Hi :)                                                                            November 18, 2013

We had Zone Conference in Green Bay this past week. So on Wednesday night we drove to Escanaba to meet up with them and the Marquette Elders. All six of us piled into Escanaba's six seater truck and drove two hours to GB. Of the six Elders: 1 is 6ft 5in, 1 is 6ft 4in, 3 are 6ft 3 in, and the last one is 6ft even. With six Elders at 6ft or taller and a tiny six seater truck, needless to say we were packed full and having a "bromantic" time. We enjoyed the ride only to arrive at our destinations late and stiff from being so packed in the truck. The Zone Conference itself was pretty good. We put a lot of focus on using the Book of Mormon more to help our investigators progress. We did a role-play and enjoyed a good lunch; then another two hour drive back to Escanaba with the same 6 Elders.

Other than this we had a pretty normal week. The majority of all the men in town have disappeared because deer hunting season started on Friday. Since that day we have seen countless deer riding on the back or on top of cars and trucks; just hitching a ride in preparation to get dressed for the main meal. We have been fed venison twice already, and were pretty sure were getting fed it again tonight. I'm not complaining it’s good.

In regards to our investigators: We have two who are our most likely candidates for baptism right now. One is female and has a 10 year old son. She has been going through a really tough week because her boyfriend is kicking her out of the house because she keeps meeting with us. (We are secretly happy about this because this means that she can get baptized, but now we have to deal with the drama) Our other investigator is a ~75 year old man who runs an antique shop out of his house. He is super cool and is kinda funny. His progression is super slow however. We meet with him two - three times a week since Early August and he is just now getting the idea that he needs to read the Book of Mormon and pray. On the upside, he told us that he knows that the Church is true; he's just waiting for God to tell him that getting baptized is the right thing to do.

Scripture for the week: Alma 37: 44-45

44 For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the Promised Land.

 45 And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the Promised Land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.

Thank you all for your prayers and much love.

Elder Luymes

P.S: I burnt my thumb really bad yesterday, so I iced it on our 2 liter ice cube that we have had for several weeks now.

 

Picked a fight with a curling iron and my thumb
got the brunt of it!

Hello all,                                                                      November 11, 2013

Once again Elder Baird and I have been blessed with a fairly successful week. We had a respectful number of lessons as well as six new investigators that we are more than excited to start teaching this week. One of our investigators came to church for the second time and has expressed interest in being baptized. We are very excited for her but we know that we do need to proceed with caution because issues with her boyfriend have flared up. None the less, the Lords hand is in all things and we have firm faith that if she has a desire to be baptized than God will make the situation right for her to be able to do so.

Not to be boring, but there were honestly no funny moment, or big events that happened this week that would make for a great story. It was just a solid week of missionary work. Elder Baird and I did some tracting in the freezing cold. We had a couple of really great lessons with one key investigator who just radiates spiritual preparedness. I have been working with this investigator for over three months now and the only reason why he hasn’t been baptized yet is because he honestly hasn't identified the fact that he has been prepared by the hand of God. He has great faith in God and Jesus Christ, he just hasn't realized that he believes in everything the LDS church does. It’s frustrating, but there isn't a whole lot we can do about it.

Today is the first time it has snowed this winter; just a feather dusting on the ground and on the cars. A little bit of wind and a weather forecast for snow today and tomorrow. FUN, we are happy.

The scripture for the week is: Galatians 5:22-23:

 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

We have used this scripture a lot this past week to help members and investigators understand the spirit a little bit better.

Much Love,

Elder Luymes

The first snow dusting of the winter. Brrrrr, it's getting cold.

Proof that my caterpillar eyebrows haven't died
or converged into one uni-caterpillar brow.

From time to time Mission President and Sister Cutler write a list of some of the things they’ve noticed about Wisconsin, here is their latest:

• Frozen custard abounds. A popular chain here is Culver's and their fast food (including custard, of course) is actually quite good. The Butter Burger is their specialty. We ate there for the first time yesterday and I had the Cranberry Bacon Bleu Salad with Grilled Chicken - yummy. We hear there's a Culver's in Orem, Utah now. Try it!
• If I could write a Wisconsin accent, I would. The best example I can think of is that they say "bag" like "beg". Would you like a beg for your groceries? And they say we have Utah accents! What is a Utah accent?
• Unique words: A "bubbler" is a drinking fountain. A "rummage" is a garage sale. I heard from the missionaries that traffic lights are called "stop and go" lights.
• A local brewery, Sprecher's (pronounced Sprekker's), makes really good root beer. It only comes in brown glass bottles and it's fizzier and less sweet than most other root beer. 
• I never realized that it was mostly the Germans and Polish that settled in Wisconsin. A lot of last names are tricky to spell and pronounce. For example, one family that joined the Church and recently went to the temple is named Bartosiewicz. President Cutler's new counselor is President Krehbiel.
• I've seen signs that say "Ski area" but there's not a mountain in sight, not even a bump. They don't exist in Wisconsin.

                                                                       November 4, 2013

My eyebrows mated and gave birth to a mustache!

Happy Halloween -- Eye See You!

 Surprise!!! I'm the new District Leader, and I haven't even hit my fifth month yet! Elder Whicker used to be our DL, but he has been called as the new Green Bay Zone Leader. President Cutler called us on Saturday afternoon and extended the call to me and explained a few minor details about my position and duties and he also mentioned the border change as "happening very soon". To give a more detailed story:

On Saturday morning, Elder Baird and I played a small joke on Elder Whicker, congratulating him on opening up a new area of the mission. We were just joking with him but because he had been so stressed about transfers this week he over reacted to our text in a funny manner and so Elder Baird and I had a good laugh. Then 20 minutes later the transfer text came telling us that Elder Whicker was leaving Marquette, and that Elder Baird and I were staying here in Germfask. The text doesn’t tell us where we are going, only IF we are going somewhere new. Then moving on to afternoon; Elder Baird and I had just finished a lesson with a Seventh Day Adventist, we climbed in the car and got no more than 100ft when the phone rings and its President Cutler. In movie fashion, we jumble the phone, slam on the brakes, pull over and say" Hello". He asks to speak with me, and he then tells me that I will be the new District Leader starting on Wednesday the 6th. We had a brief chat and said goodbye. My mind was racing with things and ideas, and a whole bunch of "what does this mean" and "what just happened" questions. I'm such a young missionary, and my whole district is training new missionaries that arrive tomorrow morning. (Except me because Elder Baird and I will be finishing his training this transfer). This is just so weird, and now I'm getting teased by other missionaries that since I'm a DL at such a young age, they all say that I will be an AP by the time I hit my one year mark.

 



Rats! This is his best suit.

So what else happened this week: well, I got my suit pants ripped by a dog. It was Tuesday and we were out visiting a few potentials.  We parked the car and walked up the long driveway of one family that we had met and had given a Book of Mormon too. I was familiar with their dogs but they had never ever shown any signs of aggression before. We had a very brief chat with the husband and we started to walk back down the long driveway. All of a sudden, one dog goes crazy and started attacking Elder Baird. I continue walking faster in an attempt to avoid the dog myself but it lunged for me got ahold of my left pant leg about mid-calf and ripped a four inch hole into it, as well as a second one inch tear. We climbed in the car, debating about what we should do. I decide to write a letter and stick it in their mailbox. It wasn't a nasty letter of any sorts, but I did ask them to call us and give an apology. The next day he calls and I didn't get the apology I was looking for. He just came up with excuses and said he didn't want us coming back. I gave the suit pants to our neighbor and she sewed it up. It’s an ok fix, but the pants will never be the same.

"We are as the ArMii of Helaman"

While we were doing service we found a Nintendo Wii - Mii shirt. We had fun turning it into an arMii of Helaman shirt. I'll send pictures.

All is still going well for Elder Baird and me. We have had a few investigators coming to church now, and we are getting used to the cold. No snow yet.

Scripture of the week 2 Nephi 2:24

24. But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.

Love you all,

Elder Luymes

 

Hello again,                                                                            October 28, 2013

Elder Baird and I have enjoyed the busiest week of my mission so far. So much so that we had every hour of every day planned before the week even started. I am so grateful for this and I have enjoyed the hard work and demanding schedule. Helping our brothers and sisters come unto Christ, teaching the restoration lesson, and having one less active come to church as well as two investigators!!!

Things have been going so well for us. Something that I have learned regarding we as missionaries, when we aim to become more like a "Preach My Gospel missionary" the more success we will have. A Preach My Gospel Missionary is one who does his best to follow everything the Preach My Gospel book says to do. Things such as: asking everyone for referrals, teach using the scriptures, testify more often, work hard and diligently, pray more often, take advantage of study time so that we can get the most out of it. Things such as these, and many others not listed. I have been able to really see the blessings and advantages of following Preach My Gospel and incorporating it into every area, big city, or tiny town Manistique. With our busy schedule has come more investigators, more lessons, more dinner appointments J and a happier me. The last thing any missionary wants is to have daily planning and an empty day with nothing on it. Looking at this new week: Monday-Thursday are already booked, every single hour. Friday, we only have a three hour opening. And Saturday and Sunday are all booked again. I told Elder Baird that before Friday comes we would have those three hours filled so that we don't have to really "plan" anything for that day. What an exciting time to be serving in Manistique too. Our borders haven't changed yet but that is no reason to be discouraged. It will happen soon, and with the new transfer starting on November 6th, I get to look forward to another six weeks with Elder Baird and being stationed here in Manistique (most likely, because I’m training).

I'm trying to remember one funny thing that happened this week. We had a lot of work to do, but we did make room for some fun. I guess I can share what happened on Sunday. As we were leaving church to go to an appointment, Elder Baird had his scriptures, two Books of Mormon, and a Restoration DVD on the floor of the passenger seat. He decided to be funny and not close his door. As I accelerated to get onto the highway his scriptures, books, and DVD went flying out of the car onto the street. We stopped and I watched as he goes running out to get the stuff. I asked him later if he had learned a lesson from this experience. He replied "I learned not to put my scriptures on the floor of the car, but that it’s funny to leave the door open." What a lesson.

Scriptures for the week: Alma 37: verses: 2, 4, 14, 19

 2 And I also command you that ye keep a record of this people, according as I have done, upon the plates of Nephi, and keep all these things sacred which I have kept, even as I have kept them; for it is for a wise purpose that they are kept.

 4 Behold, it has been prophesied by our fathers, that they should be kept and handed down from one generation to another, and be kept and preserved by the hand of the Lord until they should go forth unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, that they shall know of the mysteries contained thereon.

 14 And now remember, my son, that God has entrusted you with these things, which are sacred, which he has kept sacred, and also which he will keep and preserve for a wise purpose in him, that he may show forth his power unto future generations.

 19 And now behold, one purpose hath he fulfilled, even to the restoration of many thousands of the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth; and he hath shown forth his power in them, and he will also still show forth his power in them unto future generations; therefore they shall be preserved.

Thank you all for your prayers and love,

Elder Luymes

 

Another Selfie! Yup, my nose is still too big
and my eyebrows are taking over my face.

Beautiful magenta leaves on a tree,
(possibly a plum tree).

We froze water in a soda bottle,
chipped away the plastic, and now
we don't know what to do with it.
Maybe we'll drop it fro the balcony and
watch it bust into pieces.

 

 

October 21, 2013

Say Ay to da U.P Ay! This was a pretty Yooper weekend: rain, cold weather, Packers ball game, beer (not for the missionaries), deer (for the missionaries), hunting, and venison tacos (for the missionary belly). Yup, I think I got it all. Right now we are laughing so hard in the Library.

This week was a pretty typical week. Not in a bad way, nor in a good way; just normal. Elder Baird and I continue to have fun serving together, working hard in the rain and cold. Serving the people as best we can (or at least for as long as they are awake) The town shuts down at 6pm and by 7pm most houses are dark and the streets are empty. That is the life of a cold weather missionary in the vast U.P. All is well though, and there is still progress being made and we are doing what we can.

A short funny story: last Monday at the conclusion of our P-day, Elder Baird and I headed out to go street contacting. We said a companionship prayer before we headed out, Elder Baird stumbled over his words and said mid-prayer "bless us as we go street hunting". When we were outside we talked about what he had said and we both agreed "street hunting" is a much better term for describing our situation. In street contacting you actually have people out on the street and you talk to them. However, in small town Manistique, we street hunt, looking for that one soul who just so happens to be out on the street on a cold Monday evening. In our 1 1/2 hours of street hunting, we saw zero souls.

To answer your questions or concerns about the deer remark made in my intro. We did not hit a deer, but we were about 1-2 feet away from hitting one, or rather being hit by a deer ourselves. On Sunday as we were driving to church, all was well on the M77 heading North. When out of nowhere a deer comes galloping across the high way. I quickly braked and steered to avoid the deer as it finished crossing the road. All was well, and no one was hurt but it would have been an interesting call to the mission president.

Last but not least. Do you remember me sending a picture of a truck that said: Hill Billy Deluxe, and Hypnotic Hydroponics? Elder Baird and I went tracting this week and we met the wife of the owner. She was very interested in reading the Book of Mormon and we were able to set up a return appointment with her. To our surprise she was very nice and I guess we shouldn't be judging to soon.

One of our members here has been a member for 15 years. He has severe cancer, diabetes, and multiple other health issues. His doctors don't expect him to live much longer. But Bro.S___ has had a goal to get to the Temple before he dies. When I arrived here in Manistique I was appointed the task of teaching him the Temple Prep lessons because I had been a Temple Prep teacher at BYU my Winter semester. I taught him each lesson twice because of his slow learning. We worked very hard with the Marquette Ward Bishop and Stake Presidency (who lives all the way down in Green Bay) to come up to Germfask and interview him and other members for Temple recommends. Finally, Bro.S___ got his recommend after several months of hard work. With all the love and delight in my heart I am delighted to say that Bro.S___ got endowed on Saturday in the Chicago temple. But it doesn't stop there. He also got sealed to his wife who passed away unexpectedly over 35 years ago. And he was able to do the temple work for his parents and paternal grandparents too. All three of the couples were sealed and the children were sealed to their parents respectively. This monumental occasion is the highlight of my mission so far. I can honestly say that all these months of slow or sometimes no progress has been very stressful at times, but the reward that has come, and the unexpected addition of Temple work for five others who we weren't planning on in the beginning has been a true blessing from God.

Press on Christian Soldier

Elder Luymes

"Lets take a selfie"

Sunrise from our apartment;
those clouds mean rain.

Red neck or Yooper solution?
Don't slam the door!
The air conditioner will fall out!

 

October 14, 2013

Count your blessings...today is Columbus Day and the post office is closed today, but fortunately the Library is open. We were told that all government buildings were going to be closed today (post office, schools, Library, etc.) Anyway, we were scared that we were going to have a P-Day with no email time, WHAT A DISASTER THAT WOULD BE!!! -- Worthy of a heart attack, and a late night call to the Mission President if you ask us.

This week has been another highly successful and very busy week. We had 20 lessons and reached an impressive number of 22 investigators (not all in one week, but currently we have 22 investigators as a whole). Although, I must be quick to point out that it’s not all about the numbers but what was achieved as we reached these numbers. We had several high quality lessons that have really made a profound impact on some of our investigators and potential investigators. Although we don't have any baptismal dates as of right now... Elder Baird and I have made it our goal to get at least one solid baptismal date before the area turns one on October 24th. We do have investigators who are more than ready to be baptized; it is a matter of IF they will accept the invitation. The work here is accelerating and we are enjoying the company of the Holy Spirit as we go about our business each and every day.

On the topic of the boarder change, I know that I have mentioned it often for a long time but we have received more current updates from the Stake Presidency and from President Cutler (our mission president) that the boarders will be changing in 2 weeks or less. We are so close to this monumental day that Elder Baird and I can't wait to use mission car miles that we don't currently own. J President Cutler said that when the boarders change, he wants us to get out to Newberry as soon as possible. I may get appointed to establish missionaries in Newberry, meaning that I could spend half of my entire mission in the Germfask area. We shall see.

The fall colors here are breathtaking, spectacular, like fireworks in the daytime. They're off the hook, jaw dropping and awesome. There is no such thing as an orange more vibrant, or a yellow so dazzling. The drive from Manistique to Munising to Marquette is crazy awesome. Anytime from September 29th to mid-October is when the colors are in full show and I have been doing everything I can to get pictures. I will be sending a few favorites today, but I do have other pictures that I will be sending in the following weeks.

Oh, and one last thing - I'm passed my 4 month mark. J

Scripture for the week: Alma 32:13

And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved.

Thank you all,

Elder Luymes

 

Through the windshield!???
Apparently I can't stop and roll down a window to get a proper shot.



Lovely shot of the rear dashboard...Oh yeah, a few trees too!

I promise to wash the windows next time :)