HAPPY 5th of JULY!!!!!
All is well in Tonga! This past week was our most successful week yet! We are slowly break down the barriers in the ward and we now have the bishop on the same page as us and he is now helping. That was a huge accomplishment. Now we have built a good friendship there that is helping the rest of the ward open to us.
The fourth of July was a lot of fun we went to a ward BBQ where we enjoyed music that we couldn't understand and food like green banana yummm! hahaha It was fun though =) We ended up playing rugby and getting a nice tan =) Then later in the day, we took our bikes to the BMX track with some other missionaries and finished our 4th there riding and jumping our bikes. It was a blast and a great holiday! I did crash pretty bad on our last run when I came up short on the jump and then ate it pretty bad. My legs are all banged up and so is my left arm and my left hand but all will be okay. Elder Leavitt came over and helped play doctor and picked the rocks and dirt out of my body with some tweezers and Q-Tips. I'll send some picture next week =)
It's good to hear that the Texas trip was a lot of fun please tell grandma i love her and miss her. It's still crazy to think that I'll be home next July and will be able to spend it at home with family =) I cant wait!
money- I think I'll be fine on money the ward feeds us a lot. and if they don't feed us they give us money. So I now have $50 total and I want to see if I can live off of it this month. I think the last thing I bought was new dress shoes because the ones I bought at Christmas were badly damaged while shooting hoops with the youth so Ross Dress for Less helped me find a new pair for I think $38. The only other think I need is a new pair of pants some day soon either this month or next month. Also are you guys sending me dress shirts? If so I need long sleeved shirts probably 5 of them size.....I think 15 1/2, 34-35. Well, I love and miss you guys so much have a great week =)
Love,
Elder Sterling Woodruff
Monday, May 16, 2011
Tuesday October 12
Today was a good Tuesday. We went and saw a wonderful old guy that we really like. He's really funny too! I love going to see him. We also taught two families, so it was a really good day. The struggles are many and patience is tested and retested but I'm hanging in. I'm headed to bed. Anyone who is reading this good night and sweet dreams.
Wednesday October 13
District Meetings.
On the way to meetings we saw an ariel atom (car)! It was so cool! Seeing one in real life makes me want one!
Thursday October 14
All our appointments cancelled and no one was home. It makes for a long day.
Friday October 15
Exchanges!
I was on exchanges with Elder Hunter. He is an awesome elder. We taught one lesson.
Saturday October 16
Service all day! I really like service. It gives me a chance to reset. So, we put in a fence and shoveled bark and then we fixed a winch.
I love you all and I thank you for your prayers.
Sunday October 17
Stake Conference. It was great! I really enjoyed all the talks. We ate taco salad at a members home.
Monday October 18
P-day. So today we shopped for two weeks of food. Next week we are taking our cultural day to see the sites of Seattle. Our new mission president is going to be stopping these cultural days so we need to go if we are going to do it.
We had two lessons today. One was a member dinner and the other was with another member family.
I got Lauren's picture! WOW! She looks great! Hope all is well at home.
Tuesday October 19
Well, today was an interesting day. We tracted from 10-2 and then at about 2:30 we went on exchanges. I went with Elder Smith in his area. With Elder Smith we taught two lessons. The first one was with two new investigators. We were able to set up the return appointment but the Spirit must have helped set that one up because it wasn't because of our message.
The cool part of the exchange is that the elders in this area live with the CEO of T-Mobile so I sleep in their home tonight. Cool beans! :-)
Wednesday October 20
Well today was fun:-) I'm back in my area. We carved pumpkins with the Conrad family. We had a dinner appointment that forgot about us but they were kind enough to still feed us tuna fish sandwiches and then our night got crazy!
So, we get a call from the church saying someone needs a blessing. So we go to the church. After searching out who needs the blessings we find ourselves in an empty building with someone who is clearly crazy. After two hours of conversation with him and silent prayers on what to do we end up giving him a short blessing.
I know prayers are answered. I'm thankful we are safe. Good night everyone. CRAZY!
Thursday October 21
Companion is sick today. Home today studying.
Friday October 22
Zone Conference
Elder Ringwood came from the Quorum of the Seventy. I thought we were going to get yelled at but we didn't. I got to become part of the lesson though. Intense!
He was asking us about what makes a good missionary. I said that a good missionary is himself and is genuine and real. I thought I said something wrong because he just stared at me. He then asked if I was true to myself. I thought I was in trouble but I said yes. He stared at me longer and asked me if there was a problem with other missionaries. Now I really thought I had done it, but I said yes. He stared at me again! and then said I agree! and then went off for thirty minutes on how we need to be true to ourselves and how there is no missionary mold. He told us not to be robots or to do fake blinks (he gave an example). He then asked my first name. I told him. He continued to teach how the Lord didn't call ELDER Woodruff to Seattle but he called Elder STERLING Woodruff on a mission to Seattle. It was really cool.
Well, that's the highlight of my day. Good night!
Saturday and Sunday October 23-24
Been super tired. I fell asleep during sacrament and gospel doctrine class. We've taught two lessons. Extremely tired!
Monday October 25
Cultural Day in Seattle
We went with Brother Wargo. It was a fun day! We saw a lot of the city. We did Pikes Place and stuff.
Tuesday October 26
Haircuts! I finally got my haircut today. It was getting a little long but I'm looking good again!
One lesson with the Howard Family. After that it was difficult to find anyone who would let us in.
Wednesday October 27
One lesson today.
Today was a good Tuesday. We went and saw a wonderful old guy that we really like. He's really funny too! I love going to see him. We also taught two families, so it was a really good day. The struggles are many and patience is tested and retested but I'm hanging in. I'm headed to bed. Anyone who is reading this good night and sweet dreams.
Wednesday October 13
District Meetings.
On the way to meetings we saw an ariel atom (car)! It was so cool! Seeing one in real life makes me want one!
Thursday October 14
All our appointments cancelled and no one was home. It makes for a long day.
Friday October 15
Exchanges!
I was on exchanges with Elder Hunter. He is an awesome elder. We taught one lesson.
Saturday October 16
Service all day! I really like service. It gives me a chance to reset. So, we put in a fence and shoveled bark and then we fixed a winch.
I love you all and I thank you for your prayers.
Sunday October 17
Stake Conference. It was great! I really enjoyed all the talks. We ate taco salad at a members home.
Monday October 18
P-day. So today we shopped for two weeks of food. Next week we are taking our cultural day to see the sites of Seattle. Our new mission president is going to be stopping these cultural days so we need to go if we are going to do it.
We had two lessons today. One was a member dinner and the other was with another member family.
I got Lauren's picture! WOW! She looks great! Hope all is well at home.
Tuesday October 19
Well, today was an interesting day. We tracted from 10-2 and then at about 2:30 we went on exchanges. I went with Elder Smith in his area. With Elder Smith we taught two lessons. The first one was with two new investigators. We were able to set up the return appointment but the Spirit must have helped set that one up because it wasn't because of our message.
The cool part of the exchange is that the elders in this area live with the CEO of T-Mobile so I sleep in their home tonight. Cool beans! :-)
Wednesday October 20
Well today was fun:-) I'm back in my area. We carved pumpkins with the Conrad family. We had a dinner appointment that forgot about us but they were kind enough to still feed us tuna fish sandwiches and then our night got crazy!
So, we get a call from the church saying someone needs a blessing. So we go to the church. After searching out who needs the blessings we find ourselves in an empty building with someone who is clearly crazy. After two hours of conversation with him and silent prayers on what to do we end up giving him a short blessing.
I know prayers are answered. I'm thankful we are safe. Good night everyone. CRAZY!
Thursday October 21
Companion is sick today. Home today studying.
Friday October 22
Zone Conference
Elder Ringwood came from the Quorum of the Seventy. I thought we were going to get yelled at but we didn't. I got to become part of the lesson though. Intense!
He was asking us about what makes a good missionary. I said that a good missionary is himself and is genuine and real. I thought I said something wrong because he just stared at me. He then asked if I was true to myself. I thought I was in trouble but I said yes. He stared at me longer and asked me if there was a problem with other missionaries. Now I really thought I had done it, but I said yes. He stared at me again! and then said I agree! and then went off for thirty minutes on how we need to be true to ourselves and how there is no missionary mold. He told us not to be robots or to do fake blinks (he gave an example). He then asked my first name. I told him. He continued to teach how the Lord didn't call ELDER Woodruff to Seattle but he called Elder STERLING Woodruff on a mission to Seattle. It was really cool.
Well, that's the highlight of my day. Good night!
Saturday and Sunday October 23-24
Been super tired. I fell asleep during sacrament and gospel doctrine class. We've taught two lessons. Extremely tired!
Monday October 25
Cultural Day in Seattle
We went with Brother Wargo. It was a fun day! We saw a lot of the city. We did Pikes Place and stuff.
Tuesday October 26
Haircuts! I finally got my haircut today. It was getting a little long but I'm looking good again!
One lesson with the Howard Family. After that it was difficult to find anyone who would let us in.
Wednesday October 27
One lesson today.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Friday October 1, 2010
Got out of the car and walked today. It was a beautiful day. Steak for dinner. :-) It was really good. That was it. That was our day.
Saturday and Sunday, General Conference
I loved Elder Holland's talk on thanks and felt like he said everything I wanted to say to you and dad. Thank you so much. This was my first Priesthood session without dad. Kinda sad, but you'd have been proud when all the missionaries were asked to stand I was standing. I'm so glad I'm here.
After Sunday's session of conference we went to the Sundwalls home and they know Uncle Dan. I guess Dan told them to tell me hi. That was really cool!
Monday October 4
Found out that P-day activities have now been banned in our mission. We can no longer play any sport as a zone or district. I'm disappointed but I understand. Last week 3 elders were seriously injured and one even was sent home for surgery. So today my companion and I went shopping. I bought a thermal shirt for service. We taught a lesson to Luke about prophets.
Went to a ward members home who just purchased a new camaro. It was a beautiful car. He gave us a ride and even offered for me to drive it. I declined. It's against mission rules.
Tuesday, Wednesday
Nothing out of the ordinary. We taught two lessons one on gossip and another on accountability. Both turned out well. I got no mail so I re-read Brittany's letter. lol
Thursday October 7
Interviews with Mission President!
Taught Luke another lesson and he set a baptism date for Dec 2. I was so happy to hear that. It's amazing to hear someone say they want to be baptized.
I got a letter today! It was from Allie Parr. What a fun surprise.
Friday October 8
Went tracting today in Fall City.
Got your letter today!
Our lessons all canceled and no one was home.
We are going on exchanges tonight with the zone leader. I really like the zone leaders. I'll be with Elder Price.
Saturday October 9
I'm with Elder Price and we started by tracting. We had two people tell us we weren't Christians and that we were going to hell. We politely said we believed in Christ and left them our card. The rest of the day was service. We worked at Brother Marques doing odd jobs. While we were working he invited friends over to help with the work and we taught them little mini lessons while we worked.
Sunday October 10
I'm so tired! I'm just exhausted!
Church was nice. Luke came to church. We ate dinner at a members home and then went out tracting. I;m really tired and ready for bed.
Monday October 11
I found a copy of the newspaper clipping and I'm sending it home. Today's P-Day and nothing is really happening.
Got out of the car and walked today. It was a beautiful day. Steak for dinner. :-) It was really good. That was it. That was our day.
Saturday and Sunday, General Conference
I loved Elder Holland's talk on thanks and felt like he said everything I wanted to say to you and dad. Thank you so much. This was my first Priesthood session without dad. Kinda sad, but you'd have been proud when all the missionaries were asked to stand I was standing. I'm so glad I'm here.
After Sunday's session of conference we went to the Sundwalls home and they know Uncle Dan. I guess Dan told them to tell me hi. That was really cool!
Monday October 4
Found out that P-day activities have now been banned in our mission. We can no longer play any sport as a zone or district. I'm disappointed but I understand. Last week 3 elders were seriously injured and one even was sent home for surgery. So today my companion and I went shopping. I bought a thermal shirt for service. We taught a lesson to Luke about prophets.
Went to a ward members home who just purchased a new camaro. It was a beautiful car. He gave us a ride and even offered for me to drive it. I declined. It's against mission rules.
Tuesday, Wednesday
Nothing out of the ordinary. We taught two lessons one on gossip and another on accountability. Both turned out well. I got no mail so I re-read Brittany's letter. lol
Thursday October 7
Interviews with Mission President!
Taught Luke another lesson and he set a baptism date for Dec 2. I was so happy to hear that. It's amazing to hear someone say they want to be baptized.
I got a letter today! It was from Allie Parr. What a fun surprise.
Friday October 8
Went tracting today in Fall City.
Got your letter today!
Our lessons all canceled and no one was home.
We are going on exchanges tonight with the zone leader. I really like the zone leaders. I'll be with Elder Price.
Saturday October 9
I'm with Elder Price and we started by tracting. We had two people tell us we weren't Christians and that we were going to hell. We politely said we believed in Christ and left them our card. The rest of the day was service. We worked at Brother Marques doing odd jobs. While we were working he invited friends over to help with the work and we taught them little mini lessons while we worked.
Sunday October 10
I'm so tired! I'm just exhausted!
Church was nice. Luke came to church. We ate dinner at a members home and then went out tracting. I;m really tired and ready for bed.
Monday October 11
I found a copy of the newspaper clipping and I'm sending it home. Today's P-Day and nothing is really happening.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday September 28
This morning is a lesson with our only investigator. His name is Luke and he's 19, dating a a girl in the ward. After the lesson we went tracting. We mowed Allie's yard and she cuts our hair and fed us fried chicken. It was much appreciated. We then went to the Howards. Brother Howard is a professional drummer so he played for us inside his studio. It was really cool! We ate dinner at a members home.
Wednesday September 29
We met with Luke again today and will meet with him again tomorrow. We had a district meeting and went on half day exchanges. I went with Elder Leffler who is a great elder! We went tracting and then off to a lesson with the Hoffmans. Brother Hoffman is a really neat guy. He knows a lot about the church and scriptures. I always get taught by him instead of me teaching him. I like him al ot. Something he said was a new thought for me. Instead of praying and asking for something, pray and give thanks for what you desire and don't have yet.
Thursday September 30
Well I'm famous! and so is my companion. We made it into the local newspaper working at the wards food drive. So fun!
Met with Luke and talked about temples and watched a video on temples.
No mail this week. :-( Kind of sad.
Maybe tomorrow :-).
This morning is a lesson with our only investigator. His name is Luke and he's 19, dating a a girl in the ward. After the lesson we went tracting. We mowed Allie's yard and she cuts our hair and fed us fried chicken. It was much appreciated. We then went to the Howards. Brother Howard is a professional drummer so he played for us inside his studio. It was really cool! We ate dinner at a members home.
Wednesday September 29
We met with Luke again today and will meet with him again tomorrow. We had a district meeting and went on half day exchanges. I went with Elder Leffler who is a great elder! We went tracting and then off to a lesson with the Hoffmans. Brother Hoffman is a really neat guy. He knows a lot about the church and scriptures. I always get taught by him instead of me teaching him. I like him al ot. Something he said was a new thought for me. Instead of praying and asking for something, pray and give thanks for what you desire and don't have yet.
Thursday September 30
Well I'm famous! and so is my companion. We made it into the local newspaper working at the wards food drive. So fun!
Met with Luke and talked about temples and watched a video on temples.
No mail this week. :-( Kind of sad.
Maybe tomorrow :-).
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tuesday September 21
So today was P-day and probrably the most relaxing one I've had. I was able to do my shopping and then kicked back and relaxed. P-day is normally the busiest day but it wasn't today.
Wednesday September 22
Zone meeting. Long day......
Thursday September 23
So, today was ward correlation. That's when we meet with the ward mission leader and today we were brainstorming with all the ward missionaries on how to serve the people better and expand our missionary work. I had been thinking about this a lot because we've been getting nowhere with what we've been doing.
I put out the idea of tracting in service clothes and offering service to people on Saturdays. My companion doesn't like physical labor so he shot it down. Brother Shaw sent an email to our Mission President while sitting there and asked for approval. President Larkin emailed right back and gave it an okay! I sure hope it's a good idea.
Friday September 24
A really good day. We lined up some service for tomorrow, at 12 we are unloading hay into a barn and then at 4 we are cleaning up a single sisters yard with the Ward Mission Leader..
Saturday September 25
Great Day!!! So we went and filled the barn with hay, which I found I'm allergic to hay on my arms. Then I put together a shelf unit for a sister who needed help. We helped Brother Marques with post hole digging to fix a fence and sanded his trailer, cut off some old rusted bolts and at least got the job started for him. It sure makes me think of working with dad on projects. It was a great day!
We did 8 hours of non-stop service.
Sunday September 26
Fast Sunday. I've come to love fasting. This companionship has really been a growing experience for me. I think the Lord wants to see if I can do it.
Monday September 27
Played frugbee with the zone. Elder Smith broke his hand, he's the zone leader. He was falling and put down his hand to catch himself and I guess he popped some bone.
So today was P-day and probrably the most relaxing one I've had. I was able to do my shopping and then kicked back and relaxed. P-day is normally the busiest day but it wasn't today.
Wednesday September 22
Zone meeting. Long day......
Thursday September 23
So, today was ward correlation. That's when we meet with the ward mission leader and today we were brainstorming with all the ward missionaries on how to serve the people better and expand our missionary work. I had been thinking about this a lot because we've been getting nowhere with what we've been doing.
I put out the idea of tracting in service clothes and offering service to people on Saturdays. My companion doesn't like physical labor so he shot it down. Brother Shaw sent an email to our Mission President while sitting there and asked for approval. President Larkin emailed right back and gave it an okay! I sure hope it's a good idea.
Friday September 24
A really good day. We lined up some service for tomorrow, at 12 we are unloading hay into a barn and then at 4 we are cleaning up a single sisters yard with the Ward Mission Leader..
Saturday September 25
Great Day!!! So we went and filled the barn with hay, which I found I'm allergic to hay on my arms. Then I put together a shelf unit for a sister who needed help. We helped Brother Marques with post hole digging to fix a fence and sanded his trailer, cut off some old rusted bolts and at least got the job started for him. It sure makes me think of working with dad on projects. It was a great day!
We did 8 hours of non-stop service.
Sunday September 26
Fast Sunday. I've come to love fasting. This companionship has really been a growing experience for me. I think the Lord wants to see if I can do it.
Monday September 27
Played frugbee with the zone. Elder Smith broke his hand, he's the zone leader. He was falling and put down his hand to catch himself and I guess he popped some bone.
Monday, September 20, 2010
September 13, Monday
P-DAY! No zone activity because our zone leaders took their culture day. Culture Day - a one day thing, you get to go visit the sites of Washington. I haven't taken my culture day yet. So today we played football as a district. My team got killed but it's a;; good because it was fun.
I do have to say that my companion rigged the whole game. He made himself a team captain and then he made me a team captain. He then picked his whole team and left me with every guy that has never played football. LOL We had a ton of fun and we scored a couple of touch downs. :-) Goodnight!
September 14, 2010 Tuesday
On exchanges on Mercer Island. I'm with Elder Dennison until 2pm tomorrow. We get along really well and I enjoy working on Mercer. Lots of Maserati and ferries out here.
September 15, 2010 Wednesday
Midweek! Woohoo! I only spent about 5 hours with my companion, Elder Endicott. I'm now on another exchange with Elder Price, staying in my own area. I really like exchanges. They're a nice change from the stresses of my companion.Worked hard and I'm tired.
September 16, 2010 Thursday
On another exchange with Elder Price. I learned a lot from him while tracting. I'm praying for transfers. I taught three lessons today. I'm doing my push ups and sit ups every morning and night.
September 17, 2010 Friday
I got your letter and was really excited! It sounds like the family had a fun trip to Oregon. I love letters!
Saturday 18, 2010
Taught five lessons and got two new investigators! It was such a good day. Two corn dogs for comfort food. lol
Sunday 19, 2010
Neither I nor my companion are being transferred. I just wanted to cry. This has been a difficult time but there must be something for me still to learn.
Monday September 20, 2010
It's 2 pm and we just got back from a General Authority devotional, Elder Kakoochi, from the Quorum of the 70. He came and talked about baptizing more and believing more in the power of God. He also taught us how to teach better.
I got my warm clothes and blankets from you. Thank you. I've been cold.
All my love.
P-DAY! No zone activity because our zone leaders took their culture day. Culture Day - a one day thing, you get to go visit the sites of Washington. I haven't taken my culture day yet. So today we played football as a district. My team got killed but it's a;; good because it was fun.
I do have to say that my companion rigged the whole game. He made himself a team captain and then he made me a team captain. He then picked his whole team and left me with every guy that has never played football. LOL We had a ton of fun and we scored a couple of touch downs. :-) Goodnight!
September 14, 2010 Tuesday
On exchanges on Mercer Island. I'm with Elder Dennison until 2pm tomorrow. We get along really well and I enjoy working on Mercer. Lots of Maserati and ferries out here.
September 15, 2010 Wednesday
Midweek! Woohoo! I only spent about 5 hours with my companion, Elder Endicott. I'm now on another exchange with Elder Price, staying in my own area. I really like exchanges. They're a nice change from the stresses of my companion.Worked hard and I'm tired.
September 16, 2010 Thursday
On another exchange with Elder Price. I learned a lot from him while tracting. I'm praying for transfers. I taught three lessons today. I'm doing my push ups and sit ups every morning and night.
September 17, 2010 Friday
I got your letter and was really excited! It sounds like the family had a fun trip to Oregon. I love letters!
Saturday 18, 2010
Taught five lessons and got two new investigators! It was such a good day. Two corn dogs for comfort food. lol
Sunday 19, 2010
Neither I nor my companion are being transferred. I just wanted to cry. This has been a difficult time but there must be something for me still to learn.
Monday September 20, 2010
It's 2 pm and we just got back from a General Authority devotional, Elder Kakoochi, from the Quorum of the 70. He came and talked about baptizing more and believing more in the power of God. He also taught us how to teach better.
I got my warm clothes and blankets from you. Thank you. I've been cold.
All my love.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Quilt Made It Just In Time
Monday September 13, 2010
Thank you for sending my blanket. It's getting really cold here.
If you could send me another sweatshirt and those winter leggings you bought me for the last winter camp out. I'm cold!
So we're teaching two people. One is a 19 year old guy who is investigating because of a girl. Which isn't bad but you can tell he's not fully into the whole thing. He is still progressing. Another man we're teaching is from a part member family. It really makes me think of how we have to put the Lord first and what we want second. If the gospel is true it's true and everything else in the world comes after the Savior and what he has asked us to do.
Monday September 13, 2010
Thank you for sending my blanket. It's getting really cold here.
If you could send me another sweatshirt and those winter leggings you bought me for the last winter camp out. I'm cold!
So we're teaching two people. One is a 19 year old guy who is investigating because of a girl. Which isn't bad but you can tell he's not fully into the whole thing. He is still progressing. Another man we're teaching is from a part member family. It really makes me think of how we have to put the Lord first and what we want second. If the gospel is true it's true and everything else in the world comes after the Savior and what he has asked us to do.
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