Transfer's!!!

Good News: I didn't die....we are just really late at getting to email you all. Because of the bad news......

So you know of how we have been in a trio the last week? yeah that fun is being ended tomorrow. The new companion has been great.....except the fun is over. Tommorrow is Transfers day and I am getting transferred. I dont know until tommorrow where it will be, but we think i will be doing english. They like to rotate those who have a language and give them a break for 12 weeks, usually at the half way mark. but because 4 of us came out at the same time we think they are just starting it early. So tommorrow i will find out where i am headed. Today we just packed up and got ready for me to leave tomorrow.

Anyways. This week has been such an adventure. We have had a crazy fun week....and its been such a blast.

On tuesday we picked up our new companion (for the week). Then after we went over to the Isais's and ate dinner with them and had a great time.

Wednesday we met with our investigator Monica, and helped her continue to prepare for baptism on Nov. 9th. Afterwards we met with our other investigator, Edwin, and we talked about baptism and the priesthood power. We challanged him to baptism......but he said heck no to the date of Jan. 25th.....instead proposed that we did it Nov. 2nd......Only problem is he wouldn't be ready by then. Instead we made a date for Dec. 14!!!!! afterwards we california burritos for dinner and street contacted.

Thursday: we met with Torie and helped her want to come back to Christ. After we went to district meeting where once we finished with that we had a chips and salsa party. That was a blast. Then we tried to visit a potential who set up an appointment, but she bailed on us so we street contacted instead. Then.....when we got back home for the night...i got shaved like a chihuahua.....because my hair was super long and i wanted it gone.

Friday: we did a service project for a family and helped them move things out of their garage to help get ready to sell things. Then we visited with Donald. Then Lilia....during that lesson a nurse came in and slipped a note saying there was a member in another room to go visit. We did and we had a great time visiting them. Then we went over to the McClellan's house for dinner......it was hot dogs.

Saturday we had G-spoon and weekly planning. We then had our ward halloween party. Monica showed up with 5 friends (3 non-members and 2 Inactive members). We had a great time mingleing and having good food. After that we had a lesson with a member named James.

Sunday: at 1 in the morning the power went out. That wasnt a problem until it cause the CO alarm to go off.....It wouldnt stop beeping. Elder Rutland and i tried to figure out what was wrong. We thought that the CO was going to kill us.....eventually we switched batteries and it stopped beeping. The reason it was beeping was because it had dead batteries and not CO. Then we slept in and then went to church.

Monday we had our car get its oil changed. ate at piology (subway of pizza's) and then met with monica. Then went and ate with the isais's.

So...im out of time.....BUt i hope you all have a great week. Love you all!!! Stay Awesome!!!

Love Elder Betts

"Come What May, and Love It "‏

Although this week we had to drop 2 of our investigators (one because they are not in our area anymore, and the other because he wouldn't keep appointments) I have learned the important lesson from Elder Joseph B. Worthlin about "Come What May, and Love It. Althought these were bummers for us....many good things have came from it. One of which was having the opportunity to committ our investigator named Monica to a baptism date. The date we set up and she is working for is Nov. 9th. If all goes well we will dunk her!!! hahaha!!!

In Elder Worthlin's talk he says a few things that can help us through our tests and trials. The first one was "Learn to Laugh". We love to laugh as a companionship. We find things to say that make each other laugh. Elder Worthlin says "The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable." Haha!!! We can all enjoy laughing more!!!

The next thing he suggests is "Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others."  As we accept these trials we can learn and grow closer to our heavenly father as we come to him in prayer and we build a relationship with him.

The third thing he suggests is "understand the principle of compensation." He says, "While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude." Everything that happens will happen in its due time according to the Lord. Accept that!!!

The fourth suggestion is "put our trust in our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ." As we turn to the Lord and have confidence in him we can endure our struggles.

As we learn to accept the things that come we will be happier and we can know that we are learning and growing from all of these experiences. I know this to be true and I testify of the things that Elder Worthlin says in his talk. I suggest that you read that talk because it is wonder guidence for everyone. I know that times can be hard but lets just say "Come What May", and then just "Love it". I testify of these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Enought Spiritual-ness. Now to talk about my week.

On Tuesday we just did p-day things and nothing exciting happened.

Wednesday came along and we visited with our investigator Edwin. We taught him the restoration and he committed to church again. So that was wonderful. We also taught a less active a wonderful message. Then we had opportunities to meet random people on the streets and contact them. That is always a lot of fun.

On Thursday we met with our investigator monica and got a baptism date for nov. 9th. we also had branch council and then started exchanges.

Friday: we had exchanges and elder LemMon (english missionary-knows little asl) we took over the asl area. SCARIEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!! Luckily we had district meeting and an activity called Blitz-where we all do only one area....that was english. Then we had dinner with the macias family (where i had to interpret for Elder LemMon) and then we gave a blessing to Donald (Yes in asl....scary because it was my first one). And then exchanged back.

Saturday we met with a few members and our investigator Lilia. Also we had golden spoon.

Sunday We had church and "linger longer" which means we just stayed and ate food and enjoyed the members. Monica and Edwin came to church also.

Monday we had more street contacting and a lesson with a member.

Today we picked up our new asl missionary...so we are in a trio until further notice. So this will be interesting.

Well, Love you all and hope you all have a great week.

With love, Elder Betts

Making Caramel Apples

Week 8 Letter!!!

"when ye are in the service‍ of your fellow‍ beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17)

This last week we have had the opportunity to do a lot of service opportunities. We were able to help people come unto Christ by these acts of service we did.

We were able to help a Senior Missionary Couple move into thier apt. and help them get settled. That was such a wonderful opportunity to help these missionaries get ready to begin their next adventure.

We also helped these elderly trim thier tree and help dig out a pole that was in their back yard. Afterwards we were able to share a message with them and help them feel the holy ghost.

Next we helped one of our members clean up the leaves around his house and help him in that way.

Then on the way out to go to the library to do some training activities we asked some people who were loading a moving truck if they would like help. We were able to gather a few missionaries and we helped them move from their apt. into a different one.

It is through these little acts of service that we can be examples to those around us and we can "Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (3 Nephi 12:16)

In a talk given by President Monson Entitled "What Have I Done for Someone Today?" He said "

My brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us.

You may lament: I can barely make it through each day, doing all that I need to do. How can I provide service for others? What can I possibly do?

That service to which all of us have been called is the service of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As He enlists us to His cause, He invites us to draw close to Him. He speaks to you and to me:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 14

If we truly listen, we may hear that voice from far away say to us, as it spoke to another, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” 15 ‍ That each may qualify for this blessing from our Lord is my prayer, and I offer it in His name, even Jesus Christ, our Savior, amen."

We can serve our fellow friends in many ways. We need to not be afraid to be an example to others and to help them with many things. Just like the song "Have I Done any Good" says:

Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I helped anyone in need?

Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?

If not, I have failed indeed.

Has anyone’s burden been lighter today

Because I was willing to share?

Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?

When they needed my help was I there?

If not we need to get out there and help others. Remember this as you go about your week. Think of ways that we can help others.

This week has been so great. We now have a total of 5 investigators!!! WooooHoooo!!!!

On Tuesday  we went "Lawn Bowling"-like bochi ball- On Coronado Island. That was really fun. and service.

Wednesday we had zone meeting for most of the day with service after that. also we were trying to call chad (a less active member) and we called the wrong video phone number. We ended up contacting a different deaf guy named Edwin, we invited him to church. He accepted came to church and we are starting to teach him)

Thursday we got a refurral and contacted it-they weren't interested at the time, we also added an investigator named James.

Friday we had the big service (Move) and then more service with Donald (Member) and visiting with the Isais.

Saturday we went to a baptism and Monica (now investigator) showed up and she got to witness that very spiritual experience. Also we visited Lilia (our investigator in the hospital because of her finger)

Sunday we went to church and we taught the gospel principles class. Then ate Dinner at the church before heading back to our area.

Monday we met with Monica, got scared for my life because we went to hobo land. Where there was hundreds of hobos all around. We also visited with a previous investigator named Elizabeth, all the time her mom was busy getting drunk.....so that was fun. We set up a service activity with them, so that was good. Then we went to the Isais's (deaf and blind brothers) and we watched Jose play bowling on the computer because he was doing that when we showed up.

Well My week was very busy doing a lot of service opportunities. We were able to express charity as we served our fellow man. I know that as we serve others we are coming to christ and trying to become like him. I promise that as you go about your day searching for opportunities to help other people out, you will be happier and you will be blessed for having charity. I love you all and i hope you have an amazing week. You are all so wonderful!!!!

Love ya lots!!!

Love Elder Betts

Week 7 Letter!!!!

I bet a lot of you are wondering why the title of the email.....but you will have to read the email to figure that one out. This week has been a great adventure. We have done so much and had such a blast. 

Highlights of this week:

Tuesday:

We went to Coronado island and played sports with all the other missionaries. It was super cool to go over the big bridge connecting the island and the main land. 

Then we visited with Lilia- Who we added as one of our Investigators (a total of 2 1/2 now). 

Wednesday:

Our first stop was at Miguel's house where we had a wonderful lesson with him and his wife.

Visited with Juan and Jose- always such an adventure- and had a great lesson with them....also the cookies were good!!!!

Thursday:

We did weekly planning.

Trip to Golden Spoon.

Lesson with James.

Friday:

We had lunch with the Macias'. That was amazing as usual :)

District meeting/ Interviews with the mission president.

Lesson with former investigator Elizabeth.

Met with Lilia....doing good. Went to leave, but got pulled into another room. A member was there and wanted a blessing so we gave her a blessing and that was great.

Deaf Pizza Night- that was fun. We enjoyed food and mingling with a lot of deaf people.

Saturday:

Spent all day watching general conference. We went to a stake center and watched it with all the other missionionaris. Had a lunch break and went out to a mexican resturant....of all of them we went to taco bell.....then enjoyed the rest of the time watching conference.

Sunday:

Met together with the branch and watched conference (yes in asl) with all of them. Man.....trying to do tactile with the people at general conference.....it was crazy they go so fast. But it was fun. We had a lunch break and had juan and jose try to shoot hoops. That was fun. They made a couple and it was awesome. They are so great. Then watched the rest of conference.

Visited with Donald

Visited with the Hicks- ended up having dinner with them. She made too much and it had just got done. It was chicken pot pie.....and i actually ate the corn that was in it. Thats a big improvement for me.

Monday:

We met with our other investigator Steve. We invited him to baptism...but he want to think it out and pray about it. So hopefully soon we can get it. 

Then we went and watched a car start on fire ......well that wasn't the origional plan. We went to visit a person, but as we were sitting in our parked car ready to get out a car drove past and it was smoking bad. The lady pulled over. stepped out, then went back in the car. She came out with a note and stuck it on her windshield and booked it. Next thing we know the car was starting on fire. The cops got called....firemen came, but the lady was gone. The car didn't explode.... :( which is also a good thing. Then eventually we got out of that mess. So that is why the title of the email is that. :)

Lesson with Juan and Jose. Ate more cookies. Had a great time. 

So yeah our week was amazing. The best part was confernce. It was so amazing. Isn't it awesome that we can hear our prophet and his apostles. Its truely amazing to hear the word of the lord through his servants. I know that if we follow the things from both scriptures of old (B.O.M and Bible) as well as the scriptures of new (words of prophets now days) that we can come closer to the lord and that we can also help those we see everyday. TO help them come closer to the lord as we share testimony with them, their own testimony will grow. Be not afraid to share the gospel with your friends. Share the truth we have. Help them know the truth. We need to "to stand as witnesses‍ of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in" (mosiah 18:9)

I hope you all have fantasic weeks. Stay awesome and be an example to all those around you and remember to "Therefore let your light‍ so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify‍ your Father who is in heaven." 

-Elder Betts

Week 6 Letter!!!

Hey Everyone!!! This week has been so fun. We have had many experiences that i cannot wait to share with you all. Highlights for the week:

Tuesday: After we left from email you all we went shopping as usual. Then we went to a place called Balboa Park. It has a whole bunch of museums (kind of like all the museums in Washington D.C., but a whole lot smaller and closer together) and cool things. It is also right next to the zoo....which was smelly :) But on Tuesdays they have certain museums that are free for california residents...and becuase we live here we got in for free. The first one we went to was The Air and Space Museum. That was so cool. We got to see the history of the planes and all cool airplanes. Then i got to "ride" in a helicopter (which really was just sitting in it....well it was only like the front half not a full one but it was still super cool.... and getting a picture.) Once we finished looking around that museum we went over to the automobile musuem. We saw the history of cars...a whole bunch of really cool old cars. Then we went to the Hall of Champions museum...which was a history of sports of people/teams in San Diego....more of a San Diego sports history. It was cool. Then we went and gave a blessing to a senior couple who got in a car crash...they were a little shaken up and no big injuries. Then We started exchanges and i got up in english work for the next 24 hours.

Wednesday: During that time of english work we did a few service projects. They both were non-members. The first one we pulled weeds around her yard and afterwards had yummy popsicles. The second one was scraping paint off of a garage so she could repaint it. We also had the opportunity to go and have dinner at a pizza place with a member and their family. That was a great experience. Then after while street contacting we met a muslim guy who we gave him a restoration packet. Then we exchanged back to our normal companions.

Thursday: We did an object lesson with Donald. We had a bowl of water and put pepper in it. We had him stick his finger in and take it out. That represented us going her to earth and being surrounded by sin. Then we cleaned his finger and told him to put soap on it. Then he stuck his finger in and the pepper didnt get on his finger. That represented repentance and having the holy ghost. He loved that lesson. Then we went to the Beatons for dinner....spent a few hours chatting with them.

Friday: We had zone conference where we got instruction from our mission president. We also watched the movie "Meet the Mormons" Wow that is an amazing movie. It's kind of like the I'm a Mormon videos on mormon.org but it is about 6 families and thier story of how they live their religion. It's going to be playing in theaters on Oct. 10-11. So we goty a sneak peak at it. Its not meant for prostaliting but just as an uplifting movie. You all should go and see it. We also went and gave a blessing to a guy who was in the hospital with a blod clot. then we went to a branch bbq and had a great time.

Saturday: we went and volunteered at a deaf event called "Deaf Unity Day". We walked around as security guards and made sure that everything was going good. We got to go to all the activities and have fun. Have you ever seen 4 deaf people dance? Well it is so cool. Granted because the music usually is so loud that they can feel the beat....if you aren't deaf then you will become deaf from it. It was so much fun. Then we went to the McClellans house for dinner, a 3 hour chat session, then went home with a lot of treats.

Sunday: Not a lot happened. We did however get yelled at by a man who didn't want to see us. Then we got told by a catholic man to go away and he's not interested.

Monday: We had a car appointment so we spent most the day in the car shop. Doing studies and waiting for it to get done. Then Visisted with steve and taugh him. Got a guy to meet on wednesday....seems interested. Visited with Mary Lu.

Well thats my week for you all. I hope you have a great week. Before I go i want to just let you all know that i know that this church is true and that no matter what we go through heavenly father is there for you.

Well have an amazing week.

-Elder betts