What I want for Christmas 12-09-09

My last christmas on a mission.

This feels weird to be at this point on my mission.

Well the week was cool, we got a new investigator named Jim. He was set by the last missionaries for baptism and then had to move over to Portsmouth, so we are helping him keep his baptism date. Jim has had a problem with the word of wisdom (tea and coffee) but he started to stop and is working hard at it.

Then yesterday a spoke on my back tire broke. For some reason I have had the worst luck with my bike since I got on my mission I have lost, broken, rebuilt, fix, replaced, or re-replaced just about every part on my bike. (over exaduration)

But the blessing of enduring is helping me grow to new heights and I really haven't been discourged about much of it. That has to be a blessing for the Lord to help me get through each trial.

Oh, We had a tornado watch this morning, I got a weather alarm for $7.50 and it went off this morning at 3:00am and sayed that there was a tronado watch, so I went back to sleep.

As far as things I would like for Christmas, a SCARF! (yes I did say I would never use one and you at home might not see me use one but out here it gets really cool and I have to be out in it), CD's are good, ties as always (no pictures can be on the tie or I can't wear it) a small R/C helicopter would be cool, math puzzles or handheld puzzles ( I have a rubiks cube), pictures are a must, and love, that is all I can think of.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

I love the snow but I don't get it. the book of Mormon is true and the work is to.

Getting ready for Christmas 12-09-09

Hi William,

Last Saturday we had our annual Day of Caring at Church. We made about 25 toy Dumptruck baskets full of toys for little boys and 25 cradles baskets full of toys for little girls. It was fun and I would rather help make Christmas a little more fun for some children than to sit around eating at a ward Christmas party. A lot of people asked how you were doing and are so happy to hear that you are doing so well.

We got a lot of snow this weekend and it has been very cold. The high has been around 20 degrees, and everything is just grey and cloudy. I am looking forward to some sunshine later this week.

We bought some catfish at the store this week, and will be making it up tomorrow with some dirty rice and some hush puppies. I am really looking forward to that.

Mary Ann has decorated the house up very nicely for Christmas, The living room has been rearranged to make room for the tree, and "the stockings are hung by the chimney with care." Everything is ready for Christmas, now we just have to get some presents. Mary Ann is excited to see her kids again, and they will be here in just a couple of weeks. We keep saying that we need to get your christmas box into the mail, so this is your last chance to tell me what you would like for Christmas?

I hope things are still moving forward for your latest baptisms. We are so happy that you are having so much success finding people that are ready to receive the gospel.

Well it has been a slow week, so I will close now.

We love you and our prayers are always with you.

Dad, Mary Ann, and Benson

-- "It's never to late too live happily ever after."

Virginia 12-02-09

Well this week has been one of adventure, and it is still not over, our baptisms will be later this month then planned. But as of yet they will still happen.

This work is amazing, you learn so much about yourself and others, and what and how to help so many people.

With the Christmas season coming up, I have been rereading my journal and I can't belive that I am doing so, the days have flown by, and are still moving faster. But. the work is picking up too.

Others and myself, are at the head charting the course. This work is the literal gathering of Isrial and there are more than 13 million that are in the work.

We'll all need to be engaged, this is the work of the Lord. He is at the head and guiding the elect to the restored gospel, the only way to salvation and everlasting happiness.

I am so greatful to be apart of this work and be able to make a difference in so many peoples lives. The feeling is amazing and unforgetable.

My faith has been strengthened and my hope unfurled. This is my mission and in the lord I will not fail.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

I love the snow but I don't get it. the book of Mormon is true and the work is to.

12-02-09

Hello son,

This week has been very quite. We had Steve and Tausha (and Andrea) over for Thanksgiving dinner. Mary Ann made a delicious Turkey with all the fixin's. Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Stuffing, Rolls, etc.

We used her grandmothers china and silverware, and I made name cards, and fancy napkins. It was fun, and Steve and Tausha spent the entire day here.

Mary Ann has taken down all the Thanksgiving decorations and we have the Christmas tree up, and the lights on it. We rearranged the living room so everything fits.

Michell Misbach had his mission farewell on Sunday. I was looking at the Mission Board and saw that we Paul Keyes is coming home in March, David Luebke in April, and Andrew in June.

Well, things are going well at work, and I am keeping busy.

The Family History Library is busy with everyone wanting to learn to use the new Family Search program.

Mary Ann and I are going to the Temple on Thursday for a Sealing Assignment. I have about 200 names of couples to be sealed.

Anneke gave Rat-dog a haircut. Now he looks like he has cancer, and is going thru radioation therapy. Big chunks of his hair are missing, and you can see his skin in several places.

I have been walking about 2 miles a day, on the river path by work. It takes me about 30 minutes, so it makes for a nice break in the middle of the day.

Mary Ann is making a beautiful Christmas tree skirt to go under the tree. And she loves her new sewing machine.

I think that just about covers things back here.

How are the 2 baptisms looking? Are they going to work out?

Let us know, We love you and we pray for you always.

Take care of yourself

Dad, Mary Ann and Benson

-- "It's never to late too live happily ever after."

Dinner with Bentz - 11-25-09

Hi William,

We had a great visit with Sue, Robin, and Grandma Boy. They were here for two weeks. Robin and Grandma never tired from holding little Andrea. They didn't want to leave her behind when they went home.

We all went out to dinner last Monday night, for Chinese out in Lehi. Robin wanted to try Sushi, and he loved it. Sue even tried a simple California Roll; Grandma wouldn't even consider it.

Sis Earl says that Andrew is coming home in 7 months, and that she can't believe that she is counting down his time already. He is really having a great time, and loves his mission.

Anneke is staying over on Wednesday night and we will be together all day on Thursday.

Garth and Trisha will not be coming up, so Mary Ann is kind of bummed about that. But they will be up for Christmas.

Just for fun I tried to fit into Benson's size 36 jeans, and I can actually fit into them. And not just barely, but they are kind of loose. Just try to imagine that. I just saw your letter come thru, sorry to hear about someone trying to steal your bike. They will burn in Hell for that.

Keep up the good work, and know that we love you. Love you

Dad, Mary Ann, and Benson

-- "It's never to late too live happily ever after."