I aged a year this week. My hairline is receding. It's been crazy. Everything seemed normal for the most part and it was pretty fun. I was just having fun like I try to and then doing work, but then I snapped. To make a short story long...
Even though I have been medicated for a mood disorder, things didn't go well. For some reason, the same things I have been treated for have come back. So, I started thinking too much and decided that I should come home. So, I called the mission president and my parents, and I was pretty sure that's what I was going to do. But, something pulled me back and I didn't go. I decided that I'm going to stay.
Then, like three hours later, I was so confounded that I even considered going home. I laughed at the thought of going home early and just kept doing what we do. The next day was all good, no real problems at all. But then, during sacrament I got up and walked around outside and decided I should go home. I was pretty sure that's what I should do: go home, get treatment, come back when I'm feeling better. But, for some reason I didn't. Actually, Big Al gave me some really good advice. So, I'm definitely staying. But, I'm going to be seeing a psychiatrist at the University of Michigan and we're going to work it all out.
I can't give up. I can't even believe I considered it, to be honest. In the words of the Wonder Years, "Expect me standing tall, back against the wall, because what I learned was: it's not about forcing happiness, it's about not letting sadness win." So, I refuse to go that route. I've come too far to give up this early or at all. It doesn't matter what happens really, because all will be well in the end. Now, I'm ready to do what I planned on doing. Doing my job, and having fun. Everything is alright.
- Damon.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Letter #4 - October 17, 2011
Hello everybody.
A pretty average week here in the field. We're about to go eat some Buffalo Wild Wings and then play some ball. Good day. Well, this week we committed a guy to baptism which is pretty cool I suppose. He's a stellar guy. I really love him but I'm getting nervous for him. I hope he continues to progress but who knows how that will go.
Things in my life are interesting. I came to an interesting conclusion. I've been thinking a lot and really trying to figure out how I can make this experience the best and put my heart into it. So, I came across a scripture in 3rd Nephi 13:21. Christ is saying to the Nephites and he says "For where your teasure is, there will your heart be also." So, that got me really thinking. Wherever my treasure is, that's where my heart is.
So, if we can make something our treasure. If we can truly study it and focus on what we know we need. If we can find our inner desire as to why we need/want it, we can somehow turn it into our treasure. And I'm not saying something we treasure, I'm talking about your TREASURE. Like the thing that you desire, the thing you dream about and what gets you through the day. So, I got to thinking, how can I apply this to missionary work?
First though, I had to take a step back and think, what is my treasure right now? I couldn't put my finger on it. It's nothing in specific. My treasure is happiness, joy, and being content. How do I achieve that? I'm not sure. So, I figured I would apply that to missionary work. If I can make a successful missionary my treasure. Then, my heart will be in this work. I just have to figure it all out first.
On a cooler note.... Two years ago I met Max Bemis. After my brother's wedding, we came across each other and I got to talk to him about our conditions. One of the coolest experiences of my life. Awesome situation.
Well, till next time...
-Damon aka DJ smoove.
A pretty average week here in the field. We're about to go eat some Buffalo Wild Wings and then play some ball. Good day. Well, this week we committed a guy to baptism which is pretty cool I suppose. He's a stellar guy. I really love him but I'm getting nervous for him. I hope he continues to progress but who knows how that will go.
Things in my life are interesting. I came to an interesting conclusion. I've been thinking a lot and really trying to figure out how I can make this experience the best and put my heart into it. So, I came across a scripture in 3rd Nephi 13:21. Christ is saying to the Nephites and he says "For where your teasure is, there will your heart be also." So, that got me really thinking. Wherever my treasure is, that's where my heart is.
So, if we can make something our treasure. If we can truly study it and focus on what we know we need. If we can find our inner desire as to why we need/want it, we can somehow turn it into our treasure. And I'm not saying something we treasure, I'm talking about your TREASURE. Like the thing that you desire, the thing you dream about and what gets you through the day. So, I got to thinking, how can I apply this to missionary work?
First though, I had to take a step back and think, what is my treasure right now? I couldn't put my finger on it. It's nothing in specific. My treasure is happiness, joy, and being content. How do I achieve that? I'm not sure. So, I figured I would apply that to missionary work. If I can make a successful missionary my treasure. Then, my heart will be in this work. I just have to figure it all out first.
On a cooler note.... Two years ago I met Max Bemis. After my brother's wedding, we came across each other and I got to talk to him about our conditions. One of the coolest experiences of my life. Awesome situation.
Well, till next time...
-Damon aka DJ smoove.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Letter #3 - October 3rd, 2011
Well, it's another p-day. It's been a good week but it's had its ups and downs. The people still generally don't want to listen to us. We've knocked a ton of doors this week and gotten some invitations back.
Today we taught a lesson to a lady and we hope she pans out. We could have potentially three baptisms this transfer if we continue to work. This weekend we didn't get a lot done, but that's because it was general conference.
Hopefully everyone back home is doing good. I miss a lot of you, but there are things I definitely do not miss about home. Like money, school, work, relationships, finding stuff to do or anything like that. I pretty much have a focus and what not, it's pretty cool. There a million other missionaries who feel the same way.
This week we did service for this redneck family, the De Pews. They are building a house, by themselves, and needed our help. I did what I could, but I wasn't a ton of help. But, afterward Granda De Pew cooked us some chili. It ended up getting us sick, but that's not the point. He offered me a red pepper, and Elder Yeck challenged me to eat it, so I did. It was the hottest thing I've ever eaten in my life. I drink three glasses of milk, and juice, and I thought was going to throw up. I run outside and I ask his son where I should do it, in his redneck voice he says, "Uhhh, I dunno. Wherever. I'm sure the dog's will get it." Yeah, that's how the people are. It was pretty funny.
I buzzed my head today. It's super short, probably the shortest it's been in like 10 years. It's the only way to go. I'm a missionary so it doesn't matter how I look. Plus, Michigan women have facial hair. But, I don't know what else to say.
Here's another story for the journal. This old dude named Byron stopped us. Apparently he was a member but hasn't been to church in 30 years. He wants to go back to church he says. But, he was totally wasted. He completely forgot his home address and phone number. We chatted and he told us some stories. Apparently this dude has been hit by a car, fallen down a hill, wrecked a car into a tree and a bunch of other stuff. He's insanely hilarious. He gets ready to leave on his bike, and as he's pulling out, he almost immediately get's hit by a car. A drunk guy. On a bike. Riding down the highway. It's not healthy, but it's hilarious. You have to learn to love these people.
Well, I'm about done. I love you all, good bye.
Today we taught a lesson to a lady and we hope she pans out. We could have potentially three baptisms this transfer if we continue to work. This weekend we didn't get a lot done, but that's because it was general conference.
Hopefully everyone back home is doing good. I miss a lot of you, but there are things I definitely do not miss about home. Like money, school, work, relationships, finding stuff to do or anything like that. I pretty much have a focus and what not, it's pretty cool. There a million other missionaries who feel the same way.
This week we did service for this redneck family, the De Pews. They are building a house, by themselves, and needed our help. I did what I could, but I wasn't a ton of help. But, afterward Granda De Pew cooked us some chili. It ended up getting us sick, but that's not the point. He offered me a red pepper, and Elder Yeck challenged me to eat it, so I did. It was the hottest thing I've ever eaten in my life. I drink three glasses of milk, and juice, and I thought was going to throw up. I run outside and I ask his son where I should do it, in his redneck voice he says, "Uhhh, I dunno. Wherever. I'm sure the dog's will get it." Yeah, that's how the people are. It was pretty funny.
I buzzed my head today. It's super short, probably the shortest it's been in like 10 years. It's the only way to go. I'm a missionary so it doesn't matter how I look. Plus, Michigan women have facial hair. But, I don't know what else to say.
Here's another story for the journal. This old dude named Byron stopped us. Apparently he was a member but hasn't been to church in 30 years. He wants to go back to church he says. But, he was totally wasted. He completely forgot his home address and phone number. We chatted and he told us some stories. Apparently this dude has been hit by a car, fallen down a hill, wrecked a car into a tree and a bunch of other stuff. He's insanely hilarious. He gets ready to leave on his bike, and as he's pulling out, he almost immediately get's hit by a car. A drunk guy. On a bike. Riding down the highway. It's not healthy, but it's hilarious. You have to learn to love these people.
Well, I'm about done. I love you all, good bye.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Letter #2 - September 26th, 2011
Hello outside world, another P-Day is here. It's my first one in the state of Michigan. I've been here for almost a week now. My area is called Coldwater. It's a town of about 10,000 in southern Michigan. My new address is:
Elder Damon Chlarson
28 West State Street #23
Coldwater, MI 49036
Basically the deal is that Coldwater hates Mormons. People spit at us, cuss at us, tell me I'm going to hell, and all kinds of crazyness. It's been the weirdest thing of my life. Nobody opens their doors and lets us talk to them. They either pretend to be gone or slam it in our faces. My new companion is cool though. His name is Elder Yeck and he's hilarious. He's been out here for about a year now, so that's cool.
I'm enjoying it, but it's very tough at times. There are moments when I just want to get up and go home. But, during those times I just remember it's not for me, it's for the Lord. I know there's at least one person in Coldwater, MI who is ready to accept the gospel. I just have to keep searching. I'll be here for the next 3-6 months. We'll see how it goes.
We're working with this ex-pentecostal preacher named Anton. He's super interested in the Gospel and he's reading the Book of Mormon, I hope he's ready to make these changes. On Friday, the funniest thing happened. We knocked on this white trash door and this guy opens up. We get to talking and he goes off, he's yelling about Area 51 and extra-terrestrial life and he's telling us we have no clue what we're talking about. He asks me why God won't speak to him right now and he's insane. This dude is dropping f-bombs and stuff. Elder Yeck distracts him while I talk to his brother in law who is a less-active member. He's interested in meeting again so we'll see how that goes.
I miss everyone so much. If anybody has written me and I didn't write back it's because I didn't have your return address. See you soon.
Elder Damon Chlarson
28 West State Street #23
Coldwater, MI 49036
Basically the deal is that Coldwater hates Mormons. People spit at us, cuss at us, tell me I'm going to hell, and all kinds of crazyness. It's been the weirdest thing of my life. Nobody opens their doors and lets us talk to them. They either pretend to be gone or slam it in our faces. My new companion is cool though. His name is Elder Yeck and he's hilarious. He's been out here for about a year now, so that's cool.
I'm enjoying it, but it's very tough at times. There are moments when I just want to get up and go home. But, during those times I just remember it's not for me, it's for the Lord. I know there's at least one person in Coldwater, MI who is ready to accept the gospel. I just have to keep searching. I'll be here for the next 3-6 months. We'll see how it goes.
We're working with this ex-pentecostal preacher named Anton. He's super interested in the Gospel and he's reading the Book of Mormon, I hope he's ready to make these changes. On Friday, the funniest thing happened. We knocked on this white trash door and this guy opens up. We get to talking and he goes off, he's yelling about Area 51 and extra-terrestrial life and he's telling us we have no clue what we're talking about. He asks me why God won't speak to him right now and he's insane. This dude is dropping f-bombs and stuff. Elder Yeck distracts him while I talk to his brother in law who is a less-active member. He's interested in meeting again so we'll see how that goes.
I miss everyone so much. If anybody has written me and I didn't write back it's because I didn't have your return address. See you soon.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Letter #1 - September 6th, 2011
This is for Facebook/missionary blog:
Hello all, this is "Elder Chlarson" from the MTC. It's my P-day so I'm emailin' and laundry-ing. It's a nice break, even though they won't let us play basketball today.
Alright, though, it's been about 7 days since I left Ephrata. So far, I love it. Seriously, I can't think of a better thing to be doing. There are no grades, no money worries, no girl worries, and food is provided. I want to get out of here though and get out to the field very badly.
The whole fun of it is my district though. My main homies are Elder Masters and Elder Fletcher. But I get along and joke with all the others. I'm pretty sure we met in the pre-existence. My companion and I get along pretty well. We are very very different. He's from Salt Lake City, I'm from Ephrata. He's majoring in computer science; I'm majoring in English and writing. I drink tons of Mountain Dew, he's never had one. He had a caffeinated beverage once on accident, it was Sunkist. Funny stuff. He loves to plan and I love to wing it with the lessons.
It's been a little tough sleeping sometimes. Overall though, I'm doing well in that category. We woke up 6:30 at first, but the showers were taken. Now we wake up at 6:13 and book it to the showers. It's pretty fun though. Our room is the party room. We just hang out and make fun of each other. It's like a dorm room but with more spiritual uplifting activities.
I've been reading so much of the Book of Mormon. It's pretty cool how many amazing things are in there. My testimony has pretty much tripled. I love teaching. It's a big high for me. I just go in there, tell personal stories, bear my testimony and connect with the investigator. Our investigators are fake, but they never break character and are pretty difficult.
Um, I don't know what else to say. For the first time, I feel like I belong somewhere. It just feels so right. There isn't a lot I'd change and I love that. Sure, I miss my family and friends, but I'm not homesick. I'm excited for the day we reunite and I step off that plane, but that's a long ways off and there's a ton of life to be lived.
If there are any attractive Mormon girls who would want to write to and send packages to a young, attractive missionary named Elder Chlarson, I'd be totally cool with it. Actually, I'd love it. Mail is a huge highlight of our day.
Elder Damon Chlarson
MTC Mailbox #112
MI-LAN 0921
Provo, UT 84604-7913
Thank you all.
Hello all, this is "Elder Chlarson" from the MTC. It's my P-day so I'm emailin' and laundry-ing. It's a nice break, even though they won't let us play basketball today.
Alright, though, it's been about 7 days since I left Ephrata. So far, I love it. Seriously, I can't think of a better thing to be doing. There are no grades, no money worries, no girl worries, and food is provided. I want to get out of here though and get out to the field very badly.
The whole fun of it is my district though. My main homies are Elder Masters and Elder Fletcher. But I get along and joke with all the others. I'm pretty sure we met in the pre-existence. My companion and I get along pretty well. We are very very different. He's from Salt Lake City, I'm from Ephrata. He's majoring in computer science; I'm majoring in English and writing. I drink tons of Mountain Dew, he's never had one. He had a caffeinated beverage once on accident, it was Sunkist. Funny stuff. He loves to plan and I love to wing it with the lessons.
It's been a little tough sleeping sometimes. Overall though, I'm doing well in that category. We woke up 6:30 at first, but the showers were taken. Now we wake up at 6:13 and book it to the showers. It's pretty fun though. Our room is the party room. We just hang out and make fun of each other. It's like a dorm room but with more spiritual uplifting activities.
I've been reading so much of the Book of Mormon. It's pretty cool how many amazing things are in there. My testimony has pretty much tripled. I love teaching. It's a big high for me. I just go in there, tell personal stories, bear my testimony and connect with the investigator. Our investigators are fake, but they never break character and are pretty difficult.
Um, I don't know what else to say. For the first time, I feel like I belong somewhere. It just feels so right. There isn't a lot I'd change and I love that. Sure, I miss my family and friends, but I'm not homesick. I'm excited for the day we reunite and I step off that plane, but that's a long ways off and there's a ton of life to be lived.
If there are any attractive Mormon girls who would want to write to and send packages to a young, attractive missionary named Elder Chlarson, I'd be totally cool with it. Actually, I'd love it. Mail is a huge highlight of our day.
Elder Damon Chlarson
MTC Mailbox #112
MI-LAN 0921
Provo, UT 84604-7913
Thank you all.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
MTC
The purpose of this blog is to record Damon's mission. I will be posting his letters and e-mails here.
Since there is nothing today I will fill in the gap:
Damon is in the MTC and loving the cereal they serve at every meal.
Since there is nothing today I will fill in the gap:
Damon is in the MTC and loving the cereal they serve at every meal.
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