Yep, We're stayig as AP's again.....July 25. 2016.

Yep, we're staying as AP again. It's... interesting. It's been tougher than I thought! we don't really do anything, and we want to help and do what we can... we just don't know what to do! We don't have much contact with the other missionaries, so it doesn't feel like we're making a difference... and most of all... we're supposed to have the best area in the misison and be finding and baptizing people, but we haven't been able to do that yet! We're working with people, they're just progressing so slowly, and we don't know what we have to change to see the results. We're working on that. President is awesome. He's so fun and cool to meet with, and he's a great example. Unfortunately, we've only met like twice so far. He's a busy guy! We'll see if that changes this upcoming transfer. 

There isn't any room for anything but positivity in this life, so this week we're just focusing on the positives and the miracles. Here they are:

• ·         We did an escape room last week with elders mcpherson and jones. It was freakin awesome. The only problem was-the theme was exhorcism. Yeah.
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• ·         We had a good exchange with elders bebel and sommerfeldt. They're awesome, and good elders. The exchange went fine!
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• ·         Sister turek called and told me i MUST make myself a workout plan to take care of my body-even if it costs some time out of the day. I needed that... I'm way too stubborn to do that without force. 
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• ·         I made a new homie, Pio... We've bene talking a bunch, and we're going to meet Sunday after church. 
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• ·         We went to the zoo with the district. Super fun. it's like a family, I love it. 
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• ·         We made the entire district chili, and elder jones brought cinnamon rolls. 
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• ·         We had another exchange with elders jones and mcpherson. it was the weirdest exchange ever, and nothing went according to the original plan, but I loved it. I was able to talk to elder jones about a bunch of stuff. I love that guy-he's a stud. 
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• ·         We all slept out on the balcony the last night of the exchange because the weather was so nice. We just took all the blankets and pillows and pads we could find and threw them on the balcony. We all fit out there all night. No homo. 
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• ·         We met with daniel today, had an awesome lesson, and then went and got Indian food. It was pretty fun. 
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• ·         We met with president turek and started planning transfers. He's a bro, and was teaching us polish during the meeting. It was pretty cool. 

There they are. I have a wonderful family and support group. I love you guys! Have the best week ever. 

Week of July 18th...

The Sisters made us breakfast Sunday morning. The Elders all prepare a language section and present it to everyone during a language study together as a district once a week... and in return, the Sisters cooked for us! haha It's a pretty good trade.  Our sisters are awesome! It's like a big, super sassy, weird, interesting, love-hate family we've got going on here in Warsaw. It's interesting that it's been like that for the last 6 months, but just with a whole bunch of different people. Good times!

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Elder Cowley and Daniel Chains

Sunday night meeting with some great people!

        

Week of July 11, 2016...No time so just pictures.

I hope that my excess of pictures this week will make up for my lack of writing... Love you guys!

My companion sniped a picture of me during English class.  This guy's a boss.  He's retired and his hobby is English.  Love him!

AN EMAIL from the Senior Missionary Couple, the Jones, in the Mission Home

Good morning parents,

We had a little 4^th of July celebration for the Warsaw missionaries yesterday.  We took a few pictures and wanted to share them with you.  I hope we caught everyone.  We had pizza and apple pie – so it was almost like home.  Elder B. Jones was able to hold up the Welsh end very well!  After lunch we all toured the Summer Palace of King Jan III in Wilanow. 

We have the very best missionaries in the whole world serving with us.  Thank you for raising such wonderful young men and women.

Siostra Evelyn Jones

Office Senior Missionary

Poland Warsaw Mission

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION WITH THE SENIOR COUPLE JONES.

July 4th...My God is a God of MIRACLES!!

My God is a God of miracles. Getting me through this week alive was a miracle big enough to rival Elijah's fire from heaven, or Moses' water stone, or manna in the wilderness. I wish I would have counted the times that I thought to myself 'this is the most I can stand' or 'oh flip here we go, again!'. But, all in all, the Lord brought me through every trial, and was there with me every step of the way. Tuesday: I had to be smart because I got to that point where I couldn't walk anymore... my hips and pelvis were just murdering me. It was pretty bad. The Lord worked some mighty miracles, and our lessons canceled so I was able to take some time and be smart enough to stretch and take care of myself.That was a huge miracle!

Wednesday: That was the day! We had District meeting with the district, and an english blitz in the morning, and then studies in the afternoon. After that, we got in the car, and headed out towards the airport. We met up with President and Sister Edgren. We sat down with them and had dinner at their hotel.(Everything was more expensive than my soul, so I got this tiny soup.... sister edgren knows me well and gave me a half-plate of chicken... she's the best). We talked about the plan... there was a lot to do. Turns out by the time we finally got everything plan, and then helped them get everything done that they needed to, and helped sister edgren back up her photos onto her icloud, and got the cars/keys worked out, we ended up leaving the hotel at like 10:10. we had to say goodbye to President and Sister Edgren and I think I almost died. Not only were they some of the last real people I had in Poland from my first mission, but I just love them to death and I'm not ready for them to go home already. But we said our goodbyes, and headed out. 

The next morning, it all began again. After studies, we stopped by a kebab shop to get a quick lunch, made it to the office, got some office work done/finished up president's calendar and some receipt problems. Then we got the transporter, and went and parked it at the airport parking terminal. Miracles happened, and there were two spots(that's a miracle in and of itself)... but they were right across from each other. You better believe I parked out transporter right in the middle of both spots. Then we got to the hotel, payed to get president's car and phones back that were in the parking lot, and drove it down to the airport parking, and parked it right in front of the transporter. Then we went and found where President and Sister Turek were supposed to come in. We were there a little bit early, so we got to rest a bit. Then we were sitting there waiting for them, and realized that we didn't even know what they look like. So we stood there in front of the terminal waiting for them to find us. They finally did, and they are awesome! President only speaks polish to us. It's legit but also pretty dang intimidating. Funny story... first few minutes, I tried to tell him that his parking break was on.... and I looked at him and told him 'hey your danger brake is turned on'. Goooooood. That's a great first impression lol. So I've been being humbled a lot with my polish as well. 

Friday: we had free friday out on the patelnia as usual... and i needed some time rest, so I took it. Then we went out to Dennis' house. He's from the Congo, and he's like Mom but black. He's awesome! We had funny african food, and I ate a caterpillar that he cooked for us...! hahah it was pretty sweet. 

saturday: We had a meeting with a less-active that's started coming back to church, and then we met with an investigator that we ran into on the metro like 5 months ago when we wer together, and then we had interviews with president. I was 100% honest with him, and bore my testimony. I even cried. It's been a long time since I did any of that. It was good. I felt like I needed to be open with him. I think we're going to get along real well... and I'm still working on being humble enough to be okay with the fact that now my mission president and I are both fully aware of how weak I am and what I have to work on. but it's going to be a good thing. It was an amazing feeling to be able to look him in the face and tell him that I've been able to do what the Lord needed me to do up to this point in my mission. That's such an amazing feeling. Then president came on a lesson with us to S... and G....'s house! We talked about their problem of not being able to come to church because of his health, and her work. we testified, and the spirit was there, and they are praying and searching for answers to their problems. They'll get it if they just keep searching and asking!

Sunday: One of those days. Made it through church, and then just fell apart. I didn't think I go anymore. I was searching and praying and pleading for help. The Lord always gives me just enough to help me keep going just a little farther. Then it was 18:00 and we needed to go out to do a finding activity on Nowy Świat. The only thing that got me out the door was the thought that I was doing that because I love my Savior. That was the only thing that would do it. Miracles happened. Elder Cowley found 3 new investigators, while I saw miracles of my own. I had an amazing talk with an investigator that was there with us(while sitting down off to the side-of course). We talked about the gospel, and I was explaining questions, and bearing testimony, and it was awesome. Probably the coolest thing was I talked to this Englishman that was a walking encyclopedia. I don't know how he's done it, but he knows everything... names, facts, dates. Well yeah... he's also seen just about all there is to see in the anti-mormon world, and told me that he actually got an answer from God that our church wasn't true, and that it was founded by the devil. (lol). This guy was intimidating. But I felt good talking to him. I said a prayer that I would be able to receive the promise that I wouldn't be confounded before men, and we talked. It was amazing. He brought up everything from women to the priesthood to the temple to blacks to missionaries, and everything in between. I just waited until the Spirit brought something to my rememberance, and said that. Everything I said answered his questions and brought out the holes in his logic, and put the responsibility on him. We ended the conversation with mine and sister barney's(who showed up to help save the show at the very end) testimony that he could not gain a testimony until he read the book of mormon and prayed about it. I bore my testimony, and it just felt so good. It was a good pick-me-up... and we're ready to go again. 

Today: 4th of July. The Jones'(from Gilbert... they live on Cooper road) had all the missionaries in warsaw go out to wilanow and we had pizza and apple pie. Then they paid for us to go through the Wilanów palace and see everything there. It was awesome! I loved it, and it was so generous of them. They're great!

I love you guys. Keep the prayers coming. They are so needed and so helpful! Love you

Proof....We are ALIVE!!!

AP's are working hard as we are preparing for the arrival of the new Mission President, Pres. Turek

The exhaustion is ridiculous this week lol. We made it through the first 3 days of the transfer and everything went so well!

So much has happened in the last week and a half, so I'm just going to work on recapping as much as I can remember!

So Wednesday was just one of those days. I don't understand it, but every time on my mission when I'm just having the worst day ever, really really good things are about to come-I just have to keep pushing through, and make it through the storm. It's so interesting to me how that works... but needless to say Wednesday was super super hard. With all of the anxiety and thoughts about my group leaving, I was a disaster. I haven't had so much hip pain since the surgeries. It was crazy how it just popped out of nowhere! And the pelvis pain was unreal. It put me down and out for a little while  and i worked on getting myself back under control. So that day we had a meeting with a less-active all the way out in Praga, across the river. I thought I was going to die, and then after we showed up, he wasn't even home, and wouldn't answer his phone. It was a definite test of patience. Well afterwards we had a meeting with the Jarosz's(some of my favorite people in the world), and taught Sara english. She's great. And afterwards we had a meeting with that less-active(sorry we're not allowed to say names of people a lot of the time for legal and safety reasons... this world is a crazy place) for the first time, and his wife! we had just eaten at the Jarosz's, and then we walk in and sit down, and no joke they brought out the biggest plate of food I've ever seen in my life... and then they brought out another one. We had an entire plate all to ourselves. I've never eaten more in my life and I thought I was going to die, but had to finish it. It was pretty intense. Well the meeting went amazingly, and the only reason that his wife isn't preparing for baptism yet is because we ran out of time because they both talked for so long about how much they love the church, and the book of mormon, and us, and Jesus Christ. It was a huge miracle, and we are so excited  to meet with them tomorrow night. It's going to be another miraculous night. 

Thursday we had a great day, and met with an investigator, A..., and had a great meeting with her. The Spirit was a definite help, and it went well. Right afterwards, we were able to meet with a less-active named Andrzej. Turns out last time elder cowley and I were together 6 months ago we ran into him on a tram, and he told us that he is a member from katowice, and needs to come back to church. So we had one of our first meetings with him since, and it was amazing. We gave him a priesthood blessing, and the Spirit was there so strongly. It was amazing! He is so receptive to the Spirit, it's insane! We are hoping that good things will come of it for him! So that night we had culture night with the district. We ate fish and chips(my boy Elder Jones is in the district-he's from Wales), and then went to another mime show. It was legendary! We had such a good time with the district. I love going to the theatre and seeing all of the performances. That's something I'd like to continue doing later on. 

Friday just regular missionary work and trying to find people! We taught a few pretty good street-lessons, and planted some seeds. 

Saturday and Sunday were the same-still working on keeping control of my mind and thinking about the positives. 

MONDAY:Well monday happened. We met with president early in the morning and started planning for the new mission president. That was crazy. Then we helped my departing group do what they needed to do that day, and had the departing testimony meeting. It was one of the harder things I've ever had to do-sitting there and realizing that all of these elders are some of my best friends, and that they are all going home to live normal lives and listen to music and go to college while I'll still be in Poland. It was pretty tough, but I'm doing a lot better. Miraculously, I was able to meet with the psychologist that day, which really really helped. I also had my departing interview with Prezydent Edgren. I love him. it was a great meeting that I really needed. He is helping me change my perspective to one of gratitude that I have so much to "put on the altar". that makes me feel a lot better about what I'm doing here instead of just being here alone trying to do what I need to do. I talked a ton with Elder Coutu. It's crazy what missions will do in helping you make some of your best friends you've ever had. We had a long talk that I think was pretty needed for the both of us. It was good. 

Tuesday morning I was awake at 4:00 am saying goodbye to all of the boys. Later that day, we picked up the new group of elders and sisters. We took them to get their pictures taken, and to get some lunch, and then we took them out contacting. It was really fun. They're a great group, and you just have to love them!

Yesterday we woke up and had trainers' meetings, and then took everybody to contact in Centrum while they waited for their trains. It was awesome to get to do some street work after it all and get my mission back up and running. 

Today all of our lessons got cancelled so we decided to take pday today instead of yesterday. It's been a good day, and we got a lot done that needed to be done today. We're having dinner with elders jones and mcpherson here in a few hours before we teach english class. It's going to be a good one! 

The pain is continuing to decrease and decrease. I'm getting a lot better at just accepting the fact that I'm going to be here for a little while without my elders and sisters, and that it's all going to be okay. There are some big promises that have yet to be fulfilled on my mission that I am excitedly looking forward to in the future. Big things are going to happen-I can't wait to see what they are! I love you guys, and I'm grateful for your emails this week. They were much needed.

District Pictures

Presiden Turek's first week in the Warsaw, Poland Mission

Well there it is!   We've more or less planned Prezydent Turek's first week and a half, and called all of the leaders in the mission to get them on board. It's all going to work out. We pick him up Thursday afternoon... and then the fun begins!

Bad picture but I'm alive!

Father's Day.....A quick note to dad

So this week is more crazy than all of the 90 year old grandmas still walking around in Poland. I won't get to actually have pday and send emails until friday this week. I will, however, be able to get on tomorrow for just a second and read the emails that you send. In other words, please send your emails as usual(they are  much needed this week), but don't worry when I'm not able to email until Friday. I'm still alive, we're just so so so busy that we won't get any time to do anything until later in the week. Thanks for your love and support, and keep the prayers coming! Love you guys!

Happy Fathers' Day, Dad! I love you! I'm so grateful that you've been able to teach me, and be right there next to me all the way! Like I've said before, you're the perfect Dad for me, and always have the right experiences, and thoughts that keep me going and help me see the bigger picture. I love you! Have a great Fathers' Day.