Well, I'm out of Coldwater. It's been a while since I've updated or anything. I'll try to see what I can say that's ambiguous enough to protect those that I may be friends with, but obvious enough that people can understand. I left Coldwater. I miss a lot of people. I don't miss some things about it at the same time.
I'm in Jonesville and it's so much fun. We actually live in a town called Hillsdale which is right next to it. But, I love it nonetheless. IIt's been going pretty good. My new companion is pretty cool. It's been a party pretty much the whole time that I've been here. We've been having tons of fun. We're doing good work too, so that's most important I suppose.
The weather is good. I got my first taste of humidity, of which, I'm not a fan. Is that proper English? I don't know, I'm losing it. I'm out of practice. Plus, I'm used to a mac keyboard and they rock. I hate this PC business.
Anyways, I'm almost seven months old. I don' t know how hte last month has flown by so fast. But it has. It feels like I'm entering a time warp. I'll see you all soon enough.
-Damon
Monday, March 19, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Letter #15 - February 13, 2012
Everybody,
Well, it's Monday in Coldwater. It's a pretty decent day. Not too cold with a little bit of sun. Do you guys like it when I give you a weather forecast? I'm going to be that old man who sits in a diner and talks about the weather and what he used to be. What a sad life.
I thought I would update people, even though there isn't a lot going on here. Not a lot has happened I don't think. I'll try to think. We have zone conference in Kalamazoo which is the name of an actual city in Michigan. I'm going to give away Valentine's to all the missionaries in the zone, like the ones you do in elementary school. Those were the days. The biggest problem I had in elementary school was which girl I wanted to impress and which sport I was playing at recess. And how I was going to avoid Junior Joggers. Did anybody else that grew up in the Ephrata school system hate Junior Joggers? For those of you not indoctrinated with cardiovascular health from a young age, I'll explain Junior Joggers. During recess, lunch usually, you run around the track and get tickets. Three tickets were a mile in Columbia Ridge, the far superior elementary school to Grant, which was four laps per mile. (Yeah, I'm startin' that fight) Some teachers, I'm not going to name names, made you get at least one ticket during lunch. It was gay, because I wanted to play basketball. If you got a certain amount, you got a T-shirt. If you went above and beyond you'd get a 100 mile club thing printed on the back of it.
Overall, it was lame. But, I digress. Pretty much the same stuff in a different week here. Let's see. I've been trying to eat less pizza. Which is a sad situation. I miss Time Out Pizza from back home. The pizza here doesn't compare. Maybe it's because it's what I'm used to. Is pizza hut still in business? Should I burn it down when I'm home? Great, now I'm going to be in trouble for arson.
Anyways, things are good. I hope people are doing well at home. Sorry this is a waste of time update. Nobody's reading this anyway though, so it's cool.
Well, it's Monday in Coldwater. It's a pretty decent day. Not too cold with a little bit of sun. Do you guys like it when I give you a weather forecast? I'm going to be that old man who sits in a diner and talks about the weather and what he used to be. What a sad life.
I thought I would update people, even though there isn't a lot going on here. Not a lot has happened I don't think. I'll try to think. We have zone conference in Kalamazoo which is the name of an actual city in Michigan. I'm going to give away Valentine's to all the missionaries in the zone, like the ones you do in elementary school. Those were the days. The biggest problem I had in elementary school was which girl I wanted to impress and which sport I was playing at recess. And how I was going to avoid Junior Joggers. Did anybody else that grew up in the Ephrata school system hate Junior Joggers? For those of you not indoctrinated with cardiovascular health from a young age, I'll explain Junior Joggers. During recess, lunch usually, you run around the track and get tickets. Three tickets were a mile in Columbia Ridge, the far superior elementary school to Grant, which was four laps per mile. (Yeah, I'm startin' that fight) Some teachers, I'm not going to name names, made you get at least one ticket during lunch. It was gay, because I wanted to play basketball. If you got a certain amount, you got a T-shirt. If you went above and beyond you'd get a 100 mile club thing printed on the back of it.
Overall, it was lame. But, I digress. Pretty much the same stuff in a different week here. Let's see. I've been trying to eat less pizza. Which is a sad situation. I miss Time Out Pizza from back home. The pizza here doesn't compare. Maybe it's because it's what I'm used to. Is pizza hut still in business? Should I burn it down when I'm home? Great, now I'm going to be in trouble for arson.
Anyways, things are good. I hope people are doing well at home. Sorry this is a waste of time update. Nobody's reading this anyway though, so it's cool.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Letter #14 - January 23, 2012
All right everybody, guess what? I have huge news. I'm staying in Coldwater for a fourth transfer. Which is alright, there are definitely people I cannot stand to say goodbye to, but I hope more happens this transfer. It's been a hard last few weeks here in Coldwater, MI. The weather has sucked, but we're through the worst of it and I've had a moderately good attitude. So, it snowed a ton and then it got 45 degrees and rained. The snow's gone.
The work is hard still. We're trying but not a lot is going on. I just have to remember that it's easy to work hard when the work comes easy. We're struggling to fill days but we're doing the best we can.
But, back to this week. So, I've been spending some time with this old man that's probably on his way out here pretty quickly. But, he's just kind of struggling in the hospital. It's kind of inspiring, sad, and faith-building all at once. I can't really explain how it feels to me. But, before I left yesterday, I said, "Hey (name withheld), don't have too much fun." He just smirked and said, "Oh, I'm chasin' the girls all around!" It made me laugh. He's a stud.
I was on trade-offs with a missionary who has had troubles. He decked his first companion. He ran away from one of his others. He told a little kid he was from hell. He's had a rough first 12 months. But, he went on trade-offs with me. The night grew on and it's about 10. I'm getting ready to sleep. He starts talking about his mission and his goals and this and that. He says some super inspiring stuff about consecration, taking baby steps to conquer problems, building faith, purifying our intentions. Yeah, it gets really good. He said some things that really changed my mission.
Then today, I get a voicemail from him. He said, in his southern Texas accent, "Hey Elder Chlarson, if chickens had lips, could they whistle?" I didn't reply. That reminded me of Justin Leighter. I hope he reads this. Somebody, tell him to read this. Wait, nobody is reading this anyways.
We visited this other big lady who's in this rehabilitation center. She's having an allergic reaction so she's scratching herself constantly. This nurse comes in and she tells the nurse to scratch her back. So, she gives the nurse a hairbrush. The nurse is scratching hard and she says to her. "What are you playin' in the sand? Dig. Put some muscle into it. Act like you're going to China!" Crazy stuff.
Well, we shall see how this week goes. Enjoy the real world everybody.
The work is hard still. We're trying but not a lot is going on. I just have to remember that it's easy to work hard when the work comes easy. We're struggling to fill days but we're doing the best we can.
But, back to this week. So, I've been spending some time with this old man that's probably on his way out here pretty quickly. But, he's just kind of struggling in the hospital. It's kind of inspiring, sad, and faith-building all at once. I can't really explain how it feels to me. But, before I left yesterday, I said, "Hey (name withheld), don't have too much fun." He just smirked and said, "Oh, I'm chasin' the girls all around!" It made me laugh. He's a stud.
I was on trade-offs with a missionary who has had troubles. He decked his first companion. He ran away from one of his others. He told a little kid he was from hell. He's had a rough first 12 months. But, he went on trade-offs with me. The night grew on and it's about 10. I'm getting ready to sleep. He starts talking about his mission and his goals and this and that. He says some super inspiring stuff about consecration, taking baby steps to conquer problems, building faith, purifying our intentions. Yeah, it gets really good. He said some things that really changed my mission.
Then today, I get a voicemail from him. He said, in his southern Texas accent, "Hey Elder Chlarson, if chickens had lips, could they whistle?" I didn't reply. That reminded me of Justin Leighter. I hope he reads this. Somebody, tell him to read this. Wait, nobody is reading this anyways.
We visited this other big lady who's in this rehabilitation center. She's having an allergic reaction so she's scratching herself constantly. This nurse comes in and she tells the nurse to scratch her back. So, she gives the nurse a hairbrush. The nurse is scratching hard and she says to her. "What are you playin' in the sand? Dig. Put some muscle into it. Act like you're going to China!" Crazy stuff.
Well, we shall see how this week goes. Enjoy the real world everybody.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Letter #13 - January 16, 2012
Hello outside world, I'd love to give you some crazy new fun information... but there really isn't any. I've been here in Coldwater for four months now, and I'm pretty ready for a new area. We get our transfer calls here pretty soon, Friday, and I've got my fingers crossed. I feel like I'll probably stay in Coldwater one more transfer. Which makes this six months in my first area.
My companion is doing alright. He's pretty interesting. We're polar opposites and it's okay. We're on week six together. We've had some good times and some bad times, which is pretty typical. It's funny how being with a companion works. Right when you get really comfortable it's time for transfer calls. But, knock on wood, I know I'm staying. I'm preparing myself.
Honestly, if I do leave, it'll be hard. That crappy apartment has become my home. I'll miss the people here a lot. There are some people I've grown really close to over the course of the last three transfers. But, we'll see what card President has up his sleeve. He's a wild card so you don't know what to expect.
The people of Coldwater are not too excited about me knocking on their doors, still. Not finding a whole lot of success, but that's part of the mission I guess. Sometimes I wish I was in South America dunking people every week. But, I'm in Michigan where everybody hates Mormons. It'll happen though, I just need to have faith.
I can't really remember if there were many fun stories that have happened. Sorry. I feel like I'm not very cheery in this post. I'm doing good overall, I'm just super tired today and I don't have a peppy attitude. I just want to sleep for a year. Hopefully this week brings some excitement so I don't seem so dull and lifeless. It's safe to say I've aged a year this week.
Damon, out.
My companion is doing alright. He's pretty interesting. We're polar opposites and it's okay. We're on week six together. We've had some good times and some bad times, which is pretty typical. It's funny how being with a companion works. Right when you get really comfortable it's time for transfer calls. But, knock on wood, I know I'm staying. I'm preparing myself.
Honestly, if I do leave, it'll be hard. That crappy apartment has become my home. I'll miss the people here a lot. There are some people I've grown really close to over the course of the last three transfers. But, we'll see what card President has up his sleeve. He's a wild card so you don't know what to expect.
The people of Coldwater are not too excited about me knocking on their doors, still. Not finding a whole lot of success, but that's part of the mission I guess. Sometimes I wish I was in South America dunking people every week. But, I'm in Michigan where everybody hates Mormons. It'll happen though, I just need to have faith.
I can't really remember if there were many fun stories that have happened. Sorry. I feel like I'm not very cheery in this post. I'm doing good overall, I'm just super tired today and I don't have a peppy attitude. I just want to sleep for a year. Hopefully this week brings some excitement so I don't seem so dull and lifeless. It's safe to say I've aged a year this week.
Damon, out.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Letter #12 - December 29th, 2011
Well, take it all down, Christmas is over. As much as I love the holidays, they suck on a mission. People are with their families and loved ones. We're not. But, we actually had a lot better Christmas than I was expecting. I went to a member's home. They gave me a scarf because I told them I had never worn one before. We'll see how that goes when the winter really hits.
This week was pretty interesting. I had a really hard week, then I had a really good week. My mission president is an amazing man. I seriously want to be him in every possible way. Since I've been struggling with some things, he really has been a huge help and he claims I haven't been a pain but I think he's lying. Anyways, we had our quarterly interviews. We had a talk about some of my ups and downs, and he was helping me out. We had a big talk about my relationship with God and how I stand with him now, and stuff like that. But, he really helped me realize some things. His spirit is so strong, that it made me come to love the Atonement even more.
I can honestly say that I can never deny this church. Every fiber of my being knows the doctrine is correct and it's claims are true. Which leads me to my next topic of debate... If there are any non-members reading this, why haven't you joined the church? Seriously, there is no excuse. Missionaries have a gift: they can weasel around any excuse, doubt, or problem you have. But, I guess it's an individual choice, but that change is for the better.
Anyways, I've been eating a lot of pizza. I miss Time Out Pizza so much. When I get home, I'm eating it so quickly, furiously, and intimately as possible. Weird, I know.
With the sincerity,
Elder Damon Chlarson.
This week was pretty interesting. I had a really hard week, then I had a really good week. My mission president is an amazing man. I seriously want to be him in every possible way. Since I've been struggling with some things, he really has been a huge help and he claims I haven't been a pain but I think he's lying. Anyways, we had our quarterly interviews. We had a talk about some of my ups and downs, and he was helping me out. We had a big talk about my relationship with God and how I stand with him now, and stuff like that. But, he really helped me realize some things. His spirit is so strong, that it made me come to love the Atonement even more.
I can honestly say that I can never deny this church. Every fiber of my being knows the doctrine is correct and it's claims are true. Which leads me to my next topic of debate... If there are any non-members reading this, why haven't you joined the church? Seriously, there is no excuse. Missionaries have a gift: they can weasel around any excuse, doubt, or problem you have. But, I guess it's an individual choice, but that change is for the better.
Anyways, I've been eating a lot of pizza. I miss Time Out Pizza so much. When I get home, I'm eating it so quickly, furiously, and intimately as possible. Weird, I know.
With the sincerity,
Elder Damon Chlarson.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Letter #11 - December 12th, 2011
Well, I'm staying in Coldwater for another transfer. Pretty excited about it though, we have a lot of really cool stuff going on. Should have a couple more baptisms. We have one scheduled for New Year's Eve and he's solid as a rock, hasn't missed a day in four months. It's going to be a good transfer, even if my new companion Elder Rawlins is supposed to be a little nerdy.
I'm done training. It's weird. This has been the slowest, quickest three months of my life. December is almost half over. Then it'll be 2012. I remember last December like it was yesterday. In another year, I'll be out for almost 16 months. I'm getting ahead of myself though. So let's review the last three months....
I ....got dropped off at the MTC by my Seth and Nolan. It was pretty fun couple days before I went in. Then, met my new companion an a couple good friends. Learned that I actually have a lot stronger testimony than I thought I did. I've read the Book of Mormon twice now. Left the MTC, went to Michigan, the poorest, trashiest state ever. Almost came home (twice), saw a psychiatrist, got medicated and went my way. I threw up on a front lawn. I almost got in a fight on the basketball court with our first counselor of the bishopric. I chased around a goat a bunch. Saw a redneck kid play the banjo. Learned how to play the banjo (sort of). Knocked on a lot of doors. Went to Indiana and Ohio (oops). I met one of the coolest families ever. Helped a kid get to baptism. Have had many sleepwalking adventures. (I wake up every night at around 12:30 to 1 am and think it's morning and that we slept in) I've been sworn at a lot. Overall, I think I've grown up just a little bit... inwardly, on the surface I'm still me.
One huge thing I've learned in the last 3.5 months is that we choose whether or not we want to be successful or be happy, to a certain extent. Once we have all the tools to be happy or successful, it's all dependent upon our attitude. I could have used my mental health issues as a crutch and been lazy. I could have used them to go home. I almost did. But, for reasons unknown, I always stayed. Now, it's really fun. I love it. Sure, I miss home and doing stuff I did back then, but it's more exciting to be doing this, even if people aren't always stoked to open their doors or hear what we have to say. It's a lot more important than hanging out at the lake everyday or staying up super late. Even if those are my two favorite activities.
I thank God everyday I'm not stuck in the same situation I was stuck in two or three years ago. I really do miss a few big things though. My family being home, having the holidays without me is a sucky thought. I try to push it out of my mind. I really miss Washington state. Michigan isn't even close to as good. I really miss looking out and seeing sagebrush and desert. Why? I'm not sure. There's just something cool about it. I hate seeing dead trees. It's so depressing. But, it's pretty when it snows. But, I don't miss school at all. I do miss my friends. But, the majority of my friends are on missions too, so we're in the same boat.
But, we'll see what the next 20 months have in store for me.
Till next time,
Damon.
I'm done training. It's weird. This has been the slowest, quickest three months of my life. December is almost half over. Then it'll be 2012. I remember last December like it was yesterday. In another year, I'll be out for almost 16 months. I'm getting ahead of myself though. So let's review the last three months....
I ....got dropped off at the MTC by my Seth and Nolan. It was pretty fun couple days before I went in. Then, met my new companion an a couple good friends. Learned that I actually have a lot stronger testimony than I thought I did. I've read the Book of Mormon twice now. Left the MTC, went to Michigan, the poorest, trashiest state ever. Almost came home (twice), saw a psychiatrist, got medicated and went my way. I threw up on a front lawn. I almost got in a fight on the basketball court with our first counselor of the bishopric. I chased around a goat a bunch. Saw a redneck kid play the banjo. Learned how to play the banjo (sort of). Knocked on a lot of doors. Went to Indiana and Ohio (oops). I met one of the coolest families ever. Helped a kid get to baptism. Have had many sleepwalking adventures. (I wake up every night at around 12:30 to 1 am and think it's morning and that we slept in) I've been sworn at a lot. Overall, I think I've grown up just a little bit... inwardly, on the surface I'm still me.
One huge thing I've learned in the last 3.5 months is that we choose whether or not we want to be successful or be happy, to a certain extent. Once we have all the tools to be happy or successful, it's all dependent upon our attitude. I could have used my mental health issues as a crutch and been lazy. I could have used them to go home. I almost did. But, for reasons unknown, I always stayed. Now, it's really fun. I love it. Sure, I miss home and doing stuff I did back then, but it's more exciting to be doing this, even if people aren't always stoked to open their doors or hear what we have to say. It's a lot more important than hanging out at the lake everyday or staying up super late. Even if those are my two favorite activities.
I thank God everyday I'm not stuck in the same situation I was stuck in two or three years ago. I really do miss a few big things though. My family being home, having the holidays without me is a sucky thought. I try to push it out of my mind. I really miss Washington state. Michigan isn't even close to as good. I really miss looking out and seeing sagebrush and desert. Why? I'm not sure. There's just something cool about it. I hate seeing dead trees. It's so depressing. But, it's pretty when it snows. But, I don't miss school at all. I do miss my friends. But, the majority of my friends are on missions too, so we're in the same boat.
But, we'll see what the next 20 months have in store for me.
Till next time,
Damon.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Letter #10 - December 5th, 2011
Dear Diary,
Alright team, it was a good week. Well, I went on a depressing trade-off to Sturgis. That place is a real crap-hole. The missionary I went with is very very very trunky and thinks about home constantly, so it totally bummed me out bad.
BUT, after that it was good. It snowed about 6 inches. I had on my stompin' boots so it was all good. I was bundled up nice and tight. But, we went out doorknocking this week and found probably two of the most prepared people, both families. So, we're seeing them this week. I'm pretty excited about it all. I also got my first baptism this week. It was really cool to watch. I'm so glad I was able to find, teach, and bring a person to baptism. It's pretty amazing. Not a lot in life can be better than that. Hopefully he stays on the path. If he doesn't... I'll have to throw down.
Well, story time. I got a letter from a good friend of mine. In my last letter to him, I told him about some of the struggles. He sent me back a letter that was more condescending that I'd ever heard before. I was so mad about it. I'm doing just fine on my mission now, but I wasn't then. So, he starts telling me how he lives a "higher law" and stuff like that. That's what the Pharisee's did. They made up rules. The mission rules are the higher law. We don't have to make up rules. So I was mad. Then, he said he wasn't having as much success as usual. Then, I was double mad. I felt like his mission was easier than mine, since I have to knock on doors a lot, people here hate Mormons, and it's the lowest baptizing mission in North America. But, then I started ranting, and I said out loud for the very first time... I love my mission! I'm proud of Michigan!" I never thought I'd say that.
So, needless to say things are going pretty well. I'm having a good time. Transfers are this week so I'll probably most likely be getting a new companion. It's supposed to snow this week, hurray?
Much love,
Damon.
Alright team, it was a good week. Well, I went on a depressing trade-off to Sturgis. That place is a real crap-hole. The missionary I went with is very very very trunky and thinks about home constantly, so it totally bummed me out bad.
BUT, after that it was good. It snowed about 6 inches. I had on my stompin' boots so it was all good. I was bundled up nice and tight. But, we went out doorknocking this week and found probably two of the most prepared people, both families. So, we're seeing them this week. I'm pretty excited about it all. I also got my first baptism this week. It was really cool to watch. I'm so glad I was able to find, teach, and bring a person to baptism. It's pretty amazing. Not a lot in life can be better than that. Hopefully he stays on the path. If he doesn't... I'll have to throw down.
Well, story time. I got a letter from a good friend of mine. In my last letter to him, I told him about some of the struggles. He sent me back a letter that was more condescending that I'd ever heard before. I was so mad about it. I'm doing just fine on my mission now, but I wasn't then. So, he starts telling me how he lives a "higher law" and stuff like that. That's what the Pharisee's did. They made up rules. The mission rules are the higher law. We don't have to make up rules. So I was mad. Then, he said he wasn't having as much success as usual. Then, I was double mad. I felt like his mission was easier than mine, since I have to knock on doors a lot, people here hate Mormons, and it's the lowest baptizing mission in North America. But, then I started ranting, and I said out loud for the very first time... I love my mission! I'm proud of Michigan!" I never thought I'd say that.
So, needless to say things are going pretty well. I'm having a good time. Transfers are this week so I'll probably most likely be getting a new companion. It's supposed to snow this week, hurray?
Much love,
Damon.
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