February 27, 2017 New Companion, Elder Ratigan

Hi MOM!!!!!!!!!

My week has been a lot better than last transfer. I love Elder Ratigan, he’s awesome.

TUESDAY- After we emailed we went and had lunch at Wendy’s and then we went and played pool and then we went over to the Roots to eat dinner and then we went and did splits. I went with our new ward mission leader Brother Swenson. We went and tried to see some investigators and then we tried to see some less actives and there was only one that told us we could go back. So then after seeing those we went home and got the zls car to take up to transfers the next day. That was the day.
WEDNESDAY- We got up in the morning and took Matthews stuff out to the car and I drove up to Birmingham. It was scary. Not just the car but Matthews was so nervous. I don’t think I’m that bad of a driver but he did. Lol.  We got to transfers and then we had the meeting and I met Elder Ratigan. They introduce the trainees to their trainers and for the ones that have already been out, we just find our new comp and go sit by them.  I saw Elder Butterfield there and Elder Honn and I even saw the Wetumpka sisters. Elder Butterfield talked to me and so did Sister Hatch. So then we talked with a lot of people and then we went to Moe’s to eat some food.  I had wings. Then we started our drive back home. We got to know each other. Elder Ratigan is from Coeur d'Alene Idaho. He has been out for one year.  He is a happy and energetic guy. He likes to play basketball.  He loves physical stuff  like camping, wakeboarding and rock climbing. He’s the youngest of 5.  3 sisters and 1 brother. We gave the car back to the zls and went home. I let him unpack and get some groceries and then I went and showed him around.  He met 1 member and we taught them CPR (Church Prayer Scripture reading) then we went home for the night.
THURSDAY- We got up and Elder Ratigan made us pancakes!! Then we did weekly planning and then in the middle of it we got a call to go help a member from Madison move in. So we got a ride and made a 30 min trip to Madison. The people were nice we got fed subway and then we came home.  I introduced him to Breanna. We stayed there and had a great time for about 2 hours and then we went and saw the Foils family. Elder Matthews made a baptism date for them on May 20th. So we are hoping that they live up to that. So we introduced him to them and they like him. Then we had our dinner appointment pick us up and then we went to eat Chinese food at a Chinese restaurant. I LIKED IT!!!!!! I had honey chicken and wings and this chicken thing. I don’t remember what it was, but ya I liked it!! Then we went and tried to see the Chapman's but they weren't home so I went and introduced him to the Roots and then we walked home and got the car from the zls. Elder Ratigan had a doctor appointment in Hoover at 10 in the morning. That was our day
FRIDAY- We got up and I drove to Hoover. Elder Ratigan liked my driving. After 2 hours we got to Hoover and he had the appointment. Then we went and met up with some Elders up there and went to Baha Burgers. It was soo good. Then we went home.  After that we dropped the car off and then we planned for the rest of the day. We had our dinner appointment over with the Williams and they fed us pizza and gave us these cups called tumblers. They stay cool for a long time. Then we went and tried to see the Chapmans but they weren't home so we walked home and we stopped and helped this guy by Little Caesars. His truck lost all of the coolant and we helped him with it. He was so thankful. Then I got a pizza while we were there and then we went home.
SATURDAY- We had District meeting and I did a training on Revelation through church attendance. It was so awesome.  I felt the spirit so strong and everyone told me afterwards that I did awesome. The ones in our district are the zls, us and the Sparkman Elders. My district leaders name is Elder Ogden. He’s cool. Then we went to taco bell and had lunch there and then the zls dropped us off and then we went and tried to see some investigators but none were home so we were walking and we saw these kids playing basketball.  So we played with them for a bit and then we tried to see if any of them would like to hear a message about Christ. None of them wanted us over. But then one said yeah I live on so and so. So after that we biked home and went to our dinner appointment and had the best time there. Their kids are so energetic. Then we went and saw the Foils and introduced Elder Ratigan to the parents and then we talked and we agreed that we will read with them. They are starting to like me and Elder Ratigan.  Then we went store contacting and that was a bust so we went home for the night. We changed it up a bit in the night. When we got home we set up the dvd player and watched a little of Meet the Mormons.
SUNDAY- We went to meet with our ward mission leader in the morning at the church and then we had ward council and then we had church.  It was long but more fun. We have been fed for 12 nights straight. Then after church we went home and had comp study and I took a nap because I had a headache and then we had dinner and then we went with this guy Seth Layton to get some home teaching done.  Then we went and walked over to see Stan but he wasn’t home. So when we were walking home, we stopped this lady and found out she was a friend of someone who committed suicide last year. You can look at the story on the internet about an Alabama woman who killed herself along with her kids. Last Saturday me and Elder Matthews moved this guy named Gram. That was his wife who was the friend that committed suicide. So we talked with her and she appreciated what we were doing and she gave us someone to go see. The thing that’s cool about this experience is that I had a headache through the day and when Seth dropped us off, Elder Ratigan asked me what I wanted to do. I thought about going inside because I wasn’t feeling well but I said let’s try to go see Stan. And then we had that experience. Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways! That was our day.
MONDAY- Today I slept in a little. Then I got up and started the day. We are going to email and then go to Burger King and then we will probably go do other things.

This week we don’t have anything right now. Just a move on Saturday.

You asked me what I learned from my last six weeks with Elder Mathews.  I learned that I doubted myself a lot and I didn't realize how much potential I have. And to care about the investigators more than myself. I've learned that Elder Matthews was my best comp. I may have been scared but he taught me that I do have a testimony. I see that it has made me stronger as a person and to speak up more.

Thanks mom for your encouraging words and support! I try to show my best but I am only an instrument.

Tyler’s video is awesome. He needs to be on YouTube, lol. I didn’t get the camera but I got the letters. Loved them soo much!!! Tell Ty and Ash thanks! I’ll send a letter this week.

Ok mom we are out of here.
LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!
Elder Webb

February 21, 2017

Hi Mom!!!

So I’m staying in Weatherly. Elder Matthews is going to Prattville. I’m getting Elder Ratigan. Elder Matthews served with Elder Ratigan. I think he’s been out for 1 year. Apparently he’s awesome. He’s really cool. I’m scared a little to see what happens. I will miss Elder Mathews. I learned so much from him. And he’s a great person. I never hated him at all. It was just hard at times. He’s an awesome missionary.  Both zls are staying.

Elder Matthews new comp is ELDER HONN LOL!!!!!!  He’s excited to go to Prattville but sad to leave. He will probably finish his mission in Prattville he goes home in June.

I found out that Elder Butterfield is going to Tuscaloosa. How do I feel about Huntsville?  Yes we get fed every day of the week and the people are nice. But I haven’t got as close to them as those in Wetumpka.

The weather has been very nice. We haven’t been to the temple since November. idk when we will go next.

MONDAY- after we got done emailing we went and played tennis. We played a tournament with the zls. I won the first one, Elder Matthews won the other 2. When me and Elder Matthews play its awesome. After playing tennis we went and saw the Jennifer family. They aren’t that close to baptism. They didn’t like me that much at first but I started opening up to them and I think they're liking me. They told Elder Matthews that I was following this blindly.  Then we went to the store and then we came home for the night.
TUESDAY-  HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! (AKA HAPPY SINGLE AWARENESS DAY! LOL) This morning we tried to go see this guy Byron but he wasn't home again. So we went to the store and got some things and then we came home for lunch.  We did our comp study and then we saw Breanna and talked with her about the temple and then we went and tried to find people but once again nobody. So we went to our dinner appointment and they had Bojangles. (a fried chicken place)  We tried to see some less actives but we only saw one and she was very nice, hasn’t been to church in the last 3 months. So after that we tried to see this family but they weren’t home so we decided to go to Walmart and walk around since it was Valentine’s Day. That was the day.
WEDNESDAY- Today was zone training. So we had it in the morning and I saw some of the people that I knew. We were trained on things such as the Book of Mormon and how to manage stress. So after the training we went to chick fil a and had some GREAT food. Then we went home and tried to see Byron, but of course he wasn’t home. So we went tracting over there but no luck so we went and tried to see Carrie. She wanted a Book of Mormon, but when we got to the door she had to owe the apartment complex 2000 dollars so we think she left. So then we went to our dinner appointment and had, guess what........ Papa Murphys pizza. The pizzas were all meat and Hawaiian.  It was great and then I shared the spiritual thought about family prayer. How if we pray as a family for missionary experiences they could happen. They gave us some people to go see also which was fantastic and then we went and saw a less active and then came home.
THURSDAY- This morning me and Elder Matthews did weekly planning and just had some fun with it by telling funny stories. Then we had lunch and then we tried to go see less actives for 3 hours but we only saw one. Then we went home and did comp study and had a great one. Then we went tracting and found nobody. One guy Damned Elder Matthews at his door step but Elder Matthews said “are you asking for forgiveness for you damning me at your door step?” and the guy is like yes will you forgive me? And Matthews says “yes I will forgive you because I’m Christlike.” After that me and him were laughing. Then we went to dinner at zaxbys with some members and then we tried to see this guy Donnie and taught him the restoration and then we went to talk with our ward mission leader and then came in for the night.
FRIDAY- This morning we finished weekly planning and then we had comp study and then we had lunch and then went to Interviews with our mission president. Me and him had a good talk.   He loves the work I’m doing. Just that we will be split up.  And then we left and went back to the zls apartment and then they dropped us off back home. then we tried to tract. Didn’t work. So we asked for a ride for our dinner appointment and he calls us and cusses us out. He was mean, but he got over it. It’s complicated. He’s just crazy  Then we went to the dinner appointment and had fish curry. After the appointment Elder Matthews told me that I looked like I was going to throw up. I didn’t think it was bad but I guess I looked like that. Lol. Then we tried to see the Foils family but they weren't home. That was the day.
SATURDAY- So we actually did service for the first time this transfer. We went and helped this guy move from the Byrd Springs apartment to a weatherly apartment and it lasted till about 12. Then we went to pizza hut for lunch and then we went home and did our studies and then we took a stress free nap. After that we got up and went tracting. That sucked again ugh. Then we tried to see a family but they weren’t home so we went to our dinner appointment and had hamburgers and then we shared the Gospel with them. After that we had comp study and then we got our transfer calls. Elder Matthews is going to Prattville and I’m staying here and getting a guy named Elder Ratigan. That was the day.
SUNDAY- We had church and both me and Elder Matthews had to bear our testimonies. After church we went home and had lunch and went and saw the Foils family for about 3 hours just talking with them. They had a little camp fire going. I also played bball with the dad and son. They’re really good at it lol. Then we came home and had dinner at 8 and called it a night. Slow day.
MONDAY- HAPPY PRESIDENTS DAY!!! In the morning we went to the store so that Elder Matthews could get some stuff and then we came home and did our studies and had lunch then we went and he said goodbye to Breanna and Michelle. Then we went and helped this member move some wood and furniture and then she gave us 20 dollars. The couple was older and what’s funny is that they kept calling me the teddy bear. Lol. Then we left went and talked with the Foils family and then rode our bikes as fast as we could over to our dinner appointment. We had sloppy joes and potatoes. Then we left and went and saw some members and then we came home.
TUESDAY- Today we got up and cleaned the apartment and Elder Matthews finished packing and now we are at the church emailing. We are gonna go get lunch and probably play tennis later. We have a meal appointment tonight with some members and then we are going on splits with the Elder Quorum and the High Priest Quorum. It’s fun to go on splits if you have people to see. Lol

THERES MY WEEK!!!! HERES SOME PICS!  My cameras screen is broke so I hope these are good. Two of the pictures talk about the Webbs who owned that building.  They were in Nauvoo in 1832.

No really big spiritual experiences to share really. I’ve felt the spirit more this week though.
Look up M.O.M by the Nashville tribute band.

I’m gonna talk to a member tonight and see if she can be the 2nd sister Underwood texter. Lol This member is awesome.

I just found out that the San Diego Chargers are now the Los Angeles Chargers.  They moved.

Tell Tyler he should play jr jazz, I did. He just needs practice like soccer.  I LOVE THE PICS YOU SENT. IT’S SCARY TO SEE ASH DRIVING. Don’t let her wreak the car mom!

I can’t wait for tomorrow’s transfers.  I’m scared but excited.
I always remember that yall love me the most. That is soo sweet that Tyler and Ashlyn pray for me each night!!  I pray for yall as well!!!!

LOVE YOU FOREVER!
Elder Webb

February 13, 2017

Hi Mom!

This last week has been a good one! Interviews are this week on Friday. Yes we find out about transfers this week on Saturday. The weather has been cold and then warm and rainy and then sunny. We don’t have that many plans today. Just emailing and probably play tennis and we are having dinner tonight. Then seeing the catholic family and 2 less actives. We didn't invite them to baptism yet. It’s complicated. I like Huntsville because there is alot more things to do here. One thing I don’t like here is the biking. But I’m trying to like the biking more. I liked the country feel of Wetumpka more though. My favorite thing I ate this last week was hamburgers and steak, they were so good.  We have a washer/dryer in our apartment. They’re very old. The favorite thing that happened this week was I got to play bball with some of the Elders Quorum on Wednesday night. The worst thing that happened was last night. We were at a dinner appointment and their last name was Callahan. I said the prayer at the end and said Cunningham. They forgave me. Me and Elder Matthews had a good laugh about that. Here’s my week. THAT’S MATTHEW IN DADS PICTURE.  HOLY COW!!!! I KNOW HIM! Love the pictures. Hey guess what my camera broke this week. The screen broke.  It fell out of my coat pocket and the screen is now broke.  I have 3 pics and that’s it. So idk what to do. Tell Sister Underwood I miss her!

MONDAY- we emailed and then we went and had lunch at Sam’s club and then we went and played one game of pool and then we went home and went to our dinner appointment. They had pizza and they had family home evening with us and then we went over to the catholic families home and let’s just say that we had a bad night there. It’s complicated. So we went home and that was the day. It was a hard day for us.
TUESDAY- We got up and we went to Zaxbys and Elder Matthews bought me a meal. I thanked him and we started talking about our Trek experiences. We went to the store and got some things and then we went home for a bit.  We went and tried to see this person Audrey but she wasn't home so we went to see this less active Sister Wells. We went and helped her put groceries in her house and then we had a long talk. She liked to talk about her family and stuff. She told us her life story. Then after a long time we went home and we were gonna go to dinner but the appointment cancelled on us so we had dinner at home and then we went on teamups. I went and saw this guy Stan. It was my first time that I had to drop an investigator. He wasn't keeping commitments. So we had the best lesson with him and dropped him. We will still go see him here and then but not that often. Then we tried to see some other less active but they weren't home so that was the day.
WEDNESDAY- We tried to see this guy Byron but he wasn’t home so we went and had comp study and then we went to chick fil a for lunch and then tried to see some people but they weren’t home. So we went tracting and we had no luck on that. So we had dinner and then we tried to go see the Chapman family. It’s a family of 3 and the daughters interested. And they were home but the mom was leaving to go somewhere so we left and then we went and saw the Jennifer family. This is the worst experience on my mission so far. So I was walking up to the door and there’s a door and a screen door. The main door was open and as I was about to ring the doorbell I looked inside and there’s a bathroom across the hallway and the mom was blow drying her hair naked! So I ran off the steps making sure she didn’t see me and I told Elder Matthews what I saw and he started laughing.  It was pretty funny afterwards. We walked up and down the street for about 20 min and then went and knocked and we had a good 2 min talk with them.  They were leaving but they said we could come back!!!! But oh my gosh out of anything on my mission I just happen to see an investigator naked. Ughh.  Then after that we went to the church with the ZLS because since Elder Matthews is a district leader he had to interview the zls investigator. While he was doing that I played bball with the Elders Quorum then we went home. I had soo much fun!
THURSDAY- We had comp study in the morning and then we went to chick fil a for lunch and then we went back home for weekly planning and then we went and tried to see Audrey but she wasn't home again so we went tracting for 2 hours and had no luck again. People just aren’t receptive. Then we went and saw Breanna and then we went home and had dinner and then we tried to go see the Jennifer family but they weren't home so we went and tried to see the Chapmans but they weren’t home so we ended the night with coordination with our ward mission leader. Then we ended the night.
FRIDAY- For the first time this transfer we had a district meeting. The meeting went well, but nobody really listened. I gave a white handbook training. And then after the meeting we went to chick fil a and then we went home and had comp study and then we went and tried to see Audrey again and she wasn’t home so we tried to see a few more people but nothing. We tried tracting but that didn’t work so we went home and had a dinner appointment with these people the Biggs. They had steak. I gave the spiritual thought and then we left and when we got home Elder Matthews showed me how I could improve my spiritual thoughts. He didn’t do it mean, he just showed me a few ways. Then we ended the night.
SATURDAY-Today we went and saw this less active Brother Bove. He’s crazy!  He had both me and Elder Matthews confused. Then we went to lunch, I had Arbys and Elder Matthews had Taco bell. We talked about our sisters and family. His sister does tumbling and she’s 9. She does it very well. I told him about Ash also. Then we tried to go see this guy Kaddu but he wasn’t home so we went and tried to see a few others but they weren't home so we went talked with a less active family and then we went home to go to another dinner appointment. We went to the Jennifer family's home and 2 of the kids were playing bball. Marcus and Elena. So we decided to play with them and then we went home for the night.
SUNDAY- today we went to church and we found out that our mission leader was getting released so we have a new mission leader in our ward. Then we went through church and it was long. Then we went home and talked and then went to a dinner appointment at the CALLAHANS. They were very cool. You may or may not have gotten a text from them. And that’s when I said the wrong name in the prayer. For dinner we had chicken nachos. They were soo good. Then we went home and went and saw the Jennifer family for a bit. They were watching the walking dead. So we talked for a bit and then we went home for the day.
MONDAY- We are emailing and then probably playing tennis and having lunch and then going to a dinner appointment and then to see the Jennifer family.

Obedience is what we have in this life. It’s just like following the rules of a basketball game. You need to know the rules in order to succeed.
.
No I haven’t really seen any prejudice.
Zone training is the zls training us. Zone conference is when President comes to the whole Huntsville zone and talks to us.

No I don’t teach more. I’m trying to get out of the scared state and be bold, because I know this stuff. We just got to know our strengths and weaknesses. It’s still hard here for missionary work.

We get a ride to the church, it’s too far away for bikes. We have zone training on Wednesday and Friday we have interviews and Saturday we are helping someone move.
I’m going to try my best at things. My testimony has grown. I’m not as scared as I was but I’m still scared of some things.

Ok LOVE YOU FOREVER MOM!!!
Remember you won’t be able to hear what happens for transfers on Saturday night.  You’ll have to wait until Monday.

Elder Webb

February 6, 2017

Hi Mom!!!

This week was a better week. Elder M and I are doing better.  We had a lot more fun with each other but finding people is a struggle. Nobody wants to listen to us. We are currently teaching a family of 10 and teaching a family of 3 who are very close to baptism. We are trying to see them a lot. Here’s my week:
MONDAY- After we emailed yall we went to play pool at an apartment complex with the zls. We got in for free. Then we went with members to this place called Rosie's and it was a Mexican place so I tried some bbq nachos. I didn't like them that much. Then we tried to go see this guy Byron but he wasn't home so we just went home.
TUESDAY- today we did the usual we went and tried to see Byron, Josh and Eric but they weren’t home. So we tracted for a bit but we got nobody to want anything to do with us so we went and had dinner over at a members house and then went on splits.  I went with Brother Hearne and we went to see this guy Stan. We taught him and it went well. Then we tried to go see some less actives but they weren’t home. So we went back to the apartment at 9 and that was our day.
WEDNESDAY- today was zone conference. So it started at 930 and it ended at 4. The conference was long but I really liked the first part where President Sainsbury talked to us about not comparing. The Lord called you. Nobody else, He called you.  I loved that. Then we had lunch which was hoagie sandwiches. I saw Elder Burgoyne there and Sister Beck, 2 people I came out with and some others from the Prattville zone about 2 transfers ago. Then after we went home and we had the priest splits. That was fun. We only had 3 priests and so Elder Matthews took 2 of them and I went with Hunter Biggs. We went and saw a less active family and I asked Hunter if he could just share a scripture. We talked with them and shared a message then we went back to the church and they took us home and we just ended the night.
THURSDAY- today we went to pizza hut in the morning. Then we went over to Breannas to see how they were doing and about 1 hour into it we had to leave because Michelle got angry at her ex and started cussing. So we went and tried to see Derick but he wasn’t home so we went to the Roots home (members) to see if they could come out with us on Saturday. Then we went to Chick Fil a to talk to Breanna about Michelle and then we went and tried to see one last family before we went home and they weren’t home so we went home and that was the day.
FRIDAY- The morning was rough because I needed to find out what to teach to this investigator Chris. So I decided to read Enos to him and talk about it. It went ok. Then we came home and then went out for the day. We went to try to see Byron and Josh but they weren’t home so we went to Sonic and had ice cream and then we were tracting a lot but nothing prevailed so we walked and walked until we went home and did comp study. Then we had dinner and then we went to see the Jennifer family and we spent the last 2 hours of our day there and then went home. They are the family of 10. They are a Catholic family.
SATURDAY- Today we went over to Walmart in the morning and on the way back I saw a UNIFIRST truck in the Ruby Tuesday parking lot. At first I thought it was dad. Lol but I didn’t talk to the guy I took a pic of the truck but I thought that was funny. Then we tracted most of the day but no luck again. So we went to dinner with some members to CiCis pizza. Then we went to the Jennifer family’s home to have a lesson and invite them to baptism with the Roots. But they weren’t home. So we went and saw Stan and talked with him a bit and then we went home for the night.
SUNDAY- Today we had no meeting in the morning so we went straight to church and the best part is one of our investigators came to church. So we sat by her and when the sacrament was being passed she asked me why do yall have water? I told her why and then sacrament meeting was over. After church we stayed at our apartment because we were going over to the Roots for dinner. The dinner was awesome. Some fried pork or something like that and we spent the rest of the night there because we were getting to know them more and they wanted to know more about us. Their little boy plays clash royal and he was telling me all about it. He wouldn't leave me alone. Lol.
MONDAY-Today we woke up and I showered and we came here and now we are emailing. I think we are going to go to lunch and then the mall and shopping later. One of the zls needs to go to the dry cleaners and also get pants. Tonight we are gonna go see some less actives. We have a dinner appointment tonight also. We have four dinner appts this week.

My favorite part of the week was probably zone conference. I got to see a lot of people I knew. Another good part was when we met with the Jennifer family. I got to know them better and they got to know me.

Tell Tyler I miss him too. I’m always thinking about him. Don’t worry dude only 17 more months. Enjoy my bed, the one I sleep on now is so small. Oh I remember doing Valentines boxed.  I loved doing that.

I’m trying to be me. I’m back mom. Sometimes I can be down, but your positive boy is always here, even in spirit. I’m trying to get out of my scared state. I’m just scared if I’m gonna screw up on things but its part of the missionary life. I’m doing a lot better with teaching now. But I need to just speak up. President interviews are next week.

Wow yep I know Mathew Robinson from Wetumpka. He’s dating a Utah girl. I think he played basketball at uvu. Marcus is his little brother. I played basketball with him on Thursdays.  I’m just so surprised that he’s working for Unifirst with Dad.  THAT’S AWESOME THOUGH!! Tell Dad to take a picture with him.

I heard the Super Bowl was a good game, I saw the score. No surprise. Today is my 7 month mark but feels like I’m still in my 4th month mark. I don’t know how I feel about transfers coming up.  I’m iffy but I’m taking it one day at a time.

OH MOM why were you so stressed about me?  I am preparing for life. One of the missionaries who went home was like the mission is like an mtc for life.

IM STILL LAUGHING AT ANJ AND STEPHS BANJO VIDEO!  LOL THAT WAS HILARIOUS!!!!!

I LOVED THE NOTE CARDS AND I LOVED THE PACKAGE!

Elder Matthews gave me some of his consecrated oil. I just want another one in case the oil drains. I’m just thinking ahead, but I don’t need it now. Just remember on Easter or my next package to send consecrated oil.  Its ok you forgot about the fry sauce. The shoe polish kit just makes the shoes look cleaner. I may just go buy some.

OH ASH. She scares me sometimes. It’s good she’s okay though!

LOVE YOU FOREVER MOM!!! STILL PRAYING FOR YOU AND WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.
Elder Webb