Hi family. How was the rest of your week? It feels like I just talked to you haha. I don't think my voice has changed, but if it has, oh well. The boys did sound different. Pence didn't sound like himself at all. Bubba seems to be talking a lot more sophisticatedly now. Coleman sounds so much like a big boy now. I think he was the best to talk to, but it sure made me sad. He wanted me to do something and he said we'd do it when I got home and I said, buddy that won't be for awhile. Then he said yeah, when I'm 7. I just feel so bad because I don't think he understands why I have to be gone and not talk to him. I really enjoyed being able to talk to everyone though. What day is it specifically that Erin and James go to the temple?
Thank you for sending my medication. I haven't gotten them yet, but I'm sure they'll be here soon. Yeah, that address will work fine for now. I have seen our real place. It is amazing. We will probably move back in on saturday, but it could be the beginning of next week. I don't know for sure.
I don't really have a lot else to talk about either. I think all the importand stuff I talked to you about on the phone. I love you all. Have a great week and be safe on your way to Idaho.
Love,
Elder Mullenax
Monday, December 28, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
12-20-09
Hello family!
Yes, there has been a lot of change in my life here. It is a very beautiful place, but out here is Springfield it has an interesting smell to it. It is definitely bigger. So what happened with transfers is that we have to get a member to drive us with all of our luggage to a "transfer spot" which is one of a number of locations up and down the I-5. From here, your stuff is loaded into a tailer attached to a 15-passenger van and you are taken to another transfer spot on the I-5 where you are picked up by a member that dropped off someone else that is being transferred and then you are taken to your new area. So for myself, I had to get a ride to Roseburg. What happened is on Tuesday another elder and I went to Roseburg and loaded our stuff on the Transfer van, but we still stayed in Roseburg overnight. So we actually worked tuesday night and wednesday morning in Roseburg's area. It was fun. However, because our stuff was on the van, we had no other clothes so we slept in our suits and had to go without a shower the next day. It was pretty crazy. Then wednesday afternoon the van came back north and picked us up and off we went. When I got to my new area, I found out that we are kicked out of our apartment until after the 1st. This apartment is known in the mission as "The Mansion." It is probably the nicest in the mission. The members we live with are very wealthy and so they built the basement floor of their house as a missionary apartment. It was only finished a year ago. But, they had a lot of family coming in for Christmas so we have to move out for a while. So, we are living in another apartment with 2 other elders and I don't have a bed. I sleep on the floor haha. It is very cool though because one of the Elders was with me in the MTC. My companion is very good. He is from Utah. He is a good missionary, but his trainer was definitely not the most obedient. It is difficult to break him of some of his habits. The most difficult to break is the idea that we can just hang out at members homes. Aparently they did that quite frequently. There are just a lot of things like that where he has been taught incorrectly so It makes it hard for me to teach him what is right. I'm going to ask some other missionaries and President Macdonald on how to deal with the situation. My new area is very different.
We cover 2 wards and a branch. Sundays are shot as far as proselyting goes. We are in meetings from 8:30 until 4:00. That is a big change. I also have to try and work equally in each area, but it doesn't always pan out that way. Ah, the joys of the balancing act.
I'm glad you liked the christmas package. I'm still waiting for Dad's gift. For christmas calls, I'll probably call around 3:00-4:00 on christmas. So that would put it at about 4-5 for you. Let me know if that works. The members we are calling from have free long-distance so the phone card isn't necessary. I'm running out of time on the computer so I have to wrap this up.
Yes, I lost 10 pounds. I'm feeling better, but I still have a couple issues. Nothing major. I'm working on putting the weight back on. Crazy about Lamoni. I can't believe he's gained so much weight. Elder Parkin is also a district leader now. I get to see him a lot more often. I actually see him later today and we are going on exchange this wednesday.
I love you all. Have a merry christmas. I'll talk to you on friday!
Love, Elder Mullenax
Yes, there has been a lot of change in my life here. It is a very beautiful place, but out here is Springfield it has an interesting smell to it. It is definitely bigger. So what happened with transfers is that we have to get a member to drive us with all of our luggage to a "transfer spot" which is one of a number of locations up and down the I-5. From here, your stuff is loaded into a tailer attached to a 15-passenger van and you are taken to another transfer spot on the I-5 where you are picked up by a member that dropped off someone else that is being transferred and then you are taken to your new area. So for myself, I had to get a ride to Roseburg. What happened is on Tuesday another elder and I went to Roseburg and loaded our stuff on the Transfer van, but we still stayed in Roseburg overnight. So we actually worked tuesday night and wednesday morning in Roseburg's area. It was fun. However, because our stuff was on the van, we had no other clothes so we slept in our suits and had to go without a shower the next day. It was pretty crazy. Then wednesday afternoon the van came back north and picked us up and off we went. When I got to my new area, I found out that we are kicked out of our apartment until after the 1st. This apartment is known in the mission as "The Mansion." It is probably the nicest in the mission. The members we live with are very wealthy and so they built the basement floor of their house as a missionary apartment. It was only finished a year ago. But, they had a lot of family coming in for Christmas so we have to move out for a while. So, we are living in another apartment with 2 other elders and I don't have a bed. I sleep on the floor haha. It is very cool though because one of the Elders was with me in the MTC. My companion is very good. He is from Utah. He is a good missionary, but his trainer was definitely not the most obedient. It is difficult to break him of some of his habits. The most difficult to break is the idea that we can just hang out at members homes. Aparently they did that quite frequently. There are just a lot of things like that where he has been taught incorrectly so It makes it hard for me to teach him what is right. I'm going to ask some other missionaries and President Macdonald on how to deal with the situation. My new area is very different.
We cover 2 wards and a branch. Sundays are shot as far as proselyting goes. We are in meetings from 8:30 until 4:00. That is a big change. I also have to try and work equally in each area, but it doesn't always pan out that way. Ah, the joys of the balancing act.
I'm glad you liked the christmas package. I'm still waiting for Dad's gift. For christmas calls, I'll probably call around 3:00-4:00 on christmas. So that would put it at about 4-5 for you. Let me know if that works. The members we are calling from have free long-distance so the phone card isn't necessary. I'm running out of time on the computer so I have to wrap this up.
Yes, I lost 10 pounds. I'm feeling better, but I still have a couple issues. Nothing major. I'm working on putting the weight back on. Crazy about Lamoni. I can't believe he's gained so much weight. Elder Parkin is also a district leader now. I get to see him a lot more often. I actually see him later today and we are going on exchange this wednesday.
I love you all. Have a merry christmas. I'll talk to you on friday!
Love, Elder Mullenax
Monday, December 14, 2009
12-14-09
Hello there family.
I think that if you are all not sitting down, you should be. I know I wish I would have been sitting down when President Macdonald called me. So here is the story. We were at Jim's baptism on Saturday morning, and I left the phone in my suit pants(I was wearing my whites to baptize) but a few minutes before 10:00, I decided to check the phone to see if the other missionaries had called. Well, we missed a call, but it wasn't from the other missionaries. It was from President Macdonald and there was a voicemail. So I start listening to it and it says, "Hello, this is President Macdonald. Elder Mullenax, I'm going to need you to call me back." I was a little scared, but I made the call and it went to his voicemail so I left a message saying that I was at a baptism and that I wouldn't be able to get back with him until after 11:00. Well, the baptism went by and President called back promptly thereafter. I answer the phone and our conversation went like this:
"Elder Mullenax, how was the baptism?"
"Oh, it was great, President."
"Good, good. You having a good time out there in North Bend?"
"Definitely. I love it out here."
"I'm glad to hear it. Well, I'm sorry to tell you that you'll have to leave because the Lord has called you somewhere else."
"Okay, President." "The Lord also needs your talents and skills. Elder Mullenax, you'll be follow-up training a new missionary. He's been out six weeks. We're very confident that you'll be able to do it. You're a great missionary and the Lord will bless you. So, will you do it?"
"Uh, thank-you, President. Yeah, yeah I can do that."
"Great, well the Lord loves you. You have a great day."
"President, can you tell me where I'll be follow-up training at?"
"Well, you'll be up here in my neighborhood. We'll be seeing a lot more of each other!"
Then we said goodbye and I just stood there with the phone still up to my ear in shock. Then Brother Olsen walks by and glances and does a double-take. He asks, "Elder Mullenax, are you okay?" I respond after a second, "Uh, I'm training." Well, he was really excited for me and so was Elder Rupp, but I was shocked and scared and I'm not sure it's worn off yet. I could have handled just moving, but moving and training I think may be a bit more than I can handle. I just hope I don't scar the poor kid. His name is Elder Wright(not sure on the spelling, I've only heard the name) and we will be serving in Springfield, which is basically Eugene. There's really no separation between the two, other than a line on the map. The good news is that I'll be serving right next to Elder Parkin and another missionary I love, Elder Lenz.
I'm glad you got my Christmas Card and that you liked it. The family is the Morales family. They are so awesome. I'll tell you more about them another time. I'll probably write a letter for that. I have not put on any weight. Unfortunately, I've lost 10 pounds. With being sick and everything, I dropped. I don't seem to be bouncing back from it either. I hope that I gain it all back and put on a bit more. My pants are all a bit loose now. My companion is about an inch taller than me.
Wow, I didn't know that Daniel was even back from his mission. That's pretty cool. I think we'll do Christmas day, and I think we'll shoot for the evening. I'm not sure though. I still have to find out who I'm spending Christmas with. I decided to stick with the counsel of the First Presidency and not talk to Kristin. I've learned that following the rules, even if you don't understand all the "whys" is always the best choice.
I did get the Jerky and the package from Erin. I loved the pictures of the boys. Elder Parkin did not tell me you sent him a christmas card. I'll have to get angry at him for that. I found out that Parkin is a District Leader now! He is definitely the man for the job. I just wish I was in his district haha.
Well, I don't really have much more to say. Oh, I did have to open all my christmas gifts since I'm being transferred. I love everything. I'm actually wearing one of the ties you sent right now. I really like the gloves, but they are very much too small. The beanie fits very well though. Tell Erin and James I said thanks for the CDs and all the candy. Maybe that will help me gain my weight back. I haven't opened the book that Mark and Lindsey sent yet because it was small enough I could pack it wrapped. My black shoes are toast. The soles are pretty much gone and they are cracking. I tried to find some new ones here in North Bend but the selection was slim and I couldn't find anything. If you have a chance, look into a brand of shoes for me. They are "Ecco". The soles are very hard and durable and the leather on top does not crack. Quite a large number of missionaries make it their entire mission with one pair. My guess would be to look online or at Dillards. I also don't know how much they are. I just asked Elder Rupp and he thinks that they run $80-90. I will also be looking around up in Eugene when I get there. I love you all. Have a great day and I hope that you have a good week. Keep me in your prayers, as well as my new companion. He'll probably need them more than I do.
Love, Elder Mullenax
I think that if you are all not sitting down, you should be. I know I wish I would have been sitting down when President Macdonald called me. So here is the story. We were at Jim's baptism on Saturday morning, and I left the phone in my suit pants(I was wearing my whites to baptize) but a few minutes before 10:00, I decided to check the phone to see if the other missionaries had called. Well, we missed a call, but it wasn't from the other missionaries. It was from President Macdonald and there was a voicemail. So I start listening to it and it says, "Hello, this is President Macdonald. Elder Mullenax, I'm going to need you to call me back." I was a little scared, but I made the call and it went to his voicemail so I left a message saying that I was at a baptism and that I wouldn't be able to get back with him until after 11:00. Well, the baptism went by and President called back promptly thereafter. I answer the phone and our conversation went like this:
"Elder Mullenax, how was the baptism?"
"Oh, it was great, President."
"Good, good. You having a good time out there in North Bend?"
"Definitely. I love it out here."
"I'm glad to hear it. Well, I'm sorry to tell you that you'll have to leave because the Lord has called you somewhere else."
"Okay, President." "The Lord also needs your talents and skills. Elder Mullenax, you'll be follow-up training a new missionary. He's been out six weeks. We're very confident that you'll be able to do it. You're a great missionary and the Lord will bless you. So, will you do it?"
"Uh, thank-you, President. Yeah, yeah I can do that."
"Great, well the Lord loves you. You have a great day."
"President, can you tell me where I'll be follow-up training at?"
"Well, you'll be up here in my neighborhood. We'll be seeing a lot more of each other!"
Then we said goodbye and I just stood there with the phone still up to my ear in shock. Then Brother Olsen walks by and glances and does a double-take. He asks, "Elder Mullenax, are you okay?" I respond after a second, "Uh, I'm training." Well, he was really excited for me and so was Elder Rupp, but I was shocked and scared and I'm not sure it's worn off yet. I could have handled just moving, but moving and training I think may be a bit more than I can handle. I just hope I don't scar the poor kid. His name is Elder Wright(not sure on the spelling, I've only heard the name) and we will be serving in Springfield, which is basically Eugene. There's really no separation between the two, other than a line on the map. The good news is that I'll be serving right next to Elder Parkin and another missionary I love, Elder Lenz.
I'm glad you got my Christmas Card and that you liked it. The family is the Morales family. They are so awesome. I'll tell you more about them another time. I'll probably write a letter for that. I have not put on any weight. Unfortunately, I've lost 10 pounds. With being sick and everything, I dropped. I don't seem to be bouncing back from it either. I hope that I gain it all back and put on a bit more. My pants are all a bit loose now. My companion is about an inch taller than me.
Wow, I didn't know that Daniel was even back from his mission. That's pretty cool. I think we'll do Christmas day, and I think we'll shoot for the evening. I'm not sure though. I still have to find out who I'm spending Christmas with. I decided to stick with the counsel of the First Presidency and not talk to Kristin. I've learned that following the rules, even if you don't understand all the "whys" is always the best choice.
I did get the Jerky and the package from Erin. I loved the pictures of the boys. Elder Parkin did not tell me you sent him a christmas card. I'll have to get angry at him for that. I found out that Parkin is a District Leader now! He is definitely the man for the job. I just wish I was in his district haha.
Well, I don't really have much more to say. Oh, I did have to open all my christmas gifts since I'm being transferred. I love everything. I'm actually wearing one of the ties you sent right now. I really like the gloves, but they are very much too small. The beanie fits very well though. Tell Erin and James I said thanks for the CDs and all the candy. Maybe that will help me gain my weight back. I haven't opened the book that Mark and Lindsey sent yet because it was small enough I could pack it wrapped. My black shoes are toast. The soles are pretty much gone and they are cracking. I tried to find some new ones here in North Bend but the selection was slim and I couldn't find anything. If you have a chance, look into a brand of shoes for me. They are "Ecco". The soles are very hard and durable and the leather on top does not crack. Quite a large number of missionaries make it their entire mission with one pair. My guess would be to look online or at Dillards. I also don't know how much they are. I just asked Elder Rupp and he thinks that they run $80-90. I will also be looking around up in Eugene when I get there. I love you all. Have a great day and I hope that you have a good week. Keep me in your prayers, as well as my new companion. He'll probably need them more than I do.
Love, Elder Mullenax
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
12-7-09
Dear Family,
I have had an interesting week. I was definitely worn out, and maybe a tad homesick. Actually, on Friday I was for real sick. I woke up with a sore throat and a bit of pressure in my head, but we went about our day normally. As the day wore on, It got worse and worse. I gained some relief from 800mg of Ibuprofen, but it didn't last. When we got in for the night, I took some Nyquil and went straight to sleep. I slept well until about 3:00am, and then my body couldn't seem to regulate it's temperature and so I tossed and turned. On saturday morning, I went into the shower and just layed there (with the shower running), feeling miserable(aches, chills, sore throat, headache, and a fever). I thought, "How am I going to make it through this day?" Well, after I pulled myself out of the shower I called Sister Macdonald and asked her what to do. She told me that she figured I had the flu and that I should treat the symptoms, and that I shouldn't leave the apartment for a couple days. She said I wasn't allowed to leave until 24 hours after my fever broke. When I got off the phone, Rupp drove me to Rite Aid and I stocked up on DayQuil and NyQuil. We ended up staying in the apartment all day Saturday and all day Sunday. Luckily my fever broke yesterday morning because I could not stand another day in there. I did make good use of my time though. I made it all the way through the Book of Mormon in those two days. I'm feeling much better today and my sore throat is mostly gone. I'm glad to be out and about though haha.
Jim Cates will finally be baptized on Saturday! I'm so excited. Reed Aurdahl should also be baptized, but he's not 100% committed yet. I also find out on Saturday whether I stay or go.
We do need to pick a time to call on Christmas. I'd prefer Christmas Day in the evening. Whatever time you think would be best. What we've been counseled to do is to call briefly and give you the number and have you call us back so that it charges our family, not the one that we're calling from. However, if the member has free long distance, they usually just have us call you and not worry about the whole call back thing. I took down Erin's number so I can call her too.
I have to confess something...I already opened the gift that you're talking about. Let me explain though. Okay, so firstly, It(the box) was at the mission office. The office elders decide to give it to the Assistants to bring down to me during their exchange with my Zone Leaders. That's pretty rare and unheard of. Second, the Zone Leaders deliver it to me that evening and won't leave until I open the big box. I open it. Then, inside, there is only one box that doesn't have wrapping paper and that catches my attention, but then the box is mangled and whatever is inside of it is poking out. I grab ahold of it to see what it is and there is an apostolic quote on the front. Way to peak my interest. So I open it up and begin to read the letter and BOOM! Instant spiritual witness that I need to read them all now. So I did. It was amazing. Replaying everything that led to that point, it was there to give me strength when I needed it most, especially after reading Pamela's testimony about there being no coincidences. I had to give a talk in our district meeting and didn't know where to start and Hank's addition was exactly what I needed. I needed something inspiring to share with a Part-Member family and Sister Kutch's was a perfect fit. I know that this is the best Christmas Present I have ever received. I've already begun asking people here prepare their own to add to my book. Thank you so much mom. I really love it. I can't tell you how many times I've reread them all. It's something I'll draw upon for the rest of my mission and probably the rest of my life.
I had better get going. I just want to say that I love you all. I miss you terribly, but I feel your love. You're always in my prayers.
Love, Elder Mullenax
I have had an interesting week. I was definitely worn out, and maybe a tad homesick. Actually, on Friday I was for real sick. I woke up with a sore throat and a bit of pressure in my head, but we went about our day normally. As the day wore on, It got worse and worse. I gained some relief from 800mg of Ibuprofen, but it didn't last. When we got in for the night, I took some Nyquil and went straight to sleep. I slept well until about 3:00am, and then my body couldn't seem to regulate it's temperature and so I tossed and turned. On saturday morning, I went into the shower and just layed there (with the shower running), feeling miserable(aches, chills, sore throat, headache, and a fever). I thought, "How am I going to make it through this day?" Well, after I pulled myself out of the shower I called Sister Macdonald and asked her what to do. She told me that she figured I had the flu and that I should treat the symptoms, and that I shouldn't leave the apartment for a couple days. She said I wasn't allowed to leave until 24 hours after my fever broke. When I got off the phone, Rupp drove me to Rite Aid and I stocked up on DayQuil and NyQuil. We ended up staying in the apartment all day Saturday and all day Sunday. Luckily my fever broke yesterday morning because I could not stand another day in there. I did make good use of my time though. I made it all the way through the Book of Mormon in those two days. I'm feeling much better today and my sore throat is mostly gone. I'm glad to be out and about though haha.
Jim Cates will finally be baptized on Saturday! I'm so excited. Reed Aurdahl should also be baptized, but he's not 100% committed yet. I also find out on Saturday whether I stay or go.
We do need to pick a time to call on Christmas. I'd prefer Christmas Day in the evening. Whatever time you think would be best. What we've been counseled to do is to call briefly and give you the number and have you call us back so that it charges our family, not the one that we're calling from. However, if the member has free long distance, they usually just have us call you and not worry about the whole call back thing. I took down Erin's number so I can call her too.
I have to confess something...I already opened the gift that you're talking about. Let me explain though. Okay, so firstly, It(the box) was at the mission office. The office elders decide to give it to the Assistants to bring down to me during their exchange with my Zone Leaders. That's pretty rare and unheard of. Second, the Zone Leaders deliver it to me that evening and won't leave until I open the big box. I open it. Then, inside, there is only one box that doesn't have wrapping paper and that catches my attention, but then the box is mangled and whatever is inside of it is poking out. I grab ahold of it to see what it is and there is an apostolic quote on the front. Way to peak my interest. So I open it up and begin to read the letter and BOOM! Instant spiritual witness that I need to read them all now. So I did. It was amazing. Replaying everything that led to that point, it was there to give me strength when I needed it most, especially after reading Pamela's testimony about there being no coincidences. I had to give a talk in our district meeting and didn't know where to start and Hank's addition was exactly what I needed. I needed something inspiring to share with a Part-Member family and Sister Kutch's was a perfect fit. I know that this is the best Christmas Present I have ever received. I've already begun asking people here prepare their own to add to my book. Thank you so much mom. I really love it. I can't tell you how many times I've reread them all. It's something I'll draw upon for the rest of my mission and probably the rest of my life.
I had better get going. I just want to say that I love you all. I miss you terribly, but I feel your love. You're always in my prayers.
Love, Elder Mullenax
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