Pictures June 1-30

 

Week 93: Pine Trails Ward, Summerwood Stake, Companion Elder Burton

I'm sure many of you have at this point heard that the first presidency has released a new edition of Preach My Gospel. It's awesome! Along with that surprise, our Area Book apps have been updated to allign with the new Preach My Gospel better and the app's name has been changed to Preach My Gospel. So, Area Book is no more (the name at least). I've been studying in the new Preach My Gospel and I love the changes. The lessons are structured in a much more modern way. I've also noticed that the part about studying and learning the gospel has become much more detailed and includes ways to be safe while using technology in missionary service (and in life in general). If you haven't looked at it yet, check it out. They changed the title from "Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service" to "Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ." This new title shows that the book is meant for all of us. Which I like, because we are all supposed to be missionaries. Every baptized member of the church should have a name tag on their heart and has the responsibility to gather Israel alongside the full time Missionaries. The new Preach My Gospel helps all members learn the gospel and learn how to share it. It's awesome!

Not a lot has happened this past week. Our teaching pool is being recycled. Meaning we are trying to find new people because we've had to stop teaching a lot of people lately. No one will keep commitments. Which is increasingly more sad for me because I have begun to be absolutely honest and straight forward with a lot of people. I've been bearing my testimony like I never have (or maybe it's that my testimony has strengthened a ton lately) and still people reject the spirit and reject change. I have faith that we will find some people who are willing to make and keep commitments. We've been working really hard to try to find them. We had the opportunity to go the the temple for the sealing of a couple in our ward. We even got permission from President Larkin. We were praying about it, though, and realized that it wasn't the best way we could fulfill our missionary purpose that day. The whole trip would have taken the entire afternoon and we wouldn't have as much time to find people that day. We came to the conclusion that the Lord would have us remain here to continue working. Nothing super crazy happened that day while we were out contacting, but we know that the spirit had prompted us to continue our efforts in searching for people who are looking for the true gospel.

Today President and Sister Larkin complete their service in this mission. After having President Larkin as my mission president for almost two years, it's hard to see them go. We had a devotional on Zoom last night with the whole mission and they bore their testimonies and gave us some last words. Our new mission president, President Schmutz, arrives today. We'll be having a zone conference on Friday to meet the new presidency in person. Part of me is glad that the Larkins are done right now, though, because that means I can visit them at their home when I complete my service here pretty soon. It will also be very interesting to see how the mission handles the change of leadership. I also just realized that Elder Burton (my companion) has only had 8 months with the Larkins... while I have had 22 months with them. Most of the mission hasn't gotten to know the Larkins like I have, especially with the 4 1/2 months I spent working very close to them while in the office last year. They are incredible people and, again, I'm really going to miss them. 

That's about all that's new. We're working hard, my studies have been awesome, and we're expecting some more miracles here soon. I hope you are all doing well! 

- Elder Peterson

I'm proud of that pancake.

Travel Document

Document Issue Date : 22JUN2023

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Traveler Agency Information Ryker Jeremy Peterson (874228-R) CHURCH TRAVEL CWT 50 EAST NORTH TEMPLE ST SALT LAKE CITY UT 84150 Tel: 801 240-5111 Fax: (801)240-5115

Your itinerary is summarized below. Please refer to the attached PDF document for detailed information.

Friday, 28 JUL 2023 Airline Booking Reference :   QYDRAN AA 1799 American Airlines Check-in 28JUL, 08:00A Houston, (George Bush Intercont) Terminal : A 28JUL, 09:20A Dallas, (Dallas Ft Worth Intl) Terminal : 0 01h 20m (Non stop)   Class : Economy (M)     Booking status : Confirmed    Baggage : 2PC   Seat : 13F   Friday, 28 JUL 2023 Airline Booking Reference :   QYDRAN AA 2944 American Airlines Check-in 28JUL, 10:28A Dallas, (Dallas Ft Worth Intl) Terminal : 0 28JUL, 12:50P Boise, (Air Term Gowen Fld) 03h 22m (Non stop)   Class : Economy (M)     Booking status : Confirmed    Baggage : 2PC   Seat : 24B

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Week 92: Pine Trails ward, Summerwood stake, Companion Elder Burton

Here we go. 6 weeks left to give it my all out here.

Elder Green got transferred to Cleveland, TX and Elder Burton is my new companion. I was his district leader about 6 months ago (he's been out for about 7 or 8 months) so we were able to skip the acquaintance stage and get to work already knowing each other a bit. I really miss Elder Green though, he is a stud and I had a really fun time with him. He's now with Elder Morrow who I was companions with for about 2 weeks a year ago. Weird connections everywhere at this point. Anyway, since these are my last pdays I want to spend more time doing things and less time emailing (unless you personally email me with questions (or you can wait until the end of next month and ask me in person)). I'm still going to write an email every week, I'm just not going to worry very much about making them super long. 

We met a kid named Julio last week and we taught him about the Restoration of the Gospel. He is 18 and very religious, which I find interesting for someone living here. He is really interested in Joseph Smith though, and the things we believe. He seems to understand the importance of reading and praying about what we share (especially the Book of Mormon).

None of our friends are progressing super quickly, everyone is tied up worrying about treasures on earth (claiming to be too busy with work). Or, like in the case of Donnie, they just can't commit to coming to church. We can't get him to let the Spirit convince him to go... yet.

I'm listening to a song right now and right after writing that I heard these lyrics: "Why do men not hearken? God can make you free!" That's pretty much how I feel 24/7. I love these people, all of God's children, but that leads to a lot of frustration. I pray always that people will open their hearts to hear the voice of the Lord. To really hear Him. This gospel is true and God will bless all who embrace it with real intent and faith in Christ. Just try! See if I'm lying!  (Alma 29)

I love and pray for all of you!

Have a great week!

- Elder Peterson

There is a huge spider at the end of his stick.

Car in a stream. We got no context. We just walked by and noticed it.

Week 91: Pine Trails ward, Summerwood stake, Companion Elder Green

Well, as I predicted on Thursday, there isn't a whole lot to report for the past couple of days.

We've had another lesson with Mary Ann, Donnie, and Danny each and they were good lessons. We have a better understanding of their individual needs now. Danny and Donnie are still having a really hard time remembering things. They're reading and praying every day though, so their blessings will come. They continue to express that they want to remember, but it's just taking time. Donnie is already almost done with 2 Nephi, he's cruising. Mary Ann has committed to read it every day and to come to church this next week. This weekend was stake conference, so she felt too nervous bringing her daughter with her into a new crowd as large as that one was. What's crazy is that the amount of people that showed up to stake conference is probably around the same amount of people that attend a normal Sunday service at my home ward. The stake building here is also identical to the building I went to back home. It was a weird feeling. Especially once I realized that I'll be back in my home building in less than 2 months. Anyway... Stake Conference was great. Elder Perkins of the Seventy came and taught some really great stuff. The Adult Session was focused on the temple and I noticed in both sessions the theme of putting forth effort in our own gospel lives. Kind of like I mentioned on Thursday, that we should not expect to live passively in the Gospel. You are in or you are out. I thought of some ways I can deepen my conversion and conviction to follow Christ. One thing I've thought about is my prayers and how I can make them more meaningful and less repetitious. 

Like I said, I don't have a whole lot to share this time. I also don't have enough energy to rant like I did last time. So I'll end it here. Transfers is on Thursday and I will most likely be getting a new companion. You'll hear from me again next Monday. Have a good week!

-Elder Peterson