June 25, 2018

Hey y'all!

This week has been a good one, I'm sad to see it go but I'm excited for the next one. We've been doing a lot of service lately for our community. We've mowed Lawns and put in a mailbox and cleaned a house. So anyways I've had a good time on my mission. Here's the week.

TUESDAY- Today was a good day, we went to District Meeting in Inverness cause we had interviews right after and so I gave a training on what a Successful missionary is. It went well. So then we finished up the meeting and we went to get lunch and then do comp study and then we came back and waited for our turn for interviews. We were supposed to be at 330 but we ended up being at 5. So we had our interviews and Sister Sainsbury was getting advice from every missionary who's been out the longest(the veterans). So interviews went great and Elder Krupa and Steele said that when I leave they'll either be split up or they'll get a greenie. So we don't know what's gonna happen. They both wanna stay but we think Krupas out. Then we came home and then we went over to the Bakers and had dinner and played aggravation and then we came home for the night.

WEDNESDAY- today we went and got our car examined for the bumper to be replaced and then we did comp study and then we went home for lunch and then we went with a member bro Fernandez and we saw Charlie and we taught him the Plan of salvation and Brother Fernandez basically told Charlie that he needs to get baptized and go through the temple before he dies. Lol. There was no questions after that. So then he showed us some of the stuff he has and we moved a door that he had and then we left and went back to the Church and then we went over to the Archibalds and shared a message with them and then we went home and had dinner and then we went to Him class and 3 people showed up this time. It was great then we tried seeing this guy Chris but he wasn't home so we went to Sonic then home.

THURSDAY- today we biked to the Church and I did my plan for about an hour and then we did some area book for an hour and then we biked home and drove to Jim n Nicks for lunch with Sister Prestridge, it was really good. Then we came back home and did Weekly planning for about 2 hours and then Elder Krupa did his Language study and then we went and saw this guy Seth who hasn't been to church since 2003. We talked with him and laughed with him and he told us that there wasn't a chance he would come back so then he said but I'll read the book of Mormon with y'all. He hasn't read it since then. So then we left and went to the Church for our coordination meeting and then brother Stewart took us to Lee's chicken and he baught us food for the night and then we went home.

FRIDAY- so today we went over to a house and we helped clean this abandoned house. Homeless people used to live in it and were kicked out cause of it. So we all did different stuff. Elder Steele Put in a mailbox and I mowed the lawn and Elder Krupa used the trimmer. We then cleaned a little bit inside and then we were getting ready to go and it just started pouring rain. The road was a lake. When we were cleaning a room I decided to get some gloves out of the car and as I was walking out of the room a huge clash of lighting came and I turned around and went back into the room. The big man Upstairs didn't want me to leave. Lol. Jk. So we got home showered and had lunch and then we did comp study and then we went and saw sister Gerlitzki and Elder Steele fixed her computer and then we went to try and see some other people but only one person was home and we gave their child a blessing. Then we went home and me and Elder Steele made tator tot casserole and it was delicious.

SATURDAY- so today was a rainy day. Elder Fotu and Adams showed up during our personal study and they talked with us and then we went out and it was storming so bad. Lighting flashes everywhere. But Elder Krupa still wanted go out. So we went and tried to see some people but only 1 person was home we read the 1st chapter if the book of Mormon with her. Then we went home and had lunch and then we went to help the person with the house again and we trimmed the trees and moved sticks out to the road and tried to get a bush out but no luck and so then we went home and changed and did comp study and then Language study and then we had dinner and then we went to see Charlie and he was in bad shape. (He's had an open heart surgery) He had no energy and so we talked with him and read a scripture with him and then we went home and we got a big storm. Then we got home.

SUNDAY- today we went to church and we passed the sacrament and then we had other classes and then we went home and had lunch and then we went tracting for an hour and we only found 1 person and then we went to see some less actives but they weren't home so then we went to the Bakers and Elder Krupa made tacos for them and we played aggravation and they were watching some teens that night so I decided to bring out the lacrosse stick and show them what it's like. Then we played 2 on 2 football.(I made the winning catch.. Just sayin) then we went to the Church for English class  and then we went home for the night. 

MONDAY- today we did laundry and got some stuff at the store.  Later today we are gonna try and see some people we contacted in a trailer park yesterday. We just got done with disc golf.  It was just us 3.  Its soooo hot today. 92 with 90% humidity.

We are gonna call Doc this week to see how shes doing.  A couple weeks ago they said she was doing well, but we want to check before I go home.  But don’t worry, she’s gonna be active till she dies. She’s a stubborn lady. Lol. If you met her you’d know why. And we haven’t heard from Gavin. We are going to try and reach out to him this week before I go.

Dang, the house looks good...........no words. Lol. What happened to dads hunting prizes on the wall?  Well when I shoot mine, it’s going in the house. Haha. It looks really good!!!!!!!!! I don't blame dad for wanting to wait and clean garage and shed. Lol. He hasn't had a bear to help him. Lol.

One of the kids showed me Fortnite last night. Lol. It looks so weird. I know Tyler can’t wait to show it to me. Lol!

We bike only like once a week. We're gonna bike a lot on Wednesday and Thursday cause our car has to get a new bumper.

Yeah, I am feeling more nervous and sad. Mainly cause it's hard to say goodbye to the many friends I made out here but my time is almost up. I called Kenny, he told me that when I come visit to tell him ahead of time. He'll cook for us. Lol. His words.  After the airport I probably would rather go home and I can unpack stuff and then go to dinner later.

I wanna try and send home by bike next week, Tuesday. We have district meeting that day. We will also be in Ensley on Monday for the district activity. We are going on the same hike we did last time. So it’ll be nice but were going on exchange after that. One of the guys up there wants me to come home and date his sister. Lol.

I'm 100% up with mowing with Landon.  I love it.

Anyways loved the camping pics!!!  LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!
Elder Webb

I'll end this with my testimony.

As a missionary, it's hard to go around and knock on people's doors not knowing what's on the other side. But it's hard when people reject us. But what I've learned is that people aren't rejecting you...theyre rejecting the message you bring. So that's helped me a lot throughout the years I've been here. Ya see people know about Christ here that's what makes it hard. They (think) they already know Christ and they just tell a lot of people to go away. But then you have some that accept you and are baptized, the Lord's Elect. I testify that as we find the Elect people they will experience a change of heart and you also will be able to witness the spirit working through them as well. I love this Gospel , it's brought me so much joy and comfort and hope for the future. In this world it's really hard to find that but once you come to know your Savior Jesus Christ nothing can bring more joy in this world than that. I know this Church is the Lord's kingdom restored to the earth. He's called a prophet to lead and guide us. I have a testimony of the book of Mormon. I agree with and Stand by the prophet Joseph Smith who said "a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book" i so testify of it! I love you all and hope you find the joy that I've found in this Gospel.

June 18, 2018

Hey yall!!

My week was great. A lot of service as you saw. Did you ever hear about the burger challenge me and Elder Steele did? Karen wants me to do it again and she'll pay if I don't finish. Lol.  Anyways the house looks really nice.

So this week was a good one. We had a lot of stuff that went on this week. So here's the week. A lot of service. It felt great to do some service stuff. Also my Comps are debating what's cooler a Mantis Shrimp or a Honey Badger. Lol. It's so funny anyways.

TUESDAY- today we had district meeting up in Ensley and as soon as I walked in the door there were guys that just came up and gave me I think almost the longest hug I've had. Lol. They're getting pretty sad knowing I'll be here for 4 more weeks. Anyways we had the meeting and did some role plays and laughed with each other and at each other. Then we went to Taco Bell and had some lunch and then we went home and we did comp study and Elder Krupa did his Language study and then we went and tried to see a less active family but they weren't home so we tracted the area and we got rained on big time! We were drenched! Lol. And then we went to see some people on the way over to the Bakers and nobody was home so we went over and we had lasagna and salad. We then played Aggravation and it was Elder Steele and Krupa vs me and Phil. We destroyed them. Lol. Then we went home afterwards. Oh and also on Monday we found the actual board game Jumanji! Elder Steele got it and wow it's fun.

WEDNESDAY- today was a good day we went and saw this person Lea in the morning and we rode our bikes over there and then after we went home changed and went to the Mannings and did some service for them. I mowed their Lawn and Elder Krupa used the trimmer and Elder Steele helped move stuff around. They had a big Yard so we were there for awhile. Then after we got done with that we had dinner there Spaghetti and boy was it good. Then we gave a blessing to the Dad Frankie cause he might have had a pinched nerve in his back which caused some stuff to happen but we gave him some words of encouragement and then we had to go and we came home and we changed and went to book of Mormon Class and read Alma 47 & 48. I then decided I was gonna do My plan that night. Then Elder Krupa got a call from President saying that someone wanted him at her baptism on Friday. So yeah. Then we went home.

THURSDAY- Today was a Service kind of day. We were told to go to a address and help a guy cut some trees down and so we got there at 8am and ended at 4pm. But we never picked up a piece of tree at all. We painted the side of the house and put some wood up next to the Windows and I was scratched by a dog. Lol. We got Sunburnt big time then we went home and we all took showers and I looked at Elder Steeles neck and it was burnt so bad it was purple. I put my finger on it and wow it was burning my finger. Lol. So then we went and saw this guy Charlie and Read some of the book of Mormon with him and he understood it a lot and he seems to be liking the Book of Mormon. So we prayed with him then we went to the Church and we got out if the car and heard a hissing sound so we found out or tire was losing air quick and so we drove home really quick and we basically got home right before it was completely flat. Lol. Nice way to end the night. Lol.

FRIDAY- today we got up and we switched our tire out with the spare then we drove it over to Firestone and waited for about 3 hours cause they wanted to switch out 2 tired instead of 1 so they had to get things situated with our vehicle coordinator so then they finally got everything situated and then we went home and did Weekly planning and comp study and then we got food at a taco truck and then we went with this person Lynn to this Area Locast Fork and they dropped me and Elder Steele off with a greenie and Elder Krupa went with Elder Foster to the baptism in Birmingham. And so when they left we talked in the Church and then we played aggravation with him and then he had to talk to someone at the mission office and then we went to their house and wow it reminded me of my Grandpas cabin. Lol it was so cool. So then we went to bed and that was the day. We also gave advice to the greenie. His name is Elder Hicken and he's from Michigan.

SATURDAY- so today we got up and we made breakfast and it was a lot of food. Lol. So then at 11 we met them at the Church and then we went over to Jack's and had lunch and then we went home and we dropped off our stuff then we went to try and see Lea but she wasn't home. Plus it was 103 degrees that day. We then went tracting and we found a guy named Chris who served in the army and so we went and got in the car and we went home and did comp study and then we went to a birthday party at the Bakers and talked with people and joked around and has burgers and cake then we went and saw Charlie that night and then we were on our was home and we got a huge thunderstorm. One of the Lightning bolts was so bright it almost made up blind. Lol. Then we went to Wal-Mart then came home.

SUNDAY- HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!! I LOVE MY DAD!!!! So today we had branch council and then we had sac meeting and Elder Steele was asked to speak about how the book of Mormon helps us honor our fathers. And in his talk he said this lol " I like to sometimes put myself in the scriptures or anyone's name like Steele or Toggaf( Faggot backwards). Me and Elder Krupa almost lost it. Lol. Nobody noticed except us. Lol. Elder Steele almost lost it too haha. Then we had a class and then we had a brunch for the men and we ate and we talked with a member and about some stuff. Then we went home and ate lunch and then we went and saw a less active then we went to see some other people and I had heat exhaustion and so we came home and I drank water and just took took it easy till about 6 then we tried to see some people but nobody was home so we went out to Oakman and tried to see someone and we almost got stuck lol. Then we went to the Church then we came home. Lol.

MONDAY- we got up and went to the store and did our laundry and were at the Church emailing. Sister Holly (Grandma Holly) gave us 30 dollars to get lunch today. Love her. Lol.

As missionaries in the Alabama mission every time we start our meetings we recite this (fun fact)
3rd Nephi 5:13
Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.  Our purpose is to help people come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost and Enduring to the end. We are preach my Gospel and white handbook missionaries and we are Steadfast in Christ!

Ashlyn’s down at burraston ponds right now?  Wow, that’s cool! 

I have about 2 more district meetings. No more zone conferences.
I’ve been thinking about how much yall have changed. Like it’s gonna be different. Lol.
Tonight we will probably go visit some less actives plus tract.

Your friends son that is coming here will need short sleeves mainly. No Backpacks (unless you just keep it at the apartment for biking.) just sidebags like the one I have. If he wants when I get home I can give mine to him. President is pretty lax about stuff like that. Yeah I can talk to him when I get home. Make sure he knows about the Restoration, the Plan of salvation and the Gospel of Jesus Christ discussions. He needs to have a knowledge of those as well as the scriptures.

I LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!!!!

(4 pictures are at Locast fork)
(2 are the house we helped paint and put boards around the windows)
(A cool Bridge with a lake)
Last picture a meme. Something to laugh about. Everyone could use a good laugh

 

June 11, 2018

Hey Mom!!!

This week has been a fun one for sure. Elder Krupa was sick 2 days of it. Since I go home in a couple of weeks I'm trying to have fun and not worry about things. I’m more happy, scared, and emotional as it gets closer though. Happy to see yall, scared to begin life and sad about all the friends I’ve made out here. Idk why I’m feeling stressed to come home.  I’m just in the mind set of idk what I’m gonna do with my life. I’m just wanting to make sure I do things right and not screw up anything.

The weather here has been HOT, now when I say hot I don't mean 80 degrees with a breeze, I mean 102 with 100% humidity. It honestly feels like I'm in a dryer, but the dryer never stops. Lol.

Zone Conference was great. I have a video of it but it’s on Elder Steele’s phone. I don’t know how President found out I was going to send my bike home.  I suspect Elder Krupa told him. I was pissed cause of it. I want it home. Lol. Elder Krupa likes riding bikes. Me and Elder Steele don’t. Lol. So we’ve biked mainly to the church. The heat sucks with collars and ties. Lol. Plus I did that for a year (missionaries feel sorry for me. lol)  The place for my bike is called redemptive cycles. Phone number 205 224 5631. They’re closed now but they open at 10 and close at 6pm.

I’m pretty impressed on the new things on the house back home. Lol.
Anyways here's my week for y'all

TUESDAY- So today we went to the Church in the morning and watched the youth devotional with President Nelson and that was really cool, I think he's made a big impact on people since he was called to be the prophet. So after that we came home for lunch and after that we did comp study and reviewed some lessons for the day. And then Elder Krupa did his Language study(he's a Spanish missionary). Then we went over to the bakers and tracted their area and then we had dinner with the bakers and played aggravation it was hilarious. Then we went home.

WEDNESDAY- today was a good day. We biked to the Church and me and Elder Steele don't like biking lol but we still did it. When we got to the Church we did some area book work and got called some investigators and then we went back home and had lunch and then we tried to go see this guy Terry and he was sick I quote "I've got stuff coming out of both ends". Like ew. Then we talked to this guy who seemed like he was from Ensley the way he talked. Then we went home for comp study and Language study and then we went and saw a less active lady Sister Gerlitzki and then we went to the Church and had coordination meeting. Brother Stewart (branch mission leader) gave us nicknames lol. Mine is Weaven like Webb, Elder Steeles Stroking(golf) like Steele, and Elder Krupas Kool like Krupa. Lol. Weird I guess but funny then we went home.

THURSDAY- Today was my last Zone Conference. It went really good, I bore my final testimony and almost all the people in my district cried they were so sad to hear it. Lol. Then after Zone Conference we went to this place mugshots and did a burger challenge 3 pound burger with 1 pound of fries in 12 min. Me and Elder Steele both lost but we did really well, we felt like garbage afterwards but hey it's the story that counts lol. Then we went home for the night.

FRIDAY- Elder Krupa was throwing up last night and his stomach has been killing him and the nurse told him to stay inside all day. Lol so we were inside the whole day we went and got dinner but that was about it. We read scriptures and did planning and played aggravation.

SATURDAY- Today we went with Brother Epperson (elders quorum pres) over to Brother Cranors and cleaned his gutters out and cut some bushes out and power washed his gutters. Then we gave Brother Cranor and his wife both a blessing and then we went home. We showered and had lunch and then we went to see Terry and as we were teaching him the owner of the trailer park came up to us and kicked us out. So we went home and did comp study and we called Terry and he wants to meet with us still just somewhere else. So then we went to the Eppersons later that night and had dinner with them then we went on a team up with bro Epperson and as he was backing out he backed into our car. There was a crack bit nothing serious so we went on the team up and saw Charlie and taught him the restoration then we went home after that. I had to call our vehicle coordinator and he was confused and pissed lol.

SUNDAY- today we went to church and a lot of people were there and surprisingly there were a lot of people that kept saying we love you Elder Webb. It was cool and weird at the same time. Then we did the papers for our car wreck. Then we went home and Elder Krupa took it easy while we did some weekly planning and then we played aggravation and I won. Lol. Then we went and saw a less active lady and then we went to the Church and did my plan and then we went home.

MONDAY- today we went to waffle house and we went to the store and were emailing now.

Here's the Poem I read in my final testimony, I think y'all would like it.

"A mission is a Strange Experience" 
It's a trial and a test
A mission throws you at your worst,
Yet teaches you the best!
They told me this would be the best period of my life, 
But i guess they didn't explain it too clear.
I came out looking for a bed of roses,
I just wasn't expecting the thorns I found out here.
Since ive been here-
I've never been so happy,
I've never been so depressed.
I've never felt so forsaken,
I've never felt so blessed.
I've never been so confused,
My minds never been so clear.
I've never felt my Heavenly Father so distant,
I've never felt him so near! 
I feel that I can go on forever,
I think that I'm at the end of the rope.
I've never been so pessimistic,
I've never been so full of hope.
I've never had it so easy,
I've never had it so tough.
Things have never gone so smoothly,
Things have never been so rough.
I've never traveled through so many valleys,
I've never ascended so many peaks.
I've never met so many nice people,
I've never met so many freaks!
I've never had so many ups,
I've never had so many downs.
I've never worn so many smiles,
I've never worn so many frowns.
I've never been so lonely,
I've never made so many friends.
Man, I hope this is all over soon.
Gosh, I hope this never ends. 

I’m keeping money in my church account for the night in the hotel before I come home. Other missionaries in the past have gone to dinner and stuff. 

Elder Steele does most of our driving.  He hasn’t drove for a year or so.

We don’t have much planned for tonight.  We were gonna get some dinner and then go back to the house, get our laundry and shower and go try and see some people tonight. We don’t usually plan in the mornings we just plan before we go out on pday. This week we are gonna go help someone with a tree that was down during a storm on Thursday.

While at the store today Elder Steele saw Jumanji the board game and bought it, 20 bucks later.

Love ya.
Elder Webb

June 4, 2018 -- New Companions, Elder Steele and Elder Krupa

Hey Yall!!!

So this week we had transfers. Elder Braithwaite went to Byrd Springs in Huntsville and I got put in a TRIO!!! I was so excited to be put in one! My new Comps are Elder Steele (who's from Rawlings Wyoming and has been wanting to serve with me since a year ago. Lol. He got his wish.) and Elder Krupa (who's from Idaho Falls, Idaho and is a Spanish missionary). Elder Krupa is Going home in August and Elder Steele is going home in November. Elder Steele was in my District when I was in Selma. So we knew each other. They’re pretty cool. We will be together for the whole transfer.  They're really funny and like to work and have fun. Anyways here's the week.

WEDNESDAY- today was Transfer day, so we went to Gardendale and had transfers and I was put in a trio. So we got the luggage in the car and it was so funny, Elder Steele sat in the back with the stuff we had and you couldn't even see him haha, that's how much stuff we had. Then we got back to Jasper and they unpacked a bit and then we went to the Mannings and introduced them to the 2 new guys. It was fun. Lol we even tried to cut a cist out of Elder Steeles hand with a Pocket Knife. Gawly were people freaked out. Lol. He's ok. Lol. Then we went to the Church and had book of Mormon Class and Elder Steele and Krupa met some members and then we went to Wal-Mart and got some stuff and then we went home.

THURSDAY- Today was a great day. We got up and we went to the Church and I started my plan (online course for missionaries before they go home). And while there Elder Krupa did his Language study and then we went back home and we did Weekly planning and that went well we laughed and got to know each other and they're really cool. Then we went to Birmingham for Elder Krupas (he had a Kidney transplant when he was back home) doctor appointment and then we went back to Jasper and we went and Visited the Petits. We talked with them and shared a message with them and then we left and we went home for dinner and then we went to Basketball and Gavin finally was there. It was soooo good to finally see him.  We played Around the world(I won twice). Then we went home after.

FRIDAY- today was a great day, we got up and we tried to go see this person Sister Wade but she wasn't home so we tried to see this other couple up the street and they were doing stuff to their home so then we left and we walked a half mile to try and see a less active member but they weren't home so we walked back knocking in doors but nothing came of it. We then met this black guy who has seen missionaries before and was in Utah awhile ago. So of course he says  "I kept getting Mormon bible sent to me everywhere I went in Utah. Lol. Then we got back to the car and then we went home for lunch and then we had Comp and Language study. Then we went out to Cordova and tried to see a person out there but no go. So then we went with our Elders quorum President to see a lady and talked with her. Then we went to try and see some other people and then had dinner at Corys and his mom brought us pizza. Lol. Then we tried to see one other person but they weren't home so we went to Sonic and got some shakes, and then went and watched the 40th Anniversary of the Priesthood being allowed to all worthy men. It was really cool. I loved it. Then we came home and went to bed.

SATURDAY- So today we went to the Church and made fliers for a English class on Sunday night's for Elder Krupa. Then we went and put them in different stores and then we came back for lunch. Plus it's been getting really hot and humid the last couple of days! Ugh. The heat and humidity is terrible, you never get used to it. It’s that bad. So then we had Comp study and Language study and then we went to try and see some people but nothing came from it. So we tracted in this place Dora and while we were walking back to our car thus police officer talked to us and said there were complaints about our car on the side of the road. So we went back and got it and went to see a Referral and gave them a book of Mormon and bible. Then we went home for dinner and then we went to see the Hutchinsons but they weren't home so we went and saw this guy named Jose and he was mowing so then we went to see Blake Gober but the address led us to a dead end road and then we went home cause it was almost time to come in and we were a half hour away. So then we came home and that was the night.

MONDAY- Today were getting a frame for Elder Steele so he doesn't have to sleep on the floor.  It’s a little crowded with three of us in the bedroom but it’s alright. I’ll send ya a pic when I’m back.  We’re getting our haircut by Tink and then we're emailing, doing Laundry and were gonna see some people tonight. So it'll be grand.

We’re gonna drop my bike off at a shop that will send it home for me. We are going to the Bakers on Tuesday and Corys on Friday. I will bear my last testimony on Thursday at Zone Conference! I’m gonna have Elder Steele video tape it. 

We have a couple of investigators, but not really solid ones.

The kitchen looks better lol.  I bet you could’ve used my muscles, those cabinets must've been heavy.

That’s good about Tyler and soccer tryouts, haha. It’s good that he misses me. I’m glad he likes me. lol.jk. I can’t wait to see him.

Wow walking in my footsteps huh Ash? Papa murphy’s and you’re working at Caesars. Get me a free pizza and ship it here for me k.

So that's my week, and for those of you who don't know I've got 5 more weeks to go til I go home. It's sad but my family really misses me and I miss them. I'm sad my mission is coming to an end so quick but I'm pretty happy about the things I've done and the people I've met/helped. I hope y'all have a great week and I love y'all and hope your new week is filled with Hearts and Candy!

LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!
Elder Webb