Hey Mom,
Well the college that we usually email at is closed for break right now so my time to email is very limited.
I got your email! Hope it all works out. It would be a huge bummer to be there and not have any snow!!
It was really good to talk to you all and I cant believe that I will get to see you soon. Its crazy!!!
Christmas was good! Had dinner with a really nice young family. Elder Drake and I both got to talk to our families, so that was way nice.
I love you guys! I hope everything is going well for you!
Love Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, December 26, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
I have had like ZERO time to respond or write thank-you notes as personal as I would like to because of how busy I have been with packing and such. I sent home a box the other day... a friend at FedEx shipped it for me so it went out super cheap! Don't hurt your back trying to lift it though! The suits I got earlier would need a little bit of extreme tailoring at this point to make them fit really nice because of how much weight I've lost. I think the blue one might fit Dad though. They are very pretty suits. There are also are a bunch of institute manuals. I remembered that you, mom, asked if I would get the ones when I was back home... well Brother Bacon, the institute teacher here, hooked me up with the manuals, so merry Christmas. I kept one of them and I will bring it home with me when I return. I didn't have time to write about everything I put in the box or even time to go Christmas shopping because of how busy we have been.
Oh so back to the transfers. I am bummed to be leaving the Anchorage YSA ward because I really love that ward. It will be nice to have a change of scenery though and I am always up for a new adventure. I am excited to get to go back to the south east. I may even be rooming up with Elder Kyle T. Williams. He is going down to serve with Elder Holland in the other ward in Juneau, and I will be serving with Elder Drake, who was trained by Elder Nate Coleman. He is a way nice guy and I am pretty stoked to serve with him. He came out in the same group as Elders Tyler Williams, Poole, Grate, and Johansen. I am way excited.
I sent Chan his Xmas gift. Sorry I couldn't write a letter Chan.. just didn`t have time!!!! AHHHGH!!!
I got the packages from home, both of them!
THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!! I love the cologne and the Tie is awesome! and the card made me laugh.
I did get the package from Bonnie. THANK YOU!!! Again... awesome tie! It's just nice to be remembered.
I got grandma carolyn's card, Thanks Grandma!
I got grandma billie's letter but I just haven't gotten back to her yet... so bogged down.
I feel really grateful to have been called to serve. I was asking the assistants when I fly out (to Juneau) for transfers... so they told me that I fly out on the 12th... and I thought about it for a bit and then was like 'Oh they mean 12th of March... :( ' Haha.
I guess it is the final countdown. Oh did I mention President let us go to the Dimond ward Christmas Party? EVERYONE was there, it was a wonderful treat. Definitely a tender mercy from the Lord.
I will really miss this ward, but the only thing I can ever hope for is for a ward to be as sad when I leave about me leaving as I am about having to leave the ward.
Juneau is gonna be awesome. ADVENTURES WILL OCCUR!!!! I will miss Anchorage and all my friends here. But a new land awaits me and I cannot bind my heart to the land of my exodus.
Hopefully I will hear back from BYU & BYUH this week.
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, December 12, 2011
Well this week was very interesting. We had a lot of crazy stuff happen. Satan is most definitely real! If we do not remove ourselves from the things and people that promote wicked living and the breaking of commandments, we will always falter and struggle. We need to seek the Holy Ghost.
All of the crazy stuff... begins with people permitting wickedness to dwell within their midst. Sometimes it comes disguised as a friend, a worldly possession, or even some "harmless" idea. At times it is forced upon us; perhaps they have come upon hard times, or it surrounds us at work, or we were convinced that it was harmless, and unassumingly received it with open arms. Whatever the reason or means, Christ makes it clear that action is necessary.
Matt 5:29-30
29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
In this parable Christ refers to the Eye (our desires, those things we look towards, goals, aspirations - even ones that began with righteous intentions) and the Hand (our works, talents, abilities) and instructs us that if it is corrupted, if it is leading us into temptation, causing us to stumble, etc... that we should pluck it out; cut it off. He even instructs us to cast it from thee.
I have seen the destructive truth of this parable many times, ESPECIALLY IN MY OWN LIFE, where people will strive to help friends by cleaving to them. As they associate with these people whom they love, they are tempted by the lifestyle, actions, etc... and end up falling back into old temptations or even new ones, because they couldn't "pluck out" or "cut off" a "friend" even when that influence would mean their destruction.
Others I have seen were stuck in a bind. They were in a situation that was initially great, no bad influences, nothing that would beset them. However, something or someone entered into the environment. Sometimes its when a group of friends begins using foul language, living promiscuously, or even using drugs. Other times it could be where someone joins your work group and they are constantly inviting or encouraging you to become involved with their iniquity. Perhaps sometimes they are not doing it consciously... but instead the weak, carnally-natured side of you begins to long and lust after what they have.
Regardless of the situation - whether it means quitting your job, moving, changing schools, breaking up, severing communication entirely with an individual or group, finding new friends, going without friends, excluding yourself from specific activities or hobbies (video games), cutting the cable, changing your cell #, having to kick someone out, etc... (I have had to do most of these) - the counsel is clear; remove these stumbling blocks from your life at ALL COSTS.
In 1 Corinthians 10 God promises to always prepare a way for us to escape temptation because often escaping it is the only manner in which we can withstand or bear it. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (v13)
But often it is our love towards man, things, or ideas, and not towards God, that dictates whether or not we actively flee from these temptations. IS IT NOT CLEAR WHY Paul expressly instructs us to FLEE!!! in verse 14, Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry (essentially loving things or ideas more than God) but the command is clear.
In verses 7-10, Paul speaks concerning the people of Israel. He talks of how their wickedness and subsequent chastisement was an example for us to LEARN from. He expressly admonishes us NOT to, "Lust after evil things"(v6), "Neither be ye idolaters" (v7), "Neither let us commit fornication" (premarital sexual relations) (v8), nor "Tempt Christ"(as did those who refused to look upon the bronze serpent to be healed) (v9), or finally, "Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer." (v10)
There it is - lusting after evil things, laziness, premarital sex, doubting Christ's power, and murmuring. We are told in verse 11 that the literal destruction these sins brought upon the people of Israel, "Happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." CRAZY!!! They are written for us in these latter-days!
Finally Paul warns us, (especially those who think they can "handle the temptations") that we must live righteously, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." (v12) We must keep the commandments of God while living in a way that continues to build and promote our faith in Jesus Christ, avoid temptation, and flee from temptation when it rears its ugly head.
Joseph who was sold as a slave into Egypt faced unrighteous judgment and the death penalty when he chose to flee from, rather than commit adultery with, Potiphar's seductive wife. We must follow his bold and brave example of literally running away from temptation, before Satan binds us down with his strong chains of guilt, addiction, and torment; when we give into temptation we give into his will.
We are counseled to "Watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him." (3Nephi 18:15,18) We need to continuously watch where we are standing, and pray that we may continue to be led from holy place to holy place, that we may always have a holy place to stand and dwell safe from temptation. "Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved," (D&C 45:32) and if the place becomes unholy we must MOVE!!! Through the Gospel and the teachings of the living prophets we can make our homes one such place. As we stand in holy places constantly, we will be filled with the light of the Gospel and we will be able to let our light shine unto all men.
Brothers, Mom, Dad, Friends, Strangers. Believe in Christ. Believe that He was and now is living. He has the power to change your life through His Grace, but only if you exercise your agency by choosing to follow Him and witnessing it through sincere repentance unto baptism by immersion by those who are authorized by Christ through His priesthood to perform this ordinance. It cannot be complete or binding in any other way. His promise to you is that by being baptized you qualify to be confirmed and receive the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost to further help you live righteously and improve while upon this earth.
As Paul said, I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. (Cor. 10:15)
And as James said, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)
Judge ye my words according to the wisdom that will be granted to you by the Father, if you pray unto Him in the name of Christ.
Judge righteously lest ye be deceived.
I love ya family!!
THREE MONTHS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love ya!
Elder Britton Winterrose
PS Transfers calls are on Saturday.
PPS How much does Chan get for his allotment each month?
All of the crazy stuff... begins with people permitting wickedness to dwell within their midst. Sometimes it comes disguised as a friend, a worldly possession, or even some "harmless" idea. At times it is forced upon us; perhaps they have come upon hard times, or it surrounds us at work, or we were convinced that it was harmless, and unassumingly received it with open arms. Whatever the reason or means, Christ makes it clear that action is necessary.
Matt 5:29-30
29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
In this parable Christ refers to the Eye (our desires, those things we look towards, goals, aspirations - even ones that began with righteous intentions) and the Hand (our works, talents, abilities) and instructs us that if it is corrupted, if it is leading us into temptation, causing us to stumble, etc... that we should pluck it out; cut it off. He even instructs us to cast it from thee.
I have seen the destructive truth of this parable many times, ESPECIALLY IN MY OWN LIFE, where people will strive to help friends by cleaving to them. As they associate with these people whom they love, they are tempted by the lifestyle, actions, etc... and end up falling back into old temptations or even new ones, because they couldn't "pluck out" or "cut off" a "friend" even when that influence would mean their destruction.
Others I have seen were stuck in a bind. They were in a situation that was initially great, no bad influences, nothing that would beset them. However, something or someone entered into the environment. Sometimes its when a group of friends begins using foul language, living promiscuously, or even using drugs. Other times it could be where someone joins your work group and they are constantly inviting or encouraging you to become involved with their iniquity. Perhaps sometimes they are not doing it consciously... but instead the weak, carnally-natured side of you begins to long and lust after what they have.
Regardless of the situation - whether it means quitting your job, moving, changing schools, breaking up, severing communication entirely with an individual or group, finding new friends, going without friends, excluding yourself from specific activities or hobbies (video games), cutting the cable, changing your cell #, having to kick someone out, etc... (I have had to do most of these) - the counsel is clear; remove these stumbling blocks from your life at ALL COSTS.
In 1 Corinthians 10 God promises to always prepare a way for us to escape temptation because often escaping it is the only manner in which we can withstand or bear it. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (v13)
But often it is our love towards man, things, or ideas, and not towards God, that dictates whether or not we actively flee from these temptations. IS IT NOT CLEAR WHY Paul expressly instructs us to FLEE!!! in verse 14, Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry (essentially loving things or ideas more than God) but the command is clear.
In verses 7-10, Paul speaks concerning the people of Israel. He talks of how their wickedness and subsequent chastisement was an example for us to LEARN from. He expressly admonishes us NOT to, "Lust after evil things"(v6), "Neither be ye idolaters" (v7), "Neither let us commit fornication" (premarital sexual relations) (v8), nor "Tempt Christ"(as did those who refused to look upon the bronze serpent to be healed) (v9), or finally, "Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer." (v10)
There it is - lusting after evil things, laziness, premarital sex, doubting Christ's power, and murmuring. We are told in verse 11 that the literal destruction these sins brought upon the people of Israel, "Happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." CRAZY!!! They are written for us in these latter-days!
Finally Paul warns us, (especially those who think they can "handle the temptations") that we must live righteously, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." (v12) We must keep the commandments of God while living in a way that continues to build and promote our faith in Jesus Christ, avoid temptation, and flee from temptation when it rears its ugly head.
Joseph who was sold as a slave into Egypt faced unrighteous judgment and the death penalty when he chose to flee from, rather than commit adultery with, Potiphar's seductive wife. We must follow his bold and brave example of literally running away from temptation, before Satan binds us down with his strong chains of guilt, addiction, and torment; when we give into temptation we give into his will.
We are counseled to "Watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him." (3Nephi 18:15,18) We need to continuously watch where we are standing, and pray that we may continue to be led from holy place to holy place, that we may always have a holy place to stand and dwell safe from temptation. "Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved," (D&C 45:32) and if the place becomes unholy we must MOVE!!! Through the Gospel and the teachings of the living prophets we can make our homes one such place. As we stand in holy places constantly, we will be filled with the light of the Gospel and we will be able to let our light shine unto all men.
Brothers, Mom, Dad, Friends, Strangers. Believe in Christ. Believe that He was and now is living. He has the power to change your life through His Grace, but only if you exercise your agency by choosing to follow Him and witnessing it through sincere repentance unto baptism by immersion by those who are authorized by Christ through His priesthood to perform this ordinance. It cannot be complete or binding in any other way. His promise to you is that by being baptized you qualify to be confirmed and receive the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost to further help you live righteously and improve while upon this earth.
As Paul said, I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. (Cor. 10:15)
And as James said, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)
Judge ye my words according to the wisdom that will be granted to you by the Father, if you pray unto Him in the name of Christ.
Judge righteously lest ye be deceived.
I love ya family!!
THREE MONTHS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love ya!
Elder Britton Winterrose
PS Transfers calls are on Saturday.
PPS How much does Chan get for his allotment each month?
Monday, December 5, 2011
Hello Everyone!
Well this week was an interesting one. We had high hopes for the work this week but it seems mother nature had other plans. We had some oddly warm weather/ freezing rain, so the roads became especially hazardous. We had to work restricted proselyting hours this week. Couldn't leave till like 1 pm or so and then had to be back in the apartment by 5 or 6. It makes it turn into a very long week.
It's strange how every time I arrive back to Monday the entire week prior seems like a blur. It just turned out to be a really strange week haha. OH like on Sunday church was canceled because of the ice... and only in our stake, not Anchorage North or Anchorage. When I heard I was like "What?!? This is ALASKA!!!" My next thought was "I haven't missed church in like two years and I'm not about to start today." I called President and he gave us permission to go to church in Anchorage... so we went to the Dimond Samoan Ward. It was awesome to see so many old friends. Elder Tyler Williams is serving there right now too so it was cool to get to see him. I also got to see C. J., a man who was baptised shortly after I left. It was neat to get to see him. Tons of the members didn't recognize me because I'm not fat like I was.... funny thing is though - I didn't think I was that fat. :) I would like say Hi to someone and then they would be like Hi.... OH HI!!! ROSAMALULU!!!! I love that ward.
We also got to teach a primary class of like 12 kids ages 8-7 and a few random youngins. It was funny, and totally random. We talked about doing unto others. I sang the song "Love one Another" and the kids went silent. And I used that one "My hands upon my head I place..." to get them to fold their arms and sit down. They were so excited to have the missionaries teaching their class. I love teaching little kids because if you can find the peace and serenity within your own heart and get them to quiet down a little... then when you bear testimony they feel it, and you feel it. It is wonderful. They are so willing to learn and be enthused. They didn't have sharing time so we had to teach them the whole hour. ONE hour without candy.... cause it was fast Sunday. We taught the lesson for as long as their little attention spans could handle it for and then we did a bunch of little magic tricks. TRICKS are awesome for children. Elder Williams even did the one where he licks his eye ball. The kids were so excited/grossed out! It was way funny. You literally have to have something planned for every minute of class though. One slip and you loose control of the group and have to reset, review and restart. It was a blast though. We didn't get to watch the fireside but I will probably download it or have a member do it for me and burn it to a cd for me.
I am genuinely impressed that Channing won a cleanliness award! That's awesome! Haha who of thunk.
Well you asked what I do as a district leader, why I didn't mention it, and if I am enjoying it. Well my main responsibility is to plan and conduct district meetings once weekly, oversee the coordination of Mormon.org/Family Search training, and to ensure the physical and spiritual well being of the missionaries in my district, BASICALLY - I get to have fun with the people in my district and we (hopefully) learn and grow together. I didn't mention it and never planned on mentioning it because I don't think it is a big deal. Too many missionaries focus so much on aspiring to positions of leadership and my feeling has always been "Be the best you can be, and when called, Serve!" I also didn't want my brothers to know and desire to serve or feel disappointed or inadequate if they never served in leadership. Focus on being a missionary. Being a true disciple of Christ. It is a wonderful opportunity, and I hope that I may magnify my calling according to the will of the Lord. I really enjoy being a district leader mostly because of the way my heart grows and how it reminds me that I am an example and need to constantly strive to serve with exact obedience. It is neat to get to know the missionaries too. Elder Lee and Elder Hansen - the ZL's are in my district along with Sister Chan and Sister Davis. They are an awesome bunch. It is different than when I served as a DL in the MTC though. We don't conduct interviews with missionaries like we did in the MTC and that was one of my favorite parts. It was always really humbling, and invoked charity for my fellow elders deep within my heart. The single most important thing is to put your whole heart into it. You cannot withhold your heart and expect others to open up, or feel your love for them. It is scary to put your heart out there, to let yourself show love and develop deep love, desire, and concern for others. Occasionally your heart will get broken its true, but Heavenly Father can and will always mend it. The best part - as your heart begins to include more people, it grows! It expands and brings joy and happiness. You can rejoice with those you love in their successes and you begin to feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude to Heavenly Father for the blessing of being able to serve those you love, and love those you serve.
I love my mission. I love the opportunities I have had and the way that my heart has grown, been crushed, and been healed.... and every time become stronger and stronger. Tender Mercies abound on the mission. If you believe that God can do anything and then conduct yourself, relying on Him to make up the distance... He will deliver and miracles will abound. "I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say ye have no promise." I have found that the more willing I am to try anything the Lord will ask me to do, regardless if it seems possible or not, that He in turn blesses me with more opportunities to exercise faith and witness miracles. TRUE MIRACLES. Not some shabby coincidence; but the true, profound, spiritually witnessed miracles - same as occurred during the earthly ministry of the Savior, performed under the same power of the Priesthood faithfully wielded by those worthy bearers who press forward into the waters of the rivers of doubt, and then stand steadfast as the water divides, and then in the shadow of the growing fears and doubt, cross this Jordan on dry land. See Joshua!
I love being a missionary. I love the opportunities I have had to witness the power of the Lord and press forward into the midst of the rushing waters and watch as even in the midst of so much opposition the work of the Lord moves forward unhindered.
...just love Proverbs 3:5-6
Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Faith, Hope, Charity and Love; with an Eye single to the glory of God.
I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Elder Britton Winterrose
Well this week was an interesting one. We had high hopes for the work this week but it seems mother nature had other plans. We had some oddly warm weather/ freezing rain, so the roads became especially hazardous. We had to work restricted proselyting hours this week. Couldn't leave till like 1 pm or so and then had to be back in the apartment by 5 or 6. It makes it turn into a very long week.
It's strange how every time I arrive back to Monday the entire week prior seems like a blur. It just turned out to be a really strange week haha. OH like on Sunday church was canceled because of the ice... and only in our stake, not Anchorage North or Anchorage. When I heard I was like "What?!? This is ALASKA!!!" My next thought was "I haven't missed church in like two years and I'm not about to start today." I called President and he gave us permission to go to church in Anchorage... so we went to the Dimond Samoan Ward. It was awesome to see so many old friends. Elder Tyler Williams is serving there right now too so it was cool to get to see him. I also got to see C. J., a man who was baptised shortly after I left. It was neat to get to see him. Tons of the members didn't recognize me because I'm not fat like I was.... funny thing is though - I didn't think I was that fat. :) I would like say Hi to someone and then they would be like Hi.... OH HI!!! ROSAMALULU!!!! I love that ward.
We also got to teach a primary class of like 12 kids ages 8-7 and a few random youngins. It was funny, and totally random. We talked about doing unto others. I sang the song "Love one Another" and the kids went silent. And I used that one "My hands upon my head I place..." to get them to fold their arms and sit down. They were so excited to have the missionaries teaching their class. I love teaching little kids because if you can find the peace and serenity within your own heart and get them to quiet down a little... then when you bear testimony they feel it, and you feel it. It is wonderful. They are so willing to learn and be enthused. They didn't have sharing time so we had to teach them the whole hour. ONE hour without candy.... cause it was fast Sunday. We taught the lesson for as long as their little attention spans could handle it for and then we did a bunch of little magic tricks. TRICKS are awesome for children. Elder Williams even did the one where he licks his eye ball. The kids were so excited/grossed out! It was way funny. You literally have to have something planned for every minute of class though. One slip and you loose control of the group and have to reset, review and restart. It was a blast though. We didn't get to watch the fireside but I will probably download it or have a member do it for me and burn it to a cd for me.
I am genuinely impressed that Channing won a cleanliness award! That's awesome! Haha who of thunk.
Well you asked what I do as a district leader, why I didn't mention it, and if I am enjoying it. Well my main responsibility is to plan and conduct district meetings once weekly, oversee the coordination of Mormon.org/Family Search training, and to ensure the physical and spiritual well being of the missionaries in my district, BASICALLY - I get to have fun with the people in my district and we (hopefully) learn and grow together. I didn't mention it and never planned on mentioning it because I don't think it is a big deal. Too many missionaries focus so much on aspiring to positions of leadership and my feeling has always been "Be the best you can be, and when called, Serve!" I also didn't want my brothers to know and desire to serve or feel disappointed or inadequate if they never served in leadership. Focus on being a missionary. Being a true disciple of Christ. It is a wonderful opportunity, and I hope that I may magnify my calling according to the will of the Lord. I really enjoy being a district leader mostly because of the way my heart grows and how it reminds me that I am an example and need to constantly strive to serve with exact obedience. It is neat to get to know the missionaries too. Elder Lee and Elder Hansen - the ZL's are in my district along with Sister Chan and Sister Davis. They are an awesome bunch. It is different than when I served as a DL in the MTC though. We don't conduct interviews with missionaries like we did in the MTC and that was one of my favorite parts. It was always really humbling, and invoked charity for my fellow elders deep within my heart. The single most important thing is to put your whole heart into it. You cannot withhold your heart and expect others to open up, or feel your love for them. It is scary to put your heart out there, to let yourself show love and develop deep love, desire, and concern for others. Occasionally your heart will get broken its true, but Heavenly Father can and will always mend it. The best part - as your heart begins to include more people, it grows! It expands and brings joy and happiness. You can rejoice with those you love in their successes and you begin to feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude to Heavenly Father for the blessing of being able to serve those you love, and love those you serve.
I love my mission. I love the opportunities I have had and the way that my heart has grown, been crushed, and been healed.... and every time become stronger and stronger. Tender Mercies abound on the mission. If you believe that God can do anything and then conduct yourself, relying on Him to make up the distance... He will deliver and miracles will abound. "I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say ye have no promise." I have found that the more willing I am to try anything the Lord will ask me to do, regardless if it seems possible or not, that He in turn blesses me with more opportunities to exercise faith and witness miracles. TRUE MIRACLES. Not some shabby coincidence; but the true, profound, spiritually witnessed miracles - same as occurred during the earthly ministry of the Savior, performed under the same power of the Priesthood faithfully wielded by those worthy bearers who press forward into the waters of the rivers of doubt, and then stand steadfast as the water divides, and then in the shadow of the growing fears and doubt, cross this Jordan on dry land. See Joshua!
I love being a missionary. I love the opportunities I have had to witness the power of the Lord and press forward into the midst of the rushing waters and watch as even in the midst of so much opposition the work of the Lord moves forward unhindered.
...just love Proverbs 3:5-6
Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Faith, Hope, Charity and Love; with an Eye single to the glory of God.
I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, November 28, 2011
I loved the letter from last week! Sorry I never got to respond. It is so awesome that you and dad had some missionary experiences of your own, mom. I really liked the story. I hope you follow up on that invitation to read the Book of Mormon.
Last week was pretty cool. We taught a ton and T. got baptized! That was definately the peak of my week. We were teaching some other people too but two of them moved so that was sad....
T's baptism was really nice. We got to the church filled the font and realized that the hall and room floors were filthy. So we busted out the vaccums and with the help of some awesome members we cleaned the place up. T came and then the baptism was wonderful. I peformed the baptism and Elder Poole confirmed on Sunday! It was really neat. After the baptism T's friend Emily spoke and gave a great talk on the Holy Ghost and then Taylor bore her testimony and it was powerful! What a wonderful baptism!
Well this week was an odd week. Elder Poole was ill with the flu on Monday & Tuesday and then was slowly recovering on Wednesday - Saturday. He had insomnia too which really slowed his recovery. He is getting back to his normal self quickly though so that is good. I finished up my essays and completed my application for BYU Provo. So now I'm playing the waiting game. We were able to set up a few lessons with O and also with two new investigators. O's lesson went well. He finished reading the Book of Mormon in two weeks!! Stayed up all night to finish on Saturday though! Hahah. I would have also, but Elder Poole was good about reminding me that obedience is greater than the fat of lambs. Haha.
We had an enjoyable thanksgiving dinner with our ward mission leader's family, the R's - and their turkey was awesome!!!, so that was cool. We also started teaching two of our referrals. One of them decided that she didn't want to come to church at the last minute but the other one came and it was good. We are going to try to use the Book of Mormon to help her devlop and increase in desire to learn by sparking her curiosity and then feeding her soul with the truth. We will see how it goes.
I have really been focusing my studies on the Book of Mormon and on the fundamentals of Preach My Gospel. I love the lessons from both. I finished the war chapters of Alma the other day and it helped me remember how much I love that book. I should finish the book this week. I love, love, love reading it.
Reading it to support O really strengthened my testimony of the Book of Mormon and helped me gain and show greater charity towards him. I know it will work out for him.
I hope all is going well for you. I am really enjoying working in this area. I hope I can stay here for a while but I am willing to do whatever the Lord asks. It would always be neat to go back to the southeast or serve with Elder Kyle Williams... or both! Hahaha.
I love ya all!!!!
Elder Britton Winterrose
Last week was pretty cool. We taught a ton and T. got baptized! That was definately the peak of my week. We were teaching some other people too but two of them moved so that was sad....
T's baptism was really nice. We got to the church filled the font and realized that the hall and room floors were filthy. So we busted out the vaccums and with the help of some awesome members we cleaned the place up. T came and then the baptism was wonderful. I peformed the baptism and Elder Poole confirmed on Sunday! It was really neat. After the baptism T's friend Emily spoke and gave a great talk on the Holy Ghost and then Taylor bore her testimony and it was powerful! What a wonderful baptism!
Well this week was an odd week. Elder Poole was ill with the flu on Monday & Tuesday and then was slowly recovering on Wednesday - Saturday. He had insomnia too which really slowed his recovery. He is getting back to his normal self quickly though so that is good. I finished up my essays and completed my application for BYU Provo. So now I'm playing the waiting game. We were able to set up a few lessons with O and also with two new investigators. O's lesson went well. He finished reading the Book of Mormon in two weeks!! Stayed up all night to finish on Saturday though! Hahah. I would have also, but Elder Poole was good about reminding me that obedience is greater than the fat of lambs. Haha.
We had an enjoyable thanksgiving dinner with our ward mission leader's family, the R's - and their turkey was awesome!!!, so that was cool. We also started teaching two of our referrals. One of them decided that she didn't want to come to church at the last minute but the other one came and it was good. We are going to try to use the Book of Mormon to help her devlop and increase in desire to learn by sparking her curiosity and then feeding her soul with the truth. We will see how it goes.
I have really been focusing my studies on the Book of Mormon and on the fundamentals of Preach My Gospel. I love the lessons from both. I finished the war chapters of Alma the other day and it helped me remember how much I love that book. I should finish the book this week. I love, love, love reading it.
Reading it to support O really strengthened my testimony of the Book of Mormon and helped me gain and show greater charity towards him. I know it will work out for him.
I hope all is going well for you. I am really enjoying working in this area. I hope I can stay here for a while but I am willing to do whatever the Lord asks. It would always be neat to go back to the southeast or serve with Elder Kyle Williams... or both! Hahaha.
I love ya all!!!!
Elder Britton Winterrose
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
So, how would I respond to Rev. 22:18-19? There is a verse that is nearly identical to that in the old testament. But most of the time I simply explain that the bible was 1. Not compiled in chronological order, ie. the book of revelations was written before other books were even finished. 2. I explain that John was simply stating that no one has the authority to add to or take away from THIS BOOK, meaning the Book of Revelations. 3. I explain that a bible is a compilation of books each with their own separate chapters and view points but with a common theme. 4. I explain that their church has added and taken away much more than the restored gospel.
That's what I could do. Or!!!
I just bear witness that I know that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God and that it has the power to bless their life. Then you read the end of 2nd Nephi!!!! Last chapter, and explain that it is their choice whether they ask God if it is true or not, but it is not up for them to decide, God will tell them. Otherwise, He is not there, and then in that case their first arguement is not valid.
Simply stated, all one has to do is determine whether or not Joseph Smith was a prophet. And all anyone has to do is read the Book of Mormon to learn that it is not adding or subtracting anything to the Bible. It's not even in the same book!!
Well Elder Poole is sick so we will have to email later this week. I love you guys. Just wanted to let you know everything is going good and we had a baptism this Saturday.
Taylor!!!! Nov 19, 2011!!
I'll send pics with the later email.
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, November 14, 2011
Hey Family! How's it going!
Well this week was a great week. We were able to begin teaching many of the people who attended the fireside with Elder Holland. It was pretty sweet. We were crazy busy this week.
Sunday was a good fast and testimony meeting. A bunch of the members told us how happy they are that we are staying another transfer. There were a ton of Returning Members who came as well so that was good. I really love this ward and I love getting to be around people my age. It really eases a ton of stress. President Beesley was there on Sunday too! That was cool. I bore my testimony and it was funny because I got up and sat on the stand because someone else was getting up to speak and then after they finished the bishop got up and started to close the meeting. I was just going to sit and wait out the rest of the meeting sitting up on the stand haha. While he is standing up the 1st Counselor looks back, sees me, and reaches up and tugs on the bishops jacket. Well the bishop being as awesome as he is, let me get up and bear my testimony very quickly. I am grateful for the inspired leadership of the church and I am grateful that our meetings are run by the spirit and not by dogmatic policy. I will always remember it as a lesson in leadership.
I'm sorry for the short message! I love your mormon.org profile mom! It's sweet. I hope life is going well. I will probably send a letter home later on this week. Life is hard, but my faith is strong. I finished up part of my BYU app, and now I just have the final two essays. I should be able to finish them this week.
Well I love you all! Dad, you should make a mormon.org profile too!
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose!
Well this week was a great week. We were able to begin teaching many of the people who attended the fireside with Elder Holland. It was pretty sweet. We were crazy busy this week.
Sunday was a good fast and testimony meeting. A bunch of the members told us how happy they are that we are staying another transfer. There were a ton of Returning Members who came as well so that was good. I really love this ward and I love getting to be around people my age. It really eases a ton of stress. President Beesley was there on Sunday too! That was cool. I bore my testimony and it was funny because I got up and sat on the stand because someone else was getting up to speak and then after they finished the bishop got up and started to close the meeting. I was just going to sit and wait out the rest of the meeting sitting up on the stand haha. While he is standing up the 1st Counselor looks back, sees me, and reaches up and tugs on the bishops jacket. Well the bishop being as awesome as he is, let me get up and bear my testimony very quickly. I am grateful for the inspired leadership of the church and I am grateful that our meetings are run by the spirit and not by dogmatic policy. I will always remember it as a lesson in leadership.
I'm sorry for the short message! I love your mormon.org profile mom! It's sweet. I hope life is going well. I will probably send a letter home later on this week. Life is hard, but my faith is strong. I finished up part of my BYU app, and now I just have the final two essays. I should be able to finish them this week.
Well I love you all! Dad, you should make a mormon.org profile too!
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Well hello family!
I'm glad I get to write you guys today! This week/weekend has been incredible. I guess I will start from the beginning. I received Chan's letter for Elder Holland and then I finished mine and prepared them so I could give them to him. I made copies of them so I will be sending those home so you guys can check them out if you want. We were going crazy this week trying to make sure that we had everyone that we have been working with at the fireside on Saturday night so most of our time was spent with that and teaching. We taught our new investigator twice this week, and when we taught the Restoration on Tuesday it was amazing! Truly phenomenal. The spirit was so incredibly strong during the part describing Joseph Smith's first vision. I held up a picture of it, looked her in the eye and then began to recite the vision in his words. It quickly changed though... the spirit engaged and all of a sudden it was as if the words were being spoken by someone else and I was just there observing it all take place. I bore my testimony and then Elder Poole, her friends shared theirs as well. The spirit was incredibly strong for the remainder of the lesson as well. We taught her again on Friday and taught the plan of salvation. The Spirit bore witness of Heavenly Fathers love and mercy through His Son as we taught about Jesus Christ. The Spirit was really strong at the end as well when we discussed the mercy with which all mankind shall be judged and bore testimony that everyone will have the opportunity to accept or reject Christ as their redeemer.
Then Saturday was stressful, stressful but good. We were trying to save seats so we could make sure that our investigators would have good seats, because we knew that like half the active membership of Anchorage would find some excuse to come to the missionary fireside, even without an investigator.
So we made some reserved seats and reserved a row for the 14 people that we had coming... then someone said we couldn't save seats and removed the signs while we were gone so we had to scramble to get some members to save seats... that was stressful.
Then we had a sweet little meeting with the missionaries and Elder Jeffrey R Holland, Elder Paul D. M. Christensen, Elder Tad R Callister, and Bishop H David Burton. CRAZY. It was cool. Each of them got up and spent 5-10 minutes sharing their testimony and then Elder Holland spoke last. He talked about Preach My Gospel, how it was born the day that President Gordon B. Hinckley decided that he couldn't stand to meet another less active return missionary. Preach My Gospel was written to convert the Missionary, and through that converted individual - convert the investigator. I had long since suspected that was the purpose but it is now clear to see that the missionaries who never made Preach My Gospel part of themselves, who never made the gospel part of themselves, are the ones who fall away. The ones who harden their heart and receive the lesser portion until the knowledge of the mysteries of God are taken from them. There is just too much to share and I don't have time to write it all. I will probably dedicate the remainder of my pday to recording the proceedings in my journal. After he finished speaking we were able to shake all their hands all at once. I shook Elder Holland's hand and then gave him the letter saying, "This is a thank you note from me and my brother. He was in the MTC when you spoke in August." He said "Thank you Elder, I will read it tonight." Pretty stinkin cool!
So we then rushed to find our peeps and get some seats, and thankfully we have a whole ward of RM's who just happen to be some of the most awesome fellow shippers and they had got everyone seated so I went and moved a chair up to the end of the row and joined them. I knew that if I did everything I could that Heavenly Father would make it work out and I really had done everything I could and it did!!!!! Whoot!!!
The fireside was awesome. Elder Christensen bore testimony of the atonement that was really good. Bishop Burton spoke of the need to know the words of the living prophets and shared an awesome story about when he was a boy. His father was a bishop and would take them with him when he went to visit people so he could spend time with his children. Well one evening Bishop Burton's father called for him and Bishop Burton didn't want to leave the football game he was playing in but he went along with his father reluctantly. He said that they went to visit a member who was sick and that he, Bishop Burton, was busy just longing to be back in that football game. He went outside on the patio and sat on the steps and a car rolled up. Out hopped President David O. McKay, and the prophet went inside to help Bishop Burton's father give a blessing. Bishop Burton remained on the steps and on his way out President McKay stopped and sat down next to Bishop Burton. He spoke to him and told him a story of how when he, David O. McKay was young that he desperately wanted to go to general conference but every year when the time to go would roll around they would have farm duties to attend to. One year though when he was 12 or 13 President McKay was able to attend. They traveled to Salt Lake and went in the tabernacle before conference began. His father went up to meet the Prophet John Taylor and President Taylor invited them to sit on the front row of the tabernacle. President Taylor then sat down next to young David O McKay and rolled up his sleeves and then... this is the part that gets me... showed him the scars and marks that he sustained while with the Prophet Joseph in Carthage. Crazy. Way cool.
Elder Callister spoke on the Fruits of the spirit and knowing the truth through the fruits of the spirit and through prayer. I love that man's voice. He just has an awesome speaking voice.
Elder Holland spoke on the event chronicled in Acts Chapter 3 where there are these two young Galileans, who came from a background of being poor fishermen, who had known Christ and been members at best for three years, heal a man crippled from birth and then teach the multitude who gathers to see this man who had been lame from birth, jump and skip, and run and hop and cheer! They then rebuke the people for standing in wonder and wondering how it was all possible... these the same people who had shouted 'crucify him' at Pilot's palace. They assert that these things can only be done through Christ. And many are baptized. He also spoke of how people cannot fight the evidence of the Church. They can try, but they can never destroy the church.
It was awesome but I have nowhere near enough time to share all the things I learned and all the things they shared.
So that was Saturday. We had Stake Conference on Saturday and that was awesome. Elder Christensen shared a story about how he was doing philanthropic work in Africa establishing orphanages and he was able to share the gospel with a congregation of monks in this orphanage and teach them how to pray and how to study the scriptures. Crazy awesome.
Then Elder Holland spoke again. It was wonderful. He left a blessing at the end of his talk and the coolest part was that one of our investigators was sitting next to me as he began to talk about the blessing, and I noticed her close her eyes and start praying, I thought to myself, AWESOME SHE PRAYS ON HER OWN!!!! WHOOT!!, and didn't think anything else of it till later on. Then as Elder Holland was speaking he paused, listened and then said something along the lines of "someone in this room is desiring for these blessings on behalf of their loved ones who are not here.... I extend this blessing according to the power of my Apostolic ministry to all those that you are thinking of. To all of those that you cry over. It wasn't until later that I realized that he received that pure revelation, which I testify that it was - the Holy Ghost bearing witness of it to all who were present, at the moment she finished her prayer. Heavenly Father sometimes does answer prayers immediately but the fullness of that blessing may take months or even years to come to pass... nevertheless it was a pretty flippin' sweet occasion. Well later on that night we heard from our investigator that her mom called her up and asked how the church thing was going, and told her she would need to help them (her mom and her sisters) start going too when she comes home on break. TOO COOL!!!! TOO STINKIN COOL!!!
So we had a lesson with this same investigator later that day and it went well. Elder Poole and I are teaching with a spirit that hasn't been this strong for a long time... its really quite amazing. Its made for a lot of thin veil moments of spiritual growth and light has been cast on many of my questions pertaining to the mysteries of God.
I really am just overwhelmed with gratitude towards my Heavenly Father. The work is going well and I get to stay with Elder Poole one more transfer. We got to watch Elder Packer's fireside last night as well. Two apostles in one day. Crazy. Heavenly Father is wonderful.
Too much to write. Too much to write.
Brandon Flowers of The Killers has a mormon.org profile see it here: http://mormon.org/me/5233/
I have one too!! http://mormon.org/me/698X/
Well I love you all! I hope all is well!! The snow is deep here and the wind is cold! Winter is definitely here.
Love ya!
Elder Britton Winterrose!!!
I'm glad I get to write you guys today! This week/weekend has been incredible. I guess I will start from the beginning. I received Chan's letter for Elder Holland and then I finished mine and prepared them so I could give them to him. I made copies of them so I will be sending those home so you guys can check them out if you want. We were going crazy this week trying to make sure that we had everyone that we have been working with at the fireside on Saturday night so most of our time was spent with that and teaching. We taught our new investigator twice this week, and when we taught the Restoration on Tuesday it was amazing! Truly phenomenal. The spirit was so incredibly strong during the part describing Joseph Smith's first vision. I held up a picture of it, looked her in the eye and then began to recite the vision in his words. It quickly changed though... the spirit engaged and all of a sudden it was as if the words were being spoken by someone else and I was just there observing it all take place. I bore my testimony and then Elder Poole, her friends shared theirs as well. The spirit was incredibly strong for the remainder of the lesson as well. We taught her again on Friday and taught the plan of salvation. The Spirit bore witness of Heavenly Fathers love and mercy through His Son as we taught about Jesus Christ. The Spirit was really strong at the end as well when we discussed the mercy with which all mankind shall be judged and bore testimony that everyone will have the opportunity to accept or reject Christ as their redeemer.
Then Saturday was stressful, stressful but good. We were trying to save seats so we could make sure that our investigators would have good seats, because we knew that like half the active membership of Anchorage would find some excuse to come to the missionary fireside, even without an investigator.
So we made some reserved seats and reserved a row for the 14 people that we had coming... then someone said we couldn't save seats and removed the signs while we were gone so we had to scramble to get some members to save seats... that was stressful.
Then we had a sweet little meeting with the missionaries and Elder Jeffrey R Holland, Elder Paul D. M. Christensen, Elder Tad R Callister, and Bishop H David Burton. CRAZY. It was cool. Each of them got up and spent 5-10 minutes sharing their testimony and then Elder Holland spoke last. He talked about Preach My Gospel, how it was born the day that President Gordon B. Hinckley decided that he couldn't stand to meet another less active return missionary. Preach My Gospel was written to convert the Missionary, and through that converted individual - convert the investigator. I had long since suspected that was the purpose but it is now clear to see that the missionaries who never made Preach My Gospel part of themselves, who never made the gospel part of themselves, are the ones who fall away. The ones who harden their heart and receive the lesser portion until the knowledge of the mysteries of God are taken from them. There is just too much to share and I don't have time to write it all. I will probably dedicate the remainder of my pday to recording the proceedings in my journal. After he finished speaking we were able to shake all their hands all at once. I shook Elder Holland's hand and then gave him the letter saying, "This is a thank you note from me and my brother. He was in the MTC when you spoke in August." He said "Thank you Elder, I will read it tonight." Pretty stinkin cool!
So we then rushed to find our peeps and get some seats, and thankfully we have a whole ward of RM's who just happen to be some of the most awesome fellow shippers and they had got everyone seated so I went and moved a chair up to the end of the row and joined them. I knew that if I did everything I could that Heavenly Father would make it work out and I really had done everything I could and it did!!!!! Whoot!!!
The fireside was awesome. Elder Christensen bore testimony of the atonement that was really good. Bishop Burton spoke of the need to know the words of the living prophets and shared an awesome story about when he was a boy. His father was a bishop and would take them with him when he went to visit people so he could spend time with his children. Well one evening Bishop Burton's father called for him and Bishop Burton didn't want to leave the football game he was playing in but he went along with his father reluctantly. He said that they went to visit a member who was sick and that he, Bishop Burton, was busy just longing to be back in that football game. He went outside on the patio and sat on the steps and a car rolled up. Out hopped President David O. McKay, and the prophet went inside to help Bishop Burton's father give a blessing. Bishop Burton remained on the steps and on his way out President McKay stopped and sat down next to Bishop Burton. He spoke to him and told him a story of how when he, David O. McKay was young that he desperately wanted to go to general conference but every year when the time to go would roll around they would have farm duties to attend to. One year though when he was 12 or 13 President McKay was able to attend. They traveled to Salt Lake and went in the tabernacle before conference began. His father went up to meet the Prophet John Taylor and President Taylor invited them to sit on the front row of the tabernacle. President Taylor then sat down next to young David O McKay and rolled up his sleeves and then... this is the part that gets me... showed him the scars and marks that he sustained while with the Prophet Joseph in Carthage. Crazy. Way cool.
Elder Callister spoke on the Fruits of the spirit and knowing the truth through the fruits of the spirit and through prayer. I love that man's voice. He just has an awesome speaking voice.
Elder Holland spoke on the event chronicled in Acts Chapter 3 where there are these two young Galileans, who came from a background of being poor fishermen, who had known Christ and been members at best for three years, heal a man crippled from birth and then teach the multitude who gathers to see this man who had been lame from birth, jump and skip, and run and hop and cheer! They then rebuke the people for standing in wonder and wondering how it was all possible... these the same people who had shouted 'crucify him' at Pilot's palace. They assert that these things can only be done through Christ. And many are baptized. He also spoke of how people cannot fight the evidence of the Church. They can try, but they can never destroy the church.
It was awesome but I have nowhere near enough time to share all the things I learned and all the things they shared.
So that was Saturday. We had Stake Conference on Saturday and that was awesome. Elder Christensen shared a story about how he was doing philanthropic work in Africa establishing orphanages and he was able to share the gospel with a congregation of monks in this orphanage and teach them how to pray and how to study the scriptures. Crazy awesome.
Then Elder Holland spoke again. It was wonderful. He left a blessing at the end of his talk and the coolest part was that one of our investigators was sitting next to me as he began to talk about the blessing, and I noticed her close her eyes and start praying, I thought to myself, AWESOME SHE PRAYS ON HER OWN!!!! WHOOT!!, and didn't think anything else of it till later on. Then as Elder Holland was speaking he paused, listened and then said something along the lines of "someone in this room is desiring for these blessings on behalf of their loved ones who are not here.... I extend this blessing according to the power of my Apostolic ministry to all those that you are thinking of. To all of those that you cry over. It wasn't until later that I realized that he received that pure revelation, which I testify that it was - the Holy Ghost bearing witness of it to all who were present, at the moment she finished her prayer. Heavenly Father sometimes does answer prayers immediately but the fullness of that blessing may take months or even years to come to pass... nevertheless it was a pretty flippin' sweet occasion. Well later on that night we heard from our investigator that her mom called her up and asked how the church thing was going, and told her she would need to help them (her mom and her sisters) start going too when she comes home on break. TOO COOL!!!! TOO STINKIN COOL!!!
So we had a lesson with this same investigator later that day and it went well. Elder Poole and I are teaching with a spirit that hasn't been this strong for a long time... its really quite amazing. Its made for a lot of thin veil moments of spiritual growth and light has been cast on many of my questions pertaining to the mysteries of God.
I really am just overwhelmed with gratitude towards my Heavenly Father. The work is going well and I get to stay with Elder Poole one more transfer. We got to watch Elder Packer's fireside last night as well. Two apostles in one day. Crazy. Heavenly Father is wonderful.
Too much to write. Too much to write.
Brandon Flowers of The Killers has a mormon.org profile see it here: http://mormon.org/me/5233/
I have one too!! http://mormon.org/me/698X/
Well I love you all! I hope all is well!! The snow is deep here and the wind is cold! Winter is definitely here.
Love ya!
Elder Britton Winterrose!!!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy Halloween!
Well this week has been good. We found out more details about Elder Holland's visit, we will be having a missionary conference with those who are in Anchorage and the surrounding areas so I guess I lucked out this transfer!! We were able to begin teaching some wonderful new investigators this week and they came to church!! AWESOME!!! We are going to be meeting with Elder Holland on Saturday then that evening he will hold a fireside for new investigators and RC/LA's. Pretty sweet!! We have a ton of people to invite. Then Elder Holland and Elder Christensen will both be speaking at stake conference on Sunday!! So we get to hear Elder Holland speak 3 times in one weekend!! Then we have a CES fireside Saturday night, where Elder Boyd K. Packer is going to speak. Elder Poole is super pumped for that one because he is his favorite apostle.
I have high hopes for this week and I am pretty flippin' excited for this weekend.
Really have no complaints right now. Life is good. I am getting some photos to send home! So keep an eye out for them!
Oh and I know a member who works for FedEx here who can ship my stuff for super cheap. Like I think I'm going to send home a suitcase or something. Hahah, Maybe just a box instead.
We were able to begin teaching 3 new investigators! They are all wonderful, and we found all three of them by meeting the members. I have nearly everyone in the ward's name memorized and they really are being very supportive towards us. We identified these members as people I hadn't yet met so I called them up and set up a time to meet with them. While on the phone I asked if they had any roommates who would want to join us, and the first time it worked, and then the second time it worked! Sunday was wonderful as well. Elder Poole spoke in church and three of our four investigators attended sacrament meeting, one of them was busy with work. Many of the less active members came again as well, and two new ones that we invited attended also. All in all it was a wonderful week and I am looking forward to this week because I am confident that it prove to be a week to remember!
I'm stoked to be finding and teaching! I love the YSA ward. I feel so fortunate to be here serving in this ward. The leadership is awesome, the members are awesome, and its fun! I really enjoy serving here. I hope I get to stay another transfer.
I am working to finish up my application for BYU/BYUH and I will have it done before the end of the week. I really love reading the Book of Mormon. I love being a missionary. Even when you have 3 investigators in a gospel principles class(AWESOME), and there's like 15 members (can be good or bad), and the lesson is on temple work (our teacher focused on the Plan of Salvation - AWESOME), and there are like 3 members who just keep trying to bring up or focus on Exaltation and don't get the hint when the teacher moves very quickly back to the first principles of the gospel (UnAWESOME). But of course it always ends up working out. BECAUSE HEAVENLY FATHER IS BRILLIANT.
Heavenly Father will put you in the right place at the right time if you pray and ask Him to. I know. He helps me with it on the daily.
If you're feeling sad... Look Up!!
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Well this week has been good. We found out more details about Elder Holland's visit, we will be having a missionary conference with those who are in Anchorage and the surrounding areas so I guess I lucked out this transfer!! We were able to begin teaching some wonderful new investigators this week and they came to church!! AWESOME!!! We are going to be meeting with Elder Holland on Saturday then that evening he will hold a fireside for new investigators and RC/LA's. Pretty sweet!! We have a ton of people to invite. Then Elder Holland and Elder Christensen will both be speaking at stake conference on Sunday!! So we get to hear Elder Holland speak 3 times in one weekend!! Then we have a CES fireside Saturday night, where Elder Boyd K. Packer is going to speak. Elder Poole is super pumped for that one because he is his favorite apostle.
I have high hopes for this week and I am pretty flippin' excited for this weekend.
Really have no complaints right now. Life is good. I am getting some photos to send home! So keep an eye out for them!
Oh and I know a member who works for FedEx here who can ship my stuff for super cheap. Like I think I'm going to send home a suitcase or something. Hahah, Maybe just a box instead.
We were able to begin teaching 3 new investigators! They are all wonderful, and we found all three of them by meeting the members. I have nearly everyone in the ward's name memorized and they really are being very supportive towards us. We identified these members as people I hadn't yet met so I called them up and set up a time to meet with them. While on the phone I asked if they had any roommates who would want to join us, and the first time it worked, and then the second time it worked! Sunday was wonderful as well. Elder Poole spoke in church and three of our four investigators attended sacrament meeting, one of them was busy with work. Many of the less active members came again as well, and two new ones that we invited attended also. All in all it was a wonderful week and I am looking forward to this week because I am confident that it prove to be a week to remember!
I'm stoked to be finding and teaching! I love the YSA ward. I feel so fortunate to be here serving in this ward. The leadership is awesome, the members are awesome, and its fun! I really enjoy serving here. I hope I get to stay another transfer.
I am working to finish up my application for BYU/BYUH and I will have it done before the end of the week. I really love reading the Book of Mormon. I love being a missionary. Even when you have 3 investigators in a gospel principles class(AWESOME), and there's like 15 members (can be good or bad), and the lesson is on temple work (our teacher focused on the Plan of Salvation - AWESOME), and there are like 3 members who just keep trying to bring up or focus on Exaltation and don't get the hint when the teacher moves very quickly back to the first principles of the gospel (UnAWESOME). But of course it always ends up working out. BECAUSE HEAVENLY FATHER IS BRILLIANT.
Heavenly Father will put you in the right place at the right time if you pray and ask Him to. I know. He helps me with it on the daily.
If you're feeling sad... Look Up!!
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, October 24, 2011
Hey Everyone!
Well this week was a good week. We were able to teach a bunch of less active brothers and sisters and that is one of the parts of missionary work that I find most rewarding. Many of them even attended church. It is wonderful because we have great leadership in this ward and an awesome Bishop, and I know that they are really doing their best. It just feels good to see a noticeable difference in the size and strength of the ward. Its really humbling to be a part of, because I know that none of it would be possible if the gospel wasn't true. I am so proud of all of those brothers and sisters who decided to put offense, loneliness, guilt or sorrow behind them and chose to come to church and go back at it! Its not easy for them and often it can feel awkward, but it is doing what is right that counts and I know that if they will be blessed for their faithfulness.
I hope our efforts get the ward excited about the work to do in this area and I hope these brothers and sisters return to the gospel is sincere and everlasting. No one should allow themselves to dwindle in activity or devotion to the Gospel and Church of Jesus Christ. Its not enough to just get baptized, but we must all be baptized, confirmed, and then ENDURE TO THE END. There is no growth if we just stop at baptism. No real change. The whole conversion becomes a brief thought unless followed by faithful study, prayer, renewing of our ordinances, and living the gospel to become more like our Savior.
I was astonished at the number of people who just needed someone to invite them to come out. They just needed someone to remind them of the promises that they made and the joy that can be theirs if they choose to return. For many they know that they need to be back... they just hope someone will notice that they are missing.
It is important that we make friends with as many as possible in the church and then provide them with the lasting love and support that we all require as sons and daughters of God. Enduring to the end is an individual process but it is only possible if we all work together. You cannot endure to the end without learning to serve to the end.
We had a pretty good week over all. The weeks seem so long sometimes that it is difficult for me to remember everything unless I record it in my journal each night... but I don't bring it with me when I email so OH WELL!!! I did get some wonderful letters this week, so that was good and I got the charger! Yep.
GOOD STUFF.
Well I love you all and I hope you are all doing well! I will keep plugging away at my application but I can't really work on it until this weekend when president Beesley gets back in town.
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Well this week was a good week. We were able to teach a bunch of less active brothers and sisters and that is one of the parts of missionary work that I find most rewarding. Many of them even attended church. It is wonderful because we have great leadership in this ward and an awesome Bishop, and I know that they are really doing their best. It just feels good to see a noticeable difference in the size and strength of the ward. Its really humbling to be a part of, because I know that none of it would be possible if the gospel wasn't true. I am so proud of all of those brothers and sisters who decided to put offense, loneliness, guilt or sorrow behind them and chose to come to church and go back at it! Its not easy for them and often it can feel awkward, but it is doing what is right that counts and I know that if they will be blessed for their faithfulness.
I hope our efforts get the ward excited about the work to do in this area and I hope these brothers and sisters return to the gospel is sincere and everlasting. No one should allow themselves to dwindle in activity or devotion to the Gospel and Church of Jesus Christ. Its not enough to just get baptized, but we must all be baptized, confirmed, and then ENDURE TO THE END. There is no growth if we just stop at baptism. No real change. The whole conversion becomes a brief thought unless followed by faithful study, prayer, renewing of our ordinances, and living the gospel to become more like our Savior.
I was astonished at the number of people who just needed someone to invite them to come out. They just needed someone to remind them of the promises that they made and the joy that can be theirs if they choose to return. For many they know that they need to be back... they just hope someone will notice that they are missing.
It is important that we make friends with as many as possible in the church and then provide them with the lasting love and support that we all require as sons and daughters of God. Enduring to the end is an individual process but it is only possible if we all work together. You cannot endure to the end without learning to serve to the end.
We had a pretty good week over all. The weeks seem so long sometimes that it is difficult for me to remember everything unless I record it in my journal each night... but I don't bring it with me when I email so OH WELL!!! I did get some wonderful letters this week, so that was good and I got the charger! Yep.
GOOD STUFF.
Well I love you all and I hope you are all doing well! I will keep plugging away at my application but I can't really work on it until this weekend when president Beesley gets back in town.
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, October 17, 2011
Hey EVERYONE!!!
Well this week has gone well. It seemed to take forever!
Last Monday I just had a lot on my mind. I had been pondering on the repentance process and I started thinking of everything in my past, and as I dug deeper and deeper I started to think, Did I confess that sin? I know that the Atonement has changed my life but the idea that there were things, things that I have long since conquered or things done in ignorance, that I had never confessed - really bothered me. So I resolved to talk to my Mission President and guess what!!! I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER. It feels wonderful to just get it out and have confidence that I have confessed those things so that they would bother me no longer. So if you have repented, but you feel like there is something you forgot to confess, or if you still have skeletons in your closet, then go and council with your Priesthood Leaders and I promise that they will provide you with the love and understanding that only Heavenly Father can provide.
It's difficult to make the changes to our character, desires, and natures that the becoming like our Savior Jesus Christ demands, but it is infinitely rewarding. The first step is to find it in your heart to change. You have to humble yourselves. You have to recognize and admit to yourself that the things that you have been holding on to, whatever manner of impurity it may be, IS NOT good and DOES NOT help you come closer to our Heavenly Father. We have to admit that the only power over these things, our True Weaknesses, is that we can choose to yield to our Father's will and put our trust in Him. Know that He doesn't want you to struggle anymore than you want to struggle. You can't do it alone. Ether 12:27 holds the Key. You may try and fail and try and fail, and try, try again, but we must recognize that we have weaknesses because God permits them to be our stumbling blocks for as long as we fail to trust in the Lord with all of our heart, mind, might, and strength. We must not lean unto our own understanding but instead, we must understand that we cannot truly change our characters through our own power and self discipline.
We yield to His will through prayer and scripture study. We find out His will by counseling with our family and leaders, by studying and pondering the scriptures, and as we cleanse our desires and match our standards with the standards and desires of Heavenly Father has for us. We pray for strength and receive strength through the testimony and service of others as we strive to correct our actions and allow our heart to change as the spirit works within us. Over time, as we continue to apply the principles of the gospel, our very nature is changed and we have no more desire to do evil, "But to do good continually". Our heart is replaced with that of the Savior, our actions are replaced with those of the Savior, our eyes will shine forth the love of the Savior. It is through this process that we are able to overcome the tyranny and taint of sin. It is through these simple principles of faith and repentance that we are able to become spiritually reborn; born again in the image of our Savior, that when we rise again we may inherit the same glory as our Brother.
This week was fantastic. I love reading the Book of Mormon because I know it's true. All you have to do is ask God for yourself and He will tell you too!
Love you all!
Elder Britton P. Winterrose
PS Elder Jeffery R Holland is coming Soon!!!
Well this week has gone well. It seemed to take forever!
Last Monday I just had a lot on my mind. I had been pondering on the repentance process and I started thinking of everything in my past, and as I dug deeper and deeper I started to think, Did I confess that sin? I know that the Atonement has changed my life but the idea that there were things, things that I have long since conquered or things done in ignorance, that I had never confessed - really bothered me. So I resolved to talk to my Mission President and guess what!!! I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER. It feels wonderful to just get it out and have confidence that I have confessed those things so that they would bother me no longer. So if you have repented, but you feel like there is something you forgot to confess, or if you still have skeletons in your closet, then go and council with your Priesthood Leaders and I promise that they will provide you with the love and understanding that only Heavenly Father can provide.
It's difficult to make the changes to our character, desires, and natures that the becoming like our Savior Jesus Christ demands, but it is infinitely rewarding. The first step is to find it in your heart to change. You have to humble yourselves. You have to recognize and admit to yourself that the things that you have been holding on to, whatever manner of impurity it may be, IS NOT good and DOES NOT help you come closer to our Heavenly Father. We have to admit that the only power over these things, our True Weaknesses, is that we can choose to yield to our Father's will and put our trust in Him. Know that He doesn't want you to struggle anymore than you want to struggle. You can't do it alone. Ether 12:27 holds the Key. You may try and fail and try and fail, and try, try again, but we must recognize that we have weaknesses because God permits them to be our stumbling blocks for as long as we fail to trust in the Lord with all of our heart, mind, might, and strength. We must not lean unto our own understanding but instead, we must understand that we cannot truly change our characters through our own power and self discipline.
We yield to His will through prayer and scripture study. We find out His will by counseling with our family and leaders, by studying and pondering the scriptures, and as we cleanse our desires and match our standards with the standards and desires of Heavenly Father has for us. We pray for strength and receive strength through the testimony and service of others as we strive to correct our actions and allow our heart to change as the spirit works within us. Over time, as we continue to apply the principles of the gospel, our very nature is changed and we have no more desire to do evil, "But to do good continually". Our heart is replaced with that of the Savior, our actions are replaced with those of the Savior, our eyes will shine forth the love of the Savior. It is through this process that we are able to overcome the tyranny and taint of sin. It is through these simple principles of faith and repentance that we are able to become spiritually reborn; born again in the image of our Savior, that when we rise again we may inherit the same glory as our Brother.
This week was fantastic. I love reading the Book of Mormon because I know it's true. All you have to do is ask God for yourself and He will tell you too!
Love you all!
Elder Britton P. Winterrose
PS Elder Jeffery R Holland is coming Soon!!!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Dear Mom,
LA is Good! Hahah Goodness... (Note from Mom - Oops, I was doing the form-letter thing and just changing the names and got nabbed!)
I don't even know where to start. My mind is really tied up right now. We've been so busy. Sunday went well. We got to meet our ward and there was lots of people we hadn't met yet, so that was nice. This will probably be my shortest email ever but I'm just having a hard time pulling my thoughts together. OH one cool thing. I was able to go to the temple this Saturday and that was cool because I got to be there while J. L., a man from one of my previous wards, took out his endowment. I got into the session a little late but there were tons of Samoan people that I knew and when I got into the session I found out that it was going to be in Samoan!! Hahah so I got a headset and listened to it hahaha. Anyways, I was sitting behind Joe and I don't think he realized I was back there so it was awesome when I walked into the Celestial Room because I think he may have been a little bummed thinking I didn't make it in time, and it was awesome to see him and be able to give him a hug! My eyes filled with tears of gratitude for the wonderful opportunity to serve!
I love this work and I love the Savior. Well that's all I really have time for!!
Love Elder Winterrose.
PS. My goal is to finish the Book of Mormon again this week! I just finished Enos this morning. I'm glad Pooter had a good day!!
LA is Good! Hahah Goodness... (Note from Mom - Oops, I was doing the form-letter thing and just changing the names and got nabbed!)
I don't even know where to start. My mind is really tied up right now. We've been so busy. Sunday went well. We got to meet our ward and there was lots of people we hadn't met yet, so that was nice. This will probably be my shortest email ever but I'm just having a hard time pulling my thoughts together. OH one cool thing. I was able to go to the temple this Saturday and that was cool because I got to be there while J. L., a man from one of my previous wards, took out his endowment. I got into the session a little late but there were tons of Samoan people that I knew and when I got into the session I found out that it was going to be in Samoan!! Hahah so I got a headset and listened to it hahaha. Anyways, I was sitting behind Joe and I don't think he realized I was back there so it was awesome when I walked into the Celestial Room because I think he may have been a little bummed thinking I didn't make it in time, and it was awesome to see him and be able to give him a hug! My eyes filled with tears of gratitude for the wonderful opportunity to serve!
I love this work and I love the Savior. Well that's all I really have time for!!
Love Elder Winterrose.
PS. My goal is to finish the Book of Mormon again this week! I just finished Enos this morning. I'm glad Pooter had a good day!!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Alaska Anchorage YSA
This week has been good. I am enjoying serving with Elder Poole. He is a really nice guy. He's very intellectual and a proficient teacher, so it really is nice to be working with him. White washing an area is always an interesting process. It is difficult because there isn't a lot of carry over and many of the records that we have of previous investigators or less actives are either partial or non-existent. That is probably the sole cause of frustration. It;s cool to be able to do work in an area that is new to me though. It's just tedious as I learn the layout and who the members are. I am really looking forward to tonight because of FHE we should be able to meet a large portion of the ward so that should help. We have been striving to contact members referred to us by the bishop but have been unsuccessful at catching many of them or setting up lessons with any of them. I know it will help tons though as we get to meet the whole ward. The good news is that 2 old investigators have come out of the woodwork and we are currently teaching them. I think it will work out for both of them. This week we will start really trying to meet everyone possible and ask for referrals from them all!!! We shall see!
I really liked conference this weekend. I enjoyed all of the talks. I especially enjoyed the one about bishop's reaching out to Less Actives and inspiring repentance and re-activation through the extending of callings. As I sat there contemplating that statement and pondered on the other accounts of people saying. "That story was the same story as my Father's!" I considered my own life. It was the same way for me too. I was physically present at church but less-active at heart, and in action. But it was the single invitation to fulfill a calling that to others was very insignificant, that prompted me to repent. The calling was simple: I was to pick up the bread for sacrament and make sure it was there every Sunday. As I pondered on my willingness to accept this calling I felt unworthy to serve in even this small capacity. Being needed by the Lord and being unprepared harrowed up my soul with guilt and prompted me to ponder on all my iniquity. Through these small and simple means I embarked on a journey that has changed my life and freed me from the pains of sorrow and strife. I now feel the Spirit on a daily basis and often feel it working through and with me with great power and reality. This freedom from the consequences of sin was wrought through the Atonement of my Savior and my faith in Him. I know this, for there is no other way than repentance that I could have felt that burden lifted so freely from my soul. Now, as a Missionary of the Savior Jesus Christ, I have the opportunity to direct others to the hope and solace that only living the principles of His gospel can bring. I love it, I love this work because I love Him.
I thought that conference was wonderful. The talks on the Savior and the Book of Mormon and standing for what I believe in have inspired and enlightened me. I know my Heavenly Father loves me, and you, and because He loves us, He sent His Son - Jesus Christ. I know that the church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and that it is THE only church given this name by Divine instruction. I am grateful for the experiences of my mission thus far and I pray that I may have strength in Christ to meet the challenges that I have yet to face and that through these experiences I will become a better man and servant.
Heavenly Father loves all His children and desires them all to come unto Him through baptism into His Church - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
I hope all is going well for you my family and friends! Happy Birthday Dain, Grandpa Dick, and Caitlin! I love you all!!
MUCH LOVE!!!
Elder Britton Winterrose!
I really liked conference this weekend. I enjoyed all of the talks. I especially enjoyed the one about bishop's reaching out to Less Actives and inspiring repentance and re-activation through the extending of callings. As I sat there contemplating that statement and pondered on the other accounts of people saying. "That story was the same story as my Father's!" I considered my own life. It was the same way for me too. I was physically present at church but less-active at heart, and in action. But it was the single invitation to fulfill a calling that to others was very insignificant, that prompted me to repent. The calling was simple: I was to pick up the bread for sacrament and make sure it was there every Sunday. As I pondered on my willingness to accept this calling I felt unworthy to serve in even this small capacity. Being needed by the Lord and being unprepared harrowed up my soul with guilt and prompted me to ponder on all my iniquity. Through these small and simple means I embarked on a journey that has changed my life and freed me from the pains of sorrow and strife. I now feel the Spirit on a daily basis and often feel it working through and with me with great power and reality. This freedom from the consequences of sin was wrought through the Atonement of my Savior and my faith in Him. I know this, for there is no other way than repentance that I could have felt that burden lifted so freely from my soul. Now, as a Missionary of the Savior Jesus Christ, I have the opportunity to direct others to the hope and solace that only living the principles of His gospel can bring. I love it, I love this work because I love Him.
I thought that conference was wonderful. The talks on the Savior and the Book of Mormon and standing for what I believe in have inspired and enlightened me. I know my Heavenly Father loves me, and you, and because He loves us, He sent His Son - Jesus Christ. I know that the church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and that it is THE only church given this name by Divine instruction. I am grateful for the experiences of my mission thus far and I pray that I may have strength in Christ to meet the challenges that I have yet to face and that through these experiences I will become a better man and servant.
Heavenly Father loves all His children and desires them all to come unto Him through baptism into His Church - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
I hope all is going well for you my family and friends! Happy Birthday Dain, Grandpa Dick, and Caitlin! I love you all!!
MUCH LOVE!!!
Elder Britton Winterrose!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Transfer to Anchorage YSA
Hello family!!
Well it turns out that I am getting transferred!!
I am going to the Anchorage YSA (Young Single Adult Ward), so I'm swapping YSA wards. I will be serving with Elder Poole. I met him when he came out; he was in the same MTC group as Elder Tyler Williams, Elder Grate, and Elder Johansen. I think that we will get along great and that we should have plenty to do since we have the college in our ward boundaries so that makes for a ton of YSA-aged singles that we can teach! I am excited. The Cook Inlet YSA (the area I'm leaving) will be combined with the Klatt Elders' area, so Klatt Elders will now cover both areas.
Elder Rowley is going to Barrow with Elder Frank, an Elder that was his friend back home, who happened to get the same call, and also happened to be his MTC companion. :) It should be a fun adventure for those two.
Elder Benage is going to open up Dillingham with Elder Denison, whom I love! So I know they will have a challenging time, but what better way to go out than with a blast!
I am excited, but I am going to miss our ward because I really liked a lot of the members and I was just getting everyone's name down! This last week was pretty neat though, Sister D, our Bishop's wife, gave me two suits that were from this oil executive, but were too big for her husband. They fit perfectly in the shoulders but the pants and suit needed to be fitted... haha. So we took them in to the tailor and they took good care of me. So now I have two nice newish suits! Happy day!
I got Channing's dearelder but I didn't catch his trainer's name or anyone elses names. You should leave missionaries names in the blogs because that way they can find them and hear about themselves.
It's hard to remember anything else that really happened this week before transfers... Oh yeah wait, we did have a Zone Conference. It was really good. He spoke on many different things but one story I especially liked was one about how his son on his mission served with a missionary and turned his life around. Then when Elder Walker went to Japan for stake conference like 10 years later as a Seventy, his son's former companion happened to be in the ward that they attended and he went up to Elder Walker and told him how Elder Walker's son turned his whole life around. Some of the greatest conversions that we can aspire for on our missions are those of ourselves and our close brethren.
I love Alaska still and I will keep working on my application for school. I don't need a HS Transcript because they already have that... I just need to know my HS GPA. Otherwise I cannot complete the application. Chances are that they won't even care about it, because they will see my college GPA's first. So please, please, please email me my GPA!! Haha.
If all else fails I can always go to University of Alaska at Anchorage!
Love,
Elder Winterrose
Well it turns out that I am getting transferred!!
I am going to the Anchorage YSA (Young Single Adult Ward), so I'm swapping YSA wards. I will be serving with Elder Poole. I met him when he came out; he was in the same MTC group as Elder Tyler Williams, Elder Grate, and Elder Johansen. I think that we will get along great and that we should have plenty to do since we have the college in our ward boundaries so that makes for a ton of YSA-aged singles that we can teach! I am excited. The Cook Inlet YSA (the area I'm leaving) will be combined with the Klatt Elders' area, so Klatt Elders will now cover both areas.
Elder Rowley is going to Barrow with Elder Frank, an Elder that was his friend back home, who happened to get the same call, and also happened to be his MTC companion. :) It should be a fun adventure for those two.
Elder Benage is going to open up Dillingham with Elder Denison, whom I love! So I know they will have a challenging time, but what better way to go out than with a blast!
I am excited, but I am going to miss our ward because I really liked a lot of the members and I was just getting everyone's name down! This last week was pretty neat though, Sister D, our Bishop's wife, gave me two suits that were from this oil executive, but were too big for her husband. They fit perfectly in the shoulders but the pants and suit needed to be fitted... haha. So we took them in to the tailor and they took good care of me. So now I have two nice newish suits! Happy day!
I got Channing's dearelder but I didn't catch his trainer's name or anyone elses names. You should leave missionaries names in the blogs because that way they can find them and hear about themselves.
It's hard to remember anything else that really happened this week before transfers... Oh yeah wait, we did have a Zone Conference. It was really good. He spoke on many different things but one story I especially liked was one about how his son on his mission served with a missionary and turned his life around. Then when Elder Walker went to Japan for stake conference like 10 years later as a Seventy, his son's former companion happened to be in the ward that they attended and he went up to Elder Walker and told him how Elder Walker's son turned his whole life around. Some of the greatest conversions that we can aspire for on our missions are those of ourselves and our close brethren.
I love Alaska still and I will keep working on my application for school. I don't need a HS Transcript because they already have that... I just need to know my HS GPA. Otherwise I cannot complete the application. Chances are that they won't even care about it, because they will see my college GPA's first. So please, please, please email me my GPA!! Haha.
If all else fails I can always go to University of Alaska at Anchorage!
Love,
Elder Winterrose
Monday, September 19, 2011
Tricycle On Two Wheels
We have had a pretty nice week though. On Saturday we went on exchanges with the zone leaders and had service opportunities all day. Elder K.T.W. and I were together and we worked at this event at the Lousacc Library. We got to dress up in mascot suits and danced on the street corner. I was an Eagle and he was Seymour, the Anchorage moose. It was a blast but it was exhausting. Then we got to help pass out door prizes and ended up with some sweet flashlights and a pedometer. So that was our Saturday. Then Sunday morning Sis. Beesley called us up and explained that they were going to be busy picking up Elder Walker of the Seventy and his wife, and that she wouldn't have time to make dinner... so she asked us to! After church Elder B. and I went over to the mission home and started cooking the salmon and making the salad. And we were the first Elders to greet them! It was pretty neat.
We didn't stay for dinner, but we did have dinner at another members house and the member family has a trampoline to bounce up onto the back deck instead of stairs, so (of course) I took that way into the house like 4 times. All in all it was a strange, but pretty, fun week.
I have been worried about applying to BYU as my 1st choice and BYUH as my second because I am afraid that I won't get in to either. Do you know if I can re-apply during the same year and change the order if I don't get in? Maybe apply for a later semester? IDK. I just don't know that BYU would be the best fit for me, but both of my mission presidents have counseled me to go there because I will get a better education... and I can't throw that out the window. For now I think I will just apply to both and let the Lord decide. It worked last time right? Hahah.
I didn't get the pic of Chan with his trainer... but I can't wait to see! I hope everything is going well for him and I hope he likes his first area/comp. They will probably always put Winterrose boys with trainers too big to beat up. Hahaha. 6 months.... INSANE. I never thought I would be to this point. This week will be awesome; haircuts, a 5-zone Zone Conference with Elder Walker, and then on Saturday we have transfer calls! So this week should go by pretty quick.
Well I miss you all!! I hope you're having a wonderful time!
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Monday, September 12, 2011
Working with returning members has been one of the beautiful blessings of my mission and I feel grateful to have been able to witness their roads back. It's not easy to return to church after being gone for so long but with the support of a loving ward family, and our Heavenly Father, it is possible and rewarding. The blessing of the Atonement is peace... complete peace!
I really enjoyed the broadcast and it made me happy to know that my family was watching the same thing that I was!
As far as homesickness goes, I've never really suffered with it much... I mean it can be tough, but only when the work is slow. It's hard to adjust to the mail slowing down to a trickle too, hahaha. But I am sure that he will be able to manage. The greatest cure to homesickness is work. WORK WORK WORK WORK WORK!!! If a missionary works, he will get the spirit and forget himself. PMG!!!!!! BABY!!
I still love it here in Alaska. I wanted to take a minute and discuss possible after-mission plans.
Right now I have 3 possible options for work... first is coming back up here and working on a seiner boat out of Valdez for the summer. That would go June-Aug, late Aug, and I would make anywhere from $$$$ on a terrible year to $$$$ on a great year. I am going to call and talk to the captain about it tonight to see if he would be OK with me leaving a little early for school. The downside about this job is that I would be working all the time and IDK about making it back to church on Sundays because it just depends on how well the fishing is going. I'm gonna talk to him about it all today.
Option 2 is working as a commercial trucker in North Dakota hauling water to oil dereks with Elder K.T.W. His brother has a business there. You make around $$$$ every 2 weeks but I would come home, get my CDL, and get to work and work till September. We are working on getting more details. I'll keep you posted.
Option 3 is to work as an EFY counselor at BYU or BYUH. I think it would be fun but who really knows.
As far as school goes here is what I've got so far.... Both mission presidents have counseled me to go to BYU Provo... So I am going to apply to both BYUH and BYU Provo, with Provo as my 1st priority. I am going to aim to start in fall semester to give myself enough time to readjust and earn enough money to pay off school. I will keep pondering on the possibility of doing a Spring term somewhere, but as for BYU's Winter term.... I'm not leaving early. :) I only get to serve one mission and unless the Lord compels me to leave, I won't. I hope you understand.
I will start working on those applications soon and will keep you posted about their progress! I love you guys and miss you all. I can't believe I've been out 18 months... it's surreal. Well I love you! Miss you!
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Wow... I hate having to make decisions. I guess missions are easy in the way that all the big decisions are made for you... When you move, where you move, who you live with, how much you will spend on food, etc..
BYU or BYUH. Only the Lord knows.
This week was a good week but it was crazy. We have been working our little tails off and we have definitely been blessed with a little bit of work to do! We had a wonderful weekly planning session this week and it is looking like we're in for a busy week. These kind of weeks are really the key to the work either exploding or dieing back down. As, it all begins to take off so quick, you really have to make sure that you maintain good stewardship over those you've been blessed with by focusing on them, and making sure you are meeting their needs. Otherwise, the good Lord taketh away. It's imperative we don't let anyone fall through the cracks.
Our threesome is always fun. ALWAYS!! Hahah we have lots of fun together so I really can't complain.
I've been able to get some face time with President Beesley and that has been really nice. It has helped me a lot. It is always so wonderful to meet with him! It just feels good to get to know him.
You asked who the girl was in the background of the King Salmon photos, Her name is P, she was one of our investigators that we taught in Craig. She was on date for either the third or 4th of September when I left. When we were teaching her we invited her to be baptized on that date but she wasn't sure if she could do it because she wasn't sure that she would have her answer yet. I promised her that I had seen it happen before, when I was in Fairbanks teaching C.F., and told her his story. I promised her that she would have her answer by her baptismal date if she would be diligent in studying, reading, praying, and church attendance! Then on Sunday night I got a call from a mysterious 208 area code number and when I answered it was Sister B. on the line! The B's told me that on Fri-Sun P. said she got her answer and now her baptismal date, the final one, is set for the 24 of September. LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE!!! I love the Lord!
I love being able to promise things that I have no way to make happen and then to see them plainly manifest in the lives of others. The spirit of prophesy and revelation are given by the Father to His servants that they may perform miracles that will build the faith of those who are humble enough to receive Christ. I remember the article I read in the Ensign early in my mission titled Expect Miracles. It was a miracle just that the old Ensign had never been thrown out and Divine that I happened to read it. At the time it was the word of the Lord that I needed in my life, it was a commandment to me personally to not only hope for miracles, but to EXPECT them in the service of the Lord. To work on the basis that if I commanded the Red Sea to part, it would part. It was what inspired my mind and built my faith in that first promise of faith.
It is hard, but we should all expect miracles. Humbly and meekly, we must press forward knowing that when we are between the rock and the hard place, that we should not turn back, but press forward steadfastly with Faith in Christ knowing full-well that He, our Savior, is at the helm of our Fate, and that He will not lead us to be dashed to pieces.
I came on my mission expecting miracles. I knew that if I would serve the Lord with all my might, mind, and strength, and labor in his vineyard to bring to pass the immortality of others' siblings and friends, that my Savior would bless my brother C., and my friend A. And that He would help my younger brothers, M. and D. to prepare to serve a mission. My brother C. had his testimony solidified as he was able to sing in the presence of an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, a man through whom our beloved Savior has directed and shaped his earthly ministry. It was no coincidence that my little brother was in the MTC at a time when Elder Jeffery R. Holland came to speak. It is part of God's wisdom and foresight. It is part of the Atonement. It is that wisdom and foresight that makes these miracles occur as He is able to prepare us and prepare our path long in advance.
I was able to personally testify to my friend A., as I was called to serve in an area less than 50 miles away from him and through no small circumstance I was able to catch him on a busy, busy day.
God is great.
The worth of every soul is great in the sight of God.
I know He loves me and you.
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
BYU or BYUH. Only the Lord knows.
This week was a good week but it was crazy. We have been working our little tails off and we have definitely been blessed with a little bit of work to do! We had a wonderful weekly planning session this week and it is looking like we're in for a busy week. These kind of weeks are really the key to the work either exploding or dieing back down. As, it all begins to take off so quick, you really have to make sure that you maintain good stewardship over those you've been blessed with by focusing on them, and making sure you are meeting their needs. Otherwise, the good Lord taketh away. It's imperative we don't let anyone fall through the cracks.
Our threesome is always fun. ALWAYS!! Hahah we have lots of fun together so I really can't complain.
I've been able to get some face time with President Beesley and that has been really nice. It has helped me a lot. It is always so wonderful to meet with him! It just feels good to get to know him.
You asked who the girl was in the background of the King Salmon photos, Her name is P, she was one of our investigators that we taught in Craig. She was on date for either the third or 4th of September when I left. When we were teaching her we invited her to be baptized on that date but she wasn't sure if she could do it because she wasn't sure that she would have her answer yet. I promised her that I had seen it happen before, when I was in Fairbanks teaching C.F., and told her his story. I promised her that she would have her answer by her baptismal date if she would be diligent in studying, reading, praying, and church attendance! Then on Sunday night I got a call from a mysterious 208 area code number and when I answered it was Sister B. on the line! The B's told me that on Fri-Sun P. said she got her answer and now her baptismal date, the final one, is set for the 24 of September. LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE!!! I love the Lord!
I love being able to promise things that I have no way to make happen and then to see them plainly manifest in the lives of others. The spirit of prophesy and revelation are given by the Father to His servants that they may perform miracles that will build the faith of those who are humble enough to receive Christ. I remember the article I read in the Ensign early in my mission titled Expect Miracles. It was a miracle just that the old Ensign had never been thrown out and Divine that I happened to read it. At the time it was the word of the Lord that I needed in my life, it was a commandment to me personally to not only hope for miracles, but to EXPECT them in the service of the Lord. To work on the basis that if I commanded the Red Sea to part, it would part. It was what inspired my mind and built my faith in that first promise of faith.
It is hard, but we should all expect miracles. Humbly and meekly, we must press forward knowing that when we are between the rock and the hard place, that we should not turn back, but press forward steadfastly with Faith in Christ knowing full-well that He, our Savior, is at the helm of our Fate, and that He will not lead us to be dashed to pieces.
I came on my mission expecting miracles. I knew that if I would serve the Lord with all my might, mind, and strength, and labor in his vineyard to bring to pass the immortality of others' siblings and friends, that my Savior would bless my brother C., and my friend A. And that He would help my younger brothers, M. and D. to prepare to serve a mission. My brother C. had his testimony solidified as he was able to sing in the presence of an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, a man through whom our beloved Savior has directed and shaped his earthly ministry. It was no coincidence that my little brother was in the MTC at a time when Elder Jeffery R. Holland came to speak. It is part of God's wisdom and foresight. It is part of the Atonement. It is that wisdom and foresight that makes these miracles occur as He is able to prepare us and prepare our path long in advance.
I was able to personally testify to my friend A., as I was called to serve in an area less than 50 miles away from him and through no small circumstance I was able to catch him on a busy, busy day.
God is great.
The worth of every soul is great in the sight of God.
I know He loves me and you.
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
I really don't have enough time to tell you about all the awesome adventures that we have experienced this week! The work was slow, but I love my companions. Also there is a Men's Warehouse here and one of the members works there and can get us 50% off any suit... I was thinking maybe.... Idk though. My homecoming is in like just a blink.
I will forward you my letter to the president though! I love ya!!
OH Just kidding.... I spent 30 minutes writing my letter to the president and then the flipping system crashed.... deleting my letter. BAHH!!!
Oh well.
I love you guys!!
No freaking time left!!!!
Tell C. I got his letter and that it made me laugh!
He's gonna be a bomb missionary!!
Love, Elder Winterrose
I will forward you my letter to the president though! I love ya!!
OH Just kidding.... I spent 30 minutes writing my letter to the president and then the flipping system crashed.... deleting my letter. BAHH!!!
Oh well.
I love you guys!!
No freaking time left!!!!
Tell C. I got his letter and that it made me laugh!
He's gonna be a bomb missionary!!
Love, Elder Winterrose
Monday, August 22, 2011
Well this week has been strange. It is weird being in
Anchorage again. It just feels different, but everything is going really well.
I really like Elder B. and Elder R. Elder B. is solid and Elder
R. is hilarious, we get along pretty well together. Who knows what week
two will bring! Hahah.
The work is slow in this area but I have faith that it will pick up in the Lord's timeline. It's strange serving in a ward where the mean age is 24. It's kind of weird right now too because 80% of the ward is leaving to go back down to college this week or already has left. But we were able to start meeting with one new investigator and we have at least been able to meet with SOMEONE everyday this week. (The hardest days are when you are busting your bum and you don't get to meet with anyone.) But really, I like my companions, and we are having a fun time doing work even if it's slow.
I think its awesome that you shot the 50 cal mom, but you should have videoed it so I could watch! Haha. It sounds like you guys had a wonderful trip in Utah.
We were pretty blessed to go to the temple this week too. Elder B. worked with a family in Wasilla and they were sealed on Saturday and they took out their endowments on Friday. President Beesley let us attend both parts, so it was really nice to get to go to the temple, and to witness my first live family sealing. It is cool to see the missionary work progress to that point and to watch as the true blessings of baptism are realized. I always learn so much when I go through the temple. I feel like I really have to go often after I return.
I love you all, sorry for the short message. I just don't have much time. My hard drive is being wacky! I will have to wait another week to send pics!! :(
Love ya!!
Britton
The work is slow in this area but I have faith that it will pick up in the Lord's timeline. It's strange serving in a ward where the mean age is 24. It's kind of weird right now too because 80% of the ward is leaving to go back down to college this week or already has left. But we were able to start meeting with one new investigator and we have at least been able to meet with SOMEONE everyday this week. (The hardest days are when you are busting your bum and you don't get to meet with anyone.) But really, I like my companions, and we are having a fun time doing work even if it's slow.
I think its awesome that you shot the 50 cal mom, but you should have videoed it so I could watch! Haha. It sounds like you guys had a wonderful trip in Utah.
We were pretty blessed to go to the temple this week too. Elder B. worked with a family in Wasilla and they were sealed on Saturday and they took out their endowments on Friday. President Beesley let us attend both parts, so it was really nice to get to go to the temple, and to witness my first live family sealing. It is cool to see the missionary work progress to that point and to watch as the true blessings of baptism are realized. I always learn so much when I go through the temple. I feel like I really have to go often after I return.
I love you all, sorry for the short message. I just don't have much time. My hard drive is being wacky! I will have to wait another week to send pics!! :(
Love ya!!
Britton
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Hey everyone,
Well I'll be honest. I have really mixed feelings about this transfer. I am really disappointed that I am leaving Craig. I feel like my time there got cut short. I was really looking forward to this next transfer because the work was picking up. We had a solid teaching pool of genuine investigators, not just a bunch of people to visit, and I really loved the people there. I'm sad that both me and Elder G. are being transferred. I found out on Saturday that I was leaving because I called Alaska air to find out if I had a flight booked for the next week and we already found out on Thursday that Elder G. is training. So as I eagerly awaited my transfer doctrine call from the Assistants, I compiled a list of things that I didn't want to happen. And this was before I even got my transfer call...
1. I didn't want to be bumped to junior. - Missionary life just seems smoother when I can call the shots. Plus I've been busting my bum to be obedient and it was really starting to show in the missionary work.
2. I didn't want to serve in a threesome. - It's hard enough to function as a companionship, let alone throw another rock in the blender. I served in one last winter, and although it was just for a few weeks, I really disliked it. Plus it splits your (He didn't finish this sentence.)
3. I didn't want to leave. I knew I was leaving, but I still was in denial. I was almost certain that I would have another few transfers there. The work is really pumpin' there and I would hate for it to stop.
4. I didn't want to go back to Anchorage. I didn't have much time left and I love serving in the bush. As does every missionary.
5. I didn't want to get paired with a disobedient missionary.
Now I didn't know about number 5. Hahah. I am sure my new companions, Elder R. and Elder B., both of whom I've never met, are both great guys. And if they aren't, then they will be by the end of the transfer. Hahaha.
As for the big news. I am serving with Elder R. (~7mo.) and Elder B. (~21mo.) as a junior companion in the Cook Inlet YSA ward in Anchorage.
I hate for this letter to just sound negative. Obviously the Lord is trying to teach me something (humility) and is trying to teach me to not compare my progression to my peers, but to instead look to the blessings and tender mercies that have been provided to me so I can effectively gage my growth and progression along the path he has prepared for me. It sucks. But it's for my good. And the good of the work of the Lord. I promised to serve Him with all my heart, so I will. And I will learn the lessons He is trying to teach me.
Well this is pretty much my feelings for now. I am going to go and try to catch some fish. I will ship the fish home to grandma. I put her name on the box. Hope that doesn't cause any conflict. I love you all. I'm gonna try to catch A. at work.
I am excited to see old friends and to make new ones. I really, really love the Members and Non-Members on the Prince of Wales Island.
Those who the Lord loves he chastens.
I got a letter from C. too! Awesome letter.
My camera is totally fried. So yeah send the old one up or something. :) Love ya.
I will attach some Pics! Love ya!!
Elder Britton Winterrose.
PS The fish will probably be shipping out tomorrow, Tuesday, morning. Love ya!! Make sure some one is there to pick it up off the hot porch. :)
Well I'll be honest. I have really mixed feelings about this transfer. I am really disappointed that I am leaving Craig. I feel like my time there got cut short. I was really looking forward to this next transfer because the work was picking up. We had a solid teaching pool of genuine investigators, not just a bunch of people to visit, and I really loved the people there. I'm sad that both me and Elder G. are being transferred. I found out on Saturday that I was leaving because I called Alaska air to find out if I had a flight booked for the next week and we already found out on Thursday that Elder G. is training. So as I eagerly awaited my transfer doctrine call from the Assistants, I compiled a list of things that I didn't want to happen. And this was before I even got my transfer call...
1. I didn't want to be bumped to junior. - Missionary life just seems smoother when I can call the shots. Plus I've been busting my bum to be obedient and it was really starting to show in the missionary work.
2. I didn't want to serve in a threesome. - It's hard enough to function as a companionship, let alone throw another rock in the blender. I served in one last winter, and although it was just for a few weeks, I really disliked it. Plus it splits your (He didn't finish this sentence.)
3. I didn't want to leave. I knew I was leaving, but I still was in denial. I was almost certain that I would have another few transfers there. The work is really pumpin' there and I would hate for it to stop.
4. I didn't want to go back to Anchorage. I didn't have much time left and I love serving in the bush. As does every missionary.
5. I didn't want to get paired with a disobedient missionary.
Now I didn't know about number 5. Hahah. I am sure my new companions, Elder R. and Elder B., both of whom I've never met, are both great guys. And if they aren't, then they will be by the end of the transfer. Hahaha.
As for the big news. I am serving with Elder R. (~7mo.) and Elder B. (~21mo.) as a junior companion in the Cook Inlet YSA ward in Anchorage.
I hate for this letter to just sound negative. Obviously the Lord is trying to teach me something (humility) and is trying to teach me to not compare my progression to my peers, but to instead look to the blessings and tender mercies that have been provided to me so I can effectively gage my growth and progression along the path he has prepared for me. It sucks. But it's for my good. And the good of the work of the Lord. I promised to serve Him with all my heart, so I will. And I will learn the lessons He is trying to teach me.
Well this is pretty much my feelings for now. I am going to go and try to catch some fish. I will ship the fish home to grandma. I put her name on the box. Hope that doesn't cause any conflict. I love you all. I'm gonna try to catch A. at work.
I am excited to see old friends and to make new ones. I really, really love the Members and Non-Members on the Prince of Wales Island.
Those who the Lord loves he chastens.
I got a letter from C. too! Awesome letter.
My camera is totally fried. So yeah send the old one up or something. :) Love ya.
I will attach some Pics! Love ya!!
Elder Britton Winterrose.
PS The fish will probably be shipping out tomorrow, Tuesday, morning. Love ya!! Make sure some one is there to pick it up off the hot porch. :)
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Lots of Kings and Investigators
HELLO FAMILY FRIENDS AND STRANGERS!!
This week has been awesome. I will start off with my
P-day.
WE CAUGHT KING SALMON. HUGE ONES!
IT was awesome. We all limited out! I caught the biggest
one, measuring in at 43 inches, and it definitely weighed more than 30 lbs. It
was awesome.
We just went out to try to snag some Pinks in the brackish water of the Port St. Nick river but we were about to leave and on the way out these people had some kings on the bank and I was like, "WHERE DID YOU CATCH THOSE!!" And they pointed us toward the spot. I cast out, reamed hard on the rod, and sank that hook into my first king... the rest. as they say, was history. We fished so hard that my arms are sore. Those fish are so big and strong it's unreal. With just one flick of the tail they start peeling the line off your reel as your drag buzzes and screams. Almost every time I hooked one, it would just rocket out of the water! Many of the biggest ones I hooked into snapped my 30lb test braided line like it was 2lb test, right off the first jump. Had they not, it probably would have trashed my rod and reel because the fish would be too heavy!!! It was SO AWESOME!! I will find some one and get them to email the pictures that Elder G. took on his camera... because my camera was fried from it's little dip in the water last week.
I FREAKING CAUGHT A KING. MY PRAYERS WERE ANSWERED!!!
It was such a blast.
The work this week has gone well. My companion, Elder G., was sick this week... and still is.. But he is pushing through it. I made sure he took a day to sleep and regain some energy on Wednesday because he looked like death. Then Thursday morning we were able to get him in to the doctor at the clinic and they prescribed some stuff to slow nasal drainage and to stop the cough. He still has a little cough but has more and more energy each day. So far I have dodged what he's got, but only time will tell. He is a freakin trooper! Just pumpin through it as best as he can. Even with him being ill, we were still able to do some good work this week.
We taught P. the 1st and 2nd, and she is keeping her commitments by praying, reading, and going to church. She was very nervous and apprehensive about going to church but has relayed to us her desire to go again this coming weekend. She has set a date of September 3rd as her baptismal date, pending her spiritual witness. She is doing well.
We were able to visit J. H., a former investigator and by some miracle were able to catch him in one of the brief windows of time that he was actually not gone on business. We discussed the first lesson that he had with the missionaries back in January and were able to reteach the 1st and invite him to meet with us again. We should be meeting with him this week.
We were unable to meet with T's mom, T., because Elder G. was ill but we should be able to see her this week. We are trying hard to see her. We also began teaching the parents of a wonderful family, the C's. They are native Alaskan and we met them at a city event. We were able to meet with them on Sunday and teach them the first. I feel like they will really start to progress. They have 2 daughters and 2 sons over the age of 14 who we are working to begin teaching as well.
We have a few potentials that we are striving to set up a solid appointment with - I am confident that we will be able to teach them at some point in time this week. We were unable to meet with S. J., our investigator in Hydaburg, because of his work schedule.
We were able to see and visit briefly our other investigator who is on date for the 10th of September, K. D. She is headed out of town and has been extremely busy over the last few weeks so she hasn't been able to come to church. Hopefully, she will begin to progress after she returns from her current trip off the island.
The work is really going well. We have a large investigator pool for such a small island. We are being blessed and I feel it daily. I am grateful to be here on Prince of Wales. I hope to stay another transfer... if it's my Heavenly Father's will.
Mom, if you want to put up my reply to your question last week do it! It's cool with me. Also if you go on my facebook and look up SeAlaska you should be able to tag me in some pictures of the totem pole raisings. That would be pretty sweet if you want.
Well I guess that's all for this week. I love ya guys! I hope you all just keep pressing forward. Remember if you are feeling trapped: Knock and it shall be opened.
Prayer is the key to opening the door of revelation and repentance.
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
WE CAUGHT KING SALMON. HUGE ONES!
We just went out to try to snag some Pinks in the brackish water of the Port St. Nick river but we were about to leave and on the way out these people had some kings on the bank and I was like, "WHERE DID YOU CATCH THOSE!!" And they pointed us toward the spot. I cast out, reamed hard on the rod, and sank that hook into my first king... the rest. as they say, was history. We fished so hard that my arms are sore. Those fish are so big and strong it's unreal. With just one flick of the tail they start peeling the line off your reel as your drag buzzes and screams. Almost every time I hooked one, it would just rocket out of the water! Many of the biggest ones I hooked into snapped my 30lb test braided line like it was 2lb test, right off the first jump. Had they not, it probably would have trashed my rod and reel because the fish would be too heavy!!! It was SO AWESOME!! I will find some one and get them to email the pictures that Elder G. took on his camera... because my camera was fried from it's little dip in the water last week.
I FREAKING CAUGHT A KING. MY PRAYERS WERE ANSWERED!!!
It was such a blast.
The work this week has gone well. My companion, Elder G., was sick this week... and still is.. But he is pushing through it. I made sure he took a day to sleep and regain some energy on Wednesday because he looked like death. Then Thursday morning we were able to get him in to the doctor at the clinic and they prescribed some stuff to slow nasal drainage and to stop the cough. He still has a little cough but has more and more energy each day. So far I have dodged what he's got, but only time will tell. He is a freakin trooper! Just pumpin through it as best as he can. Even with him being ill, we were still able to do some good work this week.
We taught P. the 1st and 2nd, and she is keeping her commitments by praying, reading, and going to church. She was very nervous and apprehensive about going to church but has relayed to us her desire to go again this coming weekend. She has set a date of September 3rd as her baptismal date, pending her spiritual witness. She is doing well.
We were able to visit J. H., a former investigator and by some miracle were able to catch him in one of the brief windows of time that he was actually not gone on business. We discussed the first lesson that he had with the missionaries back in January and were able to reteach the 1st and invite him to meet with us again. We should be meeting with him this week.
We were unable to meet with T's mom, T., because Elder G. was ill but we should be able to see her this week. We are trying hard to see her. We also began teaching the parents of a wonderful family, the C's. They are native Alaskan and we met them at a city event. We were able to meet with them on Sunday and teach them the first. I feel like they will really start to progress. They have 2 daughters and 2 sons over the age of 14 who we are working to begin teaching as well.
We have a few potentials that we are striving to set up a solid appointment with - I am confident that we will be able to teach them at some point in time this week. We were unable to meet with S. J., our investigator in Hydaburg, because of his work schedule.
We were able to see and visit briefly our other investigator who is on date for the 10th of September, K. D. She is headed out of town and has been extremely busy over the last few weeks so she hasn't been able to come to church. Hopefully, she will begin to progress after she returns from her current trip off the island.
The work is really going well. We have a large investigator pool for such a small island. We are being blessed and I feel it daily. I am grateful to be here on Prince of Wales. I hope to stay another transfer... if it's my Heavenly Father's will.
Mom, if you want to put up my reply to your question last week do it! It's cool with me. Also if you go on my facebook and look up SeAlaska you should be able to tag me in some pictures of the totem pole raisings. That would be pretty sweet if you want.
Well I guess that's all for this week. I love ya guys! I hope you all just keep pressing forward. Remember if you are feeling trapped: Knock and it shall be opened.
Prayer is the key to opening the door of revelation and repentance.
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
The Work Is Really Moving and So Was the Totem Pole
First off: I love hearing about all the stuff that is going on back home. 99% of the time the play-by-play makes me laugh, it doesn't make me homesick. Really though, I love it. If I don't want to hear something or about someone I will be sure to tell ya, hahah!
Well this week has been pretty crazy. We were able to drive down to Hydaburg a town of ~200 Haida natives. They were hosting a culture camp in the days leading up to their big Totem Pole raising that happened on Friday. We were able to help out and meet a lot of the people in the community the first few days. When we first arrived we were greeted with the cold stares typically granted to outsiders, but after the first day we had met with the Mayor/Head Totem Carver and the cold stares turned into warm greetings as we served along side them. Friday was the day of the totem raising and we were able to help carry the totem the whole way. It was pretty neat, and we got to talk to a bunch of our potentials and they were really happy to see us involved in showing and appreciating their culture and town. Hydaburg is the kind of place that most "white" people here are afraid of, but the missionaries are now welcome there. Overall I feel that it has really helped move the work along there.
We were also able to teach one of our investigators, K, that we had been struggling to contact. She hadn't been keeping her commitment to read and just that day or the day before we had been discussing in companionship study what we would do if that was the case. We felt inspired to read 3 Nephi 11 with her and to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ with an emphasis on receiving personal revelation. We discussed and read together and promised her the blessings that having the gift of the Holy Ghost would bring to her life. She really was feeling the spirit strongly so we extended an invitation to be baptized and she accepted and selected September 3 as her baptismal date. We are now working with her to help her get to church and understand the importance receiving revelation through church attendance. She was supposed to come on Sunday but the weather cleared up and her family pressured her into going to the beach... I hate sunny days hahah. Seriously though no one is home when it is sunny. Everyone is fishing or beach combing or just out enjoying the weather.
We were also able to contact a less-active recent convert from last year, T, and her parents. Her mom had shown a minimal interest towards taking the lessons when T was being taught but she never acted on it. I was able to have a nice conversation with T's mom during the visit and the spirit was really strong. I invited her to come to church with her daughter, and she was hesitant about going, but T told me the next day that the conversation had really got her mom thinking and so they both came to church. The Sacrament talks were on Faith, Repentance, Baptism, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The first speaker was a wonderful recent convert, and then Sister E an older sister in the Ward, and then Elder Grate and finally myself. The spirit was very strong and T's mom was in tears for much of it. She even told us that we can start to meet together this week.
In other news... Our monthly mile allotment has been cut by 300 miles. I understand that many of the areas have experienced even more drastic cuts in mileage, and I would hate to have a surplus of miles sitting around when others need them, but we have lots of driving. For example - T and her mom live in Coffman Cove, a three hour round trip from here in Craig. Other frequently visited places include Thorne Bay (around 100 miles round trip), Hydaburg (around 80 miles round trip) and Kassan (nearly 110 miles round trip). Even the trip from our temporary apartment to our mailbox is 15 miles. Now we are doing our best to conserve miles, but we use a ton of miles getting to the people we are teaching and to many of the less-actives living even further away than the cities mentioned above. We try to only do 1 trip between Klawock and Craig (a 12 mile drive) but most of our work occurs in these two places and sometimes we aren't able to do it all in one trip. We will do our best to do the Lord's work and be obedient to the 1500 miles that we are now allotted, but I'm afraid if sustained it would hamper the search for the lost Sheep and the growth of the Gospel here on Prince of Wales. Like I said though, I will go and do the things which I have been commanded.... :)
I'm writing a day late because our p-day was crazy. We went fishing in Whale Pass for Silvers to help Brother B get enough fish to take back to Idaho for his family when they leave on vacation. We caught enough fish, but I lost one of his fly rods... I slipped and put one hand down, and as I was trying to stand back up, my other foot slipped - double slippage - and I was almost dunked.... As I tried to stop myself from falling in the river, the fish I had on yanked, and the rod shot out of my hands. I watched history repeat its self... Long story short - we ended up waiting till the tide went out, then I walked the bottom of the stream looking for the lost pole. And when I went to look for the lost rod, I forgot that I had my camera in my waders so my camera got baptized. He is sitting in a bag of rice at home right now. Then we went back to fishing and lost track of time and ended up getting back at 8:30. The Light summer nights play games with your mind... And you loose track of time. I shouldn't have though because of the awesome watch that Dad sent me.
We also had to move this week because the family, the B's (whose house we were staying at) had family coming into town for a few weeks, so now we are the branch vagabonds/freeloaders. :) We are staying with the E's, the ones whose sister is the mission pres's wife there at home. They have an extra guest house that we are living in until their guests arrive, sometime in the next week. Then we get the boot again and will live in the B's home till our old pad opens back up, while they are on vacation.
Tell C. that I love him and I hope he is doing good! I've been too busy so I don't have time to send him a dear elder. I'll just send him a sweet post card later this week.
I got the letter with his address.
I got the watch. I helps remind me that I am working on my Fathers time... I will take care of it. And the watch size is perfect. Thanks Dad, love ya.
I've got some sweet pictures of the totem pole raising and I am working on getting them to ya. I think Sis. E will send them for me, Ill ask them tonight.
Life is good. The work is good. I love ya and miss ya all!
I'm gonna fish the crap out of Washington when I get home. And then Hawaii.
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Well this week has been pretty crazy. We were able to drive down to Hydaburg a town of ~200 Haida natives. They were hosting a culture camp in the days leading up to their big Totem Pole raising that happened on Friday. We were able to help out and meet a lot of the people in the community the first few days. When we first arrived we were greeted with the cold stares typically granted to outsiders, but after the first day we had met with the Mayor/Head Totem Carver and the cold stares turned into warm greetings as we served along side them. Friday was the day of the totem raising and we were able to help carry the totem the whole way. It was pretty neat, and we got to talk to a bunch of our potentials and they were really happy to see us involved in showing and appreciating their culture and town. Hydaburg is the kind of place that most "white" people here are afraid of, but the missionaries are now welcome there. Overall I feel that it has really helped move the work along there.
We were also able to teach one of our investigators, K, that we had been struggling to contact. She hadn't been keeping her commitment to read and just that day or the day before we had been discussing in companionship study what we would do if that was the case. We felt inspired to read 3 Nephi 11 with her and to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ with an emphasis on receiving personal revelation. We discussed and read together and promised her the blessings that having the gift of the Holy Ghost would bring to her life. She really was feeling the spirit strongly so we extended an invitation to be baptized and she accepted and selected September 3 as her baptismal date. We are now working with her to help her get to church and understand the importance receiving revelation through church attendance. She was supposed to come on Sunday but the weather cleared up and her family pressured her into going to the beach... I hate sunny days hahah. Seriously though no one is home when it is sunny. Everyone is fishing or beach combing or just out enjoying the weather.
We were also able to contact a less-active recent convert from last year, T, and her parents. Her mom had shown a minimal interest towards taking the lessons when T was being taught but she never acted on it. I was able to have a nice conversation with T's mom during the visit and the spirit was really strong. I invited her to come to church with her daughter, and she was hesitant about going, but T told me the next day that the conversation had really got her mom thinking and so they both came to church. The Sacrament talks were on Faith, Repentance, Baptism, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The first speaker was a wonderful recent convert, and then Sister E an older sister in the Ward, and then Elder Grate and finally myself. The spirit was very strong and T's mom was in tears for much of it. She even told us that we can start to meet together this week.
In other news... Our monthly mile allotment has been cut by 300 miles. I understand that many of the areas have experienced even more drastic cuts in mileage, and I would hate to have a surplus of miles sitting around when others need them, but we have lots of driving. For example - T and her mom live in Coffman Cove, a three hour round trip from here in Craig. Other frequently visited places include Thorne Bay (around 100 miles round trip), Hydaburg (around 80 miles round trip) and Kassan (nearly 110 miles round trip). Even the trip from our temporary apartment to our mailbox is 15 miles. Now we are doing our best to conserve miles, but we use a ton of miles getting to the people we are teaching and to many of the less-actives living even further away than the cities mentioned above. We try to only do 1 trip between Klawock and Craig (a 12 mile drive) but most of our work occurs in these two places and sometimes we aren't able to do it all in one trip. We will do our best to do the Lord's work and be obedient to the 1500 miles that we are now allotted, but I'm afraid if sustained it would hamper the search for the lost Sheep and the growth of the Gospel here on Prince of Wales. Like I said though, I will go and do the things which I have been commanded.... :)
I'm writing a day late because our p-day was crazy. We went fishing in Whale Pass for Silvers to help Brother B get enough fish to take back to Idaho for his family when they leave on vacation. We caught enough fish, but I lost one of his fly rods... I slipped and put one hand down, and as I was trying to stand back up, my other foot slipped - double slippage - and I was almost dunked.... As I tried to stop myself from falling in the river, the fish I had on yanked, and the rod shot out of my hands. I watched history repeat its self... Long story short - we ended up waiting till the tide went out, then I walked the bottom of the stream looking for the lost pole. And when I went to look for the lost rod, I forgot that I had my camera in my waders so my camera got baptized. He is sitting in a bag of rice at home right now. Then we went back to fishing and lost track of time and ended up getting back at 8:30. The Light summer nights play games with your mind... And you loose track of time. I shouldn't have though because of the awesome watch that Dad sent me.
We also had to move this week because the family, the B's (whose house we were staying at) had family coming into town for a few weeks, so now we are the branch vagabonds/freeloaders. :) We are staying with the E's, the ones whose sister is the mission pres's wife there at home. They have an extra guest house that we are living in until their guests arrive, sometime in the next week. Then we get the boot again and will live in the B's home till our old pad opens back up, while they are on vacation.
Tell C. that I love him and I hope he is doing good! I've been too busy so I don't have time to send him a dear elder. I'll just send him a sweet post card later this week.
I got the letter with his address.
I got the watch. I helps remind me that I am working on my Fathers time... I will take care of it. And the watch size is perfect. Thanks Dad, love ya.
I've got some sweet pictures of the totem pole raising and I am working on getting them to ya. I think Sis. E will send them for me, Ill ask them tonight.
Life is good. The work is good. I love ya and miss ya all!
I'm gonna fish the crap out of Washington when I get home. And then Hawaii.
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Simple Week With Great Fishing!
Well this last week was pretty bland too. We went and taught people. I mean what more can I really say because I hate getting everyone excited about investigators only to have them drop off the face of the earth a week later. Like I'm afraid it will jinx them or something like that. :) Really though, like same stuff different week. We were way busy all week but I just have no clue where our week went. Oh one highlight was that we had a branch party on Saturday for Pioneer Day and a ton of people showed up from the branch and we had awesome dutch oven cooked food.
Sorry I didn't write much last week.. I was just pretty burned out from fishing and really it seems like one week just passes on past the next here. It's like walking on a long road with out any landmarks to judge where I'm at and where I'm going. And I hope the short letter mom wasn't just a reaction to my short letter because I spent most of my time last week writing a dearelder to C., and then I had to write my mission pres but didn't even get to finish that letter because I ran out of time. EMAIL HERE SUCKS. Plus just because I didn't write back doesn't mean that I didn't like your email, cause I did!
Tell D. that scout camp only sucks when nerds on a power trip are in charge of the dining hall. Sorry Poot, next year will be better. Sometimes I feel that some people think that boy scouts is the army.... and its not.
I have a huge box of books and stuff to send but I haven't sent it yet because I am procrastinating.
Oh and did you ever email me C.'s full MTC address including MTC box # and his departure date? Because I would like to be able to write him real letters! :) Love ya!!
We went fishing today. We were slaying them. I caught like 20. I would catch em, muscle them in, and then J. B. would hit them with a stick to stun them and then we would huck them on the bank. It was fun. Tonight we are driving to Kassan and we are going to get pictures of the old old totem poles. OH something cool to mention, we are going down to Hydaburg this week for a totempole raising. We actually get to help carry it and then stand it up. That should be pretty neat.
Well I hope everything is good back home! I love you guys and miss ya lots!
Love, Elder Britton Winterrose.
Oh and one more thing, we had the coolest lesson this week in Priesthood. It was about keeping the sabbath day holy, and it just happened to fall on the Opening day of deer season. Luckily almost every one was at church. Haha.
Take Care. Love Ya!!
Sorry I didn't write much last week.. I was just pretty burned out from fishing and really it seems like one week just passes on past the next here. It's like walking on a long road with out any landmarks to judge where I'm at and where I'm going. And I hope the short letter mom wasn't just a reaction to my short letter because I spent most of my time last week writing a dearelder to C., and then I had to write my mission pres but didn't even get to finish that letter because I ran out of time. EMAIL HERE SUCKS. Plus just because I didn't write back doesn't mean that I didn't like your email, cause I did!
Tell D. that scout camp only sucks when nerds on a power trip are in charge of the dining hall. Sorry Poot, next year will be better. Sometimes I feel that some people think that boy scouts is the army.... and its not.
I have a huge box of books and stuff to send but I haven't sent it yet because I am procrastinating.
Oh and did you ever email me C.'s full MTC address including MTC box # and his departure date? Because I would like to be able to write him real letters! :) Love ya!!
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| Elder Britton Winterrose's Cohos |
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| Elder G.s' Coho |
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| Whale Pass Cohos |
Well I hope everything is good back home! I love you guys and miss ya lots!
Love, Elder Britton Winterrose.
Oh and one more thing, we had the coolest lesson this week in Priesthood. It was about keeping the sabbath day holy, and it just happened to fall on the Opening day of deer season. Luckily almost every one was at church. Haha.
Take Care. Love Ya!!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Random Stuff
Hey everybody!
Sounds like C. needs Ziploc bags. The cafeteria is all you can eat, plus if you wear your suit in it makes for epic smuggling. I once got like 20 cookies and 3 pieces of fruit out...
I feel pumped every time I think of C. being in the MTC. But I was also thinking about it and realized that it is like when he was born all over again. Like the new baby excitement, hahah! I'm not bitter or cynical about it at all though.
His story about the Tongans makes me laugh.... because its 100% true.
I'm just going to go through your letter and reply real quick:
This week was good. We were able to teach a new investigator in Hydaburg, named S. He is way cool and we will see how it all plays out. We met him on the Ferry coming over from Ketchikan, when we were heading back from Juneau the other week.
FYI: There are 3 Elder W.'s in my mission, Elder Tyler W. - Who I trained who is awesome!, Elder Kyle. W. - my former district leader/homeboy who I met on facebook before we came out together, and last but not least Elder Jeff W. who is on a course to becoming the AP, he's a great missionary and also came out at the same time as Elder Kyle W. and myself.
I like that quote too mom!
Our week should be pretty busy. We are just trying to find right now! Have faith that the Lord will provide!!
I've got some junk to send home! So I'm gonna box it up and ship it back.
I hate not having a watch....
So this week Elder K. and Elder Jeff W., our zone lords, will be coming down to spend a day proselyting with us and two evenings sleeping at our pad. I AM PUMPED. The funnest thing about being in Anchorage was getting to spend time with other missionaries. And I know we will do tons of work! Got to love it.
Well I think that is pretty much it for this week. Pretty lame letter but what can I say! Hahah.
I miss you all dearly!
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Sounds like C. needs Ziploc bags. The cafeteria is all you can eat, plus if you wear your suit in it makes for epic smuggling. I once got like 20 cookies and 3 pieces of fruit out...
I feel pumped every time I think of C. being in the MTC. But I was also thinking about it and realized that it is like when he was born all over again. Like the new baby excitement, hahah! I'm not bitter or cynical about it at all though.
His story about the Tongans makes me laugh.... because its 100% true.
I'm just going to go through your letter and reply real quick:
- I did find my camera. Last night I found it under my mattress, I have no clue how it got there.
- I still am not sure what I'm going to do next summer. Ideas that are bouncing around are: BYUH summer term, EFY Councilor, or Coming back up here to Alaska to work and play. Still not sure though...
This week was good. We were able to teach a new investigator in Hydaburg, named S. He is way cool and we will see how it all plays out. We met him on the Ferry coming over from Ketchikan, when we were heading back from Juneau the other week.
FYI: There are 3 Elder W.'s in my mission, Elder Tyler W. - Who I trained who is awesome!, Elder Kyle. W. - my former district leader/homeboy who I met on facebook before we came out together, and last but not least Elder Jeff W. who is on a course to becoming the AP, he's a great missionary and also came out at the same time as Elder Kyle W. and myself.
I like that quote too mom!
Our week should be pretty busy. We are just trying to find right now! Have faith that the Lord will provide!!
I've got some junk to send home! So I'm gonna box it up and ship it back.
I hate not having a watch....
So this week Elder K. and Elder Jeff W., our zone lords, will be coming down to spend a day proselyting with us and two evenings sleeping at our pad. I AM PUMPED. The funnest thing about being in Anchorage was getting to spend time with other missionaries. And I know we will do tons of work! Got to love it.
Well I think that is pretty much it for this week. Pretty lame letter but what can I say! Hahah.
I miss you all dearly!
Love,
Elder Britton Winterrose
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Transfers And We're Staying Put!
Well, another transfer has come and now gone. Elder G. and I are both staying here in Craig so hooray for that! We will be leaving early to go up and go fishing tomorrow but I figured that I needed to get this email off before C. is set apart. First off, I loved the talk. I thought it was excellent. Always remember what you spoke on because it truly is revelation given to you by Heavenly Father to help prepare you for the people you will have the opportunity to meet on your mission. Just remember what the Lord says in D&C 29:7 "Ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts". You really don't know and won't know until you invite them to act. That is why they will focus so much on inviting, and following up in the MTC.
Your MTC experience will be drastically different than mine, but if I had only one suggestion it would be to journal it up. Write down everything you can. I guarantee that you won't remember all those funny things if you don't. Have fun. Take earplugs. Get everything laminated, especially your Preach My Gospel manuals, and if they have the mini PMG buy one! You won't regret it! I love you tons! Study while you have the time because you won't have as much in the field. You will do great!
Dain, I did get your postcard, I have just been very slow in replying, I hope I catch a fish that big tomorrow.
Well, I still couldn't find my watch or my camera... :(. So I will need to replace those eventually.
Is bro going to efy? Because he should be.
Elder Kyle W. is getting transferred from Ketchikan to Anchorage so that is sad. He is going to be a zone leader. I'll miss him! Transfers are always strange.
Oh yeah! Don't forget to send me C.'s MTC email and address. Seriously. I need it. You better make sure that boy has as many awesome packages as I got!
Don't buy wax type highlighters C., they make it harder to read the text.
That is really all I've got for today. I'm not really in the mood to sit and type. :) I love you all bunches! I miss ya tons.
Love, Elder Winterrose Sr.
P.S. DUDE! YOU'RE GONNA BE A GREENIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
P.S.S When you are in the MTC and you see a plane in the air, ask the rest of the group how far away they think it is, and after they reply just say "Nah, it's two years away... :)"
P.S.S.S. The MTC is as fun as you make it. It is one thousand percent about attitude. So just know, it's gonna be awesome. Oh and don't forget to take little nicknacks that you can stick in the ceiling tiles and in the little boxes in the walls for other people to find after you get out.
Be pumped. It's gonna be the ride of your life!
Love, Britton
Your MTC experience will be drastically different than mine, but if I had only one suggestion it would be to journal it up. Write down everything you can. I guarantee that you won't remember all those funny things if you don't. Have fun. Take earplugs. Get everything laminated, especially your Preach My Gospel manuals, and if they have the mini PMG buy one! You won't regret it! I love you tons! Study while you have the time because you won't have as much in the field. You will do great!
Dain, I did get your postcard, I have just been very slow in replying, I hope I catch a fish that big tomorrow.
Well, I still couldn't find my watch or my camera... :(. So I will need to replace those eventually.
Is bro going to efy? Because he should be.
Elder Kyle W. is getting transferred from Ketchikan to Anchorage so that is sad. He is going to be a zone leader. I'll miss him! Transfers are always strange.
Oh yeah! Don't forget to send me C.'s MTC email and address. Seriously. I need it. You better make sure that boy has as many awesome packages as I got!
Don't buy wax type highlighters C., they make it harder to read the text.
That is really all I've got for today. I'm not really in the mood to sit and type. :) I love you all bunches! I miss ya tons.
Love, Elder Winterrose Sr.
P.S. DUDE! YOU'RE GONNA BE A GREENIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
P.S.S When you are in the MTC and you see a plane in the air, ask the rest of the group how far away they think it is, and after they reply just say "Nah, it's two years away... :)"
P.S.S.S. The MTC is as fun as you make it. It is one thousand percent about attitude. So just know, it's gonna be awesome. Oh and don't forget to take little nicknacks that you can stick in the ceiling tiles and in the little boxes in the walls for other people to find after you get out.
Be pumped. It's gonna be the ride of your life!
Love, Britton
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Andrew, My Brother
Where to start....
OH I KNOW!
Elder Britton Winterrose
Alaska Anchorage Mission
PO Box 221649
Anchorage AK 99522-1649
This is the mission office's new address. They had a permanent one built inside one of the church buildings in Anchorage. So if you want to send me anything please make sure you are sending it to the new address as written.
To answer the question of what is in the box. Here's a list: 10 Lbs of vacuum-packed King Salmon provided by Elder Kyle W. and Elder J. in Ketchikan, some 5 lbs of Smoked Salmon from our freezer, around 20 lbs of Silver Salmon, and around 20 lbs of Halibut, provided by the B.'s.
Other things before I get to writing whatever comes to my head.... I lost my camera. I think I left it in the Library last time I loaded pictures onto my hard drive, but I'm not sure. I can't find it anywhere. Luckily it was right after I loaded all the photos. It was a nice camera while it lasted.
And my watch got stolen. I was doing service on the 4th at the City of Craig festivities. I was in charge of making cotton candy. Talk about blessed service. Anyways. I went to wash off my hands, so I took off my watch for a second, went and washed my hands, and when I went back it was gone. I'm kinda ticked because it was pretty nice. So that was a bummer. But I guess we just have to live and learn.
Really though it has been a crazy week.We did service with the ward where we cut a few cords of firewood from old clear cuts that the forest service opens up for firewood. Then we split it and loaded it. The Priesthood quorums will deliver it to families who need it to supplement their supply to help them make it through the winter. A lot of people heat their homes with wood stoves up here or at least supplement their heat with the wood stove.
Then Thursday we went to our mission conference held in Juneau for our zone on Thurs-Sat. We had to catch the ferry on Thursday to Ketchikan so we could make our 5 p.m. flight, but when we got to the ferry terminal I started looking for my Drivers License so I could board the ferry but it wasn't in my wallet. That's when I remembered that on Monday we had been over at the P.'s house and one of the boys had bo-jacked my wallet and scattered the contents around the house....... It's not like I could really be angry with any boy doing anything of this sort because I was a little bum-head myself and I guess it just comes back around.:) So his little prank ended up with us missing the ferry, driving back into Craig, going to their house, finding the drivers license in his little brother's bed sheets, and then us narrowly catching a 10 a.m. flight off the island into Ketchikan. We still beat the ferry! Flying was really nice. I wish we could fly every time. We were in a Cessna and the weather was kind of stormy but the flight was great. We saw whales and it was cool to see the island from the air. Hundreds and hundreds of miles of logging roads...
We arrived in Ketchikan and got the fish to the shipping place and I chowed down on some McDonalds! Then we went and embarked on my quest to find Andrew R! We headed down the Tongass Highway but the other Elders were a little skeptical because we had to head past all the other housing and we just kept driving. We weren't sure really where he was living or if the address you gave me was for his home or work. Nevertheless we continued. Finally we drove past this building and down to the end of the Highway. Finding that it wasn't the right address we just flipped around and went back to the building we previously passed. Elder W. and I went down to investigate. The place looked like a big tourist lodge... and it turned out that it was a big tourist lodge! Haha. It was way nice. When we walked down the first person to greet us was the boss and just happened to be a potential investigator that the Ketchikan Elders had been trying to get in contact with. She told us where to find Andrew, so we walked into the big dining room of the George Inlet Lodge. He was in there serving up some guests so I just walked up and stood next to him. He broke off his conversation momentarily as he looked up at me, looked back down, and then the face registered and he looked back up at me with his side smile/what the H look and said something along the lines of "Really? All the way up here? I thought you were in Anchorage still!" He told us to follow him and his cousin(?) told him to have us stay and eat. So we got our other two companions, Elder G. and Elder J. and enjoyed a dungeness crab feast, courtesy of Andrew! They had a competition to see who could eat the most crab and Elder W. and I tied two tourists, (let's face it, we won but we can't afford to tip : ) so we got to stand up with the other two people and do a crab dance in front of everyone. It was pretty funny and the crab was wonderful. They also had some awesome cheesecake after for dessert. After all the food wrapped up, and the tables were bussed and set, we got to talk with Andrew for a little bit. Now I cannot even begin to explain the beauty and complexity of the logistics that had to occur for Heavenly Father to bring Andrew and I to the same place with the perfect timing, but the perfection of it is far beyond serendipitous, it is miraculous. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to bear testimony of the power of the Atonement to one of my good friends, to my brother that I have prayed for nearly every day of my mission. I hope that he takes the initiative to seek out the truth on his own and sincerely question and find out if the book of Mormon is true. I am most overwhelmed though just from getting to be part of it. How great is a God that helps us help not only ourselves, but one that allows us to be His hands, to work with His precision - even in the lives of those we hold most dear.
We can become the change that the world needs, if we yoke ourselves to him.
The visit with Andrew and the excitement of Channing entering the MTC has me filled with gratitude. I am grateful most of all for the Atonement and for loving parents, and all of those who have strived to help me be a better, kinder, more responsible, more Christ-like ... me. I just want to help others now. That is why I am here. That is why I am serving a mission. Because I know that if I spend my time in the service of God, helping others' brothers and sisters, that Heavenly Father will bless and help mine.
No empty Chairs in Heaven.
We were able to make it to the conference and we had a wonderful time. We got to speak very, very briefly with President Beesley, but they spent most of the time telling us about themselves... I mean helping us to get acquainted with them. They are both way awesome and Sister Beesley loves to fish. Someone mentioned fishing and her eyes lit up! They are way different than President and Sister Dance but I am sure that I will grow to love them. Read more about theme here: http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/50122/Maiden-flight.html
Well I am pretty much out of time. I love you all and I hope you enjoy eating the fish as much as I enjoy catching it.
Just remember, always pray for your brothers and sisters, even if you think their lost.
Love Elder Britton Winterrose!
PS. I love ya all!!
OH I KNOW!
Elder Britton Winterrose
Alaska Anchorage Mission
PO Box 221649
Anchorage AK 99522-1649
This is the mission office's new address. They had a permanent one built inside one of the church buildings in Anchorage. So if you want to send me anything please make sure you are sending it to the new address as written.
To answer the question of what is in the box. Here's a list: 10 Lbs of vacuum-packed King Salmon provided by Elder Kyle W. and Elder J. in Ketchikan, some 5 lbs of Smoked Salmon from our freezer, around 20 lbs of Silver Salmon, and around 20 lbs of Halibut, provided by the B.'s.
Other things before I get to writing whatever comes to my head.... I lost my camera. I think I left it in the Library last time I loaded pictures onto my hard drive, but I'm not sure. I can't find it anywhere. Luckily it was right after I loaded all the photos. It was a nice camera while it lasted.
And my watch got stolen. I was doing service on the 4th at the City of Craig festivities. I was in charge of making cotton candy. Talk about blessed service. Anyways. I went to wash off my hands, so I took off my watch for a second, went and washed my hands, and when I went back it was gone. I'm kinda ticked because it was pretty nice. So that was a bummer. But I guess we just have to live and learn.
Really though it has been a crazy week.We did service with the ward where we cut a few cords of firewood from old clear cuts that the forest service opens up for firewood. Then we split it and loaded it. The Priesthood quorums will deliver it to families who need it to supplement their supply to help them make it through the winter. A lot of people heat their homes with wood stoves up here or at least supplement their heat with the wood stove.
Then Thursday we went to our mission conference held in Juneau for our zone on Thurs-Sat. We had to catch the ferry on Thursday to Ketchikan so we could make our 5 p.m. flight, but when we got to the ferry terminal I started looking for my Drivers License so I could board the ferry but it wasn't in my wallet. That's when I remembered that on Monday we had been over at the P.'s house and one of the boys had bo-jacked my wallet and scattered the contents around the house....... It's not like I could really be angry with any boy doing anything of this sort because I was a little bum-head myself and I guess it just comes back around.:) So his little prank ended up with us missing the ferry, driving back into Craig, going to their house, finding the drivers license in his little brother's bed sheets, and then us narrowly catching a 10 a.m. flight off the island into Ketchikan. We still beat the ferry! Flying was really nice. I wish we could fly every time. We were in a Cessna and the weather was kind of stormy but the flight was great. We saw whales and it was cool to see the island from the air. Hundreds and hundreds of miles of logging roads...
We arrived in Ketchikan and got the fish to the shipping place and I chowed down on some McDonalds! Then we went and embarked on my quest to find Andrew R! We headed down the Tongass Highway but the other Elders were a little skeptical because we had to head past all the other housing and we just kept driving. We weren't sure really where he was living or if the address you gave me was for his home or work. Nevertheless we continued. Finally we drove past this building and down to the end of the Highway. Finding that it wasn't the right address we just flipped around and went back to the building we previously passed. Elder W. and I went down to investigate. The place looked like a big tourist lodge... and it turned out that it was a big tourist lodge! Haha. It was way nice. When we walked down the first person to greet us was the boss and just happened to be a potential investigator that the Ketchikan Elders had been trying to get in contact with. She told us where to find Andrew, so we walked into the big dining room of the George Inlet Lodge. He was in there serving up some guests so I just walked up and stood next to him. He broke off his conversation momentarily as he looked up at me, looked back down, and then the face registered and he looked back up at me with his side smile/what the H look and said something along the lines of "Really? All the way up here? I thought you were in Anchorage still!" He told us to follow him and his cousin(?) told him to have us stay and eat. So we got our other two companions, Elder G. and Elder J. and enjoyed a dungeness crab feast, courtesy of Andrew! They had a competition to see who could eat the most crab and Elder W. and I tied two tourists, (let's face it, we won but we can't afford to tip : ) so we got to stand up with the other two people and do a crab dance in front of everyone. It was pretty funny and the crab was wonderful. They also had some awesome cheesecake after for dessert. After all the food wrapped up, and the tables were bussed and set, we got to talk with Andrew for a little bit. Now I cannot even begin to explain the beauty and complexity of the logistics that had to occur for Heavenly Father to bring Andrew and I to the same place with the perfect timing, but the perfection of it is far beyond serendipitous, it is miraculous. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to bear testimony of the power of the Atonement to one of my good friends, to my brother that I have prayed for nearly every day of my mission. I hope that he takes the initiative to seek out the truth on his own and sincerely question and find out if the book of Mormon is true. I am most overwhelmed though just from getting to be part of it. How great is a God that helps us help not only ourselves, but one that allows us to be His hands, to work with His precision - even in the lives of those we hold most dear.
We can become the change that the world needs, if we yoke ourselves to him.
The visit with Andrew and the excitement of Channing entering the MTC has me filled with gratitude. I am grateful most of all for the Atonement and for loving parents, and all of those who have strived to help me be a better, kinder, more responsible, more Christ-like ... me. I just want to help others now. That is why I am here. That is why I am serving a mission. Because I know that if I spend my time in the service of God, helping others' brothers and sisters, that Heavenly Father will bless and help mine.
No empty Chairs in Heaven.
We were able to make it to the conference and we had a wonderful time. We got to speak very, very briefly with President Beesley, but they spent most of the time telling us about themselves... I mean helping us to get acquainted with them. They are both way awesome and Sister Beesley loves to fish. Someone mentioned fishing and her eyes lit up! They are way different than President and Sister Dance but I am sure that I will grow to love them. Read more about theme here: http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/50122/Maiden-flight.html
Well I am pretty much out of time. I love you all and I hope you enjoy eating the fish as much as I enjoy catching it.
Just remember, always pray for your brothers and sisters, even if you think their lost.
Love Elder Britton Winterrose!
PS. I love ya all!!
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