Letter #31 - October 29, 2012

Well, it hasn't been too long but I'm trying to think of something cool that's happened. Well a couple things have happened that are slightly noteworthy, I guess. The Tigers got swept by the Giants, I'm pretty sure I heard the state cry. Other than that though... We had some interesting experiences door knocking this week. A brotha (note: "brotha" not "brother" even though his name would give that away) named Rodell Bell gave me something to talk about...

So we were knocking in a not-so-good part of town in downtown Grand Rapids. We walked up to the house and I heard some rustling around the side of the house so I just said, "Hey uhhh, we're missionaries and we would like to share a message about Jesus Christ" and I was cut off by Rodell and he said, "hey, ya'll got three dollas I can borrow to go buy some bologna?" And, I'm not one to turn down a man his bologna. So I said, "Uhhh sure..." And the other black dude, who was apparently doing some sort of caulking to the house, said, "ehh yo, these dudes come 'round talkin' bout Jesus and you gon' ask 'em fo cash?" And Rodell just FLIPPED and got so ticked because apparently he was getting "all up in his bidness" and taking stuff off his porch. Apparently he works for the landlord... I don't know. Eventually Rodell, in a moment of rage, yells out. "I ALREADY GOT THE BREAD AND THE CHEESE!" And I freaking lose it. I just start laughing so hard. Anyways, so I give him the money and we're in his house now. He invited us in and a lightbulb went off in my head, "This'll be fun!" So, right before we leave he says, "Okay, ya'll go tell ya pastor watch just happened... Talk about it. Because what just happened is gon' stick with ya'll... because what just happened... that was weird." I said, "Oh yes, it WAS weird..." He was fun. I miss him. I'm pretty sure Rodell is in. He's not exactly accountable if you get my drift...

Grand Rapids is still fun. I love the ward here, still some of my favorites whom I have met on my mission. So, I'm still enjoying all of this which is really fun. Things are starting to pick up in the area a little bit. I mean, we're not going to be baptizing the masses or anything. I'm no Alma, probably won't get 3,500 this year. But, maybe...

I'm super tired all the time. I just want to sleep. You know it's bad when at 6:30 am, you say to yourself, "Oh, only 16 more hours till I get to sleep." It's like when I was a new missionary and Monday would end and I'd say, "Ahhh, only 6 more days till p-day." The weeks go by so fast though now. I'm at 14 months now. Almost into single digit time left, which BLOWS my mind. Anyways, I hope things are good for everybody at home. I'm with a greenie so he gets more mail than me, so if anybody is ever bored... I need to put him in his place.

Elder Damon Chlarson

3165 Riverview Dr. Apt 1A

Grand Rapids, MI 49544

Nobody better stalk me. It's been a problem. Just kidding.

Really though...

P.S. Shout out to Jeremy Randall, my #1 boy.

Letter #30 - October 15, 2012

Well, it's been an interesting week. I'm pretty sure that the sister missionaries poisoned me. They made "taco salad" that included lettuce, chips, and cheese. I'm not really sure why, but there was no ground beef. Perhaps they decided that was too much effort. Yet, they decided to make chicken which is obviously much easier to thaw, prepare, and cook. (Sarcasm). Anyways, I wasn't too psyched on the way they prepared the chicken, but I ate it anyways...

About two hours later my body hated me. Shakes, coldness, sorrow, depression, laughing, it was weird. Just kidding. I just wanted to puke, my head wanted to explode, and my body wanted to be in a climate about 130 degrees as opposed to Michigan's 50 degree weather. Anyways, I had to stay in after trying to work,  and I threw up later.

My body hasn't recovered and every time I eat I get a stabbing pain in my belly. I've lost about ten pounds this week, so I'm back down to about 170 which is good news I guess. I even felt like I wanted to die after a small bowl of honey nut cheerios. Sad stuff.

We had a huge miracle happen this week: a Mormon.org media referral that actually worked out. She came to stake conference and also is reading so it's good news. We'll see what happens.

Stay classy,

Damon.

Letter #29 - October 1, 2021

Well, here we go...

Transfers happened. LUCKILY, I get to stay in the Grand Valley ward in Grand Rapids. I'm excited. My new companion is not in the mission yet. I'll meet him on Thursday. Elder Masters is going to be in the Grand Rapids ward, right across the road. I'm stoked! We're in the same district and we'll be on trade-offs. So we'll see. We're both getting new missionaries so they're in for a great time! I'm going to miss having Elder Masters are 24/7 though. I can't believe it's been almost three months. July 11-October4.

I'm very blessed to be staying in the Grand Valley area. It's been great. It feels like I've been here for like, three weeks or something. I can't believe it. Grand Rapids is probably the best place I've ever lived. There's just so much going on. (Anybody reading this should google "ArtPrize 2012") Coming to Grand Rapids all happened by chance but it was definitely inspired. It's crazy how life works, things just work. In the words of Motion City Soundtrack: "It's not a matter of time, it's just a matter of timing." So, I'll continue on. I turned 13 months yesterday. I can't believe how fast it's going.

So I'll for sure be in Grand Rapids for 12 more weeks, luckily. There's really nowhere else to go, even though I sort of miss Coldwater. But, I'l continue to enjoy it here. So, I'll be here until at least Christmas. Then, I'm at 16 months. It's just insane how fast it goes when you're working hard and enjoying yourself. Life really isn't all that serious, contrary to what they tell you in high school.

I also hear that a couple of bros from high school are getting married? I can't believe it's happening.

I'm thankful for all the support. Sorry my grammar and vocabulary are not up to par, but I'm getting rusty. I can barely read regular writings anymore, it has to be scriptural text. Also, I'm sorry I'm not funny anymore, maybe I'll get it back someday.

Damon.