Pearland Texas, Week 71: January 25, 2016 - January 31, 2016

Monday, February 1,2016

We had a pretty darn good week!! Brooke came to church!! That was sooooo cool. She was loving it too. She made comments in Gospel Principals and everything. Some of our ward missionaries did a good job sitting by her and fellowshipping. Those member missionaries also went with us to teach her this week and they got along great. We're trying to set up a Brooke family and Monette family(those members) FHE together. We also had some other good friend members bring friends to church for the first time!! It was awesome. That is like dreamed of missionary opportunities and doesn't happen too often around here. Hopefully going to start teaching those people that came for first time next couple weeks.

Damon and Skylin, the kiddos being baptized, came to church as well. I sat by Damon and we went to Primary together. Elder Evans sat by Skylin and Elder Dawe did a split and went with the Elders Quorum. That's our new thing. Primary needs the help too, the kids are kinda rowdy. We had a cool lesson with those kiddos this week too. We had their hometeacher Brother Kameron Krebs come with to meet them and help teach. We just read from the Book of Mormon and then talked about what was happening and what to take away from it. It went well and Kameron had good comments and got to know them. They will be baptised in a few weeks, after their grandpa's foot heals so he can bvaptize them.

We have the ward very missionary minded right now because thats almost all we have been sharing when we meet with them. We work on different ways they can find people and invite them to things. Also had an exchange with  one of the district leaders and his comp in the zone and they didn't need much correction or instruction. they were great missionaries in lots of senses. I just taught them a little more about nightly planning and working with members.

I got to go on an exchange this week to one of the Spanish district leaders in the zone. I went to his area with his companion as well. Made a trio there. That was way cool. They are solid solid missionaries. I got to eat some wonka donk food for dinner too... I ate chicheron. What is that? Well, that is pig skin. I had it in gordita form

We're also working with a sister of one of our members whose name is Renee and her member sister is Sis Kern. We went over for our second dinner appointment with them. Last time we taught the plan of salvation and Renee was liking it. This time we taught the Restoration so she wouldn't be so confused on the basic things we believe in and do. She liked the lesson but doesn't quite understand, the importance of organized religion. Feels like she can be spiritual and righteous alone. Also doesn't understand the importance of this being the Lord's church. It's His. We do things in this church to draw unto Him and become like Him where we couldn't otherwise. So we're gonna try to resolve that this week and just go slow.

So,thats a summary of the exciting progress of the peeps. We don't have the dates like we had last week. We just have Damon and Skylin and some lady we only saw once named Wilda. Andrea hasnt come to church yet and it was tricky getting in touch with her this week. Also the miraculous Tony from last week has moved again!! he left to another place so we lost em. we dont know where, the member living with him didn't hear at all. Tony just left one night. I have hope he will find our church, get taught and baptize wherever he ends up.

We had a cool service project this week. We got to help Sis Kern and Renee move stuff in a storage shed out in the middle of nowhere. I wore my new jeans and boots!! Felt so good. Hope to meet with Juanita and Mrs. King this week. Keep ya posted.

OH and HEeeyeyyyyyy! I totally met President Nelson of the quorum of the twelve apostles. he came to see all three Houston missions and speak to us. He let all the missionaries come up and shake his hand and say hello. And, just as cool as that,  I saw Elder Jake Lives and talked to him in person!!!!!!!! haha. Tthat was nutty, quite the experience that day for sure. It was way fun talking to him for a minute. He's great.

Love you tons,
Janz

President Nelson teaching the 3 Houston Missions.Elder Deans was in the back right and Elder Lives in the back left. Good luck finding them :)

Walking around in the cold one day

Elder Lives & Elder Deans finally found each other!

Pearland Texas, Week 70: January 19, 2016 - January 224, 2016

Monday, January 25, 2016

We had a bomb week this week. It was FILLED with goodness. We now have 5 different people that want to be baptized. We have the kiddos still, but their date changed from this weekend to mid February. And now we have Andrea, Tony and Wilda. So ill tell you how it all happened with em.

So, Andrea was a referral from some people in the ward named the Kenworthys. We set up a lesson with her and we actually had our first lesson in the Kenworthys home! Thats ideal in missionary world. Thats golden. Andrea was very comfortable. She wanted to learn and the lesson on the Restoration went awesomely. She said she would like to be baptized and the goal is for Feb 20. She's only 17 years old and both us and the Kenworthys have talked to her Mom and her mother is supportive which makes it all possible.

Tony is a crazy story... We met him through going to visit a recent convert of ours. We planned to go teach Jerrod and then as we went inside to teach we saw that someone else shared a room with Jerrod. The guy had no shirt, was laying down in his bed smoking a cigarette and watching a movie. This guy was Tony. Hes a 55 year old black dude. He was way friendly and put out the cigarette as we came in and put on a shirt and would allow us to teach him as well. We decided to teach the Restoration and focus on him and Jerrod could also help. The lesson went great and Tony also wants to be baptized and understands that this church has the Priesthood Authority of God and no other church has that. He just barely moved in with Jerrod and he came from another part of Houston after a nasty breakup. He didn't bring anything with him. We gave him some clothes and toiletries so he could come to church. He ended upcoming to church!! I was with him the whole time while my companions visited and took care of everything else.

Wilda was a media referral from Salt Lake. We saw that she requested a Bible. So one night we went over to deliver it to her and we did and she was excited but we also asked if we could teach her about Christ out of the bible and she let us in. Again we taught the Restoration. She was very comprehensive and agreed to be baptized on Feb 20. The two new people that we found on Monday that I told you about last email are not so cool. We didn't see one of them and the other was very sick. So thats on hold.

We also just yesterday had a very spiritual afternoon because we delivered the sacrament to those that are not healthy enough to come. Our first stop was with a sister named Sis Butler. Shes a very old black lady that can't get out of bed. We got to know her, sang a hymn and then administered the sacrament. She was way grateful to see us. The Spirit was uber strong there. She bore powerful testimony about how the gospel has blessed her family. After that we went to see the Hopkins family. They are older as well. The husband just got back from the hospital and is very close to death and they basically set up hospice for him at home. We did the sacrament and then we also got to give him and his wife blessings. Those made me cry. It was so special. But as you can tell, one of the best weeks on the mission. Were doing swell

I didnt realize the anniversary!! dang... I guess thats right. I'll be ready for next month on Feb 7 when I hit the 16 months in Houston.

Love ya
Elder Deans

Elder Jake Lives, inperson, at the

Pearland Texas, Week 69: January 11, 2015 - January 18, 2016

Monday, January 18, 2016

We had a pretty good week!! Got to teach our kiddos about to be baptized next week again. We did an interactive Restoration lesson using a Jenga game and it had like Apostles and Priesthoood and Book of Mormon as the blocks so we built the church and then it fell and restored it again. It went well! except they got distracted quite a bit and played haha Going over tonight and teaching about the 10 Commandments and especially the Sabbath. Had a excellent lesson with Brooke this week! we actually went on three way splits because the whole priests quorum came to help us teach. Elder Dawe went to see her and said she was stoked to learn and read. She had read like 5 chapters while we were away. She made us proud haha. Still hasn't come to church yet though, that stinker. She was out of town and plans to come next week.

We had a way cool opportunity to go downtown for a service project. We went to a massive health clinic to work with the city on a thing called "Saving Smiles" where they do a free tooth cleaning and multiple classes for kids with low income families. Elder Dawe and I were together and Evans went and did spanish stuff. We read tests out loud for kids, we graded tests and we input all the test results onto a website they put up. It was super fun. You could feel a great Spirit there. Its funny because it made me think even more about if I wana be a teacher. I was kind of scared day dreaming about it at times because some classes were quite rowdy. But then after leaving I thought that It wouldnt really be that bad. Just as long as you love the little guys and teach the best and most fun you can.

We didn't get over to Sister Radamacher this week. Thanks for the reminder though. Tequisha is dunzo. We dont teach or talk to her at all anymore. Buuuttt... there are some new peeps. We found two new potentials in 10 minutes yesterday. We were up in the ghetto of Houston having a blast. The first one is Juanita and we talked to her husband cleaning his 2016 corvette and he wasn't hearing us much and then she came out and just started being way friendly. Apparently she has talked to some mormons before and was just asking beautiful questions that allowed us to teach and then give her a Book of Mormon. We are going back on Friday. The other one we found was their neighbor and she was actually a referral from SLC. She had requested a free Bible. (we get lots of those here) Her name was Mrs. King. She's in a wheelchair and the sweetest and most chill middle age black lady i've met. She was happy to get the Bible and then I asked her what she knew about the crazy Mormons and she said that it sounded interesting so I taught her about the Book of Mormon and she gladly took one of those too. Going back to see her on Friday as well.

Glad you loved the cowboy pic. I should maybe get a shirt eventually and add it to that. Plus some slightly looser jeans will be much appreciated, those were tight. The zone is doing great. No big issues here. We just need to work on our finding efforts and planning. I went on an exchange with other elders like a couple weeks ago. Went awesome. was able to teach him a lot about the ins and outs and simple comp study things that make lesson planning better and we also had a better nightly planning time. Going with the APs in a few days too so that'll be awesome.

Love ya!
Janz

Sticker that represents service we did at the Health Clinic

Member's Underwater Welding Helmet

The construction crew

Doing service for WML. Making an attic.

Pearland Texas, Week 68: January 4, 2016 - January 10, 2016

Monday, January 11, 2016

We had a way good week this week!!  We definitely are having more teaching opportunities. With both less active and investigators. It was the best we had in a long  time. Our biggest miracle is that we now have 2 new baptismal dates for Jan 30th and its Damon and Skylin who are 9 and 10 yrs old. Started teaching them because their uncle is an active member and we got with him and planned to work with the youngins. They also came to church and seemed to have a fun time!

We had a great time with our members this week too. Finally got to go over and have dinner with the Bishop. I love those guys. Hes a lot like Uncle Todd. They made some plans to do missionary work with us and have people over soon. I also got to play guitar and sing in another dinner appointment with the Ahlstrom family. They invited me to do it a while ago and I knew I couldn't pass it up so I performed "There is A Green Hill..." again. Twas good.

Sister Radamacher is alright. She didnt make it to church but we will see her again this week I think Tequisha is on pause for now. We keep calling and texting her and it leads to nothing. Brooke is doing super!! We went over and read a chapter of the Book of Mormon with her and she was way into it and then at the end of all that she offered to say the closing prayer. Thats huge for her because she is working on praying even by herself and reading more and making it to church. She didn't come to church either but we'll ask about it in a couple days. I'll send some pictures today. I keep forgetting or technology wigs out and restricts me haha.

My bike is working out swell just sitting out locked up on the patio. Its doing good. Need to clean it and lube the chain. also need to get a tune up on the gears and positions because it got a little off in Alvin, but its fine.
Found out today for sure we as a trio will be together for another transfer. That should be sweet. We have been working hard and having fun.

Love you tons,
Elder Deans

Pearland Texas, Week 67: December 28, 2015 - January 3, 2016

Monday, January 4, 2016

We had quite the week!! As always,  the good and the not so amazing. Our good highlights were that we found a new investigator. His name is Derrick. He's an old black baptist preacher. But, he's actually pretty interested and impressed, so things go well then he gives an accepting "amen" It's almost in like a sigh tone of voice, gotta love it. I got to paint a dinner table chair while the others taught the Restoration with him. Thanks pops for helping be able to do that!! Experience leads to performance.


Another highlight was that we got to see a less active sister that we had been waiting for her arrival back into Pearland after a big vacation. We watched a Mormon message on goals and not looking back on the past and she enjoyed it. She offered lots of cookies to us. Her name is Sis Radamacker. We also had a plus in the fact that we had a ward missionary come teach with us one day. But, on the down side we weren't able to get in contact with any other investigators. Lots of people aren't home or they just dont want to see us anymore. But, we worked really well with the ward in gaining trust and setting plans to find more people with them.

 New Years Eve we had dinner with the Merkley family again and took some pictures and videos dressed in lais and New Years party hats with blower thingys. That was pretty fun. We had to be in by 7 this year, so then we were at the apartment and the comps went straight to bed while I wrote in my journal and calculated zone mileage haha. This trend happens a lot. I often am the last one working or awake. A lot of times I have to be mister reminder and waker upper. We get along great though, yes. We have scuffles and gripe moments but were all very open and willing to figure stuff out.

President Hall actually came and did a companioship study with us this week to help us get more out of them He showed us planning tips and afterward told us that none of us would be transferred. Those are next week. And after a big MLC, the Brethren in SLC told all the missions that there are to be no more transfer meetings. So we went over that. That was a no no because it was no where in the handbook and it eats up too much time. So now its all done by email on monday morning and missionaries will know all the info through email like companion and area and so on. President told us that we would stay together at least one more transfer. Gave us a sneak peek.

Oh... and big big news. The Tyler family got baptized!!! I got to baptize Emily and Glover and Carter did the rest. That was my first baptism ever haha. It was incredible. Got me on a spiritual high

The weather is finally winter weather. its a great feel. Its been breezy and wet like you saw. For us this is cold stuff. The jacket is definitely used. Brooke, the one who came to the Christmas party cancelled on us again but she promised to read and pray while she was out. So thats awesome. But it was a funky week. Ready to rock this one and teach more often.

Love ya!
Elder Deans

The Tylers

Elder Deans in his cowboy gear

Pearland Texas, Week 66: December 21, 2015 - December 27, 2015

Monday, December 28, 2015

This week was just one of a kind!! Obviously it was my last Christmas as a missionary, so that was odd. But we just had a party filled week but also had some good normal proselyting and teaching.

We had our Mission Christmas Conference on Tuesday and that was amazing!! We had powerful teachings from the recently released temple president and wife, and the Halls. I loved them. The Halls spoke a lot about the kind of love both Heavenly Father and The Savior have. I can definitely testify that they have perfect perfect love for every single one of us. They have mercy and hope and compassion and interest. We even got to watch Inside Out as a break after all the trainings before dinner. That movie is bomb. Made me laugh.

We had Christmas Eve with the Johnstun family. We went over for dinner and ended up staying there all night because we didn't have any other plans and we thought it would be tough to start contacting in the evening before Christmas. But that was a good ol night. We read out of Matthew, the account of the nativity in the first two chapters. Then the girls performed some hula for us! That was pretty cool. they're only like 9 and 11. Then they gave us each a Christmas present. We got socks, ties, junk food. It was very nice.

Christmas, we woke up at 6 and opened our presents from Santa and parentals. That went very well. We went to some members house named the Chandlers for breakfast and they even got us multiple presents!! Got a RC car, tie, food, and a key chain decoration they made. The ward members are super awesome possum here as you can tell. Later we had dinner and Skyping home with the Merkley family. We got to help cook a traditional Mexican Christmas feast. A couple other families came over too and we had a great time. We watched cool Christmas messages and music videos and then we played a few songs on guitar. Time really did go by way fast when we were Skyping. I loved it as well and we still got one more Skype holiday coming up

I can't believe how cold it is there. That would kill me if I just landed back in Utah. Im freezing at 45 degrees over here. The weather is finally deciding to act like the season of winter and go down. This week will feel more like Christmas which is nice but makes me ticked because its a week late.

We found some new potentials this week just by street contacting and also checking on former investigators, so thats a little exciting. I'll keep ya posted. But things are grand over here in the urban sprawl of Pearland.

Love ya!
Elder Deans

Pearland Texas, Week 65: Ecember 14, 2015 - December 20, 2015

Monday 21, 2015

Merry Christmas!! I'll be seeing you very soon. We will be with the Chandlers and the Merkleys on Christmas and maybe even a couple more. But Chandlers are doing breakfast and the Merkleys are doing dinner. We will Skype at the Merkleys. It'll be around 1 o'clock for you and 2 here. I just asked her to email or contact you and set stuff up. We will be skyping for 40 minutes to ya'll. Very happy that'll happen!

We had a good 'ol week!! We worked our hardest this week. We worked more than ever in this area. We taught a less active sister whose husband is a non member and she came to our ward Christmas party the next day!! We teach her because the husband isn't too interested and we decided she can be strengthened and that will help him be more interested. We also found a new investigator named Tequisha who was a referral from a way old but sweet lady in our ward. They're neighbors. We haven't quite taught a full lesson yet but we talked on the porch one time and then we talked a few times on the phone with her. She is ready to learn more and she's very polite. She just has been crazy busy because of work to help the kids. Marvin isn't doing too hot. Haven't heard anything from him since last time I emailed ya. So right now we just have Tequisha and also another part member family named the Paradas that are doing okay. Haven't heard from the Tylers. The baptism is probably coming soon though

We also had our ward Christmas program yesterday in which we sang with the ward choir. That was bomb!! We sounded pretty good for only 4 practices. We sang 'Still Still' and 'On a Still and Starry Night'.

Our Mission Christmas Conference will be tomorrow!! Super stoked. I'll also be performing the hymn There is a Green Hill Far Away. I'll try and get a video to ya. What we do there is... well, we start with talks, trainings, choir performances. Then we have movie time, then lunch/dinner and then the talent show and then the 2015 slideshow and then gift exchange. .

How did you like Star Wars? Ive heard some about it. I heard that people around here couldn't even get tickets because they were sold out weeks in advance haha. how bad was it there? seems like it wasn't too bad because Glen went a bunch and you guys already saw it as well. I would love to see it 3 times right when I get home.

Love you!
Elder Dean

No one would be the donkey in the nativity presented at the Ward Christmas Party

So, Elder Deans to the rescue!!

New Comps Elder Evans (left) & Elder Dawe

Pearland Texas, Week 64: December 7, 2015 - December 13, 2015

Monday, December 14, 2015

The ward here is very good to us, yes, just loving them all. We have had fun at church and with dinner appointments. They really take care of us and enjoy being with us. We will be with the Merkleys on Christmas morning so thats when we can get on Skype and talk to ya. It'll be around 9 or 10 and i'll have them contact you very soon so you have some info. I will not open the box until Christmas morning. I didn't last year when everyone else did. I waited until Christmas and for some reason everyone couldn't wait.

We had a pretty good week this week. We learned a lot about how to all be unified, work with the ward, plan more effectively.  Our highlights came from street contacting and finding like 3 potential investigators that agreed to have us back and accepted our Christmas Initiative "A Savior is Born" cards.You need to check out Christmas.mormon.org if you have not yet. There are some good Christmas videos on there. We got to teach an investigator in his home for the first time on Wednesday. His name is Marvin. He's a retired army 50 year old black dude. He's very sharp, intelligent, inquisitive. We love him. He's excited to read from the Book of Mormon and understands that the priesthood authority of Jesus Christ is back on the earth and its only in our church. He was shocked and doesn't quite believe it yet, but thats understandable and he's been praying on it. We needa follow up and go back in a couple days and see how that all went and hopefully read with him and invite him to church. Beside that we saw lots of active members for dinner and just visits. We made contact with a few LA and were seeing who we can get in consistent contact with. The baptism for the Tylers hasn't come yet. Elder Glover will let me know, we're probably a couple weeks away.

Companions are doing swell. I got to cut Elder Dawes hair today. Think its the best one I've ever done. I'm getting tons better. I'll cut hair when I get home. I just need some training on finger cuts and scissor work. Beside that I've been pretty good. I'll cut Dad's mop if he lets me after I prove myself or something.

Makes me happy that Pauline sent that picture of her and me on my last day in Alvin. She's bomb. I wanna go back to Alvin some day and talk to all them cool folks. That is so awesome to hear about the snow!! I miss it tons. I wanna snowboard pretty bad. Can't even sled here. There has been humidity and rain. It'll probably be in the 60s and 70s for Christmas. Kinda lame but you get used to it and being outside isn't as fun as just staying in. Have an awesome week this week. Thanks for sending all the Christmas stuff. Don't even worry about when I open it. I'll open it all on Christmas day.

Love you tons,
Elder Deans

Pearland Texas, Week 63: November 30, 2015 - December 7, 2015

Monday, December 8, 2015

 Im still alive!! I'm in Pearland now, if you wanna look it up. It covers Pearland, Fresno, Manvel and Houston. I'm in a nice apartment, a lot like my last one. The area is super new and sharp looking. We have mostly new suburbia around us. Tons of subdivisions and glorious apartment complexes and massive shopping centers. Its a whole other animal compared to Alvin. Buuuuuttt... I enjoy it. I'm actually not far from Alvin, just a little northwest.

I really like the new area and ward. But, its very different. The ward is even bigger as well. I am now serving in the Shadow Creek Ward! This ward is amazing. The members are so supportive. They come out with us, we do service with them and, earlier today, our WML's wife took us to Costco so we could use her card and get stuff we coudln't get elsewhere. We also get fed every day,which takes getting used to. Never before have I seen this type of care.

My companionship is actually a trio... AGAIN. My companions are Elder Dawe from Pleasant Grove (and no he doesn't know the Williams unfortunately) and Elder Evans from Grass Valley, California. Elder Evans was in my zone in the past. They've been out just a little longer than me. I'm still a zone leader and the other ZL is Elder Dawe. We are goofy goobers. We are all way open, no privacy, non stop humor and just coasting through life having fun. Doing all this but still  striving to work as hard as possible.

We were pretty blessed this week as far as the work too. We don't have too much investigator work going. We don't have investigators right now actually. We have potential investigators or people that we can start teaching but have only seen once or not at all. We taught lots of members, less actives and recent converts. But things are super fun over here. I'll send some  pictures next time. I'm also way excited for Christmas Skype!! Should be awesome.

Love you tons!
Elder Janz

Alvin Texas, Week 62: November 24, 2015 - November 29, 2015

Monday, November 30, 2015
 
Haha I'm glad you enjoyed all the birthday buzz!! That cracks me up about Sis. Perry and you. I love how she is obsessed with elders' moms. Its like two worlds colliding. I have not picked up my treat package yet. I will be getting that and the belts this Wednesday because... I WILL be finally exiting ALVIN. I get transferred on Wednesday and will find out where I'll be that same day. Just got the call this morning to report to the meeting. Its scary. I haven't had to move in a loonnnggg time. Just have received people.

Tyler's came to church this week right after their cruise. Also John and Crystal a couple we teach are progressing more and we have spent lots of time over there. Tyler's won't make baptism this weekend, it'll probably be bumped to next week or two. Too much to teach and we need to talk to each of them and see where they are at spiritually. Then we will get a new date, hopefully in a week or so. I can go to the baptism whenever it is. I'll get a ride down to it. Wouldn't miss it!

Thanksgiving was great this year!! We had three appointments for food. We only made it to two because of overlap timing. We actually had a miracle at the first one. We got invited to a girl named Suzanne's house, who is a recent convert living here in Alvin. Her parents are anti LDS, but willing to have us over. First missionaries accepted to be over. So, I was nervous and wanted to do everything just right. We had a great dinner! We helped cooked dessert, talked plenty, and they respect us. We even got to share a message with a Christmas video. We showed the initiative from last year and then talked about it. IT was such a blessing and Suzanne was very grateful. We ate turkey, corn, stuffing, rolls, pecan pie, pear crisp. The other place we went to was John and Crystal some investigators that we have. They weren't so good at first when we met them a month ago. But now they are doing swell and keeping commitments and learning more. They gave us plenty of good food. The other elders went to the 3rd appointment at the church.

I definitely reflected on what I am grateful for. My mission president asked me via email and I told him I'm grateful for who the Lord has turned me into. I'm grateful that I teach powerfully and simply. Im grateful for the place I live and the atmosphere here. Lots of amazing people all around. Thanks for sharing what you're grateful for.

We actually got to go to the temple this week as well!! That was incredible. We went with Austin, he's the member that just got back from a mission and is a total rocker kid. He likes RED and Breaking Benjamin. We had such a good time. I did work for Ansel Lamb who is on the Deans' side. I found him a while ago doing family history. I'll send some pictures home soon. Got some good ones. I am way excited for the Skype home in 26 days. I'll get details soon and it'll be who knows where and what time that day. Love you tons!

Adios,
Elder Deans

Janz with fellow Elders at the Houston Temple - Nov. 2015

 

Alving Texas, Week 61: November 16, 2015 - November 23, 2015

Week 61

Monday, November 24, 2015

We had a really good week. We were busy and not just in a "lots to do" way. We actually had great contact with people, developed better relationships with both the Bishop and a few members of the ward and had an exchange with the Assistants to the president. I got to leave the area and go into their area for a day. That went awesomely. I was with Elder Tautu who actually will be going home with me I found out, that's always crazy but fun to think about.

The Tylers are currently on their cruise. Did I mention that last week or before? They are on a cruise in Mexico till Saturday or Sunday. Haven't heard anything from them but they took their scriptures and pamphlets and said they would study a little. Wyatt, the 14 yr old boy took charge and said he would pack it all and make sure everyone does the reading. Proud of him. He's like a little brother to me. New baptismal date for them December 6!! that'll come way soon and we think they WILL make this one.

The new Eric is swell. Should've had some contact with him this week but it was hard, couldn't quite get a hold of him. But we took a member over on Wednesday and taught the whole Restoration and it went incredible. It was a fun lesson. He was so intrigued and thoughtful. His catch phrase and what often comes out of his mouth when things are powerful is either "Man!... that is DEEP" or "OKAY, OKAY this is new!" He makes me laugh. Great guy.

Otis is doing better. He is almost ready to come to church. He has missed every Sunday but this week he agreed to a church tour that we will do either tomorrow or Wednesday. We also cleaned his apartment. Sometimes he gets too tired or in pain to do his chores. We had a good lesson last time though. Taught about the mercy of Christ and how that is applied to his life and especially to his potential baptism. He liked that. He also asked about the baptism of fire and enjoyed that discussion. Haven't heard much about other areas. Don't know how the recent converts are, which is sad. I don't have their info, but I should make the effort and talk to them.

Transfers are a week from yesterday. Yikes. I feel like I will leave. Find out the news next monday and ill let you know. Pretty sure ill miss the Tyler baptism unfortunately. Just seems like I gotta get on with the mission and see new areas and people. But who knows. Things are strange at transfers. I don't know what to think anymore.

We are spending Thanksgiving with some members of the ward. Their house is too small for all of us, so we have a big dinner planned, at the church actually. We're excited. Hope ya'll have a terrific Thanksgiving with family. Thanks for everything!

Love ya tons,

Elder Deans

Dinner Appointment this week, Bird Chow

　


　
　

　

Alvin Texas, Week 60: November 9, 2015 - November 15, 2015

Week 60

Monday, November 16, 2015

We had a really good week over here. Last Monday we had the Tylers over at the Flakes house again for a dinner and lesson. We taught tithing and used candy as part of an object lesson for the kiddos. The kids names and ages are: Wyatt-14, Kyrsten-13, Emily-11, Isabella (we call her BB) -5. We got to see them again later in the week and watched Joseph Smith the Prohet of the Restoration with them. We got to just kind of hangout but yet feel the Spirit by learning about the restoration of the gospel. The kids really liked it and it helped them understand more of why God's church is so important. Then they also came to church yesterday which was stake conference and I think they enjoyed that... not sure yet. waiting to hear back. They will probably be baptized in a couple weeks. They are going out of town for a cruise this week. They are in great shape for baptism though. We had some good lessons and they are studying every day. The set backs always come. President Ashton once said this and it always sticks with me " you know when people are getting close when the storm clouds roll in" Very true and you just be patient and take it for what it is and keep going.

We weren't able to teach Ashli this week. We just stopped by and said hi at work. No news on the Erics. Buuuuttttt we actually found ANOTHER one. Theres too many in Alvin. This guy is black though and hes like 50 or so. I met him by hearing a bunch of 50 Cent rap songs coming from the house. Then walking by him, I was like "hey! do you like 50 cent?" And then an hour later we had showed him and taught about the Book of Mormon and he's excited to do research, he says. He's a way cool guy. We also had a miracle with an investigator named Otis. He likes having us over but hasn't had faith or intent to act yet. But that all changed this week when we went over and taught about baptism and by the correct priesthood authority. For him, he finally understood that that is why we were teaching him so much, because he can receive remission of sins and receive the Holy Ghost by Christ's priesthood. He said he would think and pray about it. He also asked if we could give him a blessing. He has had some pain that never went away after a surgery. The blessing was super powerful and we think it softened his heart even more. SO that was absolutely sweet.

We also had zone conference this week for a big group of missionaries. That was great. President Hall had some good trainings and discussions with us. He even ended by having the sisters leave the chapel and the elders stayed and we had a personal
talk on the Law of Chastity. Man... so glad im living the law of chastity. that was nuts. but good. We just had a fun ol week. We are loving the blessings that have been given to us. The Lord is merciful to all. We will just notice more if we live for Him and call out to him.

Love ya'll,
Janz

　

　

Alvin Texas, Week 59: November 2, 2015 - November 8, 2015

Monday , November 9, 2015

We had a really good week! Things are a little slow, but they picked up this week due to more faith and diligence on our part. We found some new people to teach. That always makes me feel so much better about any problem in my mind. We decided that the Tylers will need a little more time for baptism. The dad, Jason, is totally ready. The kids are the hold up as of right now. They need a little more time to change and get ready for such a big change in their life. It'll come through more lessons and making friends with the ward kids. Keep them in your prayers please. They are so awesome!! We ended up doing personal interviews with all the kids last night to see where they were at as far as confidence and living the gospel. Elder Glover and I talked to Kyrsten, Wyatt and Emily in the backyard,  one by one haha. It went soooo well though. The Lord was right there with us and gave us the words to say because the kids needed a boost to get along with their parents and also to fully nderstand some gospel elements. We felt very blessed with those guys this week even though its sad they wont make baptism this eekend. We will get a new date soon. We are seeing them tonight for FHE at the Flakes house. He's guy who has sent you a picture of me teaching and also of the spider on my head. Should be rockin.

We actually did not pack the church. the other elders did though. We had church at the stake center because it was an area conference and we heard from general authorities and Elder Oaks via satellite. It WAS hard juggling all the different tasks and thoughts but now its a lot easier. Just one of those things that happen with time and grace. We actually found a sweet new investigator named Ashli. She is only 16. Found her by talking to her dad last week and he said she would love to hear us out. Then we went over this week and she came out and talked to us. We taught the restoration on the porch. It went way well,  honestly. Then we visited her the next day at work, which is Sonic. We just said hi and asked if she read. and she did! So that was great stuff.

But we had a super week. Elder glover and I are getting along so well these days. It was kinda rough at first, but now we understand a lot of our differences and it helps us be mature and not wanna get away from one another. So we got the package today!! we really enjoyed it. It was so nice to get all that stuff, especially the bug collars. Glover and I cracked up when we saw that. Classic Alvin problems...  We had something in the apartment biting me every night, haha. Its gone now though. I had it because we're around gross animals all day and bugs get on your clothes and bag I think. I dont know haha. .  The rain???  It actually feels like crazy amounts because water just stands everywhere and the rain is an all day event. We have been somewhat dry, depends on how many people let us in I guess. I think I will be transferred. I said that last transfer, so its just a wait and see type thing. Transfers are every 6 weeks, so its not always the same time in the month since the 6 weeks gets ya into weird places in the month.

Love ya!
Elder Deans

Aalvin Texas, Week 58: October 26, 2015 - November 1, 2015

Monday, November 2, 2015

We had a decent week. Lots of cool 'stuff' and memories that went on, but really not much missionary work. Two days this week we were  unable to do missionary work because of day long session of meetings with Elder Corbridge and then driving far away to do a companion exchange. Plus, the other day was Halloween and we couldn't go outside because of a massive storm in the morning/afternoon. Kind of made me mad last night as we did key indicators(stats) and zone managing cause our stats weren't good.But, its all good. We should have planned better and been more diligent. The meetings went super well though. Elder Corbrdge is a wizard, haha.  He gave some great counsel and taught some good stuff. The mission and especially our zone needed it. I got to talk to him a bit and he a few times called me by name!

But the miracles which we saw were nice. We had the Tylers come to the ward Halloween party/trick or treat/chili cook off. They are so Mormon. They know a lot of the ward. They brought food, passed out candy and dressed up. We just love them. They are still good for their date on Nov 14. We taught them about the law of chastity this week. We are gonna go over tomorrow and teach the Word of Wisdom. Now we just gotta teach the nitty-gritty stuff. Thats pretty much our investigator update. All the rest aren't doing too awesome.

On Halloween, we stayed in all day. Well, except to take a trip over to the police station to see if there were any neighborhoods that would need help cleaning up after the storm. It made a mess in Alvin. We had flooding in certain areas, trees down, power out and etc. Also had tornadoes pretty close by, so that was interesting. We woke up to tornado sirens and phone alerts going nuts. It was actually kinda freaky. Plus we had or still might have fleas in our room  from all the animals we see. I slept on the floor so I would stop getting bit and I just kept waking up to all this chaos.

I dont think i will be here for Christmas. I think I'll dunk the Tylers and leave. Harsh truth, but we'll see. I would definitely love to stay, but there has just gotta be more growth and new opportunities.

Love you,
Elder Pantz

Janz with Isabella at the Ward Halloween Party

Elder Deans as Frankenstein for Halloween

 

Allvin, Texas, Week 57: October 19, 2015 - October 25, 2015

Week 57

Monday, October 26, 2015

We had a really fun week. AS you could tell!!! haha We had lots of good memories and lots of good missionary work as well. I love Casey cso much. We're buds. I'll go visit him in Louisiana some day. He's about to move there. That spider thing on my neck was a spider indeed!!! That is called a field spider. It was way scary getting the guts to put it on me. But its not bad. Its harmless and walked all over me. They live all over Houston too.

The work is going super well. We are busy busy and for good reason. The Tylers all accepted baptism this week for NOV 14th. They also came to church again and loved it. We had a bbq with them and then had a solid lesson with everyone at their place. They are still liking church and coming every week. I cant wait for you to meet them. They are hilarious and the most non member Mormons I've ever seen. They're ready to get dunked. We had a good lesson with them after biking up there in the rain drenched soaking wet. we ended up getting towels from them and took off our shoes and socks. thats a first for me, teaching investigators barefoot haha. But hey!! turns out they like Seether and Shinedown a lot so we played that stuff on guitar during dinner. I really am meant to be here i guess! The other family, we didn't have so much luck with them, they didn't see us or come to church this week.

We also found a bomb less active family to teach. They are the Goodrum family and they have a serious situation so they're not technically less active. they have crazy health problems. We heard they needed help so we went over to say hi and offer. We took out the trash for them and then ended up getting to know them a lot and shared a powerful mormon message about dealing with trials. Then they invited us over again in a couple days from that lesson and we went over and shared a message about the Plan of Salvation since the wife had just lost her momma. They love us so much and they even said it to us. haha. We also feel the same way. The Spirit is very strong when we are with them. They help me be humble, charitable and knowledgeable.

We have another pretty good investigator named Bobbi (its a younger lady) that we taught. She wanted to come to church but didnt make it for some reason. She's really sweet and interested though. We also have Lucinda and Jason that we're teaching. Saw them last night and answered questions and talked about the Restoration.

This week was waayyyy stormy. We had constant rainfall for almost 2 days. Made water appear everywhere!! Alvin doesn't flood because its got a good bayou and ditches. But it flooded in certain fields and in between the roads on grass medians. The weather has been absolutely ridiculous. It was really dark for those days as well. We got soaked while biking. It was quite fun. People think we are nuts

This week will be crazy as well. We will be having Elder Corbridge, a general authority come and speak to us on Friday. We also will have MLC with him there too. We're gonna love it.

Love and miss ya,
Elder Deans

    
    

Alvin, Texas, Week 56: October 12, 2015 -October 18, 2015

Week 56

Monday, October 19, 2015

So big news is that both Elder Glover and I will be staying! I'll be in Alvin a total of 8 months at the end of this next one. Thats crazy. Feel like I'm from here now haha. I think we're staying because the Tylers are getting real close to baptism. They are such a miracle to us. So this week we had the Tyler family in church for our investigators. So thats a total of 5 plus their little girl, Bella, which doesn't count. She's adorable though and she actually put a sticker of her school picture in my planner so i got a memory. But yes!! the Dad is way on board with the church now. He came for the first time yesterday and loves when we come over. He wants to be baptized on the 14th of November. I think the rest of the family will also make that date. We're gonna talk to them about it. we got to do quite a bit of yard work with them this weekend and they came to our ward movie night after!!! So good. I love them to death. We don't have the 'regulars' anymore. They aren't in contact. We will keep trying and see what happens. I think Eric Brader has been in hospital or something crazy.

Oh... i guess it would be cool to tell you that i sang again in church because I thought I would be leaving. I sang Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing with Elder Grondel. And, my Alvin bestfriend/grandma, Sis Holbrook, played piano. She got sad about transfers but will be happy I'm staying. You will have to meet her.She is super cool. She really is amazing and so good to us. We sounded awesome I thought and apparently everyone liked it. I got emotional like halfway through and could hardly sing!! It was so sweet. Powerful powerful song. Look it up. Its all about consecrating our hearts to the Savior.

Turns out ill be having Halloween and Thanksgiving here. Probably be spending both with the Tylers and Bishop. So that'll be awesome. Looooovvveeee Alvin. Just like the Moab quote... " My heart cries out for Alvin"  Such a unique town and I know so much about it now! You will love seeing it. We had a very good week. Great progress with certain people and even got to find some new investigators, I'll keep you posted. Oh, its super funny, both my companion and I have been feeling like all lovey dovey in a brother and sister way.  So every time we talk to people,  we just want to hug them haha. I was worried about it and then he brought up that he felt that way and I was like dang!! me too. So I guess it just means were comfortable here and people are awesome.

Love you,
Pantz

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing by Elder Deans and Elder Grondel

Alvin Texas, Week 55: October 5, 2015 - October 11, 2015

Monday, October 12, 2015
Im doing great!! We had a miraculous week. People WANT the gospel all of a sudden. We are blessed. Tons of people to keep track of as well. We had 9 investigators in church!!! New mission record for me!! It was all because of two awesome families. So... if you remember a while ago, I talked about a golden family that we taught on P-day right before emailing. Then later we weren't able to teach them anymore. Well.. we just texted the mom, Angela this week and apparently we texted just at the right time. She said their family was going through way hard times. She talked to us on the phone quite a bit. We eventually went over and talked to her and gave her a blessing. She has a best friend from another ward close by that has been helping her and us this whole week. We got to teach her and the whole family again on Saturday. We had dinner and then taught the big crew about the Plan of Salvation, went awesome!!! They want the church in their life. They see this trial and us responding as a sign they gotta get on board and get baptized!! We also gave the daughter Kirsten a blessing that night too. They came to church the next morning 25 mins early, haha. They are sooo awesome. They had a good time and liked fast and testimony meeting.

We also had Shannon and Ronnie, a cool couple, come to church after a good lesson and they brought their kids too. Elder Glover sat by them and I was by the Tyler fam. But, I think both families had a great week. Both will be ready for more lessons and church again they say. We have been blessed incredibly lately. The work is heating up quick and we feel like God trusts us more.

I also got to go on an exchange with a new elder to the Spanish area, that was awesome. Spoke a lot of Spanish, some good and some not so good. But hey, I learned a ton!!! They said I did a good job and I felt like it. I can pray in spanish now and I'm somewhat conversational. Elder Glover and I will probably be together another transfer here. Transfers will be figured out next week. We dont know yet.Will let you know. .

That is so awesome to hear about the Utes!!! They make me proud. They are killer. I've been hearing a lot about the Astros, yes. They are good too. Nice to hear about the ward. That is way weird that I'm next in the ward to give a homecoming talk, haha. I am enjoying things over here for sure. Don't worry. Not too stressed. I'm doing swell. Thanks for everything!!!

Love ya tons,
Janz, Elder Pantz

　




　

　

　

　


　

　

Alvin Texas, Week 54: September 28, 20215 - October 4, 2015

Monday, October 5, 2016

This week was fantastic!!!!! Obviously we had conference which was a highlight. That was a way good conference. Gotta love the prophet and apostles. I cried when Elder Holland talked about mommas, that was bomb. I miss you. But we even had Eric B. come and see some of conference with us at the church. That was a miracle. Conference wasn't the same huh? ha ha Hopefully it was still good even without me on there. We had Eric B. come to see conference

The zone is doing a lot better. The elders are doing lots better and they had a pretty hard working week. So, my duties did calm down this week a lot. I wasn't preoccupied whatsoever. Just the usual few calls and reporting and accounting at the end of days and last night. It was a blessing to not worry about the zone this week. We just had a good 'ol time and worked here and focused here.

We got to do some sweet service for an old guy that bishop here knows. We went out to his place and helped him plant
into his patch out back. Felt like a farmer. We did like hundreds of cauliflower plants and spinach. The old guy was hilarious. We also showed his wife how she can watch conference since she likes the MOTAB.

Actually another cool zone leader thing we got to do was interview a whole family for baptism. I got to interview the mom and
her teenage son. That was an amazing experience. I absolutely love doing those interviews. I just love people!!! It was so good to see them want to come unto Christ through baptism and want to join his church so bad. I heard the baptism went awesome as well. Unfortunately I couldnt make it.

So theres nothing really too exciting with our investigators right now. We're trying to get new ones. None of
them are really on fire like some of them have been. But it will be okay. We did some finding and we also worked with the ward through members and less actives this week. Something that i didnt realize, because ya'll are so awesome, is that some parents just don't care and don't email their missionaries that much. soo.... thank you for all you do and the couriosity.

The weather is also cooling here!!! I bet it gets chilly at night there. I actually broke out my sweatshirt the other day haha. Iit was chilly when we got back from a farm doing service. I'm such a baby now. I think I will be out of here with transfers, yes. I have a weird feeling I'm going back up to Houston, its scary. Transfers will be in a week in a half. Seems like I needa move on as well. My companion needs to learn this town and love these people more, but he's doing great. Thanks for everything you do, honestly.

　

Love you tons,
Elder Deansy


　
　
　

　

Alvin Texas, Week 53: September 23, 2015 - September 27, 2015

Monday, Seotember 28, 2015
So this week was better!!! But it was also harder in different ways. Some highlights of the greatness were that we got to see Jenny again. She's a pretty good investigator and we hadn't seen her in like a week. We had a way cool lesson after hearing that she had a miscarriage. We talked about the plan of salvation and how her family will be strong and blessed for dealing with that trial. She really likes me, haha. She keeps asking me to pray and says she loves what I say. She hasn't come to church yet, but we're working on it. We got to see Eric B. As usual, nothing new for him. He's good though. We are making progress with a couple named Dwayne and Jade. They are two young kids that go to the college nearby. They are way sweet. They love the Book of Mormon and they almost came to our church tour.

We also had a super cool service oppurtunity this week. We worked at Forgotten Angels. It's a place where they take care of people with mental disabilities. We helped them work on their back lot and garden. A few other guys and I almost built a whole shed for them. Gotta give thanks to you Pops for always making me work with tools and do projects at the house. It was awesome. We got to work along side with some of the handicapped people staying there.They were adorable. Gave them hugs as we left.

But now for the scary and enduring part of the week. This week was also hard because I was stressed in the beginning, We have some really disobedient elders that we and President are working with, we're almost baby sitting. And we had a good elder start running away late at night this week. sooooo... zone leader life is great hahaha. It's fine though. We learn tons and grow from all this. I actually cried a bit this week with Elder Glover after the elder ran away and we all made it home safe. I was just so relieved. Missions are critical for our people we help, but also so much for US. I prayed my heart out that night and we felt better. The church is true! But, things are A-okay now. President is helping a lot and is very informed. We just have a hard time focusing on our area when the zone needs so many things and we have to be on the phone all day solving things, supporting people and blah blah blah. But its fine! Just how it has to go. Another chapter of my life haha.

Thats funny people think I've been out less than a year. I can see where they're coming from. It depends on my mood how long it feels like i've been out. For the most part, it feels like 6 to 7 months. But if things are rough, it feels like 2 years already haha. Oh the Astros game was superb. They lost, but it was crazy that we were missionaries and hanging out at an MLB game, felt wonky. Things are great. Working hard and being safe. Comp is doing good too.

Love you!

Janz