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

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

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!

The Next Week

Well guys, here is a summary of the past week. Well, you know the investigator, Patricia, who had a baptismal date with the baptists and said she would cancel it? Well, she didn't. We went to go teach her, and she's like "I have some questions about your church that I don't want to ask you." We asked her what questions and what better person to ask then the person you are asking about. The entire lesson went that way, until finally she said, "Well I hope you guys aren't mad at me, but I was baptized today." We asked her who by, and she told us a pastor from the church down the road. We tried to explain to her why it is so important to be baptized by someone holding the priesthood, or the proper authority of God. The next day, she called me and told me that she asked the minister if he had the priesthood, and of coarse he said yes. I didn't want to go into right then. I was too tired. Anyways, she still came to church, and still wants us to come teach her. Why, I have no clue.

But that's ok, because we have like six other solid investigators. One of whom, Denise, is one of those really energetic and funny black ladies. I think I told you guys about her last week. Anyways, we went and taught her again, and reviewed the Word of Wisdom. We asked her what the 5 things that we need to stay away from are. She thought for a minute, then replied "Coffee, soda, cigarettes, booze, and niggas". (sorry if that gave you a heart attack or something) I almost died because I was laughing so hard. And poor Elder Shupe, who has lived in a bubble in northern Utah all his life (I don't think he's ever met, let alone seen a black person before he came to Arizona), was just sitting there like, "what am I supposed to say to this?" It was pretty funny.

And Zach didn't show up to church again. Which means we are going to push his baptism back at least another two weeks. Ugh, I'm going to have to go kick him in the butt.

I love you guys so very much, and I am missing all of you!!!

Elder D

To Transfer, or not to transfer. . . .

"This was the night we were waiting to hear about transfers. We got bored and
started taking pictures."

Needless to say, Scott did NOT get transferred, and neither did Elder Shupe. 6 more weeks together for them.

Darn It!

So, Scott was sending me his SD card from his camera with pictures on it so we could finally SEE what he was up to. He sent it with a letter and a picture that Mason had drawn him that I wanted back so I could scan it in and post it on here. The problem is, we got the envelope, but it had ripped open and nothing was inside. Sad!! I called the post office and they are investigating, but I'm not holding my breath. Scott had the pictures backed up, but Mason's artwork is probably gone for good. I emailed him to let him know because knew he was at the library at about 11:30 every day and we got to email back and forth for a minute!! It was fun. I hope the post office finds it and I can surprise him. They said to call if I haven't heard by Thursday, so we shall see. Fingers crossed!

Me:

We got an envelope from you today, but there wasn't anything in it?? The side had been opened. I am just sick about it because I'm wondering if it was your memory cards with pictures on them or something. Let me know what was in it and we will call the post office down there to try and get it figured out. I don't really think anyone at the post office would have opened it, so I'm not sure what happened. Spencer's theory is you opened it yourself, took the contents out and someone found the envelope and mailed it for you. ha ha ha. Anyway, let me know and we can try to track it down. Don't worry to much about it.

How are you doing? Did you guys get to stay up until midnight on New Year's Eve? Did your baptism happen on Saturday?? We are doing fine here. The boys are crazy as ever. We had some friends over for New Years. They left at 10:30 though cause they were tired. ha ha ha. At midnight Spencer was changing Carter's poopy diaper and I was changing Davis' poopy diaper. Happy New Year?? :) We are going to have a rough week adjusting to Spencer going back to school, I'm tending a little girl starting tomorrow every day, AND we have to wake up before 10:00 every day. shucks! :) It will be nice to get into a routine again though. We made new years resolutions as a family, which was pretty fun. We'd never done that before. One of them is to not miss a single week for FHE! Also reading scriptures, getting skinny, potty training Mason at night, and Carter learning the ABC's.

Sorry this is so short. Spencer just got the mail and I wanted to let you know what was up since it's your p-day tomorrow. I've got to go feed the fam and get ready for our first FHE of the year! ;) Love you TONS and TONS!!! Hope you are doing well. Let us know if you need anything!

Scott:

DANG IT!!!!! I almost just swore in front of my whole district when I read this. Yes, it was my memory card, but I copied all of the pictures and stuff to a thumb drive that I have. But I'm still way TICKED because it had Mason's drawing of the bubble light in it!!! GOSH DARNIT FLIPPIT!!! AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!! Oh well. Ask Mason to draw another for me please. And next time I'll send the pictures in an actual package. It'll take another week or two however, because I have no clue how to send a package and what else I would put in it besides the memory card.

I'm doing ok. The baptism on Saturday didn't happen because Zach didn't show up to church. And he didn't show up again on this Sunday, so we're going to push his back until the 22nd to see if he really is committed. No, we didn't stay up for New Years. I'll tell you about that in the other email. Yeah, it sounds like you guys had a fun new year! haha. And I am oh so sorry about how you have to get up at ten every morning. . .I wish I didn't have to get up until ten every morning!!! Geez, wouldn't that be the life!!! I'm glad to hear that you guys are going to try to do FHE every week. But remember my challenge as well, read as a family EVERY night. haha Love you guys.

Me:
I'm so relieved you had a back up!! If you want, I can get a padded envelope and put the postage and everything on it for you. Mason will for sure draw you another bubble light! I still can't believe that happened. Is your mailbox locked so people can't go through it? Ours is, so it would've had to be someone at the post office. I didn't think that happened here!! Do you need another memory card now? I can talk to Dad about it. I'm still going to call the post office cause I'm TICKED! ha ha ha. Sorry this is short. I wanted to hurry and send it so you can see it while you are still at the library maybe! LOVE YOU!

Scott:
Oh hey sister!!! Yeah that would be cool if you could do that. I'm trying to type qyuick so this can be like instant messaging!!! haha. I'm so apostate. But ya that would be great if you could do that. And tell Mason I would love his poicture froever!!!

Me:
Apostate is for sure the first word that comes to mind when I think of you. ha ah ha. We learned a bout missionaries in FHE last night and Mason says he wants to go to Arizona on his mission. ha ha ha. And Mason is already starting on Bublle LIhgt II. It should be a great piece of artwork! LOVE YOU!!

Scott:
Yes our mailbox is locked. Yes, that ticks me off too. Like I said when I read your email I almost swore infront of my entire district. And no, I have like 4 other memory cards so don't worry about that. Just send the enveleope. Love you!!

Scott Again:
Yeah, I'm for sure apostate. Anyways, thats so cool that Mason wants to come to Arizona!! I think that would be awesome. I love you too!! I better stop being apostate, so wait thirty minutes to reply. I'll be gone by then. haha

Christmas and New Years Weeks

Hey guys. How are you all doing on my challenge? I hope it is going good. Anyways, just to let you know whats going on for The Work in East Phoenix:

Zach's baptism on Saturday didn't go through. The bum (I say that kidding around. Zach reminds me of myself before I left, so it's all good) didn't show up for church, so we we're going to push his baptism back until this saturday. But the bum didn't show up again!!! His mom came, but he slept in!! haha. So we're going to push his baptism back to the 22nd, just to see if he is really committed.

Also an investigator that we've had for a while, Patricia, made some radical changes the week after Christmas. It totally took Elder Shupe and I back, because she just wanted to get baptized. But just to let you know, shes a little out there, but thats ok. She had to have her baptismal interview with P. Ells (President Ellsworthe). She was really sad because P Ells wanted her to wait another couple of weeks and then meet with her again. We taught her then next day, and resolved a lot of her questions. One of the reasons why we needed to wait was becuase we needed her to get a stronger testimony about the restoration. When we talked about it the next day, it was like a light bulb just turned on! It was cool to see. And then she asked us if the only way for a baptism to count for anything was if it was done in our church. We told her yes, and then shes like "okay, I'll call and cancel my appointment to be baptised with the baptists then". We're like, yeah!!!

Also the Sunday after Christmas we had a miracle happen. After sacrament meeting, Bishop walked up to me and introduced me to a woman named Denise. He said, "Elder Denison, this is Denise, and she would like to be baptized." I'm sure the look on my face was priceless, because we we're having a hard day because none of our other investigators came to church. Anyways, we've taught her three times already, and she has a date, is already looking forward to going to the temple, and she was already living most of the commandments! At least the hard ones. Shes not living the law of tithing yet! ha ha. Yeah but when we asked her to follow all the commandments she says "Yeah! I've already been doing all this so I guess I've been a Mormon all my life without knowing it!!" Shes one of those really spunky crazy fun black ladies. It is awesome.

Anyways, there's the report for the last week. I hope you guys are doing great!! and I love you so much!!!

Elder Denison

Ice Ice Baby?

Okay, Scott didn't send the "story" with these photos, so one day he'll have to let us know how good I am at inference! ha ha ha. My guess is there was ice on the sidewalk at church and they were all excited and amazed because it probably doesn't happen very often. And I'm also guessing someone drove a very nice car to church that day and after wiping the drool from his chin, Scott took a picture of it. How did I do little brother??