Sunday Fun

We have wonderful primary teachers in our ward. I absolutely love them! Jayce's teacher sent home a recipe for CTR pretzels. We ended up making them into CTR cinnamon sugar bread.

Perfect Sunday activity! Fun and yummy!

Derek Letter 10-29-12

Family,

 

First I'll tell you about my week. I had exchanges with Elder Moore of the Manhattan second ward on Thursday to Friday. It was really fun being with him and to be able to learn from his experience. He leaves for home next Thursday and has been in the field for a while. He is taller than me and from Salt Lake. He got to have President Van Comen as a mission president for a while. This week, it got down to freezing several times. It sure was a cold one. We had the car, fortunately so we got to drive all over. Oh! And last Sunday, I got to drive for the first time in 4 months! It felt sort of strange but I got the hang of it. We alternate days driving now. On Saturday, we had our branch Halloween party. It was PACKED. We had 160 and were expecting about 80. So double the amount. I guess that gives a good number for the amount of people that we potentially could have at the Chirstmas party in December. 

But we had fun because we switched nametags and went to the party as the other missionary. We also ran this one game that was kind of like cake walk but you had to win to get the prize. There were tons of non members there and even a few less-actives. Of course there was a chili cook off. But you know me, I came prepared because we went to McDonald's right before so that I didn't have to eat chili: my worst enemy. Pretty much the entire branch now knows that I despise chili with a burning passion. Also, for branch council yesterday morning, we had to get up early and it was 25 degrees outside. There was ice on the windshield and we got there safely thank goodness. Also, I am in need of my acne medication. Could you please send some more to me? Or maybe send it to the Manhattan Wal-mart pharmacy or something. I also heard that you chatted it up with Sister Chandler about school and cooking. I thought that was cool. I'm glad you two have stuff in common.

 

As for you, that's awesome that Cody is pretty much done with his Eagle project! Sounded like you worked a lot harder for his than you did for mine, haha! My trees are withering away one by one. The toughest part is now the waiting game by getting all of those letters of recomendation. That was the most time consuming for me, I remember. Don't worry you're almost there Cody! I'm glad some people came to the project. I can't remember how many people came to mine. I know it was a lot though because we were in and out of there in like an hour or something like that.

 

Bummer you couldn't get the job. Hopefully something will turn up for you so that you can help support the family. Cody should be able to get a job here pretty soon. Hopefully once the summer comes around he can get searching. Oh, before I forget, tell brother Vandeveer that his office hasn't responded to the letter I sent them back in July. Good luck in school, Mom. I know you'll do great! Thanks for the quote too. It was a good one. Elder Holland has some great quotes in Preach My Gospel too that you should check out.

 

Great job Caitlin in the half marathon! I wouldn't be able to do that now that I'm out of cross country again. Maybe at the end of a bike week I could do one because my legs get so strong and I get more energy by the end of the week.

 

Oh, and to Dad about answering the Catholic question. There's a talk (I don't know who gives it) that talks about why the restoration took place in 1820 and not at another time. That has given me new insight on the great apostasy and what went on during it. I know about the Nicean creed and how people made Christianity believe that there is one God and that's it. I don't know how they got to that conclusion because the bible indicates that there is more than one God.

 

Anyways I always forget to tell you at least one thing in these e-mails so don't be shocked if this isn't enough for you. So that's the point I'm at right now. I can't think of anything else. Well, I love you all and wish you the best in whatever you are doing. Love,

 

Elder Sutherland

 

PS: "Abominable! Do I look abominable to you? Why don't they call me the adorable snowman or the agreeable snow man for crying out loud. I'm a nice guy. Snow cone?"

"Egh"

"No no no no, don't worry. It's lemon. What about you big fella? Snowcone?"

"Did you see the way she...looked at me?"

"Yeah, I understand. It's not easy being banished. Just talk to my buddy, bigfoot. They wrapped up an enormous diaper witb poison ivy. Wore it on his head like a tiara. Called himself king itchy."

...

"Wait, what did you say?"

"Yak's milk. I mean milking a yak isn't a picnic. But once you pick the hairs out, it's very nutritious."

Derek Letter 10-22-12

Family!

 

Sorry, no pictures this week. My camera is out of battery anyways. Yes Mom, I got your package. I loved all the goodies in there especially the Frankenberry and Count Chocula cereal boxes. I can't wait to eat more tomorrow, haha. As far as my ballot, I opened it on Monday, voted for the first time ever, and sent it back in on Tuesday. I think it should be in the voters office by now. It was fun being able to vote. I had Elder Clare help me on a few issues just to see his opinion. There were some that I had no clue what or who to vote for. But I just voted for the name that sounded better. Except for the president of the United States. I voted for the correct one there. Is California still heavily in favor of Obama? I don't know how that state gets so many crazy people out there. Ohwell. You did not send too much candy. It was awesome to see what's in there. I also looked at the price to send it and I was really thankful for you sending it yet a little ashamed for asking for stuff that I may not REALLY need. But I am really grateful to have loving parents who support their missionaries! As for the gloves, we bought some for me to use at school at REI last summer. If you could find those that would be perfect. But for the ear muffs you may need to get them before Christmas. We'll just have to wait and see what the weather is like for the rest of the calendar year. I'll be sure to let you know if I'll need them or not because it has been quite warm here the past week or so.

 

So, as for my week, it was a little frustrating without a car. We were supposed to get the car but the zone leaders changed their mind last minute and kept the car because they were going on exchanges in Salina. So that messed up everything because now the branch Elders quorum doesn't know we don't have a car since that's where we announce that we need a ride at all this week. On Tuesday it was especially frustrating because we literally couldn't find anyone to take us to Manhattan for our district meeting. So we just didn't go. Elder Clare wasn't happy since he's district leader and prepared a lesson for nothing. I guess he can always give it next week. As a result, we had to bike into Wamego one extra day this week. Speaking of biking into town, my legs are now super buff. But now that we get the car back this week, they'll go flabby (like Larry the lobster and his latissimus dorsi). Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday took us over an hour to bike into town because of the stupid headwind. On Thursday, the gusts got up to 45 mph coming from the northwest (AKA right in our face) and it took us an hour and a half just to bike into town. By that time our legs were jello. But we had to go to St. George to help this potential investigator mow her lawn (she has a bad back and foot). So in all we biked 3 hours from our house, to St. George, and back to Wamego. Not only that but Rosetta's lawn mower didn't work so we went out there for nothing. But you know what, I honestly didn't care we were going through all these hardships because I know we will be blessed somehow, someway. Even though I had jello legs (and a soar behind), we had a pretty good day. We've made lots of friends here and many people in this relatively small town know us well. On Saturday, it took us only 42 minutes and 45 seconds to bike into town because of the wind at our backs and the strong legs we have developed over the week. That was a new record for us. As for the work, this week has been tough when it comes to numbers. We had zero investigators at Sacrament meeting (that's always our biggest issue), and only 2 member presents. We've been working hard but the numbers sure don't show it. Whenever we teach the restoration, the most frustratring thing is having people recognize that the authority was lost in the great apostasy and therefore there was a need for the restoration. The Catholics claim they have it but since they are the source of the great apostasy, they actually didn't have it. People say "oh, I've already been baptized" whenever we invite them to make that covenant. It's just frustrating for them to pass at their eternal salvation. One other thing, we have this missionary in our zone who is serving in Manhattan and goes home in 2 and a half weeks (at our next transfers) who has become lazy since he is going home soon. The missionary that he is training has suffered from it. I just want to tell you this because I am making a promise right now that I will not be one of those missionaries. And if I happen to be, go ahead and slap me when I get home.

 

It sure sounds like you had a great day in Lancaster! It's so awesome to be able to live close to family like we do now. But I'm sure Kellie had the best 18 months of her life. Wow, Kenny is going on a mission and is now an Elder! That's awesome! I can't wait to hear where he goes. I am thinking it is going to be foreign but the Lord knows so we'll let him decide. Also, sounds like Cody's eagle project is coming along well. You'll have to send me pictures because I won't be able to understand what exactly he's doing unless I have a visual. That's aweosme that you're working on school and hopefully about top get a full-time job! Is this your last semester of school? I can't remember what you've told me before. How are Billy and Caitlin doing? Oh, I keep forgetting to ask Dad a question: Do you know a Greg Seljestad? He is a larger guy and a mechanical engineer at CAT here in Wamego (I actually don't know what type of engineering). He was at BYU and the engineering department at the same time you were, I think. So I wanted to know if that name rung a bell at all.

 

Alright Jayson, I'll answer your questions. My mission has been going awesome possum and I feel like there are a lot of kids here that you would like and be fun to play with. I haven't gotten any more baptisms since your birthday. We've been very close on a few people but they just don't want to make that commitment. The members here really like the work we are doing but if we could have a bit more support that would be helpful to get you more baptisms. We have had only one or two people that like what we teach so much that we go over everyday. That is very rare, though. Once somebody does what we tell them (go to church, read, and pray), then that's when they want us over usually. I have been in the same place the whole time and expect to stay here for a little while longer (at least until the end of the year). Sorry, I wish I could write more letters or at least have more time. But my only day allowed to write is on Pday. If I write on any other day, then I won't get the Lord's blessings of missionary success. WOW! Your baptism sounds so cool! I remember the water in my baptism. I was scared that it was going to be cold. But it was really warm. And that helped God tell me taht he loves me and wnats me to continue to be a good boy. It also sounds like school has been fun with your teacher. I hear that Mrs. Shalinsky is very, very nice and helps you a lot. Are you learning a lot Jayce? Do you know how to spell iofhwerhlqwedhqwluierblwuiegt? That's one of my favorite words. That's is also a very funny Looney Tunes quote. I'll try and give you one too.

 

Well, thanks for the support everybody! I appreciate the prayers and everything including letters. I love you all,

 

Elder Sutherland

 

PS: "I want my diamond. Where is it? WHERE IS MY HUMONGOUS ROCK!!!????"

SMASH!!!

Cody's Eagle Project

Eagle projects are really hard. They are the bane of a mother's existence. Luckily, I have a wonderful husband who is right in there with me. And we have an amazing scoutmaster. The boy scout council here is very picky about the projects they will approve. It has to benefit the community and the scout has to show leadership. Cody attempted to start his project more than a year ago. When he went to talk to the ranger in July we found out the original project he had been offered had been scrapped. But, the county was building community gardens and the ranger asked Cody to build a compost bin to handle all the green waste from the gardens. One of the main goals of an eagle project is for a scout to learn to communicate and, well, lead. Cody really struggled because he doesn't like talking to people. It's not just that he doesn't like it, he just gets nervous and doesn't know what to say. That has been hard, but he's learned a lot.

 Brother Peterson is freakin awesome. 

 This was day one of the project - building the parts at Bro. Peterson's house.

 Two scouts will contribute to the gardens. And they got to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony with our County Supervisor. It was a big deal and a great opportunity for the scouts.

It was good for Cody to be there and actually speak to her.

 This was the beginning of the second day...when we were putting it together for real.

 Did I mention how awesome Bro. Peterson is? (He's in the hat.)

 Turning it over to work on the roof.

 Preparing the ground.

 Cody Sutherland, eagle scout in training.

At the end of the first day...most of the structure done and in place.

After things like this, I feel such gratitude for a ward family who comes together to help. I love all of these men. Some stayed outside in the hot, Santa Ana winds day for the whole six hours. It was a very long day! And we're not done yet!

Derek Letter 10-15-12

Familia!

 

It's a great day to be a missionary in the Missouri, Independence Mission! This week has been a blast! It was also cool to see the pictures of Pennie at the church. That must have been very funny to see her have the time of her life since she never gets out of the house. Well, now I can't wait to get that package you sent me! I am looking forward to it. I hope California wises up this year on the election. Are people there still heavily in favor of Obama or has it swinged towards Romney a bit? I wonder if Westview will do a mock election like they did when I was there. That was pathetic how the high schoolers voted but it was fun to participate. Dad also told me Cody had his first (and probably not last) migraine! That really stinks. Do you know how he got it? I could tell him all about those and how to handle them. So, I laughed when you told me taht you got a C on your stats test because I'm sure I would be satisfied with that score. Just kidding I don't know. That's really awesome that you're really working hard in school. It provides an example for your family and for those around you. Is Brother Luckow good at math? I mean he should be because of his career field but nobody seemed to be able to help with my calculus homework senior year. Ohwell, what's done is done. Sounds like a you had a blast with the pumpkin patch. Any good pumpkins to carve this year? Hopefully they can be good carvings too. Oh, I saw Jayson's cub scout troop and it reminded me of yesterday when we were tracting and how we also met a cub scout doing fundraising who was decked out in his uniform and everything. It was nice to talk to them and tell them we were official Eagle Scouts. That's awesome that you saw those 2 sealings! Who did Caitlan McConnell marry? ELDER STANLEY!!!!!!!! I remember him! I went with him to go teach Bobby one time! That is way way way cool. I wish I was there to see him. It's great to hear that Thomas and Kellie both got home. 3 missionaries getting home in the span of a month must be pretty cool. I wonder how Thomas liked his mission; it would seem pretty tough to get used to I would believe. I can't wait to hear where Kenny goes. He'll be another great asset for our Heavenly Father. Wow. Tyler is engaged...This is going to stink not being able to see him for 18 months. Ohwell. I'll be able to see them eventually and that's all what matters. Congratulations, cousin. Hopefully the December stress can be cooled off this year since it's technically not a family reunion.

 

Okay, now to tell you about my week and the devotional...actually all day Saturday. So, on Saturday, we left Wamego at 9:30 with Mike and Pam (she's the investigator in the part-member family) and got to the KC temple at around noon. We went inside and just stood in the foyer and waiting room. Mike is so eager to go in the whole temple and regrets not being able to go to the open house a few months before his baptism. He might go and do baptisms for the dead this Saturday hopefully. We'll see. After we went inside the temple, we had lunch at Taco Bell and headed for the Independence visitors center (sorry. I forgot to take pictures). We had the whole tour of our plan of happiness video and the sisters of the visitors center even sang to us the song "All Creatures of our God and King". It was also pouring rain off and on all day. But we happened to be inside when the rain decided to come on down. After that, we had the devotional. We got there an hour and a half early so that we could get decent seats...and we did. A great view of the pulpit and the whole choir. The wait was worth it. Elder Clare got to touch Gladys Knight's hand. I didn't know she was that big of a celebrity. I had only just heard of her on my mission. Her choir was awesome. It was a little uncomfortable at first because they were singing soul gospel music type stuff in the Independence stake center. But I got into it and really enjoyed it. Both her testimony and the testimony of her husband are amazing. Her husband said "if you don't join this gospel, you will be held accountable in the judgement seat" or something like that. If you are a non-member, I don't know how you couldn't be moved to listen to the missionaries. After the event, we went to dinner (more like breakfast for dinner) at IHOP and got home rather late. But the whoel trip was awesomely amazing. I sure am grateful to be on my mission and every night I always think of how tough it will be to go home. Luckily I still have 20 more months! I hit my 4 month mark on Saturday too.

 

So, Dad it was great to get your letter. But I'm sorry, sometimes I can't respond a whole lot. But I love hearing from you and always pray for you and your calling as Bishop. It's great to hear that Tyler Payne got the packages. I wonder what missionaries would be like if they got that many care packages. They would probably faint because of the amazingness of it, haha! Good job with the car! I probably just would have taken it to the shop in the first place. At least the van is fixed! All right, well, let me know if anybody wants to know anything. I love you all and appreciate your support. Love,

 

Elder Sutherland

 

PS: "Oh great. It's the Walter committee. What are we gonna do?"

"You are surrounded. Come out with your hands up."

"Okay okay okay. You got me. Here's the door, here's the kid. But before you take me away, I have one thing to say: Catch!"

"TWENTY THREE NINETEEN. TWENTY THREE NINETEEN!!!"

"Halt!"

"Stop him! Do not let him get away."

"Wait, he has the child! Ugghh!"

I also got to speak an entire lesson in Spanish yesterday. It was awesome because I could understand a lot of what he was saying and felt blessed that I could actually communicate! He now has a Book of Mormon and we'll check to see him next week. But he spoke really, really fast. I was surpised that we even did teach him and commit him to read it. I spoke a lot and he understood most of it. But since Elder Clare was actually called Spanish (he knows 3 languages! ASL is the other) he did most of the lesson. We also tried another guy who was spanish but he wasn't there yesterday. Okay, now I'm done, haha! Just remember my acne medication. Thanks!!!

Pennie Visits Cub Scouts

Last week, Jayson's cub scout leaders asked if we could bring Pennie to cub scouts. They were talking about taking care of pets and they needed a visual aid. She was pretty well behaved. However, her favorite part was running around the church building.

This is before the boys came out...

she was just getting warmed up for them.

The boys loved her, but she wasn't so sure about them.

As a reward, afterward, we let her run around like a crazy dog.

It was a fun outing for her!

Derek letter 10-8-12

There's me with "Shorty" the horse. It was chilly that day and I borrowed a jacket from Mike. I also made the pumpkin brigade out of candy corn pumpkins that I bought last week. No way anyone is taking down those pumpkins. 

Family,

 

This week has been fabulous with conference and everything else going on. As far as the work is concerned, it was another tough week because we had to drop a few investigators and therefore we didn't have many things to do. In addition, nobody seemed to be answering their door for the whole week in Wamego for some reason. We also had no car this week meaning lots of biking. Woo! On friday, we biked from our house in St. Mary's to Wamego for service at the Health Ministries and after service, we went and biked to St George for an appointment. On our way we stopped and tracted a few homes scattered in the middle of farm homes. That's where I met Shorty the horse. We then biked back to Wamego a little later and had a great and rewarding weekend. Saturday was bomdiggity with conference coming up. When President Monson got up and made the now seemingly ho hum temple announcement, I thought "Oh, that's cool. Tuscon needs a temple too." But I never expected that other announcement where men can go at 18 and women at 19. We got a text from a sister in our branch today who has an 18 year old daughter that has now started her mission papers and has always wanted to serve a mission. I think this announcement is great because now we can get more sisters into the field then ever before since they have less amount of time to get married, hehe. But as for the talks, I really liked Elder Oaks on Saturday. I haven't seen him come out like that in a while. That story about the children sleeping on the floor and wanting to be adopted was in Kansas City. Some parents can be so...mur. On Sunday, my favorite overall talk was by Elder Holland and becoming more Christlike. Do we love God? Then feed His sheep. I also liked the talk (I can't remember who it was by) where they told the story about how a successful missionary came home and was asked how he became so successful, he said that he imagined every person who he tracted into entering the waters of baptism in white clothing. I actually tried that when we were tracting in-between sessions yesterday. Nobody promising came from it but I felt good inside to leave them with something to think about. With conference also came suit season. I will be wearing a suit every day until next conference in April.

 

I liked that talk about President Eyring and his sons too. President Henry J Eyring sure is a great man. That's awesome that Cody is getting going on his project! What's he doing again? I'm going to send the letter I finished writing to him this morning tomorrow so you should be expecting it this weekend or Friday or something like that. I don't know if you should send him to the BYU summer semester. What if he gets a job? Or just doesn't want to because I just got home? But whatever floats your boat I guess.

 

I'm proud of Pennie for finding that rat. Good team up to be able to do that! Ooh! So this Saturday I am even more excited than General Conference because we get to go to Independence to watch Gladys Knight and her choir!!! It's like a testimony meeting/music. So it's a combination of it. Mike, Pam, and us will leave on Saturday early-ish so that we have time to go visit the temple and then go to the visitor's center to watch the perpose of life video and also see all the sweet stuff there too. After, we will then get in line like an hour and a half before it begins and attend the 4:30 showing. I'm and giddy with excitement and cannot wait for that more than conference. No more biking either because this week we did a lot of biking: biking from our house to Wamego 2 and a half times (that half time, Elder Clare got a flat tire so Mike had to pick us up.). I like biking at times, but going up and down these hills is not fun sometimes. But I know it's for a good cause because Heavenly Father will bless us with people to teach. It may take a while, but we will be blessed with baptisms and new investigators. One of these weeks it ought to happen. If not, I'll lay the foundation for missionaries in the future.

Tyler Jensen is WHAT!!!!!!!!!!! I never knew that he was getting married! I don't have his address or I would write to him. Ohwell, I technically went on a date his his future wife first so it's all good in the hood. I expect a letter from him. I got one from Uncle Gene but taht was a while ago. I already responded by then. That's awesome that Sister Fice wants to get active again! Marshall was a good kid and got his eagle done. Remind me who Sister Callahan is again? I think she moved in right before I left or something. That's an amazing thing you got to do with the combined activity. I wish I could've participated. I'm sure Tyler will greatly appreciate it. Well, I can't really think of anything else to say. I love you Dad. I love you Mom. Don't forget it. As fire-like trials come your way that is the time to turn on the ignitors and power ahead. Just remember the hymn "Press Forward Saints". I love you all and all those that read this or just love missionary work. I kind of combined responses from both Dad's and Mom's e-mails. So sorry if anything seems out of order or anything. Love,

 

Elder Sutherland

 

PS: My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.