Hey Madre, My new address:
Elder Conner Allred
631 Elm St. #2
New Haven, CT 06511
This week was really awesome -- we've been having a really good time! I'm in New Haven, CT (Yale) and it's a really neat place. The campus is full of people that are WAY smarter than God (at least they think so...) so I'm just glad I don't have to teach the "Yalies" haha. It is really nice to be back in Connecticut and New Haven is the ONE spanish area that I did not serve in while I was in the CT, HAR mission so it feels pretty cool to have made the rounds. My companion is Elder Standage from Lehi, UT -- he is one transfer behind me so it's really nice to have two of us out here that speak the language well. He is a really smart Elder and we've been having a lot of fun.
Church yesterday was interesting! It was a great ward council but it's a little intimidating sitting in church / ward council with Yale students and graduates haha it's a really neat experience though.
This week we went to a woman named Mina's home (I think the grammar is shot on that phrase). She was a recipient of some of the Mormon Helping Hands service because her house on the beach was destroyed by Hurricane Irene. She fed us true Italian food and we tried to have a Italian/Spanish conversation, but it didn't work out so well so we stuck to English haha. It was pretty funny, she cooked basically everything with Wine and Coffee and didn't let us know until after we ate it hahaha. But she is a really sweet lady; she actually came to church yesterday, too!
The change for the member's as far as the HQ etc. isn't too great for the members, meaning, it's not that big of a deal. They don't really see much of a difference other than they won't see the mission President much anymore. Speaking of Mission Presidents, have you spoken with President Pehrson?
Well, not much else to report -- we have a few great investigators that we are working with so when I get to know them a little bit better I'll let you know how things go! I love you!!
-Elder Conner Allred
Monday, September 26, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
9-19-11
Madre,
The 350Z looks great! I'd have a hard time getting rid of it, too haha.
Not much going on this week except -- I'm getting transferred!! I'm going back to the land of my inheritance (somewhat). I'm headed to New Haven, CT the ONE place I haven't served in CT haha. So I have now officially gone to every spanish area in the Hartford Connecticut Mission. I'm not sure the address etc, but I'll let you know when I get there.
We had a party with the Elders from North Brookfield, their branch, and the ward/sisters from the Oxford area. Unfortunately it was mainly just the NB Branch that showed up, which isn't too surprising since the areas are so far away from each other. The Party did go well though, we had games for the kids and tons of food and some latin music. There were about 4 hispanics there so I got to talk to them, it was a lot of fun haha.
We went to the temple this week and I had some good insights and also left with a few questions, so I'll hopefully be able to find the answers to those.
Not much else going on this week! It's been a blur haha. I love you!
-Elder Conner Allred
The 350Z looks great! I'd have a hard time getting rid of it, too haha.
Not much going on this week except -- I'm getting transferred!! I'm going back to the land of my inheritance (somewhat). I'm headed to New Haven, CT the ONE place I haven't served in CT haha. So I have now officially gone to every spanish area in the Hartford Connecticut Mission. I'm not sure the address etc, but I'll let you know when I get there.
We had a party with the Elders from North Brookfield, their branch, and the ward/sisters from the Oxford area. Unfortunately it was mainly just the NB Branch that showed up, which isn't too surprising since the areas are so far away from each other. The Party did go well though, we had games for the kids and tons of food and some latin music. There were about 4 hispanics there so I got to talk to them, it was a lot of fun haha.
We went to the temple this week and I had some good insights and also left with a few questions, so I'll hopefully be able to find the answers to those.
Not much else going on this week! It's been a blur haha. I love you!
-Elder Conner Allred
Monday, September 12, 2011
9-12-11
Madre,
I hope and pray that I am not a quitter as well! haha. I feel like we're doing a lot of good in the ward and helping our members a lot -- but as far as new converts go, there isn't much going on. What should I do? I know what I need to do but it gets harder and harder each day to want to find, know what I mean? I go outside and immediately think "Can't wait to go out and get yelled at." I know we're doing a lot of good, but unless we have appointments I feel like we're just passing time and not really doing much.
Nick didn't show up to church yesterday to receive the Holy Ghost; apparently he was at his cousin's birthday party. Kind of a bummer. Well, a big bummer really. But we had a really good turn-out as far as less-actives go. A lot of our less-active members are coming to church, getting callings, and we actually have two ladies getting their endowment for the first time this Saturday. We're excited for the ward because it seems to be on the upswing.
This week we helped Brother Flint again. His basement needs cement so we dug some holes for him, about 10x4 feet and 4 inches deep so that they could pour the cement. It's nice to do a little manual labor and watch the progress as you go, it's rewarding. We had our weekly visit with them this week and it went well as usual.
Last week we started a Spanish Sacrament meeting which has been really great for the Spanish Speakers in the ward. I really like what the idea is behind it as well. Brother Gonzalez is spear-heading the operation and he has asked that we have a Spanish Sac. Meeting two times a month to help the Spanish Speakers feel comfortable. It's great because the overall goal here isn't just to split off and make a branch, rather to help them feel more comfortable, be able to give talks etc. but at the same time keep them in the ward and have them feel more a part of the ward. So far it has been great, one of the Brothers that hasn't born his testimony in years got up last week and bore his testimony so that was a great experience not only for him but for his family and us as well.
September 11 came and went quickly! To be honest I didn't even realize it was 9/11/11 until we got into our third hour at church. Our Elder's Quorum President, Brother Goguen spoke about it and helped us realize that the world changed that day, but the beautiful thing is that the Gospel never does. The simple truths that we have do not change -- Faith, Repentance, Baptism...
I love you very much and I miss you!
-Elder Conner Allred
I hope and pray that I am not a quitter as well! haha. I feel like we're doing a lot of good in the ward and helping our members a lot -- but as far as new converts go, there isn't much going on. What should I do? I know what I need to do but it gets harder and harder each day to want to find, know what I mean? I go outside and immediately think "Can't wait to go out and get yelled at." I know we're doing a lot of good, but unless we have appointments I feel like we're just passing time and not really doing much.
Nick didn't show up to church yesterday to receive the Holy Ghost; apparently he was at his cousin's birthday party. Kind of a bummer. Well, a big bummer really. But we had a really good turn-out as far as less-actives go. A lot of our less-active members are coming to church, getting callings, and we actually have two ladies getting their endowment for the first time this Saturday. We're excited for the ward because it seems to be on the upswing.
This week we helped Brother Flint again. His basement needs cement so we dug some holes for him, about 10x4 feet and 4 inches deep so that they could pour the cement. It's nice to do a little manual labor and watch the progress as you go, it's rewarding. We had our weekly visit with them this week and it went well as usual.
Last week we started a Spanish Sacrament meeting which has been really great for the Spanish Speakers in the ward. I really like what the idea is behind it as well. Brother Gonzalez is spear-heading the operation and he has asked that we have a Spanish Sac. Meeting two times a month to help the Spanish Speakers feel comfortable. It's great because the overall goal here isn't just to split off and make a branch, rather to help them feel more comfortable, be able to give talks etc. but at the same time keep them in the ward and have them feel more a part of the ward. So far it has been great, one of the Brothers that hasn't born his testimony in years got up last week and bore his testimony so that was a great experience not only for him but for his family and us as well.
September 11 came and went quickly! To be honest I didn't even realize it was 9/11/11 until we got into our third hour at church. Our Elder's Quorum President, Brother Goguen spoke about it and helped us realize that the world changed that day, but the beautiful thing is that the Gospel never does. The simple truths that we have do not change -- Faith, Repentance, Baptism...
I love you very much and I miss you!
-Elder Conner Allred
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
9-6-11
Madre,
Don't worry too much about the money. Of course, no rush! I just didn't know when I called america first if they gave me the balance with that 800 or without.
Nick got baptized this week! So it was a great week for all. Nick's whole family came and supported him which was great because his father isn't very impressed with our beliefs -- maybe this will help him out? The baptism had about 60 people in attendance and it went off without a hitch (I think that's the idiom haha). We got pictures etc and I'll be sending those out in a letter on a DVD again.
Yesterday for P-Day (since the library was closed) we went to the Spencer Fair. It was $10 to get in but was a $10 well spent. They had some "dare-devils" and a demolition derby and even a hypnotist. Despite my warnings, one of the Elders decided that he would go up to be hypnotized -- he didn't last long -- I think he was too nervous about me telling him to not go, which I'm happy about haha. There was one part where the hypnotized had to hug their neighbor and that really was weird for him, I think that knocked him out of it because he was a little nervous and the spirit wasn't helping haha.
We met a very interesting family this week. The MonCrief [sic] family. They have decided that Joseph Smith was a liar and Brigham Young was a racist (I could have told them about the Brigham Young bit). The husband was baptized when he was 18 and the wife was born into the church. The husband wasn't there but we stood outside 'talking' with the wife for about an hour or more. It was going nowhere fast. Apparently they were writing a book about the church and then found on, of all places, the internet all the 'truth' about the church. Elder Horton said it was quite funny because to him her and I are exact opposites. We both came across the same information but took it in different directions. I looked at it and thought "wow, prophets really are just men, there's hope for me!" and she looks at it and thinks "These are prophets!! They should know EVERYTHING!" Anyway, she informed us that their names have been removed which is a bummer. But what most bums me out is the trap of the whole thing. All the anti-mormon doctrine is the same, always has been and always will be. Her husband is now writing a book against the church about how the Book of Mormon was really written. I brought up the Solomon Spaulding theory and even though she didn't confirm my guess, she did give me ample reason to believe that that theory is one of the theories that they believe in; which is ridiculous because if you look into the Spaulding theory, it holds absolutely no water under close scrutiny. Anyway, her sister is coming to live with her (Amy, 16) and wants to keep coming to church -- so we're going to need a lot of help for her. We're nervous to see what happens but hopefully all goes well and we can help her continue on the path.
Oh, and in studying about Judas, I believe it has been stated by the Savior that he is a Son of Perdition. But I'm unsure if it's talking about Judas or Satan.
John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and anone of them is blost, but the son of cperdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
I love you and miss you
-Elder Conner Allred
Monday, August 29, 2011
8-29-11
Hey Fam,
A job, that's on the top of the list... let me know if you hear of anything.
About the card, that's the same deal as the Best Buy card, I just don't want them to add random crap to my card like HSBC did. My idea is to buy the computer (spend maybe 1400) and spend at least 1000 on the card, then pay off 500 the next day so that I only have to pay 500 and I have a year to do so, thus keeping payments to a minimum. (i'd also like to see what the reviews on the card are though) Whatddya think? Or, I could just buy it outright but then that leaves me a smaller amount for a car. Did that $800 ever get into my acct by the way?
As far as the transition, I feel I'll do ok. I just need to get a job asap and get a calling when I get home. Tell Bishop Hobby to think about something for me if he can :). Heck, have him e-mail me if he feels so inclined.
The storm yesterday was a BOREFEST. There was strong wind from about seven am until noon, and rain on and off throughout the day. We weren't allowed to leave the apartment so we sat inside all day long. I read the church handbooks to pass the time, pretty interesting and cool how the church works. I also watched all the church movies, read parts of Rough Stone Rolling, read a few chapters in the Book of Mormon, wrote a few letters and by the time I finished all that it was about noon... Yes, it was a long day. Church was canceled and because of that Nick was not baptized. Daniel's funeral was still held though and it was a great service. The Bishop pulled Nick off to the side during the funeral and explained what we'll do for the baptism next week so Nick was satisfied. Daniel's service was great and we will all miss him. It is nice to have the 'good news' and know where he is and what he's doing.
I read in Alma 34 this week about this time being a time to prepare. We also had a great discussion with Brother Stokes about this life and afterwords. This life is a time to harness the stupid stuff we do in preparation for exaltation. We talked about how in the telestial and terrestrial kingdoms it will very much be like the movie Groundhog Day. Will you be able to satisfy your addictions etc? Probably! But that will get really old after a few thousand years and only eternity to look forward to. Silly enough, I look at the Celestial Kingdom like World of Warcraft -- only healthy. Constantly evolving. People ask "Why would anyone play that game? You can't win!" Because winning isn't the point, the point is to continue getting stronger, better, etc. The Celestial Kingdom is continually helping your children, spouse, our God, and ourselves become mroe perfect. We will constantly be growing in knowledge. What great blessings await us! We also talked about the Sons of Perdition, and their state -- that's a conversation we can have when I get home, remind me. We spoke about Judas as well, Brother Stokes had a really cool standing on what he believes Judas was thinking.
I don't know if I'd put this on the blog, just in case it might be found as doctrine by others. But it is up to you.
Brother Stokes noted that Judas probably had great faith, so his idea wasn't simply "i'm going to betray him for money" Judas didn't need money, he was loaded! What he wanted to do was to get the ball rolling. He was sick of the Christ being pushed around and treated like dirt, so he thought "If I do this, Christ will show that he is the Son of God and blow this place to kingdom come!" But then, something happened that Judas didn't expect... Christ died. "What have I done!?" Thought Judas. And killed himself. Joseph F. Smith taught that if Peter had received the Gift of the Holy Ghost his punishment would be a different story for having denied the Christ 3 times. That made my companion and I start to think -- "if Peter is ok... what about Judas?" Elder Horton said something really funny "I guess we shouldn't be surprised if Judas is the greeter at the Pearly Gates then." haha. I think what Judas was NOT doing was listening carefully. He didn't understand the resurrection. He acted before he thought. Anyway, interesting insight.
Not much else to report this week, I love you! And I'm not trunky! Just thinking ahead haha.
-Elder Conner Allred
A job, that's on the top of the list... let me know if you hear of anything.
About the card, that's the same deal as the Best Buy card, I just don't want them to add random crap to my card like HSBC did. My idea is to buy the computer (spend maybe 1400) and spend at least 1000 on the card, then pay off 500 the next day so that I only have to pay 500 and I have a year to do so, thus keeping payments to a minimum. (i'd also like to see what the reviews on the card are though) Whatddya think? Or, I could just buy it outright but then that leaves me a smaller amount for a car. Did that $800 ever get into my acct by the way?
As far as the transition, I feel I'll do ok. I just need to get a job asap and get a calling when I get home. Tell Bishop Hobby to think about something for me if he can :). Heck, have him e-mail me if he feels so inclined.
The storm yesterday was a BOREFEST. There was strong wind from about seven am until noon, and rain on and off throughout the day. We weren't allowed to leave the apartment so we sat inside all day long. I read the church handbooks to pass the time, pretty interesting and cool how the church works. I also watched all the church movies, read parts of Rough Stone Rolling, read a few chapters in the Book of Mormon, wrote a few letters and by the time I finished all that it was about noon... Yes, it was a long day. Church was canceled and because of that Nick was not baptized. Daniel's funeral was still held though and it was a great service. The Bishop pulled Nick off to the side during the funeral and explained what we'll do for the baptism next week so Nick was satisfied. Daniel's service was great and we will all miss him. It is nice to have the 'good news' and know where he is and what he's doing.
I read in Alma 34 this week about this time being a time to prepare. We also had a great discussion with Brother Stokes about this life and afterwords. This life is a time to harness the stupid stuff we do in preparation for exaltation. We talked about how in the telestial and terrestrial kingdoms it will very much be like the movie Groundhog Day. Will you be able to satisfy your addictions etc? Probably! But that will get really old after a few thousand years and only eternity to look forward to. Silly enough, I look at the Celestial Kingdom like World of Warcraft -- only healthy. Constantly evolving. People ask "Why would anyone play that game? You can't win!" Because winning isn't the point, the point is to continue getting stronger, better, etc. The Celestial Kingdom is continually helping your children, spouse, our God, and ourselves become mroe perfect. We will constantly be growing in knowledge. What great blessings await us! We also talked about the Sons of Perdition, and their state -- that's a conversation we can have when I get home, remind me. We spoke about Judas as well, Brother Stokes had a really cool standing on what he believes Judas was thinking.
I don't know if I'd put this on the blog, just in case it might be found as doctrine by others. But it is up to you.
Brother Stokes noted that Judas probably had great faith, so his idea wasn't simply "i'm going to betray him for money" Judas didn't need money, he was loaded! What he wanted to do was to get the ball rolling. He was sick of the Christ being pushed around and treated like dirt, so he thought "If I do this, Christ will show that he is the Son of God and blow this place to kingdom come!" But then, something happened that Judas didn't expect... Christ died. "What have I done!?" Thought Judas. And killed himself. Joseph F. Smith taught that if Peter had received the Gift of the Holy Ghost his punishment would be a different story for having denied the Christ 3 times. That made my companion and I start to think -- "if Peter is ok... what about Judas?" Elder Horton said something really funny "I guess we shouldn't be surprised if Judas is the greeter at the Pearly Gates then." haha. I think what Judas was NOT doing was listening carefully. He didn't understand the resurrection. He acted before he thought. Anyway, interesting insight.
Not much else to report this week, I love you! And I'm not trunky! Just thinking ahead haha.
-Elder Conner Allred
Monday, August 22, 2011
8-22-11
Hey Famiry.
Well, we're pretty boring over here in Gardner, too! Not too much to tell you about except for the excitement that we have for Nick Pike's baptism this upcoming Sunday! Nick has been doing really well and he has lots of friends in the ward, so many that all the missionaries are doing is the opening and closing prayers! haha. This really hit me this week when I found that out. I think that two years ago I would have thought "Why aren't I doing more?" But I had an overwhelming feeling of peace come over me when our ward mission leader set up the program; I had this thought "This is how it's supposed to be." I love Nick, he's a great kid. But seeing him so involved in the ward and already looking forward to priesthood responsibilities helps me understand my place as a missionary. I carry the gospel to him, and then the ward steps in and does the rest. I'm just a simple mouth-piece. I can't really explain very well what I want to say, but it's basically this: The ward brings their friends to church, I give them the information they need with love and respect, and then the ward baptizes him, not the missionaries. When people ask "How many baptisms have you had?" I hope to respond "None, but the wards I worked with had x." Because that's how it should be! It's so neat to see how well Nick fits into the scheme of things here. He is so eager to start preparing the sacrament - I'm very proud of him and the Gardner ward.
This is probably useless right now, but I wanted to ask about a phone when I get home. I had a dream last night that I wasn't able to find a job etc etc. and it's been stressing me out! haha. I would like to see if I could get on a family plan with Megg and Spence and split the cost 3 ways or half or whatever they would like to get another iPhone. Or, do it with Brinlee as long as she has a job. The family plan makes it much cheaper ($60) per month. Also, I don't know what kind of work the family might have, but i'd like to get to work as soon as I get home if I can. The quicker I get on it, the easier the transition will be I think. Also, if Scott could see what kinds of prices he can find on cars and just give me a little information that would be great. I think I'm going to go with a nice 'ol trusty Subaru WRX. After seeing all my friends have one and how well they do on gas/fun/practicality. It makes me want one. 4x4 with a turbo that helpls me save gas... sounds good!
Not too much is going on -- it's getting cold! Weird! It was sixty this morning. Say good-bye to summer! haha. I love you very much.
Elder Conner Allred
Well, we're pretty boring over here in Gardner, too! Not too much to tell you about except for the excitement that we have for Nick Pike's baptism this upcoming Sunday! Nick has been doing really well and he has lots of friends in the ward, so many that all the missionaries are doing is the opening and closing prayers! haha. This really hit me this week when I found that out. I think that two years ago I would have thought "Why aren't I doing more?" But I had an overwhelming feeling of peace come over me when our ward mission leader set up the program; I had this thought "This is how it's supposed to be." I love Nick, he's a great kid. But seeing him so involved in the ward and already looking forward to priesthood responsibilities helps me understand my place as a missionary. I carry the gospel to him, and then the ward steps in and does the rest. I'm just a simple mouth-piece. I can't really explain very well what I want to say, but it's basically this: The ward brings their friends to church, I give them the information they need with love and respect, and then the ward baptizes him, not the missionaries. When people ask "How many baptisms have you had?" I hope to respond "None, but the wards I worked with had x." Because that's how it should be! It's so neat to see how well Nick fits into the scheme of things here. He is so eager to start preparing the sacrament - I'm very proud of him and the Gardner ward.
This is probably useless right now, but I wanted to ask about a phone when I get home. I had a dream last night that I wasn't able to find a job etc etc. and it's been stressing me out! haha. I would like to see if I could get on a family plan with Megg and Spence and split the cost 3 ways or half or whatever they would like to get another iPhone. Or, do it with Brinlee as long as she has a job. The family plan makes it much cheaper ($60) per month. Also, I don't know what kind of work the family might have, but i'd like to get to work as soon as I get home if I can. The quicker I get on it, the easier the transition will be I think. Also, if Scott could see what kinds of prices he can find on cars and just give me a little information that would be great. I think I'm going to go with a nice 'ol trusty Subaru WRX. After seeing all my friends have one and how well they do on gas/fun/practicality. It makes me want one. 4x4 with a turbo that helpls me save gas... sounds good!
Not too much is going on -- it's getting cold! Weird! It was sixty this morning. Say good-bye to summer! haha. I love you very much.
Elder Conner Allred
Monday, August 15, 2011
8-15-11
Family,
Well it's mondey again!
HOLY CRAP TACEY IS A BEAST! She is getting so big that is so weird! She is so cute!
The Davis family is doing well, unfortunately our ward hasn't been able to raise enough money to fly them all home so they will be driving back probably this week is the plan so far. Please pray for them!
We set a baptismal date with Nick Pike (14) for the 28th of August. He said he had a hard week this last week, it was a good test for him though! He said he was having doubts etc and then finally came to the conclusion that it was true and that he needs to get baptized. We're really happy for him and we're working closely with him.
This week was a little slower than the past has been. It seems that a lot of the investigators we had have dropped us. But we did find someone new! Her name is Amber. We met her at the door and gave her a Book of Mormon. When we came back three days later she had read the whole testimony of Joseph Smith, the intro, tesmionies of the 8 and 3 and she's up to 1nephi chapter 8! She is great! Her boyfriend doesn't want to take any of the lessons but she is willing and I believe he is to, to get married so that she can be baptized. We have only had one lesson with her, so hopefully it will continue to go well.
Not much else to talk about this week! I love you all and hope all is well. Remember that it is upon the Rock of the Redeemer, which is Christ, that if a man builds upon he cannot fall.
-Elder Conner Allred
Well it's mondey again!
HOLY CRAP TACEY IS A BEAST! She is getting so big that is so weird! She is so cute!
The Davis family is doing well, unfortunately our ward hasn't been able to raise enough money to fly them all home so they will be driving back probably this week is the plan so far. Please pray for them!
We set a baptismal date with Nick Pike (14) for the 28th of August. He said he had a hard week this last week, it was a good test for him though! He said he was having doubts etc and then finally came to the conclusion that it was true and that he needs to get baptized. We're really happy for him and we're working closely with him.
This week was a little slower than the past has been. It seems that a lot of the investigators we had have dropped us. But we did find someone new! Her name is Amber. We met her at the door and gave her a Book of Mormon. When we came back three days later she had read the whole testimony of Joseph Smith, the intro, tesmionies of the 8 and 3 and she's up to 1nephi chapter 8! She is great! Her boyfriend doesn't want to take any of the lessons but she is willing and I believe he is to, to get married so that she can be baptized. We have only had one lesson with her, so hopefully it will continue to go well.
Not much else to talk about this week! I love you all and hope all is well. Remember that it is upon the Rock of the Redeemer, which is Christ, that if a man builds upon he cannot fall.
-Elder Conner Allred
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