5-22-13

Landon’s Letter

Hey I got transfered out of Stoney Creek. I have been moved to Windsor South. Which is right next to Detroit. Seriously it is so close we sometimes get confused with the buildings across the river. I already love this area. It is so awesome and I just got here. There is just something about it here. So  it is awesome. There are two areas there; mine and Windsor North. It is pretty awesome! Also I am less then 150 miles from Annie if I did the math right. Crazy! 

I don't have much to talk about but I will miss Stoney Creek. The whole Hamilton area is crazy and awesome. I can't believe all that has happened while I was there. I really enjoyed my time there. My new companion, well old companion is Elder Badillo. The same Elder Badillo that served with me in North Bay. Crazy! I can't believe it! I was pretty excited to hear that so we are excited to get to work together again. Well I think he is. He hasn't shown any other emotions about it so I am pretty excited to work with him again. Sorry I just don't have much to write about today. Last week was good but I don't really remember what we did. We did a bunch of finding I know that. So it was slower but I am excited to come here and work. 

Rachel- I hope that things are going good. Enjoy school

Natalie- Thanks for the email. Hope that you are enjoying work. Who is working there this year?

Annie- AWesome keep up that awesome work. You are doing amazing!

Megan & Justin- I hope that things are going good. :)

Mom- I am sorry to hear about Amy. Tell Cole I have been wondering how he has been doing. 

Tie?

Dad- Thanks for everything. I hope that things are going good for you. 

I love you all.

Love your favorite Brother, Son, and Elder

Elder Landon Webb

5-20-13

Annie’s Letter

SO this week was full of excitement! We found 7 new investigators! Which is the most I have found in one week on my mission so we're super excited! 2 are going to be baptized on June 15. They are both former investigators who are now super prepared to learn about the gospel! One is Seanace.(Shaun a see) She has been having some health problems but really felt the spirit and wants it more in her life. She has a member friend (who referred her to the Elders a while ago) but who isn't necessarily the best fellowshipper, but we took another member, the only young mother in the ward, and they hit it off really well. So hopefully that will keep going well! She was committed to come to church but then on Sunday she didn't feel well (she had been in the hospital) but she decided that she really did need to be there, so she found her own ride and came! It was awesome. The other one is James. He is a 17 year old boy who just became a daddy 5 months ago. Since then he has reevaluated his life and decided that he doesn't want his son to have the same life that he has had so he is working hard to rise about. He is doing really well in school (he was about to flunk out before and now gets As and Bs) he works hard, and is just really sincere about changing his life around. He was also at church yesterday despite some insanity...Satan tries hard. But he just can't win. Anyway, James came to church and loved it. He is becoming friends with Jamarcus (who is not black even though his name is) which is great because Jamarcus is in Priest Quorum now but will be going to Elders Quorum soon so James can just transition with him. Also, James was inviting people at church to his baptism! That's the best! We also had an awesome Sister's Training at the mission home. There were SO MANY sisters there. We will probably never be able to have sisters training at the mission home again. Which is sad, cuz it's awesome to be there but it's awesome how many sisters we have! I think there are around 45. Next transfer 17 will come in and none will go home! Although, before the next transfer 2 go home. The exuberant Sister Blackham and Sister Finefeuiaki. Yes. My trainer is going home. SHE HAD ONLY BEEN OUT 4 MONTHS WHEN SHE GOT ME! Oh my cow. Time flies. I will be sad when she leaves. :-( I won't see her again on the mission actually because she is doing a mission tour of all the sister areas except the areas with STLs. So bummer for me! So after Sisters Training we had  a 24 hour exchange. We had the 3 sisters from Marion in Mt. Vernon and it was awesome! I wasa out with Sister Brisco (who is a visa waiter, going to Denmark). We went to Kathleen and Mama Daisey's. We knew they were crazy but we had NO IDEA!!! So... we're sitting there chatting with mama daisy (kathleen wasn't there) and sister Brisco is in the middle of the lesson, it was super awesome, the spirit was strong and then... Mama daisy stopped responding. Her eyes started darting back and forth super quick and then they rolled into the back of her head! Then she fell backwards (she was kneeling on the floor) and then started choking. So Sister Brisco called the squad (if you say ambulance out here, no one will know what you're talking about). We turned her onto her side because we thought she was seizing. And then all the sudden, she was fine. She rolled over and started playing with a little table. Unscrewed the leg and was playing  with it. It was weird. So we said "mama daisy?" no answer. "harriett?" no answer. Changed personalities. SO we said a prayer cuz we didn't know what to do! But as soon as she changed, the spirit was SO gone! So we prayed and it was just "GET OUT NOW! Don't let her see you." So we went outside so we could keep an eye on her but she couldn't see us. Then the squad came, we explained what happened and then we left. ya... we won't be going back to that house. But later Kathleen called sister arnell and was freaking out... so sister arnell went over with sister shelley and sister bergloff and did some service, mama daisy just sat in a corner and looked at cards...weird. anyway, sister Arnell said it was super weird... ya. so that's all over with now :-) Later that night, Sister Brisco and I found James so that was good. Oh, and James is a DEAD RINGER for my friend Chay. Seriously, they could be twins. Also, we discovered some delicious cookies this week. They're like caramel wafers. Really good. MIcKi (a member) has a job where she gets a bunch of stuff form convenience stores for free! So we got all the caramel wafer cookies...they're so dang good! It's dangerous. haha.

Well, I'm really sad to hear about Amy. She was so amazing. And so good for Shane. I didn't know they had had another baby! I feel so bad for Shane and the kids. They have already been through so much. :-( That's just such a hard thing. It makes me SO grateful for the gospel. The Plan of Salvation is just the coolest thing ever. Well, I hope you all have a great week! Megan, I hope you're not too sick all the time. :-( Landon, keep working hard! Natalie, don't stress. It's gonna be okay. Jon CONGRATS ON TAKING STATE! Rachel, enjoy your last bit of school! It's out on Friday here! Everyone is super stoked. Justin, smile. Mom and Dad, thanks for all you do! Good luck with the new house! Have fun with it! You guys are the best parents ever. Give Shane and the kids my love. Talk to ya'll later!
Annie

5-13-13

Landon’s Letter

Hey my family

So not much has happened since last night. In fact nothing has really happened since last night. So no new news. Things for this week have been good. We had 1 of our investigators come to church on Sunday which was great. We are hoping that we can have some others come to church next week. So our time starts today trying to get them to church. Sorry this will be short. 

Rachel- Trombone is the instrument every. I don't know how you can play the trumpet with such a tiny mouth piece. Him not letting you change instruments was my same thought as you. You must be good!

Natalie- Nice car. I dislike our malibus but that one is smaller then the ones we have. So I approve it. You can even put my stamp of approval on it ;) I have your picture. Well a couple but the last one is the best one.

Annie- Hey how is the leadership responsablilty going? That is so awesome that  you get to have so many exchanges with other people. Do they come to your casa? Do you think you will die in this last area?

Megan & Justin- I am so excited for both of you. Really that is exciting! I hope that graveyard is going good for you Justin. It probably is just as any other graveyard. I am really excited for the both of you I can't say it enough!

Mom- I hope that you had a fantastic mothers day. It was good to hear from you and see you! When does school get out for you? Do you have anything you plan to do this summer or want to do? Any vacations?

Dad- Thanks I got the book today! Did you teach your class this year? When are your going to Western Graduation. I forgot. Wow that could have been me. I am glad that things are going good! 

I love  you all and thanks for all that you do.

Love your favorite Brother, Son, and Elder

 

Annie’s Letter

Clearly I'm still very excited about this piece of news :-) yayayayayayaya!

It was awesome to talk to you guys on Sunday! I'll definitely get you an address for the Packer's... next week haha. And I'll give Sister Groshong your email address. And I'll send a picture for Natalie's wedding. :-) Promise!
So fishing last pday was SUPER FUN! We just went to a little pond at a members house, )which reminds me, Meg could you get on facebook and add people? Sister Rine is asking to be added!) there are catfish and large mouth bass. I caught a large mouth. It was super fun! Yesterday for pday we got to go to Danville, which is where the Amish live. So we got to visit with them and hear Raymond's story of how he came to the gospel. He was the first one. It was super awesome. They have so much faith. I wish I had time to tell you all about it! But I really don't and part of it just wouldn't be good enough. So I'll just have to tell you later. Plus, we got to go to the bakery and buy some stuff there. Bread and jam and cookies... :-) So that was super fun. We are so busy here! I haven't been this busy my whole mission! I have so many more meetings now! We had zone meeting this last week, and I had to teach part of it. Plus I had mission leadership council (zone leader council) plus President asked us to go to another stake to help with the mini MTC there... it's just crazy. And leadership conference calls that last until like ... 11:30... Poor Sister Arnell, her training is getting seriously hammered because we never have time to study! She's awesome though. And getting good hands on experience which is better than book learning any day :-) We are working hard! Our planning is great! It's definitely the most effective planning that I have done on my mission. (Not that I was ever a bad planner, I'm just a lot better now!) We have been tracting probably 3 hours total since we got here, and we have found 7 new investigators! So that's exciting! Working with and around members is so great! And we are also really focusing on former investigators. In Montgomery, we didn't have any former investigators becasue the record keeping had not been good. But here it has been great so the Elders gave us a whole ton that are on "our side" so we have been working there and found 4 new investigators from contacting one of them! It's great! I think one of the hardest things to see is that people want to have peace and joy in their lives but they don't really know how to get it. And then we tell them how and they aren't willing to make the change. As if you can just keep doing the same thing and get different results! The definition of insanity! Raymond (Amish) is really big on the concept of "where you sow there you shall reap." He has shared it with some Amish people and they just can't contest it. LIke with the shunning and everything... I'll have to explain it better sometime. It's pretty awesome.

Well, that's really all that is going on here. I love you guys and hope you have a great week! It was awesome, again, to talk to you guys! Landon...next call home, I'll get to talk to you too! yay! It hit me... next time I hear your guys voices (except Landon's) I'll also be seeing your faces! Crazy! It goes so fast! Love you guys!!
Annie

5-6-13

Annie’s Letter

Hello wonderful family! So I"m in Mt. Vernon! Crazy! On Wednesday, Sister Bergeson got a training call so I knew I was leaving. No surprise there. A few minutes I also got a training call. President Nilsen told me I would be going to one of the most successful areas in the mission. So Elder Smuin instantly started guessing mt. Vernon. Wednesday night we got to go with the Smith's and Miles to Texas Roadhouse...SO GOOD! It was hard to leave Montgomery. It's amazing how quickly you really come to love the people you serve. At transfers I got Sister Arnell! She doesn't have any relatives in Wyoming that she knows of, but there was like a feud in her family a long time ago so she doesn't know most of her extended family. She is awesome. She's from a tiny town. She dances. She is studying recreation management. And the list goes on. We have a lot in common and it has been super fun the last 5 days. She is willing to work and not scared at all! She is an incredible missionary! Then they announced that we were going to Mt. Vernon. I was o excited! I practically started jumping up and down in the chapel! After the transfer meeting everyone was coming up to us and saying "you're so lucky! I"m jealous!" Well, if I would have been them, I would have been jealous too!

Mt. Vernon is super country. It is so beautiful here! I love it! Plus, we're super spoiled. We went outside and saw our brand new 2013 Toyota Corolla...that's red! It has a touch screen. And bluetooth. AND... WE HAVE A BIKE RACK! So hopefully we'll also be getting bikes soon! When we got to the apartment we pulled into...OUR GARAGE! yeah. And went in laden with groceries and stuff that Sister Miller had bought for us. Wow. She is our mom here. She's awesome! Our apartment is then nicest in the mission (that comes straight from the office!) It has 2 full bathrooms! It's awesome. We are so so spoiled. But that's not even the best part! The members are awesome! They have all been so welcoming and wonderful! They are excited to have sisters! IT has been fun getting to know them and work with them. We have an awesome bishop and ward mission leader and ward council and everyone! We are very excited!

We will probably be calling at 7 on Sunday night. THat's the plan. But we'll have someone call you and let you know more details later. I do have a phone card still. Haven't used it yet so it should be good. 

went to them Millers on Saturday for dinner I smelled this very familiar smell... CALICO BEANS! I had decided that was the recipe I was going to tell her to get and then she already had it made! I was so excited!

Now, let me tell you about the wonderful Amish families. There are 3 of them that have joined the church. They had secret meetings when they were learning about the church, I have heard about these wonderful families for my whole mission. The first got baptized Jan 2012, then April 2012, and June 2012. The first 2 families have gone through the temple and the 3 is planning on next month! Hopefully we'll get to go with them! They still live their Amish lifestyle but they have also accepted the gospel. They are amazing. They have been shunned from their communities. Their kids got kicked out of school, there is a senior couple on special assignment to teach them. Their families have shunned them, other Amish people won't go to their businesses. One of them has 16 kids and only 7 of them joined the church. The others also shunned them. Bro. Hochstetler said he has never felt hurt like that before. I can't imagine all the heartache these incredible people have gone through. They have their own group for church but yesterday was stake conference so we got to meet all of them. We had been practicing the kids names, there are about 20 kids we met yesterday just in their families! They are SO CUTE! THey were a little shy before church but they kept looking at us and smiling during the meeting and after they were not shy at all. Rachel asked if they could have a picture with us and we were like... we want pictures with you! Of course! So we took one, I'll attach it :-) They are technically on the elders side of the area, but we only split it for like tracting. We won't divide the ward. They thought that was how it was going to go and it was causing hard feelings before we even got there so we fixed that real quick! So hopefully we'll get out there this week and help the Hochstetler's plant a garden. They are seriously amazing! Imagine our surprise when Bro. Troyer whipped out an iphone! And even more surprise when we learned the Hochstetler's have 2 cars! So funny. Apparently that's not too uncommon for Amish people now. (phones, not cars. Bro. Hochstetler is a rebel.) Anyway, totally in love with these kids. THey are adorable. They want to serve missions. They're so sweet :-)

We also found a new investigator this week! His name is Mark. We'll go back and teach him on Wednesday so that will be exciting. We have been working hard and really trying to work with and around the members. It's been an exciting adventure! We are just so thankful to be here and have the opportunity to serve with these incredible people. This is like the golden area! Everyone wants to be here! We are very blessed indeed.

Well, I think that's about it! Have a wonderful day all! Remember to share the gospel! Get on mormon.org, make profiles! Carry mormon.org cards with you! Give them to people, leave them with the tip at a restaurant. Reach out in any way you can! "Shall we not go on in so great a cause?!" Love you!

Annie

Landon’s Letter

Hey!

I have been hit by a flood or enthusiasm because of this work. This is the work of the Lord. It is going! From everything that I have heard, everything that has happened, and everything that is going on, it has been awesome!

Our week has been very great. We have see alot of great things in our area. We have been trying to work with members and also our own finding (tracting). We have been blessed. This past week we were able to find 4 new investigators. Pretty much all of them from tracting. I am so grateful for all that we have been blessed with. Also 2 of those investigators accepted dates for baptism on June 2.

It was a really hard week or work. We had alot of work to do but it was fun. Like I said before we tracted alot.

As a goal my mission has made a goal of getting 60 baptisms in June which startes with this month. We are trying as best as we can to exercise our faith so that we can contribute to this goal. We have never as a mission gotten 60 baptisms in the month of June.

Like I was saying before. This work is moving forward. I got a letter from the Neiderers which had a letter from Ryan to his family. He mentioned "Catch the Wave" which I can see as catch the spirit of missionary work. This is the Lords work. I found this morning a scripture from Alma 29:9 "I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; Yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy." I am so grateful for the opportunity to be just a part or "be an instrument in the hands of God". It is something all of us can do. Every act of kindness, being a good example, showing Christlike love, and following the promptings of the Holy Ghost is what we need to do to "be an instrument in the hands of God"

Rachel-I am glad that you had a good time at Lagoon. That is awesome. Just think you are so close to finishing school and almost being a big bad senior.

Natalie-Crazy. Good luck with everything that you have to do. Enjoy your last week of school. by the way you never let me know if you wanted those pictures sent by email or a picture by mail.

Annie- Keep up all the awesome work. You are a great example in all the things that you do. Keep it up I love you! It was great to talk to you.

Megan & Justin- I hope that you enjoyed the temple trip. Are you planting your garden this year? Have you done that?

Mom- Thanks for sending the Ensign. I can't wait to get it. when does school get out? Thanks for all that you do. I can't wait to talk to you on Sunday.

Dad- I am so grateful for all you do. I am jealous that it only took 30 minutes to cut the whole yard. It would take me an 1 hour and 40 minutes to cut the whole lawn. Good for you!

I will be calling sometime between 5 - 8 my time so between 3 - 6 your time not sure when exactly. I still need to buy a webcam for Martlews so it should be through skype.

I love you all. Thanks for all that you do!

Love your favorite Elder, Son, and Brother

Elder Landon Webb

5-1-13

Annie’s Letter

"Your statistical probability of dying just went through the roof!"

So that sentence (the subject line of the other email I accidentally sent) is what a man told me because I said that I'm going to die someday. In his mind the purpose of life is to not die. I'm afraid he's going to be disappointed. We have seriously met some CRAZIES this week! We met Jim the Basher. The Elders had told us about him- a man who studies anti Mormon literature just to harass missionaries. He has followed the Elders into Kroger before and given them a hard time. Several elders have almost got in fights with him and finally Elder Smuin told him if he ever approached them again they would call the cops. We had the pleasure of tracting into him. He knows his stuff... but its' all crap. So much evil and twistedness! He told us we were accursed so that was exciting. Then we met the crazy guy who is going to live forever, plus a preacher who is really confused. Yeah...exciting week haha. But enough of this nonsense... Let's talk about the amazing things!!

SATURDAY APRIL 27, MILES WAS BAPTIZED INTO THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS! See the attached picture (Miles is next to me. The other man in white is Brother Smith, who baptized Miles). it was amazing! This ward is so great! There were so many people at the baptism we had to move from the relief society room to the chapel. It was amazing. The spirit was really strong. Sister Bergeson sang an amazing arrangement of "I Know that My Redeemer Lives" (I played for her) it was seriously AMAZING! Miles was baptized and it was just fabulous. Then the Bishop asked if he would get up and say a few words... we were a little nervous because he has been telling us for 2 weeks that he won't do that and it will just aggrivate him...but we warned him. Told him it was coming, and that we had no control over it (which we really don't). But he got up and wasn't nervous at all. Sunday he was confirmed. We didn't really get to hear it because his son, Toran, was crying and we were trying to keep him quiet and from running up to the stage. Poor kid. He is such a cutie! I love these 2 little boys! Jaden said that he wants to get baptized! So we are going to work with the primary to finish teaching him and hopefully the end of May or early June he will be baptized. AND MILES CAN BAPTIZE HIM! It was seriously amazing.
So transfers are tomorrow. Haven't got calls yet... we're sitting right next to the zone leaders at the library and they are waiting to get the call from the assistants. YIKES!  So I don't have any info on that yet. Oh! I almost forgot... I have some exciting news! As you may have heard there is a new position called "Sister Training Leader" which is basically the equivalent of a zone leader, but for sisters! Well, on Tuesday last week, President Nilsen called me and extended the call to me to be a Sisters Training Leader! So I don't know exactly what all that entails yet, but I will be going on exchanges with sisters and going to the mission leadership council (formerly zone leader council). So that's super humbling. But I'm excited to be more involved with the incredible sisters of the OCM!

Mom and Dad: I don't know where I'll be for Mother's Day yet becasue I don't know what area I'll be in. I promise as soon as I find out about transfers I'll work on setting that up. Rules haven't changed so no skype. No worries though, you can see my smile in the picture I attached and also in person soon. :-/

Natalie: I drive a Malibu right now too! They're good. What color is your car? Also, did you think of 10 things you were grateful for every day? Good luck with finals. You'll do awesome chica! Also, tell Jon congrats and I'm so proud of him for being ordained to a priest! That's super amazing! You two are just grown up! It's so crazy!

Rachel: Good luck with everything this week! Sounds like a fun week! Have fun at Lagoon! I love Desert Star Theater. I wanna go back. I loved both productions we saw on the NHS trip. Such a fun trip!

Megan and Justin: Fun plans for summer? I hope so! Go camping a lot! Go for me a couple times!
Landon: You're such an amazing example. I love you so much! I am grateful for how much you have grown and for how much you have helped me grow. Your letters and emails are always so inspiring. Love you buddy :-)

Well, mi familia, you guys are all the best. I love you SO MUCH! Have a wonderful week! And I can't wait to read more emails on Monday! :-)

Annie

ps i haven't found my charger yet, but a girl in the ward has the same camera as me so she let me borrow her charger so I was able to get pictures. Hopefully I'll find it! i did check between bed and wall and under couch, behind dresser... everywhere. But I had been praying...and the Lord still answered my prayer even though it wasn't how I expected. :-) He does that a lot.

Ann

4-30-13

Landon’s Letter

Hello!

This week was filled with the Spirit. Crazily! We had first off on Friday we had what is called Skills & Interviews where we have an interview with our Mission President and also that we learn from the Zone Leaders, then on Sunday was Stake Conference where the Hamilton Stake got a new Stake President who because an area seventy. So there was him and 2 members from the Seventy there (Elder Olsen and Elder Hawk). Then on Monday, yesterday, we had a Zone Conference with another Seventy (Elder Paul V. Johnson) which was really cool. I learned aton! So we were hit pretty hard with the Spirit.

It seems like things just keep getting crazier and crazier at home. I am glad to hear from you every week. Things here have been pretty much slower. We have done way too much tracting. So we are really trying to put an emphases on member work. It's for everyone because we know people who aren't members and they need these blessings we have recieved and also the fullness of the gospel with the priesthood authority. So we are trying to help members with their missionary work.

Rachel- I hope that you had a great birthday. Did you get my card? I am so jealous that you get to go to Lagoon. Have fun and do your best!

Natalie- I will try to get you a picture. Would it work better to email or send you a picture? Suit or no suit? preferance of color of tie? Let me know! We have Malibus here and they are good cars. I am glad that you like it.

Annie- Keep up the awesome work! I hope that things are going good for you! When are your transfers? Sorry I haven't sent a letter lately I am terrible at writing. Well you know :s

Megan & Justin- Megan did you get my card? How was Utah Justin? Thanks for your card. I was laughing when I got it. It is a funny card. Thanks!

Mom- I will be in Stoney Creek for Mothers day but I need to ask the Martlews for permission. I will buy a webcam sometime so you can see me. Any projects for summer yet?

Dad- Kind of the same as above with Mom. Have  you had an opportunity to go out with the missionaries again? I am very grateful for so many people. Really there are so many awesome people.

I love you all. sorry it's short. I'm no writer but I have other strengths ;)

Love your favorite Son, Brother, and Elder

Elder Landon Webb

04-22-13

Annie's Letter
Hello mi familia! I hope you are all doing well! Thanks for the emails! and also the pictures. Prom looks like it was a ton of fun. Rachel you look BEAUTIFUL! I can't believe how grown up you are! and Natalie, I decided that you fianlly look like you could possibly maybe be old enough to get married. Congrats to Jon on becoming a priest! How exciting! And Megan, I love your haircut, you look super cute :-) Dad, you were "glistening." Shocker. haha. Last daddy daughter prom dance. Crazy. DON'T START CRYING AGAIN! So Sister Hazelton (Teina) is super awesome and i absolutely LOVE her! She went home when I came out. She was actually in Springfield with Sister Finefeuiaki and Sister Va'asili when I came out. She left and I took her place. But she came back to tour the mission with her family on the way to Palmyra (which sounds like an AWESOME idea!) and spent the day with us so I got to know her a little. She's super awesome. Dad:  Sister Bergeson and Elder Bergeson are not related as far as we know. And Sister Bergeson doesn't know about a Larry Bergeson. Not that she's aware of. Mom: Yes I got the pills from Dr. Giles and yes I would love a conference Ensign please :-) I hope it gets warmer soon! It's been great, we have had some days in the 80s but still some low ones. Our lesson with Miles on Friday was outside (because we didn't have another woman with us). It was a long lesson (explained below) and it was SO COLD! But you could tell who was from Wyoming and who wasn't because I was the least pansyish of all of us! haha. :-) Landon: I hope you had a very happy birthday! I'm glad you got my card! Little miracle! Since I definitely put the wrong stamp on it! Keep up the great work bud! You're such a wonderful example! Rachel: Happy birthday on Thursday Chica! Remember a year ago how I got to call you on your birthday? Too bad I won't get to do that again :-( I'm glad things went well with festival and everything! Speaking of calling... honestly I hadn't even thought of that yet (sorry) we'll try to get it figured out. Maybe we'll go to the Koth's or the Perrymans... I'll let you know. Actually, I might not even be in Montgomery. Transfers are on May 2. So... ya, we'll see. Also, next Wednesday is Pday and I might get to go to the zoo!! yay! So that's super exciting! Natalie: Sorry things aren't super exciting right now. Chin up, girl. You're getting married soon! Don't want to be a grumpy bride do we? No. Be happy. Challenge: Every day before you go to bed write down 10 things that you are grateful for. Life is good! Remember that! and I'll follow up with you on that next week. I'm writing it in my planner right now. So don't forget. :-) Meg and Justin: Glad things are going well! Don't work all the time! Have some fun too! and make sure dad buys some 4 wheelers! :-) So This week we had a MAJOR scare. Miles texted us on Tuesday and said "I don't think I'm ready to be baptized yet." NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! So all week we prayed and studied and worried...and finally on Friday we were able to see him. So we were planning on helping him still be baptized on the 27. So we went in and talked with him about his concerns. It was really cool to see the miracles. Miles started talking about how he needed to feel it. So we asked how he felt when he texted us on Tuesday... guilty, embarrassed. But then he started talking about how he has felt since we started teaching him. Happy, more loving, less angry, peaceful, less hateful... we were just like "Miles, you've been feeling it. That's it!" Then came out the real concern. He was baptized by a preacher who was like a father figure to him. The preacher passed away just a little before we met Miles and started teaching him. So he was worried that it was disloyal to his preacher to be baptized by someone else into another church. So we talked a little about the spirit world and assured him that his preacher is very proud of him for taking this step and being willing to come closer to Christ. And then we said "so Miles, are we filling up the font on Saturday?" His answer was in the affirmative. Thank goodness for the spirit! It really is the true teacher. It is only by those feelings that come from the spirit that people are able to really see how this blesses their lives and that IT IS TRUE! Love it!
So Sister Bergeson and I have been working hard but have been struggling to find new investigators. :-( So we asked Elder Orton (district leader) and Elders Whiting and Smuin (zone leaders) for any ideas or advice on what we could do to be more effective. We have been tracting, 2-2-5ing, visiting prospective elders and part member families, trying to ask good questions, to be bold and we were really at a loss. We got the same piece of advice from both sources. "What is your mindset when you are out tracting?" When I was in Springfield, I determined that I could either love or hate tracting. So I decided to love it, and I really don't mind doing it. But I think sometimes I do have a more negative outlook about it. "Man, we're going to go tracting for x amount of time and do this many streets... and probably won't find anyone." WHAT KIND OF WARPED CRAP IS THAT!? So we are working on increasing our faith to find. We KNOW that people are prepared and that we have the ability to find them if we but have the faith. Miracles come after the trial of your faith. So this week we are going to have a much more "finding" than "looking" attitude. So pray for us. We have been talking about that quote in PMG where it says "You should not, however, become discouraged; discouragement will weaken your faith. If you lower your expectations, your effectiveness will decrease, your desire will weaken and you will have greated difficulty following the spirit." SO NOT WHAT WE WANT! And so we press forward with faith knowing that the Lord is on our side and that with him all things are possible. Moroni 7:33 Philippians 4:13. It's there. It's true.It's interesting, with Miles we had the mindset that we were keeping him on date, that he was getting baptized on the 27 and it's happening! We just need to apply the same thing with our finding efforts now! I love you guys like a lot! You're super awesome and I am so grateful for all that you do for me! ttfn!
Sister Webb
Landon's Letter
Hello! I am so grateful for all the birthday wishes. Thanks! That really made my birthday even better. This week we still continued to work hard. We have started teaching some people which is exciting and we are hopeing to continue to work off of that. But no matter what we are still out trying to invite others to come unto Christ. Things here are doing pretty well with everything. Sorry I am pretty well beat for today. Yesterday at some point we ran over a big staple. So this morning the air was all out of the car. So we had to throw on the extra tire, run to the tire place, we figured out that we would have to wait for 45 minutes so we went shopping, then we went back and waited for 1 hour and 30 minutes for them to patch the hole (which we could have done very easily if we were at home. but we also needed to get the light changed....same), and then we couldn't get a hold of our vehicle cordinator so I had to pay off the card that I have from the mission. I will get reimburesed latter so not too worried about it and I am a pretty good penny pincher as you know. So I have plenty. On top of that my IDP, international drivers permit will expire in a couple of months so I have to run in a new one. Took care of that today! So Things have been really crazy here. Sorry for my rant but I have alot on my mind right now. This week has been pretty good. I am really grateful for all of  you. Brother Martlew called last night telling me that he got an email from you guys so that was nice of him to call. Me and Elder Bergeson are going to try and try a new thing. It's called "Milkshake Minute". It is from a missionary in our district who serves in Burlington. They have done this for over 3 months. They use to make milkshakes but they stopped. We won't make milkshakes but we are going to do it. It is just a 2 minute entry about the day. So it is pretty fun! I am excited. Sorry that is pretty well it for this week. Rachel- I am glad to hear that you had fun with festival. I hope that things do pick up. You will have a great time on the NHS trip. It will be so cool. It is definately a fun trip. What are you doing? Where are you going? When is it? Happy Birthday very soon! Only 2 days left. Natalie- Don't worry, things will work out. Just remember to keep smiling, keep doing your best, and also have fun. Just know that there will be things that work out now and things that will have to be worked out later. Annie- Enthusiasm is key! Next to being in the right place at the right time, enthusiasm is the next best thing and the most important thing when you are working. Thanks for your great example. You are doing great. Enjoy your time. Megan & Justin- Thanks for the email. I am so grateful for all that you have done! I hope that you can get out and go camping soon! I know that is the best thing to do I miss it. Thanks for all that you do. Really for everything that you do! Mom- I was thinking about you on my birthday. I am really grateful for all that you have done for me. Really I am . Thanks for everything. I was wishing to that I could talk to you. But 3 weeks is really soon. So I can wait. Thanks for all that you do! I am really grateful for all that you have done for me! Dad- I was thinking about you to on my birthday. There was one point where I was kinda discouraged, a little lonely, also I had a terrible headache. But I looked up and saw 4 jets flying( 2 high, 2 lower to the ground) and a plane. So I smiled and remembered that time that we were soaking wet from the rain at the air show last year. That was fun. It kept me going. I love you all! Love your favorite Brother, Son, and Elder Elder Landon Webb

4-15-13

Annie’s Letter

So I just have to tell you about this cool thing.  We had a specialized training a couple weeks ago and we all committed to role playing the 3 points of how to begin teaching (see chapter 10 in preach my gospel) and a baptismal extension. So we did every day. And then this week we found a new investigator and it went so perfectly. It was the smoothest how to begin teaching/baptismal extension on the first visit that Sister Bergeson and I have ever done! It was wonderful! Our new investigator is Mr. Jackson. He is very open. He decided he wanted to learn more about Jesus Christ and then we showed up at his door. Funny how that happens. His wife is very nice but a little skeptical. She is very much into her religion (he is not affiliated with any religion, technically. Although he is in her choir). So we'll see how that goes. He is super open though and it was a really simple discussion. and just really good. And Miles is just doing awesome! "We are super excited about him! We taught the Law of Chastity on Friday and the Word of Wisdom along with some other commandments and he was just awesome. (Big lesson)! He said it was going to be hard but that he was willing to do it. If he commits to something he is good for it. Which is super true, he quit chewing tobacco cold turkey. and this week he stayed true to the commitments that we gave him! and he said it wasn't as hard as he thought it would be and that it felt good! It was awesome. Last night we were at a members house with him. We watched "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration"  and it was really good. it helped him understand the prophet better and the whole restoration, what was going on and things. He shared his story with the Koth's and it was just super amazing. He said that it has been like "when you wake up and it's just perfect and the sun is shining and the sky is that perfect color of blue and the breeze is just perfect... that's how I've felt since I started going to church there." HOW AWESOME! And we learned more about when we found him this week too! He saw us and told his boys to hide and be quite, like they weren't home but while he was saying that he was like being pulled to the back door "like, come on stupid!" (his words, I promise). Then he was outside washing his car and was like "man, they're gonna come talk to me... I'll just tell them no and it will be over." But that is not what happened at all. But it is just super awesome because the spirit was obviously working with him and he didn't even know it but he was super prepared. I asked him if he knew then how talking to us would change his life like it has, if he would still have talked to us. And he said he would have. So many blessings he has seen! He is still good for April 27. We are super excited for him. We just have a couple commandments left to teach, he is super willing to live them. he got mad at us yesterday because we hadn't taught him about fasting yet and he learned about it when he went to dinner at the Smith's house. He goes to dinner there like 4 times a week! How awesome is that?! He is doing really well with fellow shippers. The whole ward loves him, he is a part of the ward. We are a little worried though because this ward is awesome, but not super on top of home/visiting teachers or getting recent converts callings. And when they do get callings they are like...made up ones... so we are hoping that we will be able to help them get home teachers and a calling for Miles soon. We started putting in on progress records 2 weeks ago so hopefully it is on their minds... we'll see.
We are trying really hard to find, but struggling right now. But we will continue onward and I know that we will be able to find more. This is Heavenly Father's work. He is part of it. We cannot fail as along as we are earnestly and diligently doing our part! :-)

It sounds like everything is going well for you guys! I'm glad you all had a great weekend! It sounds like lots of fun stuff! is going one! I love getting all your emails and hearing how everything is going. It's just super awesome. I love you guys so much! I don't really have too much else to say... I'll try to get brother Tines phone number from the Little Miami Sisters (he is in the little miami ward) and get it to you next week. I know he would LOVE to talk to Bro. Brisko and also you dad about his mission. He loves to talk about it. He is a super nice guy. It is so cool how the Lord prepares people for the gospel. Over and over I am reminded how true the gospel is. It is amazing! I love it, I love being a part of it, I love sharing it! Have a great day all! Good luck with work/school and stuff this week! Tata!
Annie

Landon’s Letter

Good, well afternoon here at this time, My family!

It has been so awesome to read all of your emails and see the different things going in your lives. I was excited to see an email from everyone.

This week has been pretty fun. Me and Elder Bergeson have been out working with the ward and also on our own. Yes tracting ;p. But that is alright we are striving to find those who are ready or to plant a seed for them to receive the restored gospel in their own lives. We were talking with a guy the other night and it was really funny to talk with him. He had a pretty good humor about him. Just the way he would describe things. It was so animated. The funniest thing he said was, "I did work, until i found out it was a four letter word. So I quit." It was pretty awesome. No we aren't just going around talking to people to get a laugh. We offered to teach him more about the resotred gospel but he declined. I just thought I would share that story.

Also this week it rained, rained, rained, and rained some more. We were getting wet alot because we were out either walking from place to place or tracting. It was really great because on Thursdays we have a car fast. We don't use the cars on Thursday. So we got soaked. It was either get mad and not do anything or to go out and continue working. So that's what we decided to do. Just go out and get to work. We have seen alot of cool things happen and we are building the wonderful area of Stoney Creek one scoop at a time. That is all we can do.

Rachel- I am glad that you had a great time at prom. I am so glad that things were great for you! I am really jealous that you got to go four wheeling. Did you have your own four wheeler? Did you go fast? Keep having fun!

Natalie- You are doing great. I know school is hard but it is worth it when summer comes. It is a complete relief. Just wait. Just keep trying to have some fun with friends. I did get your card. Thanks! I really liked it haha.

Annie- I am so excited for you! You are doing awesome. That's the exact point of real plays. They are practicing for real live situations! I did get your letter and I will try and get that picture to you as soon as possible.

Megan & Justin- Happy Birthday Megan don't worry I won't get you with that your a quarter of a century years old. I was going to but I won't I still have your letter. I am the worste when it comes to that. I will get it off. I love you!

Mom- Thanks for your letter a week ago. It was really helpful to me! I am good with clothes so far so I don't think I need any new ones. Thanks for all that you do. Really thanks! I love you!

Dad- Thanks for all that you do! I am grateful for all that you have given me. I hope that this week goes good for you! I have been bearing my testimony as often as I can. I love doing it!

I love you all and hope that you have a fantastic week!

Love your favorite elder, brother, and son

Elder Landon Webb

4-8-13

Annie’s Letter

Hello wonderful family of mine! So first of all, transfers aren't until May 1. My slip for my prom dress is in my dress up box. Somewhere in the shed. I think it is the long one. It has my tudor dress, my belle dress, some other stuff, jewelry, makeup... stuff like that. That is where it should be. If it's not I have no idea. PS.. BEAUTIFUL DRESS RACHEL! you just look GORGEOUS! Have so much fun at prom! I can't believe how grown up you are! and don't worry about the jerkish guy. He's just dumb. You are amazing to have a job in high school. You're right, it will help you in life. Of course you don't want a minimum wage job forever, but in high school that is a really great thing to have! Speaking of growing up... Natalie. Oh my goodness. You will be a beautiful bride! Make sure I get lots of pictures! I am so proud of you for the wonderful decision you have made to be married in the temple and Jon for all the progress he has made! And his family too! That is so amazing. You two are and will continue to be amazing examples to them. Good luck with the end of school. :-) Landon, Thanks for the hat bud! I absolutely love it! I'm trying to attach a picture but I'm having problems. Your email was so inspiring bud! It was amazing. You're so right, we have SO MUCH to be grateful for! Thanks for your wonderful example! Megan and Justin, thanks for all you guys do! Thanks for the pictures! Your dogs are so pretty! It sounds like you are all having a lot of fun! Jazz game! Man, I miss those! Oh, President Rahlf. Yeah I know him. He is awesome and is going to be a bombin mission president! He is seriously amazing. So there was a quote I really liked from the October 2012 General Relief Society meeting. It says "God allows you to feel increasing love for those you serve." (Henry B. Eyring). TRUE THAT! Sometimes I feel like my heart is just so full it is going to explode! This is the most amazing work ever! Mom, you're right about the attitudes. When I was in Springfield there were over 700 members on the rolls. Only about 150 came. A lot of them were convert baptisms. I don't ever mention the welfare program when I am teaching. It is something they can come to learn about and benefit from later, after they are converted to the gospel. It is just a perk. Not something to join the church for. Someone was talking about how as a stake president he got tonz of calls "we are moving into the area, which is the best ward" only once did he get a call saying "we are moving into the area, which ward needs a good family?" That is the kind of member we want to be. A how can I help member! Also, I can't believe all the baptisms there! That's crazy! Andrew! And 6 in the singles ward! Who are they? Anyone I know? That is seriously just blowing my mind! Such wonderful work! The work is progressing everywhere! Even in Lyman, Wyoming! How great!

So I know this will not come as a shock to you but when we rely on the Lord and really just pour our hearts out to Him in fasting and prayer... MIRACLES HAPPEN! So Here is an update on David. He didn't come to church last Sunday and felt he was a lost cause. So we dropped by on Tuesday. Set up an appointment for Wednesday. So Wednesday he texted us and cancelled. We said a prayer and felt that we should go anyway. So we did. We knocked once, twice, three times... no answer. So Sister Winther texted him and he said "I just really need some space..."lalala. whatever. So we backed off. Saturday morning we were wondering if we should tell him about conference. After the morning session, Sis Winther asked us the same question. She went out and prayed and got a prompting to ask him to help her move some things from one storage unit to another. He was more than willing to help her and so they were able to talk about his concerns. His major concern is that he doesn't want to commit to something that he is not sure he will be able to follow through with. She told him that stopping learning and coming was not the way to find out if he would be able to follow through. He agreed and said he might be able to make it to the next session of conference. He had his daughter so he wasn't able to make it. But it was amazing. She had a great contact with him and hopefully things will be able to continue to progress there. When we fasted last week, we also fasted about what to do to help Miles. Well, on Wednesday we were talking to him and found out that his heart has been giving him problems. He has had 3 heart attacks and a stroke and he is only 34! So we explained a little about Priesthood blessings and asked if he wanted one. He did. So on Friday the Elder's came to the lesson with us and were able to provide Miles a priesthood blessing. Oh. My. Goodness. The spirit was so strong. He was told that he wouldn't have heart problems anymore and that the Lord was proud of his decision to learn and come to church and that he was a good dad. It was just beautiful. After the blessing Miles was explaining how he felt. He said that it was like instant warmth all over his body. and his arms and legs felt tingly like they had been asleep except it was a really good feeling. And that as soon as Elder Whiting said his heart wouldn't bother him anymore, his heart rate immediately felt normal, which is super unusual for him! How amazing! We had a lesson on the gospel of Jesus Christ. We had a lot of little activities for his kids. It's super awesome because we aer trying to teach super simply to his children so he picks up the principles and then teaches them to his kids himself. It is amazing. Then we started talking about baptism and how he feels, if he's ready and some of his concerns. The result of that conversation was him moving his date from May 11 to April 27! WOW! And then we told him we would teach him about some of the requirements (commandments) and he was like "ya'll are gonna make me give up my dippin'." Yep. So he did. Right then. Spit it out. Then he came to the ward activity, participated, and after... handed over all his chew and nasty stuff. :-) It was amazing. He hasn't touched it since. He was able to watch conference on Sunday and after we had a great lesson. There was a member from Columbus there and she was able to share some experiences and things that really I think helped him. Things that we could never help him understand like she could because we aren't parents. I think I have a small understanding of how parents feel about their children, because it's how I feel about my investigators. But I know it is nothing compared to the love of a parent for their child and certainly not compared to the love our Heavenly Father for each one of us. One thing with Miles is that he feels like he doesn't deserve to be forgiven. He recognizes that he is not perfect and that he will continue to make mistakes and so why should he be forgiven? So that is something we are working on helping him understand. Heavenly Father WANTS to forgive us! The price has already been paid! It's done! All we have to do is take advantage of it. Let it work in our lives. Humble ourselves... that is the hard part. He is very selfless and doesn't pray for himself, but for all those around him. Those who are important to him. So that is something else we are working on helping him with. He has to pray for himself so he can gain that testimony for himself. He has felt the spirit SO STRONG. He loves how he feels at church and when we are teaching him. His testimony is growing. But there is still a long way to go. But with earnest and sincere prayer, he is going to be solid. And baptized on April 27.
I'm grateful for the opportunity we had to listen to conference. SO INSPIRED! Those men truly are called of God. I am thankful for the messages that they shared and for the inspiration and instruction I was able to receive for me and for my investigators. The work is progressing. God is working right a long side us. We are never alone. We need only turn to him and all will ever be well.

I love you all so much! You are all amazing and I am so thankful for you love, support, and testimonies. It means so much to have a wonderful family behind me all the time! Keep doing what you do! And invite people! To do anything! Something! Just invite :-) Love you all! tata!

Annie

Landon’s Letter

Hello mi familia,

I am staying here in Stoney Creek for a 4th transfer! That will make it pretty much being in 2 areas for pretty much a year. I think it is crazy. But this time Elder Washburn won't make it for the 4th transfer. He is leaving. I am getting a new companion, Elder Bergeson, he is from California. I know him because he is in the area right next to me. So I know exactly who he is. It's crazy!

I was noticing how much everyone was talking about General Conference this week and I completely agree. Wow it was wonderful! It always is but the most amazing thing is that we always get our questions we need answered answered. We each take from it something that we can do in our own lives or what we can improve on. The spirit directs us in the most peculiar of ways and confirms to us of things we need to do. We see the changes we need to make or we see the things we need to do. I also thought it was very interesting that they specifically mentioned 3 things: 1. The Home, 2. Sharing the Gospel, and 3. Building and Strengthening our foundations in Christ. But everything boils down to our love of the Savior. I can't decide which of all the talks I enjoyed the most. There were so many but I have been thinking alot about the central message of the Conference, of this work, of this Church. It is all on our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. 

This week was a good week. We are still striving to find people to teach but we are still persevering to find those who are ready to receive this restored gospel in their lives. I am wondering if you could send me a book. "Member Missionary Work and Finding the Elect of God" by Scott Marshall. I have a copy that's the missions copy but I want my own copy. Please :) That is all we have been doing this week. finding, finding, finding.

Rachel- I am glad things are going good for you! I am sorry about that rough experience with the Navy men. That's not fun at all. Learn from it. You know how you felt and you don't have to treat anyone else like you were and feel the way you felt. You have a tender heart. That's a good thing to have.

Natalie- I am glad that things are going good for you. I am glad that things for your wedding are going good. Keep up all the great work, all the great things you do, and your church responsablilties.

Annie- That is so awesome. Continueing Fasting and Prayer is so powerful I agree. You are a great example and I am proud of your decision to serve. Keep up all the awesome work you are doing!

Megan & Justin- Thanks for all that you do. I was so excited to see the pictures. That was awesome! I am also glad to hear that things are going great as well. Your dogs are getting not what I remember.

Mom- Thanks for you letter I got it today. I really appreciated it. Keep the gloves because I have another pair. I only wore them once and they are warm but they are for you. Thanks for all you do!

Dad- I am so grateful for all of the letters you send me. I got them and they helped me out alot. I love the quotes. I have started to really enjoy quotes. Thanks for all that you do!

I love you all and thanks for all that you do.

I'll let you know about what happens.

Love your favorite Son, Brother, and Elder

Elder Landon Webb

4-2-13

Landon’s Letter

Hello my family!

I have just had all the reasons in the world to have joy! Even though things have been tough here and the work isn't what I would love to see it be doing, I know that there is reason to rejoice!

1. I have a wonderful family! That in itself is more then what I need right now. I have been blessed so much in my life and I am grateful for all of  you! So much is happening and is going to happen that I can't wait!

2. I get to serve this mission and dedicate my time to the Lord not just for these 2 years but for after as well.

3. My testimony and faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement has increased so much. I am so grateful for that, I am coming to know my Heavenly Father better and also my Savior! General Conference is this weekend!

4. So many of my friends get to experience the same things I get to as they serve their missions. This gospel changes lives!

5. A few of the people I know have joined this church or are soon to join. That in itself is awesome! The work of the Lord is moving forward little by little but it continues to grow!

It is a great time to be in this church. Just seeing the growth of the church around the world is just amazing. Just seeing the growth in the church period is awesome! Even though we have our own trials and it is growing in every place differently it is still growing! I am always reminded of a quote by Dieter F. Utchdorf, "Are you fussing over the meger size of the package of peanuts or are you overwhelmed and thrilled at the miracle of the flight." or something like that. Still the point gets across to me. This is a great time to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! We must do our small part, our 1/12th of a teaspoon, to help anyway we can in the work of the Lord. This is His work! This is His church! I am so grateful to be serving this mission. I have just been so grateful for everything that I have been blessed with!

This week has been a great week. We were blessed on Tuesday to find a new investigator, Thomas. We are still going out trying to find new people. We are still going along and you know it is very fun to work. Transfers are next week. So don't send anything right now. I hope that I do get the letters soon. I don't know if I will leave or not. Elder Washburn is hoping that he will stay. I hope that he does, it is fun to stay in your first area for a while.

The weather here has been crazy these past 2 days. It has been cold. It is now snowing really good out side as I write this email. Still it's better then what it could be. It could be in the negatives. I am just grateful we have warm gear.

I am so excited for General Conference this week! We also got to go to the temple on Saturday. That was so awesome!

Things are great! We really have things great! Just think about it! Because of the Atonement we can return and live with our Heavenly Father as a family. Because of the restoration we have the blessing of having this gospel in its fulness in our lives. We have so much that is going for us. Satan will try as hard as he can to tear away that happiness that we can have. But we can find safety and refuge as we read the scriptures, pray, attend church, serve others, and attend the temple. We have been given so much! We have so many blessings in our lives. "Shall we not continue in so great a cause?" Joseph Smith

I love you all and thanks for all you do!

Love your favorite Elder, Brother, and Son

Elder Landon Webb