I got my bike back!!

October 13th

So, this week was pretty good! I uh.... I got my bike back! :D Woot woot! So that's good! I gave the info to our ward Mission leader (Who is the biggest lawyer in town) and he knew the guy and got someone who knew him to get it back... so I have my bike back! And, It has an added accessory!  It has a kickstand! :D Wahoo! I'm not exactly sure how he got it back but hey, it's Clovis! Haha. Que mas.. oh! That same day, Elder Engstrom had some sweet acrobatics on his bike! It was pretty impressive. Most of the tricks were after he hit the ground though. He did a couple barrel rolls and things like that. He's ok, nothing to bad. Just a little bruised. So thats good!!!

We had interviews this last week as well! President Heap is the best! :D I love him. We also had a Mission wide fast for the work here to progress. And also for us to give up things that are holding us back.  I've been brought to much reflection and thought this week about what I can/need to give up. I'm working on it. He is inspired! 

D and R are going to be baptized on the 22nd!!!  I'm so excited!!  They are great!  Their parents are supportive too! :D 

I love you all! Thank you for the prayers and everything that you do! Les amo mucho! 

Con amor- Elder Allen3

PS. "E", a girl we were teaching a couple months ago, just got Baptized in California! Wahoo!! :D Heavenly Father knows what he's doing!

Meet the Mormons!

October 6th

 

So this week was good! We set D and R's Baptismal date for the 25 of October! And we are really excited! And we got 3 new investigators this week as well! They are cool! On Tuesday we went and saw the movie Meet the Mormons. We went to Lubbock and watched it as a zone! It was cool! It was at the church and President Heap got the DVD mailed to him by Church Head Quarters. So, no big deal! :D Haha, I hope that you ALL watch it! It's super duper good! :)

 And then Saturday and Sunday were the best days of the month. General Conference :D Oh yeah! They were soooo good! and I'm trying to get them onto my ipod. But, It seems to be smarter than me. So, maybe I'll send it home and see if you can get it on. I'm pretty sure that the technology has greatly improved since I've been gone, (That makes it sound like I've been gone a long time. haha).  I thought that I got the music on it and it shows up in the menu but won't play. Maybe Alice, Carter, Tanner, or Tyler in their great wisdom can persuade my ipod to co-operate.

 I love you all so much! I hope an pray all is well with you :D

Les amo! :D Elder Allen!

It was Awesome!

September 29th
 

Alrighty then, So! Our Investigator "M" got Baptized! It was so cool! It was by her Husband who was less active but not anymore! He was ordained a Priest on the 21st and Baptized her last Friday. And, Haha she had to be dunked 4 times. But overall, she really felt the spirit and loved it a lot :) And the Sisters had 2 Investigators get baptized as well! They are pretty awesome.

And then! On Sunday, she was confirmed!  The spirit was so strong during the Confirmations.  During the testimonies our two or investigators D and R got up and bore their testimonies. Super awesome! R (They are both 14. I've talked with you guys about them before) told everyone how her parents don't want her to be baptized because they are Catholic. She said she really wants to be baptized,believes in it and wants to be part of the church, and she belives the Book of Mormon is true. It was awesome! 

And then D got up and told everyone that he believes Joseph Smith to be a Prophet and the Book of Mormon is true and Said "I was just going to tell the missionaries this after church, but I decided to just tell everyone". I Had no idea what he was going to say next... He said "I've been praying and I just want to be baptized as soon as possible!" My jaw just about hit the floor. And I'm sitting right behind him to share my testimony. So Naturally, everyone can see my face. Haha, and the faces of the people in the congregation were pretty awesome too! So, this weekend was pretty great! And Yeah! I'm excited for this week! GENERAL CONFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOT WOOT! I'm pretty stoked. 

We are going to be working on "finding" a lot this week. I love finding. Riding around and talking to people is the best! :D I hope you all know that I love you guys! And that This Is the Kingdom of God here on the Earth. And that The Book of Mormon is true, Jesus is the Christ, and Heavenly father loves you. En El nombre de Jesuscristo, Amen.

Con amor, Elder Allen



"M"

Me and Elder Engstrom





All of us



 

Pictures!!

Subway Feast!! Grandma Harris is the best!!

September 8th, 15th and 22nd

Sept. 8th

This week was really good! We have worked hard! :D Oh yeah!

We are teaching a lot of new people! "F" She has cancer and also just got out of the hospital from having a blood clot. She really likes the Plan of Salvation. 

La Familia "P" They are awesome and I get to speak Spanish! So.... it's super important to get members out with us because my Companion is a English called missionary. haha. They are so cool and want to be baptized. At the end of the lesson they told us that they wouldn't be able to make it to church this last week so we need to set a baptismal date. They are a Father, Mother, 14 yr boy, 12yr girl, 10yr girl and some younger kids. The spirit is always really strong and love the Plan of Salvation!

La Familia "L" Super cool as well! Mother and 3 children. The father works crazy schedules but they strongly feel the spirit.

"M" She is super awesome too! Going to be baptized on the 2 7th of Sept. Her recently activated husband is going to baptize her! :D Wahoo!! :D

I have really came to love these people. Relationships are one of the reason we are here on earth. To love, help and serve each other. And then for these relationships to last forever, through the eternities. I love you all so much. I pray that I'll be with you in the Celestial Kingdom. Am excited to be with all my loved ones forever! So, Keep it up!  I'll keep up my side of the bargain if you keep up yours.(wink)

Love Elder Allen

Sept. 15

 So this week was really good! We Had Zone Training! :D Wahoo! I loved it! And PS. This next week-end we get our Transfer calls.

We have such good Leaders here in this mission. I learn so much from them.

So we've been teaching one of our recent converts "C" and "L" It's going really well.  We teach her, and so she can remember better, she draws it! Then we have her teach it back to us! So coo! The spirit is amazing!  We are going over there for dinner tonight and I'm excited! Oh, and My Bike Got stolen.... Hmmm..

We drove out to Tuccumcari to do a Baptismal Interview on Friday! (It's about and hour and a half away.) We took the Sister's car, (Sister Christofferson and Sister Pepperdine. Both from Spanish Fork) and drove out there. It was a good trip. And, while we were there, we had a "Subway Feast!" courtesy of Grandma Harris. She's the Best.

It was a really good week! And this one is going to be a really good too.

I love you all a lot! I'm working on getting better at these E-mails! Love you tons!

PS. I cannot get any of my pictures onto the E-mail... hmmm...

Love Elder Allen

Sept. 22

This has been a great week! We did tons of service! It was sweet. On Tuesday we were biking down the road and saw a U-Haul by a house. We rode up to it and asked if the needed help. At first the guy was kind of iffy. But when we got off the bikes and took off our helmets, he agreed. It was fun. Moving people is the best! It turns out he's from Louisiana, a Cajun! He wants to cook us some Jambalaya! Woot! Woot! We will of course teach him about the great plan of The wondrous and everlasting God of the universe! We have high hopes for him and his step son. 

On Wednesday we had dinner with a Spanish family that goes to the Spanish branch. It was really good food! Spicy! I have come to love spicy food! I eat jalapenos all the time. I eat a Habanero in one day over a few meal. It was good!

We've been teaching "C", our newest member. She is just the best. She is getting married on November 14th and I hope I'm still here for that. They both are awesome! I have really developed a love for the people here, more than any whee else on my mission so far. 

On Thursday my borrowed bike had a flat.... so we walked everywhere. It was fun though. That night I patched it up and then we taught "C" again.

On Friday it rained like crazy! It was awesome! It's been raining all week but Friday was crazy. We went to a member's house for some yummy dinner. We then taught their really, really awesome friends. Then... we found out they live in the Sister's area (Sisters Christoferson and Pepperdine, both from Spanish Fork) so we turned them over. We also taught "M" who is getting baptized on the 26th of September. Of course, she's awesome!

On Saturday we helped our neighbor move a bunch of stuff into his storage unit. He's in the Air Force and getting deployed. He's not allowed to tell us what he does. The Air Force has  a Special Operation Base here. They do cool stuff here. Our ward mission leader is deployed but the assistant is a Boss! The we taught "D&R". We have been teaching them since I got here.  They are 15 and 16 and want to be baptized, but we have to work on their parents first. We're trying to teach them too!

On Sunday "D&R", "C" and her fiance, a less active family and "M" and her husband all came to church! The sister brought "I" and said he had a baptism date! Then we had 2 member lessons and then we got "C" home teachers over to her house for a lesson. Sunday was THE BEST DAY EVER!!!!!!!

Today I found out who stole lmy bike! Yay! The guy tried to sell it to a person we've taught a couple of times. He got all of the guys info and we called the police. They are working on it. So maybe, Yay?!

Our Stake is being reorganized and our Zone is also. We are going to be in the new Zone so I'm not sure if I'll still be a District leader. I'll find out tonight. It is all done in inspiration, I know that for a fact.

Everything is well in Clovis South! I love you all and we are hastening the work!

Love,

Elder Allen

"Well hi theeeeere :)"- Alex the Lion from Madagascar. (That's for Alex Delbar :D)

This week has been really good! On Saturday we set a goal to have 20 Morning Teachings. (Morning teaching Includes: Talking to someone outside, Bearing testimony, teaching Unique/restored truth, and leaving a commitment.)

The most I've ever gotton in one day was 24 or so. So to prepare ourselves for this task, we role played morning teaching and discerning their concerns and using the Book of Mormon as much as we could. So when we found a question, or concern we addressed it with the Book of Mormon. And that is actually what I instructed on in District Meeting (Using the Book of Mormon in contacts and as much as possible) and so we were doing our best. We picked out our "Arsenal" of scriptures and went to work. And we got 30!! It was pretty awesome! When we prepare, the Lord provides. We met some really cool people!

"J" (The one who just got baptized) Passed the Sacrament on Sunday! Wahoo! It was sweet! He's a boss! And Elder Engstrom (My Companion) is a natural born teacher! It's pretty awesome! Being a trainer is fun andiIt's hard. haha but I like it. I've been blessed with him, he's excited, converted, and is a good teacher! So it's kinda easy. I guess the hard part is that these two transfers will set the tone for his whole mission.... Dun dun dun!  He's a really good missionary.

"E" (One of our investigators) moved to California.... and then texted us and asked if, "If one of you were to baptize me, would I need to go back there? or could you come to California?" haha it was pretty cool!

Welp, I gotta go! Or "... Blow this Popsicle stand!" As Phineas would say. 

Remember, The church is true, The book is blue, and you have work to do. And... Families don't slip away. I love you all so much! Keep and remember the covenants you made in the Temple! :D

Con amor, Elder Allen :D

 PS.... "Am I sweating milk?"

New Trainer!

8/11/2014

This week has been really good! We have been teaching this one girl, E, now for a little less than a month, and she is ready! Soooo ready! She goes to the Spanish Branch with her Sister. She knows the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith is a Prophet! She's awesome! She has prayed to know if this is what she needs to do and she said that every time she does, she feels happy. :D YES! And she likes it! The only thing is, she's moving back to California in 2 weeks. So she's deciding if she should get baptized here, or in California. I honestly thing she should get baptized in California so she will have fellowship from the ward so we are fasting about it. She's scared about how her mom will feel because her older sister (The one she is living with) got baptized and her mom was sad. So, we are also fasting about that. It'll all work out. Some of the most spiritual lesson I've had were while teaching her. :D

And, also big news, every Saturday we get texts of all the people that have been baptized that week. One of them was someone that Elder Duffy Baptized (My trainer) And.... dun dun! We started teaching her together and she finally did it!  :D So awesome! :D Haha!

Other big news, we got our transfer calls Saturday night, and... I'm staying here in Clovis NM. And I’m getting someone from Provo. Yup! I'm training and he's an English speaking Elder! As in, doesn't speak or teach in Spanish! So, I'm going to be teaching all the Spanish lessons. We have a couple people we are teaching in Spanish (Haha) so this will be fun! :D Well, I love you all! Keep doing missionary work and sharing the "Good News"! And then refer them to the Missionaries :D Yehaw!

Con mucho amor, Elder Allen  

Baptism!

8/4/2014

Haha this week was good! We had a Baptism! :D Yehaw! And Also, a confirmation! So that’s good that those both happened... :D

And, Also at church, one of our investigators bore his testimony! I'll set the stage.

His Girlfriend, (R) Got up to go the bathroom or get a drink or something, and I turned to him (D) and said,
Me- "I totally thought she was going to go bear her testimony!"

D - "Me too. I would, but I don't know how."

Me - :D (This is probably what my face looked like) "Oh, well all you gotta do is go up there, say what you know is true, say 'in the name of Jesus Christ amen. And go sit down"

D- :O (His face) "Oh okay"..... Hey what’s that guy’s name who translated the plates into the Book of Mormon?"

Me- "Joseph Smith"

D- "Oh yeah. I forgot." "If I faint up there, just come pick me up and leave."

Me- "Yeah okay, Just don't lock your knees"

 He was really nervous haha. He got up there, and what he said was, "Oh my!" haha it was funny! "Elder Allen, I locked my knees!" Then he went on to explain how he first met us. He goes on to say, "I was walking to someone's house and I was in a really bad mood, probably the worst mood I've been in all summer. And then Elder Bradley and Elder Allen came up and talked to me. And they said 'Hey, we are coming to your place on Monday, so be ready.' I said, Okay. And then they actually showed up! Since then I've been able to understand the Bible more, and God more. I know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen. I'm going to go sit down now...."

My District

 

It was really cool! Lots of people came and talked to them after that. And Also to C (The one who got baptized). So it was really good! They all have lots of fellowship!

And, on top of all that, I met one of Skyler Hardman's Mission Companion! He's down here selling Vivint. It was pretty sweet! So he took a picture and sent it to Skyler. He said he was going to tell you guys, hope he did!

Microwave before

It was been a good week! I cleaned the Stove, Tub, and Microwave today! All before E-mails!

Microwave after

Oh, And, Sister Christofferson's Companion went home :/ But she will be getting the care and help that she needs. So that’s good. Her new companion is from Spanish Fork too! But I don't know her. She was home schooled so I don't know her. But she looks kind of familiar.

 District meeting went really really well! I had one person out of each companionship teach on a principle that I felt would help the District, then had the other bear testimony on a principle someone else taught. It was really cool! And then I went on Exchanges with the Zone Leaders and It also went really well! We taught this guy who had a dream of the Spirit World! WOOOOOOOOOOOOO! My jaw was on the floor. Pretty sweet!

But yes! All in all, a great week! I love you all so much! :D thank you for the Birthday wishes! I hope it was a good day for you too! :D Tehe! I love the Lord and This work. The Book of Mormon is true and is the most perfect thing that has been on the earth Except for Jesus Christ himself. I invite you all (All of you. Yes you) to read it and do as Moroni councils, to read it, ponder it, and pray about it to know if it is true! And then to act on the answer you receive! (Be Baptized, or live the Gospel more fully). Love you all! This Gospel is Happiness :D

Con amor, Elder Allen

Sweet Crash

7-21-2014

This week was really good! We have been Teaching D and R a lot and they have progressed a long way! D told us that he prayed and felt the spirit really strong and knows that the Book of Mormon is true! And they have a baptismal date for the 16 of August. It was originally for the 2nd but we moved it back because they have some questions and R mom is catholic and doesn't want her to be baptized. They are both 14.

I also had a pretty sweet Crash. We were cooking down the road to go in for the night and the stop light turned red so I started to slow down and down shrifted so I could have a better start when the light turned green. So I turned onto the sidewalk and unbeknownst to me there was this patch of gravel, I went on it sideways and my front tire gave out and I did a Ninja Roll and stood back up! My backpack saved me because it was so nice and soft :D it was pretty sweet!

Also! This week was Zone training and it was really good. We have really, really good Zone leaders! The spirit was really strong and we also got a new investigator named, C (Haha it's just a letter, Haha) Her baptismal date is for the 2nd. She has a  desire to be baptized. So we just need to help her understand everything. It's kind of hard for her to learn but she has that Desire! :D Woot, woot!

We helped this guy in our ward who has been coming out with us a TON by laying sod! So fun! I have missed yard work! We also helped the President of the Spanish Branch do some service for his friend who has Leukemia, and then yesterday we went and gave her a blessing. She is really nice and has a lot of faith. We are going to start teaching her soon hopefully.

So, in total, we gave three blessings this week, two people with Cancer, and one to this lady who is going to be a new investigator. She already knows who's going to baptize her and everything! She was raised in the church but was never baptized, we are way excited! :D   Yesterday In church I gave a talk about  obedience. I used the Story of the Stripling Warriors! One of my favorite! :D

This week has been great! Elder Bradley and I are getting along really well (:D) and we are working hard and teaching people! I love it! Thank you so much for all you do! Help the Missionaries! Get them people to teach! I love you all so much!

con amor, Elder Allen

Clovis, NM

So Clovis is still pretty flat. It's actually not as hot as San Angelo and it's a pretty small town. Kinda the size of Spanish Fork. Maybe a little bigger. It's been a lot easier to know my area! I like it. My new companion is Elder Bradley. He's from Delta and Grand Junction Colorado. He's doing good! We are talking to a lot of people and working hard. There are some things that we are working through but it is going good. He listens to my advice and I listen to his so it's good. I've been a lot more sensitive to the spirit! And yeah, as a District Leader I have late nights, tons of planning and praying a lot. And needing to be bold and be clear with the rules. And really know who I face. The congregation, or the Brethren. And I'm doing my best to face the Brethren. And sometimes I feel like I'm standing alone. But Just like in the talk "Cost and Blessing of Discipleship" By Jeffery R. Holland, He talks about how we need to defend our faith.
 "Be strong. Live the gospel faithfully even if others around you don’t live it at all. Defend your beliefs with courtesy and with compassion, but defend them. A long history of inspired voices, including those you will hear in this conference and the voice you just heard in the person of President Thomas S. Monson, point you toward the path of Christian discipleship. It is a strait path, and it is a narrow path without a great deal of latitude at some points, but it can be thrillingly and successfully traveled, “with … steadfastness in Christ, … a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.”¹⁹ In courageously pursuing such a course, you will forge unshakable faith, you will find safety against ill winds that blow, even shafts in the whirlwind, and you will feel the rock-like strength of our Redeemer, upon whom if you build your unflagging discipleship, you cannot fall.²⁰ In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen." I really like this talk! :D 

So, about the Camera. I haven't got one. And... It would be really really nice if you could get me one... :) and just take out money from my account for it. I would love that:D I haven't gotten my package yet. It went to my old address. It should, "Should" come this week. I hope so! I'm a two pant guy right now! haha. OH, and I've lost around 24 pounds since coming from Mexico! I weigh about 159. CRAZY!!!!!!!! I need to start doing lots of push-ups now so I can get more muscle. I love you too mom!

"Regular Gum!"

sorry.... I don't have any time for blogging! This week was good! I went on my first exchange as a District leader and It was successful! I also had my first District meeting! Funny story, Sister Kadee Christofferson is in my District and during a meeting I called her Kadee. Super embarrassing! And I have stuff to work on :D haha. So this next one will be better. Tomorrow we go to Roswell (Alien land) to meet the new mission President! WOOT WOOT :D I'm pretty stoked! We have been talking to almost EVERYONE that we see. (Levi would write like this huh?) haha and we have a bunch of return appointments! Pretty sweet! :D Sorry for the short Blog. But I love you all tons!

Elder Allen

Sister Kadee Christofferson, Hayden's Senior Prom date. He is now her District Leader.

"Oh yes honey, It looks like a rhesus monkey wearing a powdered wig."

"Close your mouth honey, flies might get in"

This week has been really good! We have been talking to everyone that we can and I love it. I can't wait to go and follow up with the people that we've met! Elder Bradley and I are getting along really well and are working hard. I'm really excited to work with this District! :D I love them already!
We met this really cool guy this last week. His name is K. He's a less active and hasn't gone to church since he was like 14. He has had a really hard life and also made some wrong choices. We met him as we were biking and talking to people. His Mom let some people park their trailer in their yard

 and stay there for a little bit if they didn't cause any trouble, but they did, and the cops got called and there was just a really big mess. So K was outside picking up garbage and decided to kneel down and pray for help.  When he opened his eyes we were biking up to talk to him. He told us his story and that he really wants to come back to church and to change his life. He is willing. We told him that the first thing that he needs to do for the repentance processes is to Talk to the Bishop.  He said he knows and that he'll do it. I have a lot of faith that he will change his life! I'm so excited!

This ward is pretty great! It's a air force ward so soon lots of things are going to change. The church kind of reminds me of the old 4th ward building.

I love you all,

Elder Allen

MILK IS SO EXPENSIVE HERE AND SO IS LAUNDRY. But, that’s okay! Haha. Who needs clean clothes any way. :D

Agent Allen

Toilet exploded

Transferred and District Leader!

I'm getting Transferred tomorrow! I'm going to Clovis New Mexico and I'm going to be a District Leader! I'm excited and nervous. I hope that the package comes before I leave. My Camera Broke.... So, I might need to buy a new one so you can get pictures. Elder Reynolds is going to send you one of us at the transfer site. How’s Alice doing? I sent her a letter and she hasn't sent me one back yet.... tell her to get on that.  Haha I've started a study on Charity, in Moroni 7 it says that without Charity we are nothing and it's so true! So, I'm studying Charity so I can be a better son of God, and a better servant to him. This church is true! I love you all! (Especially you mom)

Con mucho Amor, Elder Allen

ps. We get a new mission president this week! Pretty excited! :D Love ya! 

New President

This week was good! Elder Reynolds and I have been working hard. And I'm confident that we will see the fruits here soon! My Spanish has improved, haha, that’s always a good sign! :D And we are learning to teach more as a team.

 We had our last Zone conference with President Augustin. It's pretty sad but also exciting! This next transfer will be with a new Mission President.  Se llama President Heap.  He's from Montana I believe and was a institute teacher :D I'm excited! We are working really hard on finding people so wish us luck! And we are really trying to follow the spirit! Sorry this is so short. I love you all and wish you all the best of luck.

Con amor, Elder Allen.

ps. Youth conference looks like you guys had lots of fun!

pss. I made Taco soup! :D

Already a Member

This week was kind of slow for teaching. We were teaching a new investigator and invited him to baptism then he said, "oh I've already been baptized into your church. I was like 12." So... we went from a investigators lesson to a inactive lesson real quick. Haha Pretty weird!

Also, I've been eating lost of Peanut butter and honey lately, it's pretty yummy but I'm kind of bored of it already. Maybe I’ll go back to Cottage cheese and Jalapenos. Not sure yet. I'm going to make Taco soup this week and I'm going to get a haircut today! Wahoo! Also, we have a good amount of lessons already set up for this week so I'm pretty excited and I think it'll be a good week! I have been learning a lot lately. As a Zone, the Zone leaders challenged us to study the Atonement daily.  I've learned a lot already and right now I'm reading in the Isaiah chapters in 2nd Nephi. I'm understanding them pretty well I think... It's kind of hard but I'm getting better. This Transfer is pretty unique. It’s a 5 week transfer instead of a 6 week and our Mission President is going home! Pretty crazy! So, soon we'll have knew one and it's pretty exciting! :D I love our mission president but am sure I will love my new one. Well, I think that's about all.

"... don't use my mom’s good scissors! And please stay out of my room! It's not a party it's an Intimate get together. 'Candice party Candice party' Don't call it that it's just a get together!"

Con amor, Elder Allen

Peanut dessert with bananas!

Are you missionaries???

This week has been good! Elder Reynolds and I are teaching better together and I feel we are working hard!

 We are now praying specifically, like at timberline! Only, they aren't Sandwiches. Oh, and I gave away the Book of Mormon that David Aust gave me. He wrote a really good Testimony in it, and I really liked it, but I gave it to this really awesome member that we found. She's 14 or so and has been looking for the church for like 6 months and couldn't find it (She lives in a little town that we cover called Sonora) and one day we were walking and I had a prompting to go down this alleyway.  It took me a second or two but then I said, "OKay" (haha) so we were walking down the alley and this girl was in her back yard and she ran up to the fence and said "Are you missionaries??? I've been looking all over for you! Where is the church??" It was sweet! She got a ride into town with another member from one of the English Wards. She really like it and said it was good to be back to church. She's Solid and has a solid testimony.  We have gotten a TON of rain during the past 3-4 days, it's pretty exciting!  I love it. I like Texas a lot more when it's wet. The streets turn into rivers! You know how much I like driving in puddles.... Haha.

 I hope that Harris had a really fun Birthday! I hopee that he went to Olive Garden after. Tell Alice and Aunt Julie and Uncle Bill I love them! They should Expect a letter from me next week...

 I'm doing really good! I'm learning a lot and I'm reading in 2nd Nephi and sometimes I even understand Isaiah. I hope everything is going well with you guys! I love you all a lot!

Con amor, Elder Allen

I love the Book of Mormon!

So, This week was good! I drove all week because my name was on the designated driver list. So that was fun! And I learned the area a lot better. Don't worry, I didn't speed. Or even get a ticket for my registration being expired! (like in the Yoda and Nigel the car)

Also, we had some awesome lessons with R and A, a husband and wife. They are really sincere and I have really developed a love for them already. We invited them to baptism yesterday and they said that they really want to know for themselves so they said they  want to come to church on Sunday. We are going to have a Church tour on Saturday and we are in daily contact with them so Satan can't have the whole day to work on them! We had a really, really good lesson with them yesterday! It was the Plan of Salvation and we got a member out with us! (It's hard to do in this branch)  It worked out great! The best thing is that they read the Book of Mormon. (She does for sure, and he didn't this last time but has in the past). So if they know the Book of Mormon is true, they will be baptized! I love the Book of Mormon! It's the most correct book on earth!  "And a man will get closer to God by abiding by its precepts then by any other book"(Joseph Smith) I love it! Right now I'm in 2nd Nephi. Just about to start the Isaiah Chapters. I'm pretty excited because I'm really going to do my best to understand them. This week was good! I love you all so much! And Hope that you are reading the Book of Mormon and going to the Temple! And also giving out Referrals to the Missionaries! 

Con amor, Elder Allen :D

District Meeting

"Nerd a'int no piñata!"

Massive thorn in my tire!

The thorn!

Grandma's Cake

Well, this was a good week! We have a couple new investigators! Woot woot! And Lots of people say my Spanish is good, so... that's good! I'm going to make grandma’s cake this week, thanks for the recipe! :D Yehaw! And I will know if I'm getting transferred or not this weekend. Pretty exciting. This place is starting to grow on me.

I love hearing about everything going on with you guys. I Am so blessed to have been born into this family and into this ward. I am so grateful that I know you all! I hope that everything is going well and I hope that you are all happy:D 

Mothers day was great! haha I got to Skype and see everyone!  It was a great Hour! We've been eating pretty good! I'm going to make some cake and my companion is going to make some enchiladas!  Gonna be yummy! :D Love you all!

Con amor, Elder Allen

Baptism!

I'm sorry! I don't have a lot of time! I'm the worst!

The Spanish is going good! We had a baptism on Sunday! It was cool! And I Got to confirm him and the spirit was really strong and I also taught the restoration to everyone while they were changing after the baptism. All by myself. And Then after I asked the Branch President how I did (He's also the Spanish teacher at the College) And he said he was "Impressed".  So that was cool! and Yeah, that was probably the coolest thing this week! I love you guys a lot! I will be ready to tell you things on Mothers day! Gotta Head!

-Elder Allen

"Lest blow this Popsicle stand "Izzy's got the frizzies!"

Elder Reynolds, J, and me!

Humility is Key

Well hey theeeere :D (Off of Madagascar)

Haha this week has been good! We are teaching J. and he has a baptismal date for the 4th of may! His mom is a member and he's like 9. He's really smart and wants to be with his family forever and wants the help of the Holy Ghost! Pretty cool! I think that Little kids are the easiest and funniest to teach. Also, good news, I've lost 13 pounds since coming to Texas! I gained 13 pounds in the MTC and now I'm back. But I don't have as much muscle.... Haha

This week we went out  to this little town called Sonora. It's about an hour south of San Angelo. It was pretty cool but small, really small. Kind of like Santaquin and the canyon at the farm all put together. And there was like a little Mexico. Just a bunch of Mexican houses! We gave this guy a blessing. It started out as a contact and  we taught him about the Restoration and about authority. He talk about how he was sick and didn't want to die. So, we told him that we hold that Authority and if he has faith, then he can be healed. So he said, "Let’s do it" So we gave him a blessing and then we had to go. It was pretty cool.

I've been reading in 1st Nephi and I love it. I've learned a lot about Faith. And about obedience. Nephi is a beast! And he knows how to listen to the spirit. It's all about a willingness to obey and humility! And the practice of actually doing it. That's what I've been working on. Humility is key!

Love you all! :D Let’s go to work!

"My watermelon!"

New Address!

Hey! This week was great! We went to the Temple and it was pretty much one of the best day ever! It was so calming and peaceful. I Hope that you are all taking the opportunity and going to the temple. I decided that I want to work in the Temple when I get home! I love it. Not a whole lot has happened other than that.... Haha we should be getting some Investigators this week, we have lessons lined up and Members lined up to come. Woot! And we also have interviews with the Mission President On Wednesday, so that'll be fun! Oh, And I'm about 4 hours away from San Antonio, so... I want to know if Carter ever Served close.  I'm in San Angelo and it's pretty east of the mission.

I wish more happened this week. I love hearing from everyone, and I'm grateful to everyone who is helping my family. It really means a lot.  I love you all!

The Book of Mormon is the most perfect Book on earth today and the temple is the house of the Lord. This Church is true. Love you!

Elder Allen

Transferred to San Angelo!

I'm getting transferred! I'm going to San Angelo Texas, and I'm going to be in the Spanish Branch only. I'll only be teaching in Spanish! Haha,  I’m pretty excited. My companion is the district leader and he's been out for like 8 months. I don't know too much about him right now.

General Conference was the best thing ever! It was so awesome and I learned so much! One of my favorite talks was Elder Hollands. Especially his testimony. It was powerful and my heart was pricked. There were lots of wonderful talks, I learned a lot. I learned how important it is for families to have family home evening, read and pray together. These are the most important things. One of my questions that I wrote down to be answered was "How Can I feel the Spirit more with my companion?" And when the talk was given on listening to others, I was reminded of the immense importance of listening. When we listen to our Companions and Investigators, we will also be able to listen to the Spirit. It will guide us and bless us with the words we need to say and the things we need to do. I also learned that humility is key. As we are more humble we are more Obedient. As we are more obedient we are more charitable. As we are more Charitable we are more understanding and can discern the thoughts and the hearts of those we teach and love and serve. Conference was great! I loved it! And I love The Prophet! Thomas S. Monson is today’s living Prophet and has been called of God! He Is a special witness that he lives. I know that if we follow the Prophet, we will not ever be led astray.

I don't know what else to share with you..... I Got a pretty awesome compliment yesterday from a less active who we have been teaching. He said "I have seen a lot of growth in you!" So it was pretty cool!

Love you all! The Book of Mormon is true! And Thomas S. Monson is the Prophet!

Con amor, Elder Allen

My sweater shrunk!!

Cottage cheese and jalapenos!

The Preacher Told Him

I got the Package! And I loved it!!! :D Haha Thanks for all the Phineas and Ferb stickers and stuff! Haha My companion thinks it’s weird, but it's okay because he doesn't know.

Haha We have a new investigator in the Spanish Branch! His name is D and He's pretty cool! He was in El Paso the week before we talked to him, and he said that at his church in El Paso, he was crying and stuff because of things that he had done wrong. His preacher came and talked to him and prayed with him and stuff and then his preacher told him that in a couple days, two guys would come talk to him about God. HOW COOL! Haha It's pretty crazy to think how the Lord times everything so perfectly, and it's because he is a Perfect God! And he loved the Restoration and the Plan of Salvation! During the lesson of the First Vision, D said he "Felt something inside of him". We told him it was the Spirit and How the Spirit testifies of truth. He's way cool!

Also, one of our Baptismal dates  dropped us! It was the Mother and the daughter. Ha, it kinda stinks, but we know that she felt the Spirit really strong and will never ever forget that feeling. So I hope and pray that one day, she will remember those feelings and eventually get baptized!

Our other investigator with a Bap. Date, B, is going strong as we can tell. She is in California visiting old friends, so that’s pretty scary, but we stressed how important it is to read! I hope she's doing good!

Everything is going good here!!! Love you all! Thanks for all that you do for me my Family!

Look! A pump jack! They are everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!

Love,

Elder Allen

Spanish Family!

This week was pretty good. Last Tuesday was really good! We had some really good lessons! Haha but the rest of the week lots of appointments punched on us. We found this way awesome new Spanish Family! They are really legit! We found them on Thursday just biking around and found them and talked to them and set up an appointment. When we got there for the appointment, The Oldest Daughter of the family was telling all the other siblings how cool it is that we come out and do this for 2 years and how awesome it all is and everything. Then they made some coffee and offered it to us. We told them that we don't drink coffee or alcohol of use tobacco or anything like that. And we told them it's because we believe that it's a commandment from God, given to us through a prophet. They thought it was all really interesting, Then a bunch of their family came in and said good buy because they were going out of town. So we left and set up a new appointment so that they can visit. But they are so awesome!
Also, Our baptism date is looking sooooo strong! She is awesome! She is going out of town this week and her Baptism is on the 22nd. So we told her how important it is to read the BofM everyday, and especially while she's gone. So she asked us to write up some homework for her. And then she was telling us how she wants her parents (Who passed away a couple years ago) to be baptized too. And how excited she is to be able to do baptisms for the dead and how she can't wait to go and get married in the Temple. And how she knows that Joseph Smith was a Prophet and all that great stuff! We are so excited for her!! This was a pretty good week! Thanks President!
Con Amor -Elder Allen

Walmart, shopping for Investigators

So, part of missionary work is finding people. Especially out here because hardly anyone in the ward know any people in West Odessa (Our area). So it's really hard to get referrals.  And because there are almost no sidewalks, and stray dogs everywhere, people are not outside much. Haha so guess where we go to find people? You guessed it! WAL-MART! Haha we go there and walk around and help people load up their cars and then tell them who we are and tell them how our message can bless them. We have met some pretty nice people doing that! None that have been super solid, but it's just a matter of time!

I've been working on teaching People not just lessons. It's been kinda hard because I've been learning the lessons and the different points that need to be taught and how to make it personal. So now, I need to stop teaching to them and start teaching them! To not teach the lesson, but the person. Apply the Doctrine to them. It's been getting better! I like it! And just like Carter, we always need to have a "Get to it" Attitude! No slacking, but let’s go to work! And Be happy about it :D Attitude is everything. Whoo!

We were going through our book and found this lady that hasn't been taught since 2008. Her name is A. She and her husband E are pretty sweet. She is really solid. She read the chapter we left her and really thought about it. Oh! And I’ve been working on seeing people as they can become. Like Christ sees them. I see her getting baptized! And Him too!

Also, We are still teaching Bl and J! I love them so much and cannot wait for the day when they will get baptized! We had a really good lesson with them on Sunday and explained that they will receive their answer by coming to our church. Not by going to the Catholic church. And we explained it to them and the Spirit testified. And they committed to come! I really, really ,really want to be here when they get Baptized!

One of the reasons  J is scared to get her answer is because if she knows it’s true, then she'll want to share it with everyone else. HOW AWESOME IS THAT??????? SHE WILL BE A GREAT MISSIONARY SOME DAY! IN LIKE 4 YEARS!!! They are so Honest! I just wish that they would accept that they have been given their answer! I love them. And we gave Bl a blessing on Saturday. So that she would be comforted and be able to focus on getting her answer. After, she said "It feels fuzzy." She totally had the spirit touch her heart! It's only a matter of time!!! Whoo! (I'm starting to understand why Levi's letters are so crazy happy. It's because when exciting things do happen, they are amazing. Haha)

Another Investigator B, She's from the Philippines, has a baptism date for march 22!

Sorry! Ran out of time! Love you guys! In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Love -Elder Allen

I'm staying!

Hey Ma!

Holy smokes. Lots of crazy stuff has happened. Carter is Soooo awesome! And Harris is Awesome awesome awesome! Haha. Yeah... you can sell Nigel (my car) if you want to. I think I worked him to death. He was such a good and fun car! I got so good at.... driving him.... :D Haha

I'm glad the farewells went good! This is crazy how everyone is growing up! Haha

We had transfer calls last night and.... I'm staying! Ha, I'm glad too because Elder Duffy and I are finally clicking and flowing better in our lessons. So, I hope that this next transfer will be really good! I love the people here! Some of them don't like us. Haha but that's okay! Because we are representatives of the Lord. And in 1st Nephi 19:9, it talks about how Christ showed love and Charity. And it’s our job to do the same!

Hey Mom, Have I ever told you that you are so cool? WELL you are! Thanks for raising me the way you did! I can tell how much I have learned from you now! Love you lots! And I hope that everything works out! And Temple recommend question I would focus on..... hmmm..... (I’m pretty sure this is one) "Is there anything in your life that needs to be resolved with the Lord ?" Anyway, it’s about the atonement. It's so important for us to understand it. And when we do, we understand Christ more, and when we do that, we are able to be more like him. I love you all!

Con amor,

Elder Allen

The Redmesa Connection

Haha it was way crazy to find out he was from Red Mesa! I got all excited! :D Haha. (side note, Nyla's cousin Renee Price Abbott’s husband Damian is working in the oil fields of Texas and just happened to be in Odessa on Sunday. A young Elder came up to him and asked him where he was from. Damian said Durango. The Elder said he had an Uncle who lived in Redmesa near Durango. Damian asked if he was Nyla’s boy. Hayden was so shocked! Damian asked if there was any message he could send to his parents. Hayden said to tell his mother he’s just fine.)  And I don't think I need anything. Thanks so much for the Package! I hope you got mine too. And don't worry, I shared like a good boy. Haha.

This week has been good! We had some good lessons. Our Most Promising Investigators B and J still have only come to church once and I've been teaching them the whole time. They still attend the Catholic church. And we KNOW that they have felt the spirit. They pretty much tell us that these things are true. What we think is that the Mom thinks that she already got the Holy Ghost from the Catholic church. So we are going to talk about Authority to them and really try to find out their real concern and what’s really holding them back. They are really awesome thou! And they read the Book of Mormon! So that’s great! I got a flat in my tire the other day. So I’m gonna get a new tube, or..... maybe I’ll go buy some goop instead. Not sure yet. Love ya'll! And let me know how your lives are! I got a E-mail from Wyatt! Beast!!! And from the Gutierrez  family! I love you all so much! Keep living the Gospel!

-Elder Allen

This is a Scripture Holder my mom invented for missionaries who loose their scriptures. ;)

This is a little man that I made from pealing my orange. Pretty cool!

This is some BURRITO AWESOMENESS I made!!!!!!! Whoooo!!! I love it! Thanks Grandma Harris for the recipe!

Like Ammon

Dear Family,

          I feel the need to clarify some of the references that Hayden makes in his letters. I’m not sure where the “Whoot, Whoot” came from, but Hayden has been saying that for years. He would use that expression in his text to his friends and it has stuck. He also quotes from a cartoon show called “Phineas and Ferb”. He will put these in quotation marks and name the characters like: Phineas, ferb, Candace, Perry, Isabella, Baljeet and Buford, to name a few. For the 4 months that he waited to enter the MTC he was very careful of the media he watched. This show was always clean and funny. Also he will add quotes from the BYUTV comedy show “Studio C” if you haven’t seen it, you can watch it on youtube. So funny.  Thanks to everyone for the support you give our missionary!

Nyla

This week was good! And we have been having really good success! Our work from last week really paid off! We had lots of lessons with Members Present and we had lots of really good, spiritual lessons. And of course, because of this success, Satan has been working on us. He's been trying to get us to feel down, frustrated, and have bad feelings like that. After I read the Book of Mormon, I always feel better! It's not just a book. I love it!
Also, I've been working on being humble. Like Ammon. I know that I am nothing without the Lord, and that everything good that is going on, the success we've been having is because of the Lord. I need to keep realizing that and working hard. I honestly feel like I'm not being the best companion I know I can be, and the best companion I know God knows I can be. I'm looking for ways to serve Elder Duffy.

I love you all so much! And Tell Jayden and Jared I love them too! I can't wait to hear all about them!

Haha this picture is more for Carter than anyone. But it's cool!

Love ya all!

Elder Allen:)

This is really for Carter.  Texas sized!

Confidence

Wahoo!!! Go Harris and get that Eagle! I miss Harris... Haha he's so funny! Tell him i say Hi! WOW HARRIS CAN ALMOST DRIVE! THAT'S CRAZY! 

Haha I love Brother Jex! I miss him a lot! And yeah... I lost a bunch of stuff at work... I miss work too! I love wood. And Harris is going!!!!!!! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Youth conference is the best thing! I'm way excited for him. I loved youth Conference when I went! I remember the day after youth conference I got the Melchizedek Priesthood! How crazy. That was forever ago. Like a year. Haha.  Harris will have a blast! And when he comes home, I bet you that he will surprise you with how much his testimony will have grown. I love that Kid.

Well, we are doing really good! We worked really hard last week, but had probably the worst week in numbers. But that only means that good things will come from our hard work! My comp. is really cool. We work really hard together and he loves the people so much.  He is a really good teacher and we have been working on how to teach together better. I've been working on my confidence. It's weird because and home I had no problem teaching or being confident. But for some reason at the MTC, it was hard. And here too. So I figure that it was the Lord cutting me down so that I can bring forth Good fruit!  So, I'm doing my best to be confident! Especially when I teach! 

 Bishop told me that JT would be in the bishopric some day. I guess that day is now. I love it! Tell them all congratulations! 

We have been working really hard, but our teaching pool is really low. We have like, no one to teach. So we are doing lots of finding and trying to coming up with different and creative ideas to find people. It's fun! There is this one girl that we are teaching. She's 15 and way smart. She's like a modern day, girl version of Joseph Smith! She is catholic (right now anyway) and asked her preacher about the God Head and Trinity. And he kinda told her that she should stop asking questions. And she said that she should be able to ask questions! And we told her that she should! She reads the B of M Almost everyday and we watched the Restoration DVD And she loved it! I know she felt the Spirit! I cannot wait till she gets baptized! Last Monday we also got dropped pretty hard by one of the most promising investigator that Elder Duffy had ever taught. So it was hard on him. But then after he was like, well, I'm not just gonna sit here and mope! Le's go work. So we did! It was really cool to see how converted he is!

Love ya all!

Elder Allen

Conference, Conference, Conference

 We had zone Conference this week and I learned a lot! It was really cool, and then we also had Stake conference! Woot Woot! And we had our new members come. They got baptized before I got here. um....We went on splits last week! It was pretty fun. And I rode my bike! I put it together all by myself! AND IT WORKED! I was kinds surprised! But happy. We are teaching a pretty good amount of people. We have two Investigators with Baptismal dates! Blonca and Jacklyn. Blonca is Jacklyn's mom. They are coo. And we are also teaching this Woman named Anabell. Her mom is pretty against her taking lessons from us but she knows it's true! She understands everything so well! So, will you pray for them? Pray that Blonca and Jacklyn come to church and have a good Experience? And that Anabell has the courage and strength to act on the faith that she has? Thanks so much!

How's Family home evening going? And All that good stuff? I know that you will be blessed from doing it, I promise that the family will get closer together, everyone will be happier, and that The spirit will be stronger with you in your hearts.  Harris will be more prepared to serve a mission and he will grow and be a stronger member. Ah man I miss Harris. He's so.... Awesome Awesome Awesome! Haha I miss Phineas and Ferb too! Hhaha. That's okay i guess... We cleaned our apartment today! Woot woot! I Love being a missionary! There are so many blessing from it! And I hope that you are all being blessed too!
 I'm loosing my Spanish!!! AH! Texas Spanish is so weird! And we barley speak it. But, I will learn! I just need to put in some extra effort. We made some really specific goals this week. I'm really excited to see the outcome of them. I know that faith is really powerful. And I pray that our faith will be strengthend. Love you all and thank you so much for all you do for me! And I am really grateful for all the E-mails I got!
JAYDEN WHITEHEAD! CONGRATS!!!!!!! YOU ARE AWESOME AND WILL DO AWESOME THINGS! I MISS YOU BROTHER! I love getting letters from David (Elder Aust) It's so good to hear from him. And from Joe Cary! He's been E-mailing me and I love it! Tell the ward I love them and that this work, that of the Lord, is the most rewarding thing we can do. So be great home teachers. Give referrals!!! They are so nice! Help out the missionaries there by helping them have people to teach! And Tell Wyatt and his family that I love them! I need his e-mail or something. Wyatt, I'm going to punch you in the face, because I love you! Haha Thanks for all you have done Brother! I love you all! Un-know guy is out! PEACE!

Con amor- Elder Allen  

West Odessa, TX

1/21/14

 Everything is going great! My Companion is Elder Duffy and he is the district leader! He loves to work hard and so do I so it's been good. We get along pretty well. We have two investigators with Baptismal dates! And we have a couple other pretty solid Investigators. We cover three wards. Spanish, 1st and 2nd ward. We don't speak a whole lot of Spanish in our area. Most of the lessons we've taught have been in English. But I'm getting better. It's kinda like Cortez out here. Lots of dirt. Except there are no mountains! None. Haha but there are a lot of Pump jacks. Pretty much everyone out her works in the Oil fields. There a quite a few less actives around here. So we are getting to work! Knocking is pretty fun too! Haha. Kinda miss Spanish, like in the language. But we do have our study time. Love you all! Do your best and have faith! Love you mom and the rest of my family! And Go 4th Ward!!!! Woot! Love you all!!!! As we put our trust in the Lord, Jesus Christ, he will take care of the rest. Keep doing your part! I read 3rd Nephi 17! Read it and study it! It's great! Love you all! And I would love some letters.... You can just send them to the mission home, and they will forward it to me. My Mom has the address for the mission home.( and mom, I need a new set of scriptures! I lost them in Mexico!! I need them in English! Please!! Thank you! Soon as possible! And some more CTR socks too! Long ones! Love you! We have a Dinner appointment tonight. I gained 13 pounds in Mexico. So.... we've been working out and trying to eat healthy. It's been good. We have been doing "Insanity" work outs in the Mornings! Woot!

I haven't been riding my bike yet. It's all been driving and walking. I put my bike together myself. Haha So... yeah it looks pretty good to me! And my companions bike is broken I think.

Elder Allen