Two month mark

Another week has come and gone! And today is my two month mark! Haha it's really not that much but it's crazy how much time has already passed. 

The days really are all starting to blur together, so it's pretty hard to remember what we've done this week! We were able to see Tom twice, I can't remember if I've mentioned Tom or not. We are teaching him and his wife up in Tanasket, so we can't see them as often as we'd like. But we were able to have some really good discussions with them and they're making a lot of progress. The only obstacle is that they're having a lot of problems with their marriage. But we're hoping they'll pull through! 

We got two new investigators this week. One's name is Clint. He's somehow related to one of the members in the ward--I'm not really sure. We tracted into him, and we almost didn't get to meet him. Because there are a lot pf areas in this town where it's kinda hard to tell if it is a house. And Clint's house definitely didn't... It's pretty sad to see the conditions that some people live in, but it's also very humbling! We were able to sit down with him and talk a little about the restoration and the Book of Mormon. And we're scheduled to see him again! Last night we met with Hailey, our other new investigator. we've been trying to meet with her ever since I got here but we've never been able to catch her at a good time. But last night we tried again and had a VERY good discussion with her. She's only 20 years old, but she has a lot of faith in God and has a great desire to know of the truth. During the lesson her mom popped in out of nowhere and said, "in this household, we don't believe anything should be added to the Bible." We tried to explain to her that it's just ANOTHER testament. She didn't agree. But it was very interesting because after that Hailey told her mom that "well maybe I want to believe that! And I want to hear what they have to say!" It was kinda funny, but it was so cool to see that she's very independent and she's wants to find out the truth for herself. So hopefully that will turn into something!

Well we're not giving up on Dorothy and Steve. We just feel that we need to sit down with them and have a good discussion about everything. Keep praying for them!

It's starting to get very cold here. It's been raining a lot which I love! It's very beautiful.

I love you and miss you all!

Elder Scott 

Two Elder Ians

Hello everyone!

Wait, didn't I JUST email you guys? Man, time really does fly out here in the field! And there were quite a few things that happened this week--good and bad. But that's the life of a missionary! 

We had stake conference yesterday. About a quarter of the chapel was filled. Much different than Utah. But it was still very good! They always put a huge emphasis on member missionary work, which is awesome because this ward could REALLY work on that. Hopefully we'll see more volunteers for member present lessons. 

We went on exchanges this week. And they were tons of fun! I went down to Coulee Dam with Elder Wilkey. He's an English speaking Elder and we got along very well. And it was pretty funny when we discovered we have the same first name! Haha his name is Ian... it was kinda weird. 

When we got back from the exchanges Elder Pullman had some bad news for me. They went and saw Dorthy and Steve when I was gone and they told them that they no longer want to be baptized. They did some further investigation on the churches stance on homosexuality. Their daughter who came to church (and loved it) is gay. And they decided that they couldn't join a church that would not be able to accept their daughter as well. We tried to explain everything: That she can be gay but she just can't practice, that this is her trial that she has to go through, the you wouldn't be abandoning her by being baptized, etc. We tried everything. Elder Pullman was telling me that it seemed like they didn't want to make the decision, is was a very difficult thing for everyone involved. So just keep them in your prayers! We think that they just need some time. Conversion requires a lifetime! 

Other than that, we've been having a pretty good week. Our other investigator, Martin, has been making a lot of progress. And, when we went up to Oroville this week. We got a referral from a member. So we contacted them and it was a very cool experience. This married couple, Tom and Rosemary, are going through a pretty difficult time in their marriage. Tom's best friend is a member and introduced the gospel to him. We met with Tom and Rosemary (separately) and had a discussion. So hopefully that will turn into something! 

It was pretty tough to see Dorthy and Steve get so close to the waters of baptism then have them turn away. But that's just apart of the work! People have their agency and it's especially when people are so close to salvation that the adversary will do everything he can. But it has definitely made me appreciate this gospel. And how much it has blessed my life, and even when we are tempted, we can always come back and yield to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

I love you guys! 

Mission Address

Elder Ian Scott

8202 West Quinault Ave. Suite D

Kennewick, WA 99336

or iscott@myldsmail.net

First week in Washington

 

Hello everyone! 

Well, I'm finally here in Washington. So what do you want to know first? My area? My companion? Well they're all great! 

Our first night we stayed in Kennewick. Sister Ware made a huge dinner for us. It was honestly some of the best food I've ever eaten. Only because anything other than cafeteria mexican food is a good option. President Ware is an amazing man. I've only had a short interview with him. But he is so kind and very inspired. 

So my area is the most northern part of the mission, it's also the largest. And it's covered by me and my companion. We're over two wards the Omak ward and the Oroville ward. We live here in Omak and then we go up to Oroville once or twice a week. They're both English wards. Omak is amazing. It's a cute little town surrounded by a bunch of lakes, trees and cliffs. And I absolutely love it! The people here are so amazing. Since our area is so huge, and it's only covered by me and my companion, we do a lot of driving. We had a zone meeting last Saturday and it was so far away we had to drive the night before to another companionship's apartment and spend the night just so we could be there early enough for the meeting.

My trainers name is Elder Pullman. He's a really cool and calm guy. And guess what, he's from Benjamin! So he went to Spanish Fork High. Small world, huh? But yeah we get along very well and I've learned so much from him already. 

I gave a talk in church yesterday. It wasn't too bad, we just had to talk about general conference. And it was in English. I actually have been speaking barely any Spanish here. Which I have very mixed feelings about. Because on one hand I'm able to communicate very well with everyone, but on the other hand, I can't practice my Spanish! But it'll all work out. 

There is much work to be done here in Omak! We are always very busy keeping up with everyone. And we already have two people on date for baptism! Elder Pullman and his last companion received a mormon.org reference and it was from an older woman named Dorthy. She had been investigating the church on her own for about a month. Then she finally requested the missionaries. In between Sunday sessions of conference they invited Elder Pullman and his companion for lunch, the first thing she told them was that she and her husband (Steve) had received a witness that President Monson is called of God and they wanted to be baptized. I just met them last Saturday and they are amazing. Steve used to be a Baptist minister and Dorthy used to teach the anti-mormon class at their church. They've certainly come a long way! He actually just lost his job too which is really sad. But he's relying on the gospel and his faith in Christ to help him. They also came to church yesterday, and they brought their daughter and Dorthy's sister. After the meeting we asked them how they liked it and their daughter (Beck) had tears in her eyes and she said that it has been a long and painful journey for her, but she knows that she's in the right place. So we set up an appointment with her this thursday! Steve and Dorthy will be baptized on the 25th of October. 

Well I'm absolutely loving it here! The people are amazing and there's so much work to be done.  

I love and miss you all! 

Elder Scott  

He's Here!

Dear Missionary Family,

 

We are delighted to inform you that your missionary has arrived safely to the Washington Kennewick Mission.  We already love them and are excited to serve with them.  We have enjoyed becoming acquainted with them and are confident that they will become an effective instrument in the hands of the Lord in sharing the gospel with the people of Washington and Oregon.

 

We have assigned them a companion who is an experienced, devoted, and motivated missionary.  All of our missionaries understand that one of the greatest privileges available in the mission is to train a new missionary.  This first companion will be a special person in your missionary’s life and will help give them a great start here.

 

We feel that our greatest responsibility is the care and welfare of your child.  We want to assure you that we will be in regular contact with them.  We will be observant of their physical health, happiness and spiritual well being.  We will work closely with them throughout the mission to help them succeed and fulfill their calling as a representative of the Church and as an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

 

Please be assured that we will be in contact with you if we encounter any concerns that would call for your attention.  We see you as a great asset to the success of your missionary while they are serving here and will work closely with you if the need arises.  You would help us immensely by informing us of any changes to address, phone number or email for you, your bishop or your stake president.  We want to keep our records current so that we can keep in touch whenever necessary.

 

Attached are photographs of your missionary taken with us at the welcome dinner at the mission home, along with a map of the mission.  Please feel free to contact us at the mission office with any questions that you may have.

 

Thank you for the sacrifices you are making at home to have your missionary in the field.  We have seen the Lord bless the families of missionaries who are serving in untold ways.  We know that His blessings will be upon you as well.

 

With love,

                                           

President Boyd S. Ware                                                       Sister Linda P. Ware

 

Washington Kennewick Mission                             

8202 W. Quinault Ave., Ste D

Kennewick, WA  99336

Office Phone (509) 734-5443

Office Fax (509) 734-5475

Office Email: 387991@ldschurch.org

 

MTC District

Three Amigos

Elders Scott, Elder Rasmussen, Elder McInelly

All friends from Spanish Fork and all at the Mexico MTC together



The Phone Call!!!!!

Hey guys, I´m just here to tell you when I´m going to call. We depart from Mexico City at 9:05 then we arrive in Houston at 11:23. Then our next flight leaves for Denver at 12:56. So we´re going to try and make our calls in Houston. But if for some reason we can´t we´ll call in Denver and we leave there at 3:10. And if by some small chance we can´t do it then, then I´ll call you from Washington! We arrive there at 4:37.

I can´t wait to get to Washington! Hopefully I´ll be able to email you guys again once I get there. 

I love you guys! 

Elder Scott

p.s. Wasn´t general conference just the best?? 

2 Fast Sundays down

So I just had a crazy thought this week, I have already experienced 2 out of my 24 fast Sundays while I´m on my mission. Now that´s pretty insane.

So on our first p-day when I was here we went to the temple, remember? Well for some odd reason they scheduled our district to go again! And we all really wanted to go again, so we just let it happen haha. So I went thought the visitors center--for the second time today.

I know that I´ve said this a lot, but I´m so ready to out in the field. I leave this Tuesday morning around 9. So the next time you guys here from me I´ll be in Washington! 

Everyone is gearing up for general conference. I have a feeling that this time is going to be one of the best I´ve every heard. Not because the message has changed, but one things I´ve noticed about being a missionary is that things like preach my gospel and especially the scriptures have taken on a whole new meaning. And I absolutely love it! 

I just love to be a missionary. And I can hardly stand to be away from Kennewick any longer. I know this gospel is true. I´m so grateful for the power of prayer in my life and for everything it´s given me. I know that the Savior payed the price for our sins, and I´m so grateful for everything He has done for me. 

I love and miss you all so much! 

Elder Scott 

I can't wait to get out in the field

Hello Everybody!

This week has gone by so fast! I think I said that last week... but it´s true! 

And really now that I think of it, not much has really happened. Just the usual stuff. Teaching lessons, learning spanish, not sleeping. 

The spanish is still very hard but i find myself worrying about it less and less each day. And I´m worrying more and more about how to actually teach. 

I can´t wait to get out in the field. To actually real investigators and to tell them things they don´t already know is going to be so rewarding. 

We started doing TRC this week. It's where you go into a room with a native who only speaks spanish, they speak as fast as they possibly can and you try and get to know them and teach them a lesson about the gospel. Haha well they dont actually try and speak as fast as they can, but it sure does seem like it. Our lesson went very well. We planned to teach her just about the restoration. But turns out, she´s already a member. So she kind of ended up teaching us. But it was a really good experience and made me even more excited to be in the field! 

Last Tuesday, we had another live devotional from the Provo MTC. Elder Ballard spoke and it was amazing. He went up there and he didn´t even have anything written down. He simply spoke from his heart to us about missionary work. One thing from his talk that really stuck out to me was when he talked about the worth of souls. D&C 18 ''..save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy''. He told about how even if you are only to convert one person, you will affect an entire posterity. This made me realize how important this work is and how grateful I am to be apart of it. 

I love the gospel. I have a testimony that this is the only true church upon the face of the earth, and I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God.   

I love you all so much! Thank you for your prayers! 

Haircuts and Mexican holidays

What I week! It honestly has flown by. I was just thinking yesterday that I could actually go a few more days without a p-day. I´m not saying I would... but i could.

Well that huge Mexican holiday that was last Monday was tons of fun! Monday night we all went into the auditorium and we watched a bunch of Mexican dancing and music. Then afterwards we all saluted the Mexican flag (which was weird) and we sang their national anthem. Tons of fun!

Oh yeah, another thing I forgot to mention last week was that I got a haircut. And it is soooo short. I think the last time it was this short was when I was is kindergarten. But hey, it´s hair, it´ll grow back. 

So my talk went very well last Sunday, but it also comes with a funny story. So when it was my turn to speak, I go up to the podium and start speaking. After a few seconds I start to hear some chuckles in the congregation. It was my worst nightmare. When you´re giving a talk in a language you barely know, in front of a bunch of people you barely know, you assume the worst. I knew that I must´ve mispronounced something, or there was something stuck in between my teeth. I just wanted it to be over. But then, I looked out into the congregation. And from the middle of the ceiling, there was dangling a giant, black, hairy spider. I was so relived. All of the people that were laughing weren´t laughing at me, they were laughing at the spider that was dangling low enough to be right over someone elses head. And it all turned out okay. Because by the time I was wrapping up and bearing my testimony everyone was paying attention and I felt really good! 

Every week our zone has a huge volleyball tournament. We got killed last time. But the district that beat everyone else last time left last week. So, hopefully we´ll do better...

I had a huge testimony strengthener this week. We were teaching a lesson to ''Yared''. We were teaching her about prayer and how it could help her in her life. We tied that into the Joseph Smith´s story. That he was feeling lost and confused and how he used prayer to receive an answer. I had her read out of Joseph Smith History, verses 16 and 17. As she begin to read the spirit hit me so strongly and I was completely overwhelmed by it. I planned on saying a few things after she read, but it was actually pretty hard for me to spit it out. But still I managed it and I could tell that Elder Turley and Yared could feel it too. And I felt even more accomplished afterward when our teacher told us how much she enjoyed that lesson. 

That experience for me strengthened my testimony so much. And was another sure affirmation that this church is true and I´m doing the right thing my serving a mission. I know that this church is true, I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know that Joseph Smith was called by our Heavenly Father and that his true church has been restored upon the earth. 

I love all of you so much! I think about you guys all day every day and I appreciate everything you do for me. 

Miss you! 

Elder Scott  

    

PS

Sept 11, 2014

Well after I emailed you guys I realized that there were a ton of things that I forgot to mention, I´m sure that will happen every week...

So last week right before I emailed we went to the Mexico City Temple. The actual temple is closed right now so we just went through the visitors center. That temple is one of the prettiest ones I´ve ever seen, and the visitors center was amazing too. I´ll try and send some pictures. 

Another thing I forgot to mention was our investigator. Her name is Diana. We´re already done teaching her and by the end we committed her to baptism! Even though she´s not an actual investigator, it still felt so amazing. Diana´s real name is Hermana Faces, and she´s now our teacher! It was super weird at first, but seriously, the girl deserves an oscar for her acting. So right now we have TWO investigators. I find myself improving upon each lesson, and I´m actually really enjoying it. I had an experience the other day when we were teaching Yared. I was right in the middle of explaining to her that God is our loving Heavenly Father. And I just thought of you guys. About how much I love you and I how proud you would be of me. I´m so blessed to have each one of you. 

So apparently the Mexican independence day is on September 15th. And we've been hearing that Mexico City is going to be insane that night. I can´t really imagine what it will be like though. We already hear constant noises of gun shots and police sirens during the night. 

I think my stomach is finally getting used to the food, my brain, however, never will. Jeremiah 4:19 is a very popular scripture around here. 

Despite all of the bad things about this place, there are so many other good things. Like Tuesday night is Costco pizza night. It´s literally pizza from Costco. And also there´s like 10 different kinds of juices in the cafeteria. So, there´s plenty to be happy about!

I can´t really put into words how excited I am to be in he mission field. The CCM is great and all, but I can´t stop thinking about how much better being in the field is going to be. 

I´m doing much better! Learning the language is still so hard, but I´m making progress. I´ve actually been assigned to give a talk this Sunday. The topic is faith in Jesus Christ, so it shouldn´t be too difficult. 

I´ll try and send some pictures! Thanks for everything, I love and miss you all. 

 

Ian

   

¡Hola Familias!

¡Hola Familias!Well just so everyone knows, my P-day is on Thursday, and we didn´t have one last week because that was our second day. I guess they didn´t want to be too generous...

This week has been quite the rollarcoaster! Every single day has just been so busy--running from place to the next. But it´s a good kind of energy, it´s all very exciting. 

So let me tell you about mi companero! His name is Elder Turley, he's from Mesa Arizona and he's such a great guy! I was actually kind of nervous about who my companion would be and whether we would get along. But within the first few minutes of us meeting each other we got along so well! He's way into movies so we talk about them a lot when we have the time. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for Elder Turley, he's such a hard worker and I've been so blessed. 

The rest of my district is pretty amazing too. Everyone gets along so well with one another. Especially the other companionship Elder Turley and I room with. Their names are Elder Myers and Elder Oliver (he's from Gilbert, AZ!). We all help each other cheer each other up. So once again, I´ve been very blessed. 

The food got very old, very quickly. I´ve had an enchilada probably five times within this past week.

Language is hard. Very very hard. I feel like I´m definitely the only one in my district who´s really struggling with it. And really, that´s been my only struggle. Granted, it´s a very big struggle. Thursday and Friday were especially hard. They were the longest days I´ve ever experienced. I just felt so overwhelmed with everything. We had to teach our first lesson on Friday to an investigator--100% in Spanish. We managed to give the message, but it was so unbelievabley stressful. And then I looked at the schedule, we have to do that every single day except for Sundays and P-days. At that moment an awful feeling came over me. It´s probably the worst I´ve ever felt, and I had almost lost all faith in myself. 

But then on Saturday I made a huge improvement. Everyone has to right a talk (all in Spanish) for Sunday. And then in sacrament meeting, six people get randomly picked on to speak. So I was writing my talk, and I could just feel a peacefulness that overcame me. With it was a feeling that I just had to trust in my Heavenly Father that I could do it. After that I could write the talk, and thankfully I didn´t have to speak.

So Elder Turley and I witnessed somewhat of a miracle on Sunday (by the way, Sundays are the greatest). So after sacrament, we had worthiness interviews. And at the end of my interview my branch president asked me "What is your biggest struggle here." So, without hesitation I told him about my struggle with the language and that I didn't really have a lot of faith in myself sometimes. He shared with my 1 Nephi 3:7. Everyone knows that scripture, right? Of course you do! Well it was interesting because he emphesized a different part of the scripture. It's when it Nephi says "save he prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." Once again, that peacefull feeling came over me. But, that wasn't the miracle. Afterwards we had to run over to the gym to watch the weekly Sunday devotional, and it was Elder Richard G Scott. He was giving a devotional at the Provo MTC so we were just watching a video. The talk he gave has to be one of the greatest ones I've ever heard. Thats because every single thing that he said was so personal to me. It was kind of a bummer though because we were the last ones to get interviewed so we missed the first 20 minutes of his talk. But he did something that I'd never seen anyone do before, let alone a general authority. After we had sung the closing hymn and as a sister was about to say the closing prayer, Elder Scott ran up to the podium and stopped her. The room was silent. And then he spoke into the mic, "I feel prompeted to repeat something I stated at the beginning of my talk. Always remember, the Lord has called you to succeed, not to fail." Once again, the peace overwhelmed me. And I had so much faith in myself. I know that Heavenly Father looks after us and eases our burdens. 

Elder Turley and I both have been struggling with different things. Me with the language, and him with homesickness. He's an only child so it's been pretty tough for him, be sure to keep him in your prayers! But as we were walking back to our casa from the devotional we talked about how amazing it was that he did that. And how what he said brought us so much peace and comfort. Since we missed the first part of the meeting, Heavenly Father knew that we both needed to hear that. 

Mexico is awesome! The CCM campus so pretty and we're all so blessed to be here. 

Thank you for your prayers, I've felt all of your love constantly and I'm so grateful. Pray that I will learn this language! 

I love you all!