News about Christmas!

Hey familia Denison,

So kinda some pretty big news for calls home for Christmas. President Ellsworth said that we can skype if we want. Now I know that that sounds great and exciting, but I am going to be honest with everyone, and say that I'm not too sure about it. My reasoning is because a lot has changed, we all have changed, probably both in character and in appearance, and it may be too big of a shock for me to handle. Now, I'm sure this will disappoint a lot of you, if not all, but tell me what you think, and we will see what happens.

Also, concerning Christmas calls home: A lot has changed since I last spoke with you guys. And there are a few additions to the family. As far as who I talk to when I call home, I'd like to keep it to just the family I knew when I left. I think it may be too hard for me to try and talk to Paul and Tracy. However, if you guys really want me to, I'll think and pray about it. I won't have much time anyways, so the calls will probably have to be very short. So over the next few weeks until Christmas, maybe strike up a list of things you want to talk about so we don't forget about anything as we are talking.

So I hope you guys understand my feelings about these developments, and please let me know how you feel about them. I love all you guys so much!

Reply to my email. . . .

I knew that Chad's in Afghanistan. Last Tuesday it was really on my mind a lot, because I thought that he flew out the next day. We had Zone Conference that day, and during one of the breaks I asked president if I could get special permission to call him. President said yes, and as soon as we got home, I called. No answer. Later that day president called dad and we found out that he actually flew out that morning. I was so sad. I would like his address. Do you know if he is able to send mail? He kept promising me a package ever since I've left, but the total amount of contact I've gotten from him is 3 emails. I guess I'll just have to send him a package and make him feel guilty.

Well, have fun in freezing Salt Lake! I am actually not excited at all to be going home in November. It's been getting a little colder here, but I've felt like it's FREEZING!!!! I hate being climatized. =)

Football and Food.

Hey Jen. For Thanksgiving we had a game of tackle football with one of the wards (it was an unsanctioned church activity!). I am so sad that I didn't play in High School. That was probably one of the funnest games I've ever played! Nothing beats running as fast as you can and plowing into some little quarter-back! But we were very very very sore afterwards. It probably didn't help that we didn't play with pads. =) But no one was seriously hurt. =) We only had one dinner appointment, which was very nice as we weren't worried about eating too much, and we weren't rushed for time. So it was pretty nice.
Transfers are in two weeks. I've been here 5 months, so it's likely that I'll be transferred, but I really hope not. This has been my favorite area by far. Love you guys!!!

This is all we got today:

HAPPY HUMP DAY!!!!!!!

So, to Celebrate Scott's halfway mark on the mission, I asked him some questions about the mission so far. It was really fun to read his responses. ENJOY!



What is the funniest thing that has happened so far on your mission?

I'd have to say one of the funniest things that has happened was at one of our baptisms. My companion baptized this way funny girl, and as soon as she came out of the water, she looked at the crowd and shouted "Tada!!!" Another lady that was baptized, when she came out of the water she crossed herself! I was sitting next to our stake president and asked him if that was ok. He leaned over and said "Don't worry, Elder. Old habits die hard." And then probably the craziest experience I've had, was when we met a lady in Phoenix who wanted to pray with us. She asked that we all say our own prayers. So I say mine, my comp says his, and then she says hers. It seems like a normal prayer, until she gets to the point where she says in a normal voice "and please, Lord, take all the evil spirits who tempt us to do evil (and then in a very demonic, deep, loud, and rough voice) and SEND THEM BACK TO HELL!!!!!" My comp and I both open our eyes and look up, and she just continues on with her prayer. It scared the crap out of both of us!

What are some things that you've learned?

I have learned to try to always stay positive, because things can go from really bad to really good in a matter of days.

What is your schedule on a typical day?

6:30 wake up and exercise for 30 minutes. Get ready. Study from 8 til 10, then go out and see people from 10 til 9 at night (taking out a break for lunch and dinner). Plan for the next day for a half hour, then do it all again the next day.

What is a time you felt Heavenly Father's help the most?

When I felt so bad and didn't want to be out here at all, and my mission president told me he wasn't letting me go home. After praying for a long time, I felt Heavenly Father kick me in the butt and say "Stop whining and get back to work".

Describe the craziest person you've encountered so far:

A lady in my first area that we were teaching. She was bipolar, and was in the crazy house the majority of the times we taught her. One day, while trying to help her find comfort through the gospel, my companion pulled out a picture of Jesus emerging from the tomb.
He asks "Peggy, how does this picture make you feel?"
"I feel scared!"
"But Peggy, it's a picture of Jesus. . ."
"I know!"
"And that scares you?"
"Yes!"
"Why?"
"I don't know!!! I just want a cigarette!!!"

What has been the hardest thing about the mission?

Days and areas where nothing happens, you knock on door after door, and get nothing accomplished. But I know that after days and areas like that, things start to happen soon.

What has surprised you about being on a mission?

That I have stayed out this long. No joke, I thought I wouldn't make it out of the MTC, then I thought I wouldn't make it more then six months, and it didn't even occur to me that I'd still be doing good after a year!

What things do you hope to accomplish in the next year?

I hope to see the people that I have taught and baptized make it through the temple.

How has your testimony grown?

By watering it and making sure it has plenty of sunshine. I don't know, but I do know that it has grown because I've had to completely rely on the Lord. I can't do anything right when I'm working alone.

What do you miss most about home?

Movies, music, and girls. Just being completely honest. And I didn't think that I would, but I'm kinda missing family too. ;)

What do you NOT miss most about home?

Having to worry about the price of gas.

Anything else you want me to post about?

Nope.


Love you guys tons and tons!!!

What?!?!?

I'm doing great. Sorry it's been so long. It sounds like you guys are getting along pretty good. So, all of a sudden the people that we are around (i.e. investigators, members, pretty much everyone) has been asking me about what's going on with family back home. And I've just now realized, "I have no clue!!!!" I know that mom got married, that dad is getting married, but other then that. . .I DON'T KNOW!!! I mean, this chick that dad's marrying, how many kids does she have? Where will they be living? Will there be other kids living there when I get home? How many brothers and sisters do I have now? haha. I have no clue! I didn't even know this chick's name until two weeks ago. And I don't even know her last name! When I called the mission office the other day, I told them that my mom was remarried, and they asked me where she was living and what her new name was. . .I had no clue!!! I feel so left out. . . =/ Anyways, I really am ok, I just wanted to rant for a second. Get those questions to me and I'd love to answer them!

Miracles Never Cease

Hey guys. So other then conference, we had an amazing miracle this week! You know the family that we baptized except for the dad? Well, we eating lunch last Tuesday, and we get a call from him. "Hey, I'm in town for the week, and I need to be baptized. Can we make it work for tomorrow night?" We said, definately not tomorrow night, but possibly Thursday night. But don't hold your breath. I honestly didn't think that we would be able to do it, because in order to do it we had to get him an interview, get an ok from the bishop, get an ok from President Ellsworth about doing a waterside confirmation, and then set up a baptismal program and get the ward invited. To put matters worse, last week were leadership training meetings, so everyone we needed to talk to were in meetings until 5 at night, and then they were still going to be busy. I let his wife know that we might not be able to pull this off, but then she put me in a guilt trip. She said, "Elder Denison, where is your faith?" Man, I never thought I'd be chastized by a recent convert. Then she says "If anyone can pull this off it's you, because you got my son baptized, and that was a bigger miracle then this!" So I couldn't let her down. I was on the phone all day Wednesday trying to get everything in line. Well, long story short, we got permission to carry everything out Wednesday night at about 10:20. It was a good thing too, because our very zealous Ward Mission Leader had already invited all the ward to the baptism. But it turned out to be an awesome baptism. But probably the coolest thing of all was during the confirmation the words were said that he would take his family to the temple in a year from now, and when I heard that, I knew that it was going to happen. And I'll still be here for it!!! BTW, this family is going up to Utah for either Thanksgiving or Christmas to go skiing, and I might send them by you guys to say hi! Anyways, I love you all a ton!!!

Change

Hey sister. The weeks been pretty good. The wedding was also pretty fun. I'm getting a new comp this week, so things are going to be changing once again. I don't like change. Oh well. We also had a GA come and speak to us. Elder Choi (pronounced Elder "Chay") came and talked to us about obediance. I felt pretty condemned. Not that I'm being disobediant, just that when a General Authority speaks to you about obediance, it's pretty intimidating. So did you see that dad met Pres Monson? That's nuts!!! He should have asked him if President could have sent some special blessings my way!!! haha

Shoes

Do you think Scott has been working hard enough?!?!?

Scott the Wedding Performer. . . .

Ok, so I'm emailing today because all the libraries were closed yesterday. Couple of things have been going on. So our area is in the middle of the desert, and there are a lot of dirt roads that we travel. So for the past few months we've been working with the vehicle coordinator if we could get a truck. We didn't think it was really going to happen, but we thought we would try. The other day, we get a random call from him and he tells us that our truck had arrived and that we needed to come into the mission office to pick it up!!! We are now driving around, going 4-wheeling (somewhat, we can't do anything crazy) to our lessons, in our new Chevy Colorado. It's a little truck, but it's so much fun!!! I'll have to send you some pictures later.
Also, the family that we have been working with ever since I got here, the oldest son is being baptized next week!!! We are so excited!! Speaking of which, I don't know if I've ever mentioned them, but the way this family was introduced to the gospel was from their nanny, who is/was a less-active member from New Zealand. Well, she and her fiance'e who has also been living with the them are finally getting married. And guess who they are having perform the ceremony? Considering we've been working with them just as much as we have the family, they love us just as much. And once they found out that we are technically ordained ministers. . .I'm so nervous!!! I have no clue what to say or do!!! Oh well, we will see how it goes. That is actually happening tonight, so wish me luck!!!
I love you guys so much! Write back, plz!!!

Home Sweet Home!

Here's a bird's eye view of Scott's apartment in Cave Creek. . . . .

Stephanie Meyer!!

Hey guys. So this week was amazing!!! We had another two baptisms on Saturday. It was so cool. So many people showed up. There were so many people that we had to have the service in the chapel and then cram everyone into the Relief Society room where the font was for the baptism. They are the daughters of a less-active family. It felt more like a post-poned child of record baptism, but it still counts as a convert baptism. So it goes on our numbers!! haha. But that wasn't even the amazing part of the week. The ********s, whom half of which were baptized two weeks ago, have still been having us over a lot. I really feel that this is the family that President Coombs said I was meant to teach when he set me apart. Anyways, the husband, was home for a couple of days, so we tried to teach him as many times as possible before he left again. One night, while I was teaching him (we were on splits, so Elder Weight was at another appointment), we had a really good lesson. After discussing the principles of the gospel, I was planning on discussing the Word of Wisdom, but he had a question. "So when can I be baptized?" I almost started to cry. I could tell that this was something he wanted for himself. He wasn't doing this because his wife was pushing him into it. He wants this because he wants what the gospel has to offer him. We immediately switched gears, we found out when he was going to be in town, and set a date for the 27th!! And he wanted to wait until October!!! He'll be in town this weekend as well, so we'll have the interview then, and then the following week he and the oldest son, (who is also just plain awesomeness), are going to be baptized. I am so happy for this family!!!

Everyone says that the Scottsdale zone doesn't baptize and has a hard time teaching because everyone here is loaded and don't need the gospel. As of right now, the Scottsdale zone is leading the mission with lessons taught and baptisms! The average number of baptisms for a zone in a month is about 20. Between my companion and I alone we will have 7!!! And the rest of our district is doing just as well!!! This area is Zion!!! Minor note: we had dinner with a certain family the other night. It took us about 45 minutes to drive there. They live in a gated city (note how I say "city" and not "community"). Within the gated city were multiple gated communities. The one in which they live in was literally on top of a mountain. They live in a multi-million dollar house. Have a 12 car garage. The husband is leaving for Germany just to hang out. While there, he is buying a new Porsche, of which model they are only making 918. They're family room's walls fold into themselves and the family room becomes an outdoor balcony over the edge of the mountain in which they live giving a view of the entire North Scottsdale valley. Now let me tell you how they afford all of this. The wife is Stephanie Meyer, the author of those stupid vampire books. She and her family live in our ward!!! I didn't even realize this until I saw multiple posters of each of the books hanging up with her signature on them. Then I made the connection. But apparently she's just as annoyed with the popularity of the books as a lot of people. She gets really sick of it I guess. She wasn't there when we had dinner though. She was in Europe for the filming of the last movie. So yeah, we have some pretty well off people in this area.

So the work is going great in sunny Arizona. Even president has been amazed at how well things are going. Thanks for all your guys' prayers. I think the Lord has been saving them up and has finally decided to cash them in. At the end of this month, the six weeks I have spent here will have doubled my baptisms that I have been a part of. So don't worry for me. I couldn't be better.

Happy Monday.

Hey sis. Things are going great. Well, there was no baptism on Saturday. They couldn't wait until then!!! We had it Tuesday. It was the coolest baptism ever!!! Transfers are this week, but both my companion and I are staying here. It will be pretty cool. He goes home at the end of this transfer, so I'll have first dibs on all his stuff that he's leaving behind.

That's way funny about the lady from Snowflake. That area actually is in our mission. My last companion is being sent up there this transfer. He's way excited because he's related to a lot of the people up there.

Tell the boys I said happy birthday!!! My mind has been so stressed lately that I forgot that it was their birthday this week. Did dad give you my presents for them? They're not much, just a couple of "growth charts", but I thought that they would have fun with them, and I didn't have any money for anything else. Anyways, love you guys so much!!!

Looking Up!

Well family, things are going a lot better for me now. We just had an amazing week. An entire family that we have been teaching just suddenly caught fire!!! (Not literally) We have met with them almost everyday for the past week, have gone to the visitor's center at the temple and a baptism with them, and they are totally excited to be baptized! We originally had a date with the mom and two of the four kids. The dad is out of town a lot and he takes the oldest boy with him, and the youngest kid is only six. The dad is really cool. He goes to different carnivals and such running a hot dog and hamburger stand, with the largest grill in the world!!! He's beat the Guiness World Record for largest grill, largest burger, and he plans on beating another one this summer. So he's out of town a lot, and thats why he's not getting baptized with the mom and two kids. He says work slows down around October, so we wanted to wait for the baptism for everyone until then. But the mom said that she couldn't wait!!! She is so cool, as well. She's already telling her friends all about the gospel and how much it's changed her. She's even been handing out gospel principles manuals!! Anyways, she didn't want to wait for her husband, so we set a date with her for the 13th. Saturday, when she came to some of the other missionaries baptism, she said that she didn't want to wait that long! So we moved everything up for this saturday. Then last night, she said that she wanted it on Tuesday so that her husband could be there. So the last few days have been crazy trying to set up this baptism for the mom and two of the kids that have come out of nowhere!!! While we were deciding who was going to be baptizing who, the nine year old, comes up to me and says "I claim Elder Denison!! He's baptizing me!!!" It was so awesome and made me feel so cool.

It's so exciting, because I know this family is going to the temple. And if I just cowboy up and work hard out here so that I don't let myself come home, I'll be able to go to the temple with them just before I come home. That will be awesome. So I don't remember if I told you last week or not, but president told me that I'm staying in this area at least until official transfers in a week. I really hope that I stay here for a while though, so that I can see the rest of the family baptized. And so much else is happening in this area. It's in the northern desert over Scottsdale, so only rich people live here. But it's been amazing how many of them are open to the gospel. It's awesome!!! So that's my story for the week. I love you all so much, and I hope to hear form you all soon. (Chad send me that package!!!! haha, jk love ya dude!)

To everyone: Hey guys. Don't worry, this week is doing better. I've started the happy drugs and have been seeing the shrink. Also I actually saw my mission president today. He told me that he's going to try to keep me in the area that I'm in right now, but things are very hectic in the mission right now, so I could be moved around anywhere they need me to go. So if you do feel like sending me anything, SEND IT TO THE MISSION OFFICE!!!! It will take only an extra two days then sending it directly to me, but then again, it will get to me much quicker if I am emergency transfered again. So don't worry, all is well. Love you guys a lot!!!

To me: Nothing too exciting this week. Do you guys even see the Elders in your ward? You should sign up to feed them one night. Just think of it as you should treat them the way you would treat me if I were serving in that area! haha. I have put together on a big thumb drive all of my pictures that I have taken on my mission so far and am going to send it with my next package. The problem is, half of the stuff that I want to send is still in my old area. =( Oh well, it will get there in a couple weeks. That way you can get all of July's pictures as well. So that sucks about the fireworks. The Arizona law changed here, apparantley, and the not for the better. It was worse then Utah. Not only that, but since I'm a missionary (and I had a very obediant companion), we weren't able to light any off anyways. But that makes me excited for when I get back. Anyways, love you guys!

Peace, Lvz, and Dew

E Denison

Sorry Guys. . . . .

Well family, I need to apologize for being such a jerk. Things have been pretty hard the past few weeks, so I haven't felt like writing. But that isn't fair of me, so I'm repenting and writing now. Well, a lot has happened the past few weeks. My companion and I had a few fights, the area has been struggling, but I've been struggling as well. We had interviews with president last week, and I let him know what was going on. For those of you who don't know, I've been trying to get back on antidepressants for the past two months and I've also been seeing a shrink. I stopped seeing the doctor because I wanted to try and do this on my own. It hasn't been working out. I'm seeing the doctor again tomorrow. Also, I was emergency transfered, but hopefully not permanently. It had nothing to do with me and my companion or what I've been going through. There was an Elder who will always remain unnamed who came out with me who has been struggling with his mission all the time. He apparantley met a girl in his first area, has yet to spend an entire transfer in an area due to emergency transfers, and he's been giving president a lot of stress. Well, I guess last week in the middle of the night his girlfriend came and picked him up and they made it all the way to Vegas before President could get a hold of him. So they pulled me out of my area to be with his companion, Elder Weight, who is an awesome missionary. I'm not sure what's happened to the guy, but they did make it to Vegas and we haven't heard from them since. I feel really bad for his family. I can't imagine what they're feeling or thinking right now. Anyways, so I'm here in Cave Creek for a week or two, maybe even permanently. This area is huge and it's right in the middle of the desert. It's pretty fun.

So that is what has been happening for the past few weeks. Again I'm sorry for not writing, and I hope to hear from you guys next week.

Peace, Lvz, and Dew
E Denison

So excited to hear from him, I said this. . . .
Hey you! Are you still at the library?? I have a letter I'm in the middle of writing. I will hurry and finish it. Love ya!

He said this. . . . .
Ok. I will wait.

And I said. . . . .
Ha ha ha. I just sent it. It's super short. :) Here is one of our new pics. LOVE YOUR GUTS!! What do you need??

And so then he said. . . . .
I'm hanging in there. I won't lie though, if I knew the boys weren't looking up to me I probably would have already come home. So tell Carter that I love him so very much. I can't wait to see how big he can grow and how nice of a young man he is to his mom when I get back. Tell Mason that I am safe (especially since I got out of Phoenix where having guns pulled on us was a monthly thing) and that I am okay. I love you guys so much. I also want you to know that I came very close to calling you the other night, but I fell asleep. So just a heads up, if you get a call in the middle of the night from either a 602 or a 480 number, DON'T ANSWER IT!!!! It's just me being a baby. Well, I'll talk to ya later. Tell the boys I love them so much, and that I have felt they're prayers.

Then I cried and said to him. . . . .
You're so funny. I don't quite know what to say to that. I've thought about telling you to call me. ha ha ha. So, if you get an email from your sister saying to give her a call DON'T LISTEN!! ha ha ha Christmas will be here before we know it and we can talk like crazy. There is also a funny thing called letters and email. It's kinda like a phone call, just a little slower. We could try that in the mean time?? (And I sent him our family picture.)

SO he said to me. . . . .
I LOVE CARTERS FACE!!!!! But what is up with his hair? He needs a haircut!!!

I laughed and said. . . . .
Ha ha ha. I just can't do it. I don't want him to have long hair when he's 12, so I'll get it out of my system now! ha ha ha. The boys are sitting here and Mason says, "Hi Scott! We love you!"

What a relief to FINALLY hear from him. Love you Scott!!!

Email day!

No mass email from Elder D today, but he did send a few personal ones out, so YAY! It sounds like he is doing well. He is getting skinnier and needs smaller pants and undies, a dog chewed up his scriptures, and he's teaching only white people, which is very different from his last area. ha ha ha. Here are a few highlight from the email he sent to me:

Oh I love you sister. It's nice to get a break from the mission world and remember some of those great classic movies. (I had sent him a bunch of Sargent Bilko One-liners. ha ha ha.) Anyways, I'm doing fine. I just didn't really feel like writing those past few weeks. My companion is a pretty good guy. I have a feeling I'm going to be training this coming transfer. Which is good. I have learned a lot this past transfer, and I think that I'm ready to train. We are teaching a lot of old people, young people, and people in between. I know that sounds like everyone, but it's because it pretty much is everyone. However, the biggest change between here and Phoenix is that all these people are white. It's kinda weird. Oh well.

Peace, Lvz, and Dew
E Denison

Anyhow, that's all I have for you this week. Hopefully we hear from him again soon and he sends some more pics. Sure do miss that kid.

PS If you haven't noticed, there's a link on the sidebar to all of the pics Scott has sent so far. It was taking HOURS to upload them here, so I opted to go that route for now.

Connected

Since the emails and letters from Scott are very few and far between, and when they do come they lack a little length, we needed a way to feel connected to him again. SO we are internet stalking him. Here is a view of where he lives. It looks like there are two LDS chapels within a block or two of his house! We miss you little brother. Hope you are doing well, working hard, and having tons of fun. My Dad did get a FUNNY, while inappropriate to post on the internet, Father's Day card. He sent me a pic and said, "This is from the Scott I know and love!" ha ha ha. This whole mission thing kinda sucks on this end. Hope to hear from him again soon. . . .

FINALLY!! A FEW words from the Elder.

Hey guys. Sorry it's been a while. Things in the new area are going good. I got all of your packages. Thanks for everything! It's just what I needed for my birthday! The work is coming along nicely. We have only two wards that we cover over a radius of about a mile. Needless to say, the work in these two wards is going very well. We hopefully have a baptism here on the 25th. I say hopefully because she is still on probation until August for some reason or another, but she said that she has done everything that the court has asked her to do. So she meets with P-Lz on Thursday. Our geriatric investigator couple was never baptized. . .he is getting his hip replaced in a week and will have to go to a rehab place until he gets better. Oh well.

Miss you guys tons!
Lvz
E Denison

Transfered

Hello family. Well, I've gotten to my new area. It's on the eastern side of Mesa (The rich side). It is a huge difference between here and Phoenix. The members are great and always help us out, I'm now covering two wards instead of just a half of a ward, and my area is a little over a square mile as opposed to the 15 square miles I just covered. It's definately interesting. My new companion is great. He's from Tennessee, and he's only been out about 3 months. But he's a solid missionary. But the apartment we live in was totally trashed. It was disgusting. We spent all night and all this morning cleaning it up. Well, the people we're working with are still pretty interesting. We have an old couple (I mean like really old, they're almost 90) working on getting baptized. They have a testimony about it and everything, we just need to get Wally, the husband, to church a couple of times. We are hoping to get them baptized on the 4th.

I have gotten a lot of questions as to what I want for my birthday. Well, I'll keep it simple. Copies of movie soundtracks. Whether it be Star Wars, or anything, I'll take it (it needs to be classical, however). That's really it. If you get me that, I'll be happy.

Well, keep me informed as to what is going on in all of your guys's live!!!

Lvz
E Denison

To be Transfered!

Hey family. So here's the news. I'm being transfered Wednesday to Mesa. Yay! It's almost guaranteed that it'll be a bike area. The only missionaries in Mesa who have cars are zone leaders and sisters, and since I'm neither of those, I'm on a bike. But Mesa is good. From what I hear I'll be covering 3 to 5 wards (I'm not sure how that'll work. I've only had to deal with one ward so far!). My new companion is Elder Flake, I believe. Again as before with Elder Wilder, I'm not exactly sure how his name is spelled until I meet him. All I know about Elder Flake is that he has only been out for about two months. So I'll be greenie breaking. Barely six months out and I'm already a mother! I don't think that I'm ready to be a senior companion, but I guess I am. Well, that's whats happening with me. Oh yeah, President Ellsworth doesn't want me to watch mom's wedding on skype. Sorry mom, but you can send pictures!

Mother's Day

We talked to Scott for a few minutes on Mother's Day. For us down south it was less than a few!! He still sent a little email though!

Hey guys. I'm not exactly sure what to say, considering I just talked to you all yesterday! Oh well, um, yeah, things are going good. I'll know next week whether I'm staying or not. It's more then likely that I'm leaving. It's like a 90% chance that I'll be transfered. But there's still that ten percent. Well, to tell you the truth, I know I'll be transfered. Well, it was good to hear from everyone. Talk to ya later!

Short. . . . .

Dear Family,
I've got a really crappy computer this week, so this will be short. Had a baptism this weekend, will have another this coming weekend. Will call Sunday at around one to two in the afternoon. Well, it will actually be two to three for you guys. Pictures for April are in the mail, and I did hear that they got Bin Laden. Awesome.
Lvz
E Denison

Easter and Liquid Chocolate

Hey guys. Hows everyone doing? Well, Easter here (at least for me) wasn't that great. Other then we had a few really good talks in sacrament meeting, it felt just like a normal day. Didn't really spend it with any member or anything. Just went out and tried to contact people. Fun, huh? But I did get all of your Easter packages. I got four this week. Elder Wilder hated my guts =). Speaking of packages, until further notice, DO NOT SEND ME CHOCOLATE!!!! The weather here has started to warm up. Lets just say when I opened one of the packages there were some little packs of snickers and milky ways and stuff in there. I pulled one out, and it felt like a really big ketchup packet. Don't worry though, they didn't go completely to wasted. We just through them in the fridge.

I've had a really fun morning. For some reason, the other Elders decided that it would be fun to get up at five this morning and drive to the top of our mission (a place called cave creek) and BIKE all the way down to the bottom (our areas). It took us three hours to cover what was about thirty miles. Which really isn't that bad. In fact, I really didn't feel tired the entire way. But once we got back to our house and got off the bikes, I just about collasped. I don't know why we had this crazy idea, but it was a little bit fun. haha. Let's just say I'm a lesser man for it. About five pounds lesser.

Anyways, we've got a baptism this weekend. And then we have a baptism the next weekend!!! So things are somewhat looking up. Also, I think there's been some confusion, so I'm going to clear it up: I am still in my first area, downtown Phoenix. However, transfers are the week after mother's day, and I have like a ninety percent chance of being transfered then. I'll let you know where I'm off to. Anyways, I miss ya guys a lot!!!

Lvz
E Denison


Ea

Still Alive

Hey guys. Just letting you know that I am still alive. Well, a couple of cool stories. First, any of you remember me telling you about *********? The funny crazy lady who didn't want to wait to be baptized in the true church, so she just went to a non-denominational church and got baptized? Well, about a month ago, Elder Wilder and I decided to go back and see her (actually, it was mostly Elder Wilder. I didn't really want to go back. haha). Well, over the past month we have been able to help her see the need of a prophet today, that the minister who baptized her didn't have the proper authority (having our lines of authority really helped. Thanks Jenny and Spencer! Know that you helped convert a soul!!! haha), and we also helped her realize that Joseph Smith was a prophet. Everything just sorta clicked for her. We set her up with a baptismal interview, and she's being baptized on the 30th!!!

The other cool thing is this other girl that we've been teaching. Her name is *******. Shes the fiance'e/girlfriend of a guy in the ward named ******** (he is a very cool guy). But she's been living in California, and is trying to move into the ward (specifically our area becuase she loves us). She hasn't been able to find anything yet, but shes been living with her aunt out in Mesa. She really really really really wants to get baptized, so we had her meet with the bishop to find out if her would be ok with her being baptized into his ward. He okayed it, and now all we have to do is get her an interview with P-Ells and he'll clear her, and she'll be baptized on the 30th as well!!! So things are looking up.

Lvz
E Denison

Hmm. . . .

Hey guys. Everything is going great here in the misison field. Staying pretty busy though. It's a lot of hard work out here. Anyways, the question was asked what kind of music do I want. Well, my birthday is coming up, so I'll tell you. =) I already have one of his CD's, but I wouldn't mind getting more of Peter Breinholt's CD's. I've got his "Best of Peter Breinholt", but any of his other ones would be cool. But that's all. I hope you guys are doing well.

Lvz
E Denison

Last week

I have been a slacker! I have lots of pictures and last week's emails to post, I have just haven't done it yet. So here goes:

April 4, 2011

Hey guys. I hope you all enjoyed conference this weekend. We sure did. It's pretty much like having two days off, but being spiritual fed at the same time!!! haha. So I'm not being transfered this time. Looks like I'll be staying in Phoenix for six months. That's ok though. I was really hoping I'd stay because the area is just starting to pick back up again. We've got a few solid investigators who will be baptized this month.

As for the only event worth mentioning: Last night E Wilder and I were almost molested by two very very very not ugly young women. About a week ago, when we were biking through this apartment complex, E Wilder and I hear this "Oh, missionaries!!!" We look up and theres this girl (not ugly at all) on the third floor just sitting there. So we go up and we talk to her. Turns out she was raised in the church and she and her sister were just living there. But she said "If you guys want to come back sometime and preach to me and my sister." We weren't too sure about it, but we said ok.

We set up an appointment for last night, but both E Wilder and I had this impression that we needed to have a responsible third male come with us. We called Bro Trammell and he came with us. Well, needless to say, when E Wilder and I knock on the door, both sisters are there with big beaming smiles, and then they see Bro Trammell there, and the smiles fade. Anyways, we had a good lesson. Apparently they're having testimony issues, which we were only happy to help with. After we walk out Bro Trammell pulls us aside and says "Good call, Elders. I'll be available any time you come back over here." Ugh, being a missionary is hard. =)

Well, I hope you guys are doing well. Love you all and miss ya a lot

LVZ

E Denison

Another funny thing. I emailed Scott after conference and teased him a little bit. There were a lot of talks on marraige and how we shouldn't wait to get married if we have the chance. I said, "Conference was awesome. It is really hard to watch it with kids. They are always loud or fighting or need something, so there are lots of interruptions. But the parts I did hear were really good. I'm hoping you got the point that you need to get married when you get home and NOT join the army. RIGHT?" His response really made me laugh. He said, " I'm not sure what you are talking about, but I heard that there really shouldn't be any rush in getting married. Pres Monson said "Too often do I see you young men, running around and trying to marry our fine young women. Slow down!" Right?" What a goofball!

Scott Scott Scott

We finally got an email from the Elder himself. I'm not going to share it, because this is a public blog and I'd hate for someone to read it and get offended. Just know it was a tough week for the poor guy and he could use a little extra lov'n. One of their investigators is in the hospital because they were attacked, but at least they caught the guy. And there are a few other situations that I'm sure were so discouraging and frustrating.

This part is really really hard for me. I am a person who likes to help and fix and comfort and I can't do any of those things. I'm sure he is doing the best he can and the Lord is there to do all of the helping, and fixing, and comforting. I sure miss you little brother!

Long Time, No E-Mail. :(

Scott hasn't sent out his weekly report the last two weeks. We've gotten SHORT personal emails, but that's about it. Here's what we do know:

-He's all moved into his new house. We googled it, and it's HUGE. But he says, "In all honesty I'm not sure about the geriatric landlord. The space that we're in is very very small, we have no dresser and a very small closet so we are living out of our suitcases. Oh well. I'll probably only be here for another transfer."
-He has a new Companion. He says, "The new comp is awesome. He's from Indiana. He's been out around 18months and is pretty relaxed."
-He also says, "And hey, if you ever think about sending food, don't hesitate. =) Food is probably some of the best packages I get."
-Spencer is finding all kinds of restaurants for Scott to try. Lots of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives places are in his mission!
-He got the flu last week and said it was pretty rough, but today he said he's feeling better.
-He keeps forgetting to bring his camera cord to the library, so we don't have any new pictures.
-We miss him A LOT and hope he is doing great!!

Here is a photo we found of the house we think might be his right now:

Another week, Another baptism

Another week, another baptism. Haha. We had a close call this weekend. So the lady that we were baptizing, was all ready for the baptism Friday night. We get up Saturday morning (the baptism was at ten) and call her to make sure shes up. She said she was up at six and ready to go. She was super excited and couldn't wait to be baptized. So Elder Shupe and I head over to the church to fill up the font at eight, and the bishop is already there with the font started and the chairs all out and everything is ready!! We're thinking "this is going to be a sweet baptism". It's starts raining (which is a good thing here in AZ because it NEVER rains) and I go outside to enjoy the rain. The phone rings around nine. It's her. I'm thinking she just wants to make sure what time she should be there. She answers "Elder Denison, I've been thinking..." OHH NOOO!!! She tells us that she doesn't think that shes ready yet, and that shes not sure if baptism would be good for her right then. We asked what made her feel she wasn't ready and she asks stuff like "What if down the road I slip and start smoking or drinking?" We told her three things in response to that:

1. Don't start drinking or smoking

2. When you're baptized you get the Holy Ghost to help you with that stuff.

and 3. Everyone slips up and that's what repentance is for.

Long story short, we convinced her to at least come to the church and see how she feels then. She shows up at ten thirty, and luckily she felt better. It ended up being a really cool baptism.

About transfers. I'm losing my trainer. Elder Shupe is being sent to pretty much his old area. I'm getting Elder Wilder (I could be wrong with the spelling). I have no clue who he is. But then again, he's a missionary, so that'll do. Elder Shupe and I are moving (well, Elder Shupe will be moving twice) tomorrow. We are moving in with a Sister Smith. I guess they're not worried about us living with a single sister. Then again, she is over ninety years old. So that's whats happening. Love you guys!

Luvz
E Denison

Scott's Email. . . .

So, a lot could be changing this next week. First of all, we are moving out of our apartment this week. Get this, so because the church has no loans and they pay everything off upfront, the church has no credit score. Because of this, the apartment complex that we are living in right now won't let us renew our lease because their lawyers want a credit score, even though the church has been paying them full ahead of time for eight years now. Dumb huh? So we're moving next week. It's a member home, and I have no clue which member. Hopefully, I'll have an address next week. But just in case, everyone just send anything you have for me to the mission home, and I'll get it eventually. It'll be slow, but I'll be sure to get it. (Mom, that means you have to change the dearelder.com thing too).

Second, our PDays are being permanently moved to Mondays. I don't know why they are doing this, but it is really going to be a pain because there is only one library in the entire valley that is open on Mondays, so every Monday it is going to be packed with missionaries trying to email home. Oh well.

Third, transfers are next week, so Elder Shupe is probably going to leave me. He's been in the area for seven months now, and President Ellsworth talked to us the other day and pretty much said that Elder Shupe was leaving.

As for how I'm doing, it's going great!! We have another baptism on saturday, and then we have them scheduled for every other week for the next month and a half. It would really be cool if they could all happen, because then we would have a baptism every two weeks for almost 3 months!! That's like triple of what the mission goal is.

Phoenix is still fun. The other night we were leaving a lesson after Elder Shupe and I got a distinct impression that we needed to get home RIGHT THEN. Which was weird, because we usually stay out until about nine, and it was only like eight thirty. So, we leave, and then as we were driving away, we hear a succession of gun shots. A few minutes later we get a call from the family that we were just at, and they asked me (Elder Shupe was driving) if we were ok. I first asked if they were all ok, and they said yeah. They then again asked if we were ok. I said, "Yeah, I'm fine, but I have no clue where Elder Shupe is. Oh well, he can handle himself." There was just dead silence on the other end of the phone, and I finally told them the truth. haha. I'm so mean!

Another interesting story that happened just last night. We have an investigator named *****. Shes been meeting with the missionaries for almost a year now. She really knows that she needs to be baptized, she just doesn't know which church is right and shes been thouroughly investigating each one (even though she told us that she loves us the most out of all the different missionaries). She was going to church like every week for a couple months before I came, but then she just stopped. Well, we've been having a lesson here and there with her, and we went over last night and had a really interesting discussion. At first we thought she was dropping us.

She said that she had a dream the other night and that she felt that it was an answer as to where she belonged. But before she told us what happened, she was really having a hard time and told us that she didn't want to offend us and she didn't want our visits to stop. She tells us, (I'm summarizing) that she had a dream where there were a ton of people being killed. She couldn't see anyone being killed, but she could hear them. Then someone she knows approaches her and tells her something. She said that he told her what she needed to do. But for some reason, she would not tell us what he said. So Elder Shupe and I are trying to to ask twenty one questions and find out whats changed.

At first I thought that the person told her not to be a mormon, because she finally started to tell us what he said. She said he said "Whatever you do. . ." and then she wouldn't finish!!! We continue asking questions like, "do you still feel like you can read from the Book of Mormon?" She replied oh yeah, definately. Ok, do you still belive that you can come to church with us? Of coarse. At this point, I am totally confused. Now I'm thinking that shes decided to become Muslim, because she said that shes been dealing with a lot of Middle Eastern people through her job and that she read a book that has really opened her eyes on the Muslim religion. But then Elder Shupe asks "Do you still believe it to be an option to be baptized by someone in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints?" Oh definately!

Finally, I'm like, "So what has changed?" She says, I need to be more active in doing the things you've been inviting me to do, like going to churhc, reading, and taking lessons more often from you guys. ??? We were releaved, but still confused. She never did tell us what the man in her dream told her, because she thought it would offend us. Oh well.

Another one of our investigators, one that I thought wasn't really going anywhere, had another break through. We were talking to her and her family, and she told us "Well, I've been thinking about becoming a mormon or not. The main reason why I don't is becuase I don't want to serve a mission." hahaha. We told her that she didn't have to. We are still working with her and her family, but something will come from it. It will just take more time then usual. But thats just fine.

So thats my week. I hope you guys are doing well, and I miss you all a lot. And just so you know (Kenzie and Chad), you can write me back. I want to hear from you guys!!! Luvz

E Denison

A little Arizona Randomness

Here are a few random pictures from Scott. Looks like he is having a blast and keeping himself busy. We sure miss you little brother!

"Elder Hay, a missionary in my district, pretty much already has a wife. She sent him this really awkward picture.


Another AZ Sunset


Brother Padilla, the ward mission leader. He is an awesome guy.


The map we made of our district.

The Light Show

Missionaries need entertainment too right? Why go somewhere to be entertained when you can make your own light show in the bathroom sink? Or tease a dog with a laser? Elder Denison and Elder Shupe star in their very own light show. I don't think this is the last you'll be seeing of these two talented young men!

Email of the Week

Hey guys.

So, I guess according to some people (don't worry, Jenny, I won't name names ), my letters haven't been enough about me. They've just been about what baptisms are coming up. Well, BAPTISMS ARE KINDA ALL I'M CONCENTRATING ON RIGHT NOW!!! haha I'm just kidding. I've been doing great. It's a really fun area and I'm getting into the swing of things nicely. This morning I got up and ditched my companion (don't worry, he was with other elders and so was I) and hiked up Camelback Mountain. It's this random mountain all by itself in the middle of the valley. You can see the entire mission except the northern areas. I got some pretty cool pictures, but you only get the one. I'll send the rest next month (by the way, January's pictures are being mailed today, Jenny).

The other picture is of the baptism we had Saturday. Her dad and step mom are less actives that we've reactivated. They're a super cool family. One of the little girls is so awesome. So We tell Nick the Dad that he should say the opening prayer for the lesson that night. He agrees, and then sits there thinking about what he wants to say. Marrisa (the seven-year-old) asks him, "Daddy, do you need me to help you?" It was so hard not to burst out laughing! This family has pretty much adopted us. There have been some nights (I am ashamed of this) that we've been super apostate and just spent 3 or 4 hours there. And we sat next to them in church, and I'm also sorry to say that I spent all sacrament meeting playing with their little girl. Oh well, I need some friends while I'm out here. haha

Also that day we were attacked. Don't worry, we weren't hurt. We were stopped at a stop light when suddenly we hear this loud crash. It was kind of funny the two different reactions between Elder Shupe and I. I start looking around and am about ready to get out of the car. I see that there are these two homeless guys fighting with each other (so they didn't actually attack us) and one threw a rock at the other, completely missed, and hit our car. I don't know why, but this made me super mad and I was about to get out and start yelling at both of them. But the next thing I know, Elder Shupe is pulling away!! It was probably a good thing though. After we got out we looked at where the rock had hit and amazingly there was only a small scratch on the bumper. It was pretty impressive considering how fragile new cars are. Maybe mission vehicles are protected just like missionaries? haha

Anyways, thats my week. I love you guys so much!! Hope to hear from all of you soon

Another Week

Early AGAIN! So Scott's email came on Monday again this week! I love hearing from him and all, but that means he hasn't gotten a good email from us for the past 2 weeks!! :( I was planning to have one waiting in his inbox last week, and when that didn't work out I was super determined to have one waiting tomorrow. But, he beat me to the punch. I guess that means we owe him a fun package this week. Anyway, here is what he had to say:

Hey guys.

So I know that it is once again Monday, but next week I will write on Tuesday. Elder Shupe has to go to some training for the next three days, so I'm being sent to the other missionaries area in our ward. So that's why PDay is on Monday once again.

This week has been kinda slow. Our numbers were way down. We only taught one member present lesson (we're supposed to have like ten each week). But that's ok. You've got to have the down times to appreciate the up.

Not much else is happening. We do have a for sure baptism this Saturday though. Her name is Cassandra. Her dad and step mom are members, but they're less active. But them having his daughters there (only Cassandra is old enough to be baptized. The rest of the daughters want to be baptized too), them having his daughters there has really brought a change with them.

Anyways, thats whats happening. Love you guys so much!

A funny Video

Happy Sunday! Here is a funny little video from the MTC about Scott. I'm assuming this is one of his roommates? We laughed SO HARD watching this. I can't wait until Scott is home and can tell us more about it. I guess I will have to wait though uh? Enjoy. :)

More Pics from the MTC

I have a bunch of pictures from Scott, I'm just trying to figure out which ones are which. He sent a list of what they are all of. Here is a batch of photos from the MTC. Enjoy!

Elder Hunt and his "Evil Missionary." Scott will have to expound on this one day. I have no idea what the story is here. ha ha ha.

Pictures on the wall in their classroom.

Scott's desk.

Scott's bed at the MTC.

The Spectrum SLAM!!

I'm assuming this is a source of entertainment in the MTC these days. Scott will have to correct me if I'm wrong in a few years. I've never seen anyone else attempt the challenge, but I'm guessing Scott was among the top competitors. He fought to the bitter end. (I'm sure drinking some of those juices really was bitter after drinking the sweet ones. ha ha ha.) Anyway, I hope this brings comfort to you all to see Scott growing as a person and obtaining new skills that will improve his everyday life and spirituality. ;)

Surprise Monday Email

So I know that it's monday, and I usually email on Tuesdays, but we have training meetings and exchanges all week, so they put our PDay on Monday this week. Next week I'll be emailing on Tuesday once again.

Anyways, life in Phoenix goes great!! We had a baptism on Saturday!! I'll see if I can attach a picture. I baptized her and Elder Shupe confirmed her. It was a really neat experience. We also have another baptism on Saturday as well! Well, hopefully. She has to meet with the mission president for her interview today, and hopefully we get the go ahead for Saturday.

So how are you guys doing with your reading every night? I haven't heard back from some of you in a while. Also, I have an article here by a guy named Cleon Skousen. He wasn't a general authority or anything, but his knowledge of the gospel just baffles me. The article is called "Building Blocks of The Universe". Basically, it has changed my entire outlook on the gospel, on what he explains as "The Mysteries of The Scriptures", and so much more!!! Holy cow, it has some really really really really deep stuff about the atonement, about the pre-mortal existance, and about the true nature of Heavenly Father. It is intense. I have a copy of it so I am going to mail it to you, dad, and then you need to make copies of it and send one copy back to me. The rest you should disperse amongst the family. Like I said, it is really intense.

Also, one last thing that someone could do if they really wanted to help me out, if anyone has some Peter Breinholdt CDs, it would be really cool if you could send me a copy. But if not, don't worry about it. Love you guys!!!

Elder Denison