April 27, 2015

Hi Family,

I did have one kind of cool experience this week I guess. So I have told you before that we don't tract on our mission. We mostly just street contact and work through members and the area book. I can count on one hand the number of doors that I have knocked on without having some idea of who was on the other side. So earlier this week we were visiting an investigator and I got a strong impression to knock on his neighbors door. After we finished our meeting we went and did that. No one answered, so we left. A couple of days later we were in that area again and I got another impression to try and knock again. We did and no one answered again. So we went about our way. This happened throughout the whole week. Finally yesterday we tried again, and he was home. His name is Brandon and he is very interested in our message. He wants to know more about the restoration and how it happened, and what it was, and why it was important. So that was cool.

We go to the temple once a year now on the month of our birthday. The day of that temple trip actually falls on my birthday this year, so that will be an awesome birthday present. Funny story about the temple though. We had stake conference this week, and we were waiting for the Saturday night session to start, so we (the 4 Dyersburg elders) decided to go walk around the temple grounds. There are some benches back behind the temple that we went and sat down on to think and stuff. About 10 minutes later we got up and went to the front of the grounds to leave, and they had locked the gates. So we got locked into the temple grounds. It was pretty funny. We got some pictures of it I will attach (see below). It was pretty funny. We ended up calling the temple president and he told us how to unlock the gate and get out.

It hasn't gotten super warm and muggy yet. It's been pretty nice lately. That's all for this week. kloveyoubye.

Love, Elder Udy

April 20, 2015

Hi Family,

Yes, we do have people flake out a lot. That's why we try not to give them our number until the first return appointment, so they can't call and cancel. :-P

There is an electrical organ that they use. A pianist in the ward plays it.

This week was pretty average. We had Specialized Training on Thursday. It was good. They talked about working with members and the importance of a firm testimony because of all the anti in the mission. That's about all for this week. kloveyoubye.

Love, Elder Udy

March 5, 2015

We received a copy of the following letter to Chad.

March 4, 2015

Elder Udy
900 E. Tickle Street #3D
Dyersburg, TN  38024 

Dear Elder Udy:

Congratulations on being called to serve as a co- trainer to Elder Nathan Andrew Miner in the Arkansas Little Rock Mission.  As you know, the calling of trainer is in many ways the most important and essential a missionary can receive.  You are helping to establish the foundation upon which Elder Miner’s service in the Arkansas Little Rock Mission will rest as well as his continued service in Taiwan. I encourage you to make your experiences with your new companion both fulfilling and joyful.  Because of his special circumstances, you will need to use great patience and love.

As a trainer, you are expected to pay particular attention to the following areas:

      •  Obey mission rules with exactness. Show Elder Miner what is expected.  Follow the daily schedule
         diligently and help him understand and apply the material in The First 12 Weeks for New Missionaries
         and Trainers.  Review the Missionary Handbook and Arkansas Little Rock Mission Arrival Binder
         frequently.

      •  Help Elder Miner  acquire basic missionary skills through your example.  Focus your studies on the
         Book of Mormon, other scriptures, and the lessons found in Preach My Gospel, especially the lessons in
         Chapter 3.  Have companionship study every day for 2 hours, except preparation day and weekly

         planning day.

      •  Prayerfully work together in planning outlines of the discussions you will teach your investigators.
         Work together to teach by the Spirit. “Role play” with Elder Miner and practice being in teaching
         situations with your investigators.  Evaluate what was done well and what can be improved.  Avoid
         criticism and seek to lift and motivate.

      •  Use the weekly companion planning meeting to help Elder Miner set goals and evaluate progress.

      •  Make certain Elder Miner participates fully as a contributing member of the companionship.

Most importantly, in all of your dealings with Elder Miner, remember the counsel found in the Doctrine and Covenants 121:39-46.  Always lead, live and love like Jesus Christ.  May the Lord’s choicest blessings be yours as you faithfully fulfill this important calling.

Yours truly,

Taniela Wakolo,  

Mission President

April 13, 2015

Hi Family,

My new companion is elder Rasmussen. He is from Kennewick Washington. He actually came out at the same time as me. And we found out that we have the same birthday. So that was interesting.

I really liked a lot of the conference talks. One of my favorites was about the music of the gospel by Elder Andersen. He did a good job. Elder Renlund was good too.

We didn't have any tornadoes unfortunately. Just a lot of thunderstorms. They aren't as exciting. that's about all for this week. kloveyoubye.

Love, Elder Udy

April 6, 2015

Hi Family,

I watched conference. Of course I did. ha ha. I'm a missionary. A lot of conference was really good. I enjoyed the seventies talk about the dance and music of the gospel and stuff. It was really well done. Elder Holland did a great job as usual. So did most of them. There seemed to be a large focus on Marriage and Families this time.

We had Zone Meeting on April 1st and there were no practical jokes!  Not a lot of people were out doing service on Good Friday, but school does get out up here for that. It's a big holiday. It has been raining practically the entire week. It is still raining outside the library right now. Hopefully it will lighten up soon.

We got transfer calls. I will be staying in Dyersburg, Tennessee, but getting a new companion again on Wednesday. Elder Miner got his visa and is on his way to Taiwan now. No idea who I will be getting though. That's about it for this week. kloveyoubye.

Love, Elder Udy