and Melody. Then we were able to visit with Marcus and Ben and his family. Had a great day. 

Saturday we spent most of our time at the church building. We had lunch with the Fillmore's. Then after Priesthood Session the ward had Ice Cream for us to Eat. This was a great Day.

Sunday we started off watching the first Session at the Church Building. It was only the Missionaries and the Clark family for all the Sessions. Then we again had lunch at the Fillmore's. Then we were able to watch the last session with the Millers. It ended up that Opel and Brittney and Jarred and Derek’s friend were all there. This was a great time. Then we had time to have a Lesson with them all. Then we had dinner with all of them at the Church Building and then played Dodge Ball and Volleyball. 

Lamar Missionaries with the Millers

This week has been Great. I hope you all loved Conference and got a lot out of it. Thanks for all the Letters and Emails. Keep being safe.

Love,

Elder Andrew Allen

March 30, 2015

Elder Blaylock is leaving Lamar :( :( But I am staying for a little bit longer.

Monday we started off this new week with Pancakes with the Fillmore's. Then we went on a ride-a-long with Brother Miller. Brother Miller works for the State as a wildlife tech. This was fun to spent 5 hours seeing his job and learning about deer and what to do to help find a good one to shot when it come deer season. Then we came to email. Then we had dinner with the Snyder family. Then we had a FHE with the Millers.

Tuesday we had district meeting.  Then Elder Blaylock did interviews with the sisters.  We were able to talk to Jame and others. Then we went out to the Millers for dinner. Then we had Sports night. This was a lot of fun. We had lots of adults and we played Dodge ball and Volleyball.

Wednesday Elder Balylock was sick. He went with Brother Millers all day to sit in his office. I went with 3 different team ups during the day. I stayed with Elder Fillmore and saw several less actives during the morning. Then Tyler Bolinger came out with me to see Jame and Pallina and many others. Then I went with Derick Miller to dinner with Sister Smith. We then had a time to talk with Brittany and Jarred about the Goals in life. This was a great day. Lots of new people I that I met.

Thursday Elder Blaylock was Sick but we were not able to find many people to go out with so we stayed home and he sleep. Then we had dinner with the Fillmores and then we had a lesson with Brittney and Jared at the Millers.

Friday we were able to help Pete start his family history. Then we had to go home and let Elder Blaylock rest because he fell asleep in the car as we drove to get lunch. We ended up going out to the Millers and splitting with Brother Miller and his boys. We were able to have a great night and see lots of people. Brother Miller told ELder Blaylovk he might have Ebola. You can get when you meat raw meet. Last Thursday we ate at the Clarks and they feed us raw meat so it sounds right. The easiest way to get rid of it is to eat lots of semi cooked rice or lots of laxatives.  HAHA

Saturday we help the Millers kill a few chickens and finish cleaning up from the trailer we took apart. We had a great time helping them. We were able to see lots of people after we did service.

Sunday we had a great time at church. We then had a meeting with Brother Miller who is the Assistant Ward mission leader. Then we had dinner with the Loveless family. Then we saw Opal Cooper, which is the Miller’s daughter.

Thanks for all the letters and emails. Have a great week. Keep safe and remember the importance of the Atonement this coming week. Thanks for every thing.

Love,

Elder Andrew Allen

March 23, 2015

This week has been Great. I am loving this Lamar Ward. In Lamar we have one ward that also covers a fair amount of other small towns. We have done lots of service and driving this week.

Monday we had stake P-day. The Garden City Zone and Liberal Zone came to Garden City for a few hours. We left Colorado at 5:30 am to make the drive and time change. We were able to play dodge ball and ultimate Frisbee. We even had time to take a stake missionary picture. Then we had dinner on our way back with the Thornburgh family.

Garden and Liberal Zones

Tuesday we had district meeting and district Leader Interviews. Then we had time to go see Jamie and then we went out to have dinner with the Millers. We had some of the chicken that we killed at their house a few weeks ago. We did not tell the sisters that it was the chicken that they watched us kill. If they knew they would not have had it. Then we had Sports Night. We had lots of adults show up for Dodge ball.

Wednesday we had to clean the car. We ended up helping the sister clean their car. Then we were able to see many people. We had dinner with Brittany and Jarred and then were able to help teach them about the Law of Chastity. We were able to teach them out at the Miller’s house. This was a great lesson with them. They are doing great but are still having a hard time stopping smoking.

Sunrise with moon

Thursday we left at 3:30 Am to get to Dodge City for a specialized training. We had to have are cars spotless so that they could install Tiwi into our cars. Well these Tiwi yell at you when you do something Wrong. It is put into the cars to cut down accidents and speeding tickets and damage to cars. Salt Lake came and had them put them in all mission cars and there is a plan to get them in all cars in the USA and Canada.  One of the big guys from SLC came to watch the Oklahoma mechanics install Tiwi. Then we had a great meeting and we were able to see the new video that the church came out with for the Easter Sunday. Then we had lunch and were able to watch them test drive all the cars to see if they will yell at us for speeding, no seat Belts and aggressive driving. Then we had dinner with the Clarks.  Elder Blaylock and I got sick form the food at the Clarks.

Tiwi

Friday we had Family History with Brother Kismore. Then we went out the Millers to help them with taking apart a old Trailer House. They are trying to scrape the metal to get money to help pay for the expenses of their property and Medical bills. We were able to get a lot done in a few hours with Brother Miller and his two boys. Then we had dinner with the Hall Family. Then Brother Miller and his son Charlie came out to visit people with us. I went with Brother Miller was able to talk to Jamie and Ben and his Family.

Saturday we went over to the Millers to finish the trailer house. We had Breakfast with the Miller family before we started at 9 am. We were able to get all the metal off and clear off the floor. There is now a large pile of junk waiting to get burnt next rainstorm.  Even the sisters came to help. Then Tyler, a RM from Phoenix, came out with me to visit few people in town when Elder Blaylock taught Brother Millers less active children. Then we had dinner with Zerico and her fiancé.  Then we went over to see Jared and Brittney at the Millers.

Sunday we had Church. No investigators came but we did have a few less actives come. Then we had Lunch at the Millers and saw a few people. Elder Blaylock went with Charlie and I when with Derrick. We had a great night.

This has been a great week. We have also started off this new week with Pancakes with the Fillmore's. Then we went on a ride-a-long with Brother Miller. Brother Miller works for the state as a wildlife tech. This was fun to spent 5 hours seeing his job and learning about deer and what to do to help find a good one to shot when it come deer season.   

Thanks for every thing.

Love,

Elder Andrew Allen.