Sunday, December 25, 2011
email 12-25-11
so a lot has happened this week. we saw a car wreck, Vernon got the priesthood, i rebuked an apostasizing member couple (they tried to Anti us and we bore down in pure testimony against them so they kicked us out of their house, the bishopric commended us for defending the prophet and the church) i saw Brother Freeman yesterday at "why I Believe" its a fireside for RC's and Gators and members. but he is going to come down to connersville and spend Christmas with elder morty and I. so it should be fun. he also shared his conversion story @ why i believe and then because he mentioned me, president beamer, the old branch president from elwood and now member of the stake presidency asked me to bear my testimony too. Brother Freeman said he is going to pick me up in the morning on my last Preparation day and take me to Lebanon so i can see some people and then take me to the mission home. he also is going to be traveling to utah for his work a lot this comming year so we are going to kick it together sometime this year. Vernon shared his conversion story at Why I Believe too. it was awesome. VERNON LOVES THOSE SCRIPTURES BY THE WAY!!!! thanks for those cds too. anywho. christmas conference is this week so it should be fun. i guess i'll talk to you this sunday. i love you guys!!
elder swanson
have a englidh/portugese christmas poem from elder dearduff.
"The Noche Before Christmas"
Twas the noche before Christmas and all through the casa, Not a creature was stirring - Caramba! Que pasa?
Los ninos were tucked away in their camas, Some in long underwear, some in pajamas.
While hanging their stockings with mucho cuidado, In hope that old Santa would feel obligado To bring all children, both buenos and malos, A nice batch of dulces and other regalos.
Outside in the yard there arose such a grito That I jumped to my feet like a frightened cabrito.
I ran to the window and looked out afuera, And who in the world do you think that it era?
Saint Nick in a sleigh and a big red sombrero Came dashing along like a crazy bombero.
And pulling his sleigh instead of venados Were eight little burros approaching volados.
I watched as they came and this quaint little hombre Was shouting and whistling and calling by nombre:
"Ay Pancho, ay Pepe, ay Cuco, ay Beto,
Ay Chato, ay Chopo, Macuco, y Nieto!"
Then standing erect with his hands on his pecho He flew to the top of our own techo.
With his round little belly like a bowl of jalea, He struggled to squeeze down our old chiminea, Then huffing and puffing at last in our sala, With soot smeared all over his red suit de gala, He
filled all the stockings with lovely regalos
- For none of the ninos had been very malos.
Then chuckling aloud, seemed very contento, He turned in a flash and was gone like the viento.
And I heard him exclaim, and this is verdad, "Merry Christmas to all, and Feliz Navidad!"
elder swanson
have a englidh/portugese christmas poem from elder dearduff.
"The Noche Before Christmas"
Twas the noche before Christmas and all through the casa, Not a creature was stirring - Caramba! Que pasa?
Los ninos were tucked away in their camas, Some in long underwear, some in pajamas.
While hanging their stockings with mucho cuidado, In hope that old Santa would feel obligado To bring all children, both buenos and malos, A nice batch of dulces and other regalos.
Outside in the yard there arose such a grito That I jumped to my feet like a frightened cabrito.
I ran to the window and looked out afuera, And who in the world do you think that it era?
Saint Nick in a sleigh and a big red sombrero Came dashing along like a crazy bombero.
And pulling his sleigh instead of venados Were eight little burros approaching volados.
I watched as they came and this quaint little hombre Was shouting and whistling and calling by nombre:
"Ay Pancho, ay Pepe, ay Cuco, ay Beto,
Ay Chato, ay Chopo, Macuco, y Nieto!"
Then standing erect with his hands on his pecho He flew to the top of our own techo.
With his round little belly like a bowl of jalea, He struggled to squeeze down our old chiminea, Then huffing and puffing at last in our sala, With soot smeared all over his red suit de gala, He
filled all the stockings with lovely regalos
- For none of the ninos had been very malos.
Then chuckling aloud, seemed very contento, He turned in a flash and was gone like the viento.
And I heard him exclaim, and this is verdad, "Merry Christmas to all, and Feliz Navidad!"
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Email 12-5-11
This week has been pretty good. we had 9 lessons this week and had 13 cancel...... dad gum......... anyway its raining here lately and its december only one snow storm that lasted about 12 hours but its all gone now. well crap monkeys. the mission office just called. i didnt answer because i think they want to set up my funeral arrangements. dang..... well the work goes well here in connertucky, we had a few investigators at church so that was good.
OH MAN!!!! the new bible videos are SIC!!!!! the christmas devotional last night was spectacular. bravo to the church movie makers.
anyway expect a christmas card soon. i love you all bunches!!!!!
elder swanson
OH MAN!!!! the new bible videos are SIC!!!!! the christmas devotional last night was spectacular. bravo to the church movie makers.
anyway expect a christmas card soon. i love you all bunches!!!!!
elder swanson
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Email 11-28-11
well long story average length. this week was pretty darn good. thanksgiving was really good. we ate some deer with the gulleys and then some turkey and ham up in new castle with the woods and the nunnerys. it was a blast. i cannot believe how fast time flys. im really feeling it lately, sister parker (in the mission office) said she was going to call me in 2 weeks or so to arrange my funeral and make sure i get my departure from this life all squared away. :( not cool.
so in response to your weather it has been 40-60 degrees and rainy here which is crazy because this time last year it was snowing! not a whole lot is different. we had a sweet lesson with vernon lykins this week. i'll send some snippets from another letter to you. (i dont want to write it out twice) but it was amazing and we had a visitor from beyond the veil at the end of the lesson. i've never felt like that before. we didnt see anything but you could tell the said person was there. i'll explain more through a letter. can you believe its already christmas? thats crazy. holy cow(only in india)
so life is going well. i've realized however that i have not been spending enough time in the book of mormon. so im going to be stepping up m reading.
my comp was sick yesterday so we played about 6 or 7 games of chess, read a ton of scriptures, he threw up about 5 times, and we played battleship, missed church (sister collins said we shouldnt go and get everyone else sick), and sister johnson brought us ice cream and the most amazing chcken noodle soup ever, the we planned our p-day and planned some lesson for tonight, and then we played another game of chess and the went to bed..............
things are looking up around here, even though i get discouraged sometimes. but satan sucks, and the work will go on. one of the reasons i know this is that 52,000 19-26 year old could not do this work unless it were true.
gordon b hinckley said something to that effect during his interview with mike wallace on 60 minutes. wallace asked how does it work? hinckley said it shouldn't! but it does.
anyway let me know if you need me to pray for anything specific.
LOVE YOU!!!!
elder swanson
so in response to your weather it has been 40-60 degrees and rainy here which is crazy because this time last year it was snowing! not a whole lot is different. we had a sweet lesson with vernon lykins this week. i'll send some snippets from another letter to you. (i dont want to write it out twice) but it was amazing and we had a visitor from beyond the veil at the end of the lesson. i've never felt like that before. we didnt see anything but you could tell the said person was there. i'll explain more through a letter. can you believe its already christmas? thats crazy. holy cow(only in india)
so life is going well. i've realized however that i have not been spending enough time in the book of mormon. so im going to be stepping up m reading.
my comp was sick yesterday so we played about 6 or 7 games of chess, read a ton of scriptures, he threw up about 5 times, and we played battleship, missed church (sister collins said we shouldnt go and get everyone else sick), and sister johnson brought us ice cream and the most amazing chcken noodle soup ever, the we planned our p-day and planned some lesson for tonight, and then we played another game of chess and the went to bed..............
things are looking up around here, even though i get discouraged sometimes. but satan sucks, and the work will go on. one of the reasons i know this is that 52,000 19-26 year old could not do this work unless it were true.
gordon b hinckley said something to that effect during his interview with mike wallace on 60 minutes. wallace asked how does it work? hinckley said it shouldn't! but it does.
anyway let me know if you need me to pray for anything specific.
LOVE YOU!!!!
elder swanson
Monday, November 14, 2011
Email 11-14-11
this week has been super!! we have been teaching about 10 lessons a week here in connersville. but we have 12 lessons set up for monday tuesday and wednesday. its going to be a crazy week. life is going great for me here. the area really is doing well. one of my other buddies just entered the empty sea this week. josh butler, i dont know if you remember him or not. he and kelci and karly and i went to a parachute/safetysuit concert together. anyway long story short my week has been great. you can check out my mormon.org profile if you want its online now. i have been checking out the ogden temple webcam on p-days while i email. its looking pretty bare as of late. i cant wait till its done. hopefully all goes well this week for you guys. i need to jet but i LOVE YOU!!!!
elder mark swanson
elder mark swanson
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
11-7-11
so all is going great in connerville. my new comp is elder jonathan mortensen from sandy utah. we are having a great transfer so far. investigators are coming out of no where lately. just yesterday we set up 4 return appointments. and we have 8 or so lesson already set for this week. things are going great. we have been teaching a lot lately which has helped elder morty and i to teach well together. so we have zone conference this wednesday which should be cool. and then i am feeling the force telling me i am going to be getting my funeral arrangements(flight plans) soon. uugggghhhhhh. gross. you usually get them 4 months before you die.(die as to things partaining full time missionary work) no one is going to be there when i get home. it will be weird.
love elder swanson
love elder swanson
10-31-11 email
hmm well transfer calls were this morning. elder mayfield is getting transfered and i am getting a brand spanking new car to drive in connertucky!!! i hope it will be a good transfer. we are most definetly going to bubs after transfers, i love that place.
. i really learned a lot this transfer. my companion was fantastic, we had a ton of fun.
i still suck at budgeting. i just dont ask for money anymore. i live with what i have. i guess that kind of a good life skill. and i've decided im not playing video games anymore or watching a ton of tv. i want to actually live my life.
other than this.... not much to report. we are teaching consistently and all of our gators are progressing nicely.
LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!
. i really learned a lot this transfer. my companion was fantastic, we had a ton of fun.
i still suck at budgeting. i just dont ask for money anymore. i live with what i have. i guess that kind of a good life skill. and i've decided im not playing video games anymore or watching a ton of tv. i want to actually live my life.
other than this.... not much to report. we are teaching consistently and all of our gators are progressing nicely.
LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!
The Missionary Ten Commandments!
The Missionary Ten Commandments!
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me; send all of thy Pok'e'mon, Yugi'oh, Magic: The Gathering, or any other cards home.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven images of the assistants, nor of any person in the mission leadership, whether now, nor in the past, neither shalt thou aspire to leadership. Thou shalt not follow blindly the apostate traditions of your fathers, that they should not be passed down to the third and fourth generations.
3. Thou shalt not call elders or sisters by nicknames, their first names, or by their surnames alone, but by Elder or Sister and their surnames. For the mission president will not hold him guiltless in the final interview who calls other missionaries by thier first name.
4. Remember Preparation Day to do thy laundry and thy shopping. Six days shalt thou proselyte and do all thy service, but the preparation day is set forth by your mission president for these things. Rememver also to look for opportunities throughout the day to find people to teach, but thou shalt teach them in the other six days, for in six days shalt thou set and keep all of thy appointments.
5. Honour thy father and thy mother, and write them weekly that thy packages may be large and arrive often.
6. Thou shalt not kill the beasts of the field with thy vehicles, neither shalt thou wield firearms of any kind.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery; lock thine heart and send the key home.
8. Thou shalt not steal thy companion's food.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy companion in thy president's letters; neither shalt thou include negative or offensive comments about the areas in which thou dost serve in thy emails home.
10. Thou shalt not covet thy companions ties; thou shalt not covet thy companions shoes, nor their camera, nor their packages, nor their girlfriend/boyfriend, nor their bicycle, nor any thing that is thy companion's.
Heed these commandments and keep them well!
By: Elder Buchanan
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me; send all of thy Pok'e'mon, Yugi'oh, Magic: The Gathering, or any other cards home.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven images of the assistants, nor of any person in the mission leadership, whether now, nor in the past, neither shalt thou aspire to leadership. Thou shalt not follow blindly the apostate traditions of your fathers, that they should not be passed down to the third and fourth generations.
3. Thou shalt not call elders or sisters by nicknames, their first names, or by their surnames alone, but by Elder or Sister and their surnames. For the mission president will not hold him guiltless in the final interview who calls other missionaries by thier first name.
4. Remember Preparation Day to do thy laundry and thy shopping. Six days shalt thou proselyte and do all thy service, but the preparation day is set forth by your mission president for these things. Rememver also to look for opportunities throughout the day to find people to teach, but thou shalt teach them in the other six days, for in six days shalt thou set and keep all of thy appointments.
5. Honour thy father and thy mother, and write them weekly that thy packages may be large and arrive often.
6. Thou shalt not kill the beasts of the field with thy vehicles, neither shalt thou wield firearms of any kind.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery; lock thine heart and send the key home.
8. Thou shalt not steal thy companion's food.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy companion in thy president's letters; neither shalt thou include negative or offensive comments about the areas in which thou dost serve in thy emails home.
10. Thou shalt not covet thy companions ties; thou shalt not covet thy companions shoes, nor their camera, nor their packages, nor their girlfriend/boyfriend, nor their bicycle, nor any thing that is thy companion's.
Heed these commandments and keep them well!
By: Elder Buchanan
Monday, October 10, 2011
email for 10-10-11
so lotsa things happened this week. we had a surprise baptism yesterday. some people from noblesville came to our building to do the baptism. i have been thoroughly blessed this week. things are going great here. hmmm im going to make spicy cheeseburger soup today!!!!! YUMMM!!!!!!! and other than that all is well in connertucky.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Email for 10-3-11
this week has been grand. im finally getting back into the swing of things. my spirits ahve been lifted and my soul is refreshed. so this weeks epic lesson was with vernon lykins. we started to teach about the gospel of jesus christ, but the lesson got off topic. vernon described his past 5 years "i was cursing god, telling him to show me his power and smite me, spending all my time in anger, calling him out, telling him he was a fool. and then i've only had this one feeling of peace last week. one feeling, for 5 years worth of loss, hatred and anger." we said vernon do you want peace? yes, he said. then elder wilson asked vernon do you believe that god is our father? yes he says. vernon do you believe that jesus christ is the son of god? yes he said. vernon will you be baptized...... blah blah blah the whole baptism shpeal........ and take upon you the yoke of christ that you can have that rest?..........................................his voice cracks as he says yes. i really do.
this week has been fantastic. not much else to say. you'll have to read my journal when i get home, im getting better at writing daily.
anyway thank you so much for praying for me! it has helped. i love you guys!!!!
this week has been fantastic. not much else to say. you'll have to read my journal when i get home, im getting better at writing daily.
anyway thank you so much for praying for me! it has helped. i love you guys!!!!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Email 8-1-11
so updates on some trips im going to be taking soon. so Terry Stovall died yesterday. she was a 50-60 year old lady that elder buchanan and i were very close too.(in lafayette second) so her funeral is this week sometime and president collins has given us permission to travel to it. she had cancer for quite some time and it finally got her. its alright though because she and her husband were sealed in the chicago temple a month ago. so now the goal is to help brother stovall get through this.
another trip is going to be for Jacob Ross and Ashley Pollards wedding - here in 3 weeks. he is a recent convert and a good friend of elder worden and i. so the wedding should be fun.
and last but not least. my dear grandma millie is working on getting to the temple. her baptism was a year ago august 28th i think. so president collins has also given the go ahead for me and elder empay to go to the chicago temple with her when she goes. IM SOOOO STOKED!!!!!! its been forever since i've been to the temple. im excited we get to accompany her there.
anyway. not really much happening here. time is flying. i hope you are all doing well!!! love you!!
elder swanson
another trip is going to be for Jacob Ross and Ashley Pollards wedding - here in 3 weeks. he is a recent convert and a good friend of elder worden and i. so the wedding should be fun.
and last but not least. my dear grandma millie is working on getting to the temple. her baptism was a year ago august 28th i think. so president collins has also given the go ahead for me and elder empay to go to the chicago temple with her when she goes. IM SOOOO STOKED!!!!!! its been forever since i've been to the temple. im excited we get to accompany her there.
anyway. not really much happening here. time is flying. i hope you are all doing well!!! love you!!
elder swanson
Monday, July 25, 2011
7-25-11 Email
elder downs and i are loving this area. we have some great investigators. im finally learning how to have an open conversation with the spirit. and i must say it is fantastic. i love this gospel.
as for updates about me....... hmmm....... not really much to say. besides i am doing well. you could tell everyone that a letter would be nice. i only get letters from one person. and they are fantastic letters. but no one else has written me in a while.
tell everyone i love them and to go give somone a freakin book of mormon dangit!! wow...... i should use the back space but i wont.
missionary work as of august 10th is being overhauled. the new program they implemented here will now be fully implemented and is going to require the members to do missionary work. not just hand out pass along cards or give somebody a dvd. but to actually step forward and invite people to meet with the elders. 5 from elders quorom, 5 from relief society, 5 from high priests, 5 from young mens, and 5 from young womens. it also says the elders should be teaching 20 lessons a week minimum. boy would that be nice.
the branch here is doing excellent at implementing the program. its all relatively new but they are getting in the swing of things. i love this branch. this is probably my favorite area in the entire mission. anyways im going to run. have fun talking in church and i'll write again on monday!!!
elder swanson
as for updates about me....... hmmm....... not really much to say. besides i am doing well. you could tell everyone that a letter would be nice. i only get letters from one person. and they are fantastic letters. but no one else has written me in a while.
tell everyone i love them and to go give somone a freakin book of mormon dangit!! wow...... i should use the back space but i wont.
missionary work as of august 10th is being overhauled. the new program they implemented here will now be fully implemented and is going to require the members to do missionary work. not just hand out pass along cards or give somebody a dvd. but to actually step forward and invite people to meet with the elders. 5 from elders quorom, 5 from relief society, 5 from high priests, 5 from young mens, and 5 from young womens. it also says the elders should be teaching 20 lessons a week minimum. boy would that be nice.
the branch here is doing excellent at implementing the program. its all relatively new but they are getting in the swing of things. i love this branch. this is probably my favorite area in the entire mission. anyways im going to run. have fun talking in church and i'll write again on monday!!!
elder swanson
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
News for 7-18-11
Mark accidentally washed a RED pen with his white load in the morning and had to spend the rest of the day getting the stains out. Some wonderful person helped him not only get the pen out, but his whites have never been whiter. :)
From his letter: the work is going well. i love this area. we met with the salvitiis last night(sister salvitii is like my mom out here) we are pretty close. she is probably one of the people i will love forever from indiana. i love this place. its rather small but i could live here.
tell phil to taze some people for me.
elder downs and i were talking yesterday and we think we received some revelation as to what was going to happen next transfer. if it comes true. pray for me please. im not the best example of a loving person when it comes down to some things, but im going to have to start. if our predictions come true.
again i wasnt trying to offend anyone with my opinions but as you all know, i've always been open about my opinions. anyway have a good week.
love
elder swanson
From his letter: the work is going well. i love this area. we met with the salvitiis last night(sister salvitii is like my mom out here) we are pretty close. she is probably one of the people i will love forever from indiana. i love this place. its rather small but i could live here.
tell phil to taze some people for me.
elder downs and i were talking yesterday and we think we received some revelation as to what was going to happen next transfer. if it comes true. pray for me please. im not the best example of a loving person when it comes down to some things, but im going to have to start. if our predictions come true.
again i wasnt trying to offend anyone with my opinions but as you all know, i've always been open about my opinions. anyway have a good week.
love
elder swanson
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Email 7-5-11 Back in Lebanon - one year later.
hmmm. so yesterday was super fun. we spent all day with the salvitti family the milakovic family and the snyder family. it was a blast.
so we just had district meeting that was sweet. tons of revelation flowing. something interesting though is your comment on with blessings come demands. i feel 10 times more mature and prepared to help the branch out than last year. everyone keeps telling me im quiet compared to what i used to be. im pretty excited to be working here again. the work is already going super well. we talked to a guy named wes the other day, we were walking and almost just passed him and his family when the spirit turned us around and we went and talked to him. his dad just died 2 months ago and he is feeling really lost. we talked a bit about the plan of salvation and eternal families with him and he invited us over on thursday of this week to sit down and teach more about it. we also found another 2 solid potential investigators that day. is it not amazing to see how the lord prepares us? im so glad i came on a mission. it has helped me get my priorities in line and also helped me grow up finally. i love this gospel. there is so much power in prayer and through scripture study. hmmm. anyway not much else to report but have a super week!!!! love you guys!!!!
Elder Swanson
so we just had district meeting that was sweet. tons of revelation flowing. something interesting though is your comment on with blessings come demands. i feel 10 times more mature and prepared to help the branch out than last year. everyone keeps telling me im quiet compared to what i used to be. im pretty excited to be working here again. the work is already going super well. we talked to a guy named wes the other day, we were walking and almost just passed him and his family when the spirit turned us around and we went and talked to him. his dad just died 2 months ago and he is feeling really lost. we talked a bit about the plan of salvation and eternal families with him and he invited us over on thursday of this week to sit down and teach more about it. we also found another 2 solid potential investigators that day. is it not amazing to see how the lord prepares us? im so glad i came on a mission. it has helped me get my priorities in line and also helped me grow up finally. i love this gospel. there is so much power in prayer and through scripture study. hmmm. anyway not much else to report but have a super week!!!! love you guys!!!!
Elder Swanson
Monday, June 27, 2011
Email 6-27-11
I got a call this morning and im leaving lafayette. transfers are on wednesday. hmmm i dont really know how i feel yet. being transfered is going to be weird. all is well in the area. president collins said i'll like my new area, hmmm i have a ton of pictures to send home today so get ready to get a ton of emails..... not really much else besides WERE GOING TO BUBS ON WEDNESDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!!! (its the home of the big ugly burger) its sweet!!!! anyway i'll get on those photos now. have a super week!!!!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Email 6-20-11
This week has been good. pretty stressful, some issues are happening in our district, but they will all get better after we pizza hut buffet it up today and after bro evans lets us explore the attic in the new building. and we tear up the new hard wood floor there too. today is going to be fun!!!! anyway love you mom and family!!!!!!
Elder Swanson
Elder Swanson
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Email 6-13-11
so we have a baptism coming up! i guy named Kurtis Weare (weer). his wife and whole in law family are in our ward and the Lord has Super softened his heart. he knows its all true and he is going to be baptised on June 25th!!! yay!!! holy crap then on the 29th the mayor is getting baptised............... nah just kidding.... that would be cool though. anyway the 29th is transfers and we are getting 22 gnu greenies from what i've heard. that mean every companionship in the mission will change.. we need 4 gnu zone leaders, so that means at least 4 gnu district leaders, 22 trainers a bajillion gnu senior companions and its crazy!!!!!! its going to be fun to see everyone.
oh hey..... a member family in lafayette..... the Luke family. is going to be taking a trip out to north ogden, because sister luke grew up there. and they asked if we need to send anything so the are going to be out there around late this week early next week and im sending some stuff with them. lots of random stuff i dont want to throw away. i gave them your phone number so they can call and set up a time to drop it off. the are a fun family!!!
alrighty i think thats it.... not much else going on. except im missing some pictures............. love you guys! have a super week!!!!!!
elder swanson
there is a funny commercial from canada that pokes fun at missionaries.
its for MR SUB (like a canadian subway.) and these missionaries knock on this ladies door and she is eating a mr sub sandwich. one missionary starts explain that they are out Canvasing her neighborhood, and trying to converts people from other faiths and goes on this totally scripted door approach..... while the other missionary is just staring at her sandwich..... then the quiet missionary grabs her sandwich and runs away into the woods.... prays over the sandwich and eats it with a big smile..... then the comercial says........ MR SUB.... SO GOOD... ITS MAKES GOOD PEOPLE, DO BAD THINGS.
oh hey..... a member family in lafayette..... the Luke family. is going to be taking a trip out to north ogden, because sister luke grew up there. and they asked if we need to send anything so the are going to be out there around late this week early next week and im sending some stuff with them. lots of random stuff i dont want to throw away. i gave them your phone number so they can call and set up a time to drop it off. the are a fun family!!!
alrighty i think thats it.... not much else going on. except im missing some pictures............. love you guys! have a super week!!!!!!
elder swanson
there is a funny commercial from canada that pokes fun at missionaries.
its for MR SUB (like a canadian subway.) and these missionaries knock on this ladies door and she is eating a mr sub sandwich. one missionary starts explain that they are out Canvasing her neighborhood, and trying to converts people from other faiths and goes on this totally scripted door approach..... while the other missionary is just staring at her sandwich..... then the quiet missionary grabs her sandwich and runs away into the woods.... prays over the sandwich and eats it with a big smile..... then the comercial says........ MR SUB.... SO GOOD... ITS MAKES GOOD PEOPLE, DO BAD THINGS.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Fun with Mark at Phillip's Wedding 5-14-11
No respect from Uncle Jon, Aunt Kirsi, & cousin Kristin.
Kisses from Auntie Jenny & Auntie Jill
Head & shoulders above us.
"He's not heavy, he's my brother."
"I've got you now!"
Email 5-31-11
everything is good for the most part. we have a baptism coming up on the 18th with a guy named curtis. his wife and all his in laws are members and their example finally paid off so all we have to do is teach him all the lessons in 3 weeks. district leadering is interesting because i dont think im a leader type but its been fun! i found out recently.... well let me start at the beggining. so whenever i used to talk to muslim people i never knew where to start because of the whole if the convert they die or jesus was only a prophet thing. but i did some research and The Muslim people here in Lafayette are amazed that we claim that another prophet is on the earth. the 3 Great Prophets are Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed but when we say there is another they get all wide eyed and excited and get pretty interested. i've found they are really big on missionary work and this whole BS that the news is portraying them as violent crazy extremists apply to about less than 5% of them. its pretty sweet. i love them a lot!! thank you dad for doing all that firefighting paramedic research/networking for me!! im pretty excited!!! so elder farmer and i are doing well. i played handyman on our house the other week and he thought it was funny, but i love doing random little odd jobby things!! its fun because you dont really have to think, its just good old manual labor!!
Love you all and i hope you have a super week!!!!
Love
Elder Swanson
Love you all and i hope you have a super week!!!!
Love
Elder Swanson
Friday, May 6, 2011
Email 4-18-11 Happy Easter!
ahem ahem...... HAPPY EASTER EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!! everything is going well here in lafayette. I FLIPPING LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! anyway we had some good meetings this week. 6 hours of churchy did not kill me, and we have a ton of appointments for this week. even one during the middle of p day today @ 4 o clock. so my life is going well. things are looking up. the wards here are super awesome! umm studies are good. not really sure what else to say. hope everyone is doing great!!!
Love,
Elder Swanson
Love,
Elder Swanson
Monday, April 11, 2011
4-11-11
IM BACK IN LAFAYETTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so anywho yes im now in the lafayette 1st and 3rd ward with elder farmer... boiler up hammer down...... i love this city!!!!!! i saw all of the 2nd ward members yesterday so it was really cool!!!! we both freaked out when president called our names and told us we were going there. it was INSANE!!!!!!! holy cow. anyway so bloomington helped me grow up a lot. i feel at least a little more mature than i did before. but as you all know i'll never grow up.. oh man so Bishop Munguia is the first ward bishop and he likes Dreamtheater JUST LIKE I DO!!!!!! (its a band) but we ate dinner with him last night. and not really much happened this week but all is going super good!!!! my new address is 1717 Monon Ave lafayette, in 47904 sorry about the snow. we had 82 degrees yesterday with light rain. it was nice. anyway love you guys a lot!!! thank you for your love and support!!! elder swanson
Monday, March 21, 2011
Email 3-21-11
This week has been a bit better. we have a few new investigators. my calves are killing me!!!!!!!!!! we did so much biking this week. so anyway umm. not to much going on i guess. i need to fix my bike. my gear shifter broke. so if you could forward me some money. we have to use personal funds to fix our bikes. i dont know how much it will cost but send me however much you think i'll need.
im still a BOILERMAKER!!!!!!!! the hoosiers can all take a hike. they are to stupid for my taste.
elder robertson and i almost got stampeded down by a herd of deer as we were tracting yesterday. it was crazy. things are going better though. anywho Love you guys!!!! the church is true. the gospel is legit. and if you dont like it well, umm, pray about it!!! and dont be dumb.
Elder Swanson
im still a BOILERMAKER!!!!!!!! the hoosiers can all take a hike. they are to stupid for my taste.
elder robertson and i almost got stampeded down by a herd of deer as we were tracting yesterday. it was crazy. things are going better though. anywho Love you guys!!!! the church is true. the gospel is legit. and if you dont like it well, umm, pray about it!!! and dont be dumb.
Elder Swanson
Monday, March 7, 2011
3-7-11
Mark is busy this week and didn't have time to write more than Love to All. He did send a few pictures of his new companion Elder Robertson. He celebrated his 1st anniversary on the 3rd. Yipee!! WE sent him a hump day package.
I spoke with his mission pres. - Pres. Collins today and he went on and on about what a powerful missionary Mark is and how much he loves him. I'm grateful.
Thanks to all for your prayers and support. He needs it.
:) The mom
I spoke with his mission pres. - Pres. Collins today and he went on and on about what a powerful missionary Mark is and how much he loves him. I'm grateful.
Thanks to all for your prayers and support. He needs it.
:) The mom
Monday, February 28, 2011
2-28-11
my new address is
2305 E. 2nd St Apt. B1,
Bloomington, IN 47401
im now in Bloomington area which is home of Purdues biggest enemy......... the IU hoosiers..... BOOOO!!!!!!!!! BOILER UP HAMMER DOWN!!!!!! HOOSIER DADDY IU?!?!?!?! wow burst of emotion.
Not much to report. everything is going great. we have a few gators here but not many. one is gay, another is studying arabic so he can work for the government, and the others wife used to be a member. so good all in all. OH MAN!!!!!! WE HAVE A PLACE WE ARE GOING TO LUNCH TODAY CALLED CHEESEBURGER PARADISE!!!!!!!!!!! DOESNT THAT SOUND SO AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!!!!!
so we cover the university ward. um everyone here is a crazy, liberal, tree hugging, homosexual. all in all its a very free spirited place. glen beck would have a hay day if he ever came here. gosh i wish this place had even a semi conservative dictator. hehe
so my news comps name is elder robertson. he is from oregon.... milwaukee oregon. he a super fun elder we are having a blast already. um nothing else new but we are going to go play some pool after we shop and eat. but nothing else. LOVE YA!!!!!!
Elder Swanson
2305 E. 2nd St Apt. B1,
Bloomington, IN 47401
im now in Bloomington area which is home of Purdues biggest enemy......... the IU hoosiers..... BOOOO!!!!!!!!! BOILER UP HAMMER DOWN!!!!!! HOOSIER DADDY IU?!?!?!?! wow burst of emotion.
Not much to report. everything is going great. we have a few gators here but not many. one is gay, another is studying arabic so he can work for the government, and the others wife used to be a member. so good all in all. OH MAN!!!!!! WE HAVE A PLACE WE ARE GOING TO LUNCH TODAY CALLED CHEESEBURGER PARADISE!!!!!!!!!!! DOESNT THAT SOUND SO AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!!!!!
so we cover the university ward. um everyone here is a crazy, liberal, tree hugging, homosexual. all in all its a very free spirited place. glen beck would have a hay day if he ever came here. gosh i wish this place had even a semi conservative dictator. hehe
so my news comps name is elder robertson. he is from oregon.... milwaukee oregon. he a super fun elder we are having a blast already. um nothing else new but we are going to go play some pool after we shop and eat. but nothing else. LOVE YA!!!!!!
Elder Swanson
2-22-11
ay mame!!! i being transfered ja!!!!!! and me year mark be comin up to ja!! i be wondering if you coud sen me out some goods? ita help me very much.
anywho. im leaving west lafayette. my work is complete here. Jacob Ross is being baptised on February 26th and Robert Mcmath is finally coming to church. my sty here has been great. i'll miss it when im gone.
so really quick i need you to pray for Millie Minor. she was like my grandmother in Lebanon. she went in for a small surgery but the IDIOT doctor nicked her spleen with his stupid scalpel and they had to remove it quickly and now she is in the ICU. please pray for her. she means so much to me, i love her so much. hopefully it all works out.
anyway, i made a lot of good friends in the ward up here. i have about 5 people i need to come back and see in a year or so. I LOVE INDIANA!!!! the people here are awesome. yea you get a lot of idiots and anti's and the like. but its amazing to be here. it doesnt seem like i've been gone almost a year. my knowledge of the scriptures especially the Book of Mormon and the Acts thru Jude have expanded like none other. i love the scriptures!!!!
oh on a side note. me and Elder Worden are getting double transfered out of the area. (no we didnt do anything wrong) but we've started labeling everything for the new elders coming into West Lafayette. i mean EVERYTHING. anything that can have a sticky note put on it has one on it. we've used about 200 or so sticky notes and we arent done yet. its awesome i'll send tons of pics next week.
anyway I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!! have a super week. dont eat yellow snow and talk to you next week.
Elder Swanson
anywho. im leaving west lafayette. my work is complete here. Jacob Ross is being baptised on February 26th and Robert Mcmath is finally coming to church. my sty here has been great. i'll miss it when im gone.
so really quick i need you to pray for Millie Minor. she was like my grandmother in Lebanon. she went in for a small surgery but the IDIOT doctor nicked her spleen with his stupid scalpel and they had to remove it quickly and now she is in the ICU. please pray for her. she means so much to me, i love her so much. hopefully it all works out.
anyway, i made a lot of good friends in the ward up here. i have about 5 people i need to come back and see in a year or so. I LOVE INDIANA!!!! the people here are awesome. yea you get a lot of idiots and anti's and the like. but its amazing to be here. it doesnt seem like i've been gone almost a year. my knowledge of the scriptures especially the Book of Mormon and the Acts thru Jude have expanded like none other. i love the scriptures!!!!
oh on a side note. me and Elder Worden are getting double transfered out of the area. (no we didnt do anything wrong) but we've started labeling everything for the new elders coming into West Lafayette. i mean EVERYTHING. anything that can have a sticky note put on it has one on it. we've used about 200 or so sticky notes and we arent done yet. its awesome i'll send tons of pics next week.
anyway I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!! have a super week. dont eat yellow snow and talk to you next week.
Elder Swanson
1-24-11
so i've decided to write a little different today.
behold, i elder, knowing that my family desires this epistle, do write this epsitle in the language of my fathers. and i write these things to make known unto them the progression of the work in the land eastward.
and it came to pass that i elder, do rejoice in the oppourtunity to speak with my brethren this day. behold it came to pass that the land did begin to wax cold. yea, a mighty wind and snow was driven from the north even unto the south, and the work began to be most slow. and it came to pass because of the cold, the people in the land round about did soften their hearts towards the missionaries. and bid them come in to preach the word of the lord unto them. and as the elders did this, they were blessed with the power of the spirit. but verily, the hearts of the people did wax cold, and did not want to continue in the ways of the lord and were lost to dark paths. but behold i elder do rejoice exceedingly, because i know that the Lord liveth. that he doth shed his love abroad in the hearts of men continually unto the filling of there souls with joy and gladness.
nevertheless i elder desire to know the state of my brethren in the land of zion. many days have past since i have receive any epistles from them. i doth make my heart ache to not hear every detail of their proceedings. but nevertheless i elder will continue to rejoice in the Lord. and i bid thee farewell until the next day of preparation.
haha LOVE YA!!!!!
behold, i elder, knowing that my family desires this epistle, do write this epsitle in the language of my fathers. and i write these things to make known unto them the progression of the work in the land eastward.
and it came to pass that i elder, do rejoice in the oppourtunity to speak with my brethren this day. behold it came to pass that the land did begin to wax cold. yea, a mighty wind and snow was driven from the north even unto the south, and the work began to be most slow. and it came to pass because of the cold, the people in the land round about did soften their hearts towards the missionaries. and bid them come in to preach the word of the lord unto them. and as the elders did this, they were blessed with the power of the spirit. but verily, the hearts of the people did wax cold, and did not want to continue in the ways of the lord and were lost to dark paths. but behold i elder do rejoice exceedingly, because i know that the Lord liveth. that he doth shed his love abroad in the hearts of men continually unto the filling of there souls with joy and gladness.
nevertheless i elder desire to know the state of my brethren in the land of zion. many days have past since i have receive any epistles from them. i doth make my heart ache to not hear every detail of their proceedings. but nevertheless i elder will continue to rejoice in the Lord. and i bid thee farewell until the next day of preparation.
haha LOVE YA!!!!!
1-18-11
not much going on. pday is today because some guy had a dream a few years ago and they made it a holiday. i took those pics you requested. and hope you enjoy picking. i took a few so you could choose. haha me and Zone leader Nelson were tracting yesterday and this guy started to try and bash with us. asking about the whole "we can become Gods" thing. and how the book of mormon cant be true and stuff. it was funny though because Elder Nelson and I can hold our own with the Book of mormon. I've had the pleasure of learning how to "not bash" but to succesfully and nicely make the other person look like an idiot. its a lot of fun. i've been reading all over the standard works and its fun to be able to talk with people about it.
so did you take pictures? the new year is ok. i've been becoming a little more irritable lately. im trying to work hard and stay focused, and its been helping. I havent heard/ gotten a letter from anyone besides you guys in a long time. it sucks, but its not important. anywho the work goes well. we just picked up a catholic family that is really interested in eternal marriage and families. so we will be teaching them quite often. we dropped all of our other investigators because they werent keeping commitments, or coming to church so we only have one set appointment this week.
on a side note i think i have a cavity so i'd like to get a dental check up. sister collins said i'd need to get our insurance info and find someone out here in lafayette who could check my mouth out. hopefully its not. i officially hate the winter time here. its a mix between. seattle and utah. its rain/snowing today and its gross outside. so holy cow in 7 weeks i'll have been gone a year. time flies to fast.
so today we are going to be playing dart wars at the stake center. which consists of a lot of nerf darts and pvc pipes. with those long tables at church laid on there side and desks and stuff turned over to make a field and then START!!!!!!!!! i'll take some pics and send them next monday. anywho i'll attach the pics to this email. hope you get them. i took them with the highest quality on my camera so hopefully they work out.
LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!
Elder Swanson
so did you take pictures? the new year is ok. i've been becoming a little more irritable lately. im trying to work hard and stay focused, and its been helping. I havent heard/ gotten a letter from anyone besides you guys in a long time. it sucks, but its not important. anywho the work goes well. we just picked up a catholic family that is really interested in eternal marriage and families. so we will be teaching them quite often. we dropped all of our other investigators because they werent keeping commitments, or coming to church so we only have one set appointment this week.
on a side note i think i have a cavity so i'd like to get a dental check up. sister collins said i'd need to get our insurance info and find someone out here in lafayette who could check my mouth out. hopefully its not. i officially hate the winter time here. its a mix between. seattle and utah. its rain/snowing today and its gross outside. so holy cow in 7 weeks i'll have been gone a year. time flies to fast.
so today we are going to be playing dart wars at the stake center. which consists of a lot of nerf darts and pvc pipes. with those long tables at church laid on there side and desks and stuff turned over to make a field and then START!!!!!!!!! i'll take some pics and send them next monday. anywho i'll attach the pics to this email. hope you get them. i took them with the highest quality on my camera so hopefully they work out.
LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!
Elder Swanson
Sunday, January 2, 2011
MORE PICS
The Weather outside is Frightful....
But inside it's so delightful.
And since we're hungry...
Lets EAT!!!
Mark and Elder Worden - his companion.
Mark found this working toy for $2.00 at a garage sale. A great white elephant gift for the missionary Christmas Party.
And since we're hungry...
Lets EAT!!!
Mark and Elder Worden - his companion.
Mark found this working toy for $2.00 at a garage sale. A great white elephant gift for the missionary Christmas Party.
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