Transfer Time

OK so a lot has happened over the last few weeks. Unfortunately we were not able to email last week because we skyped with our families. So for all of you that do not know I have been transferred to a new area.It was hard to be transferred one week before Christmas but where I am at is great. I am now serving in the M Ward, in M California. It is a really great area with a lot of members. I have a great companion named Elder W. He is from Albuquerque, New Mexico.  He has been out for about five months now and this is his first area.We have the biggest area in our zone and are having tons of success. I am his second companion or greeny buster (as we call it) which means that I am responsible to make sure that his trainer taught him how to do everything right. Luckily Elder W is great and needs no correction.

Christmas this last week was great. I wish I could be at home with all my family, however It was still great. We spent the day just taking it easy and relaxing opening the many gifts that my family sent me. Then we went to the F's home, a part member family in the ward. L the mom is one of our investigators along with Mher oldest son. Her other kids D and A we baptized a month ago. We went to help them patch a hole in their drywall that D made after tripping and falling. L the mom had just got out of the hospital from stress related issues a hour before we showed up and everyone was fighting when she found the massive hole in the wall. Luckily from working with my Grandpa Salmon, I knew how to fix it. So I offered to fix it for them so that she could relax an recover from her illness. She was very grateful. Then we went to the R's our Ward Mission leaders home for face timing with our families. It was good to talk with everyone and see them. Then we had dinner and the rest of the evening there.

It really could not be any better right now in the M Ward. Things are on Fire! We have lots of solid Investigators. C is one of them. She is 29 years old. She is going to be baptized on January 18. She is so excited. I have never seen somebody so excited to be baptized. She knows it is true after investigating the church for 2 years. Because of the Holiday season we have only been able to meet with her once since I have been here. However in that lesson that we had with her last night she got her husband to sit in. It is incredible. He didn't want anything to do with the church but now since he has seen changes in C's life and their families life he is more open to some of the ideas. We were original going to teach C about the 10 Commandments and Obeying and Honoring the Law. However we changed our lesson plan and taught the Plan of Salvation instead. Surprisingly he believed in most of it and seemed to have no problems with it. He is still has no plans on joining the church but I could tell it has been on his mind a lot recently and will be because of the strong presence of the Spirit In his home last night. I feel like that he will join sooner than later. I hope so because C is really worried that she will not be able to be sealed in the temple, and be with her family for eternity. Because of her husbands decision of possibly not joining the church.

Another Investigator that we have is named M. He is 18 years old. Elder W and his last companion Elder O had been working with him for some time now. We have been meeting with him everyday this last week and have been helping him resolve his concerns with joining the Church. For example he doesn't know if there is a God and has troubles with the word of wisdom. On Thursday we had a powerful lesson and helped him to realize that there is a God that loves him. Once we helped him to realize that he said that he wants to be baptized! So we asked him if January 25 would work for him. He then asked us if we could do it right then. Unfortunately we told him no and asked if then he would liked to be baptized sooner on January 11. He said yes! Things are still going great for him and he is super excited.

Love

Elder Paget

Cardiff Christmas

Over the last week had been really busy. We have been working hard. Inviting everyone we come in contact with to the Del Mar Christmas Concert. It is so great to invite people to. When we start talking to people we say "Hi How are you we are the missionaries." At that point they usually cut us off and say they are not interested and shut us down. Then our response is usually a friendly , "Have a nice day!" However over the last few weeks when they say that they aren't interested we have been able to say, "Oh we are just inviting everyone to a community Christmas Concert, it is going to be a great time. It really gets everyone in the Christmas spirit." Surprisingly their response suddenly changes and then they say "OK, I can do that." or "Sounds Great." If only that was their response to us inviting them to learn more about the gospel and help them achieve eternal life. If only right. That would make it to easy. But I would not mind.

Last Tuesday we found out that the C's are moving to Georgia. Apparently they already have a house there and they are moving in a week. We were shocked. They are trying to keep it on the down low. They don't want anyone to find out that they are moving. We had just barely got their records into our ward. Now they have to find a new spot where they don't have to worry about being tracked down by the missionaries. At least that is what it seems like.

Wednesday night we went with the young men and women in the ward caroling to people in the ward. We got on a huge trailer that Bishop T pulled behind his truck singing the great Christmas classics. Rudolph the red nosed reindeer, Away in a Manger, you name it we sang it. Unfortunately we were probably the only ones singing. They caroling was in the poor to fair range. I think everyone was too cold in the 55 degree weather here. So Cold! It has been Cold this entire week. It has dropped down into the low 50's so we all had to pull our sweaters out to stay warm. The cold is different here. It is a wet cold that I am not used to.

Sunday we had dinner with the F's, P's, and a bunch of other people in the ward, at our ward mission leader Brother J's house. We invited them to have dinner with us and then go to the stake Christmas Concert right after. Everyone had a great time. The Christmas Concert was absolutely incredible. They had an amazing choir, orchestra, and atmosphere. The spirit was amazing. I am sure everyone that was there was touched. Music is an incredible way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Another way we have been getting in the Christmas spirit is by decorating our room. We have put up lights, mini Christmas trees. We have even gone so far as to hooking up the lights to the one and only clapper. So when we clap our hands the lights come on. Two claps for the Christmas lights going around the ceiling of the room and three claps for the Christmas trees. It is awesome, we have way to much fun with it. 

Love Elder Paget

Cardiff Thankstuffing

We had a busy week this week. We had three Thanksgiving dinners. It was awesome because the holiday season and the plentiful supply of food. We decided to use this to our advantage and have a little fun. Elder S, Elder R, Elder A, and I all decided to have a competition to see who could gain the most weight in one week. The winner or gainer would get a customized surf board bench with a plaque.

 It all started off with the Weigh in after dinner at the P's home last Sunday night. Then during the week we stuffed our selves until we could not eat anymore every meal we had. We even got shakes in between the meals to try to pack on a few more pounds. We also did our best to get the least amount of exercise as possible. We did everything in our power to make sure we would win. Then we found ourselves once more at the P home for dinner yesterday. Since it was fast Sunday yesterday we had not eaten all day and were worried that it might be our downfall. Luckily the weight in wasn't until after dinner so we ate as much as we possibly could to make one last push. Then after the ice cream and the almond brownies it was time for the moment of truth. We all weighed in the same order we weighed in last Sunday. I weighed in first a nervously emptied my pockets and took off my shoes. Then I hopped on the scale. To my surprise I weighed exactly the same as I did the week before. I was shocked. I had worked so hard to add some weight but it was in vain. Elder S was next. He weighed in and he lost some weight. Then it was Elder A turn. He gained 1.6 pounds in a single week. Crazy. Last but not least was Elder R. He hopped on the scale and weighed in 1.2 pounds heavier than the week before. Elder A Won the contest and now is the victor of the First Annual Cardiff Thankstuffing. Now we decided to see how much weight we can loose by Christmas Eve when we have dinner once again at the P home. Luckily I don't have any extra baggage from the last week that is holding me down from me winning this next challenge. Missionaries just got to have fun!

Some other exciting news this week is that we set a baptismal date with J, our 93 year old investigator. She is working towards being baptized on December 13. It will definitely take some work considering she has dementia. However it is our job as missionaries to invite EVERYONE to come unto Christ. Even 93 year old ladies with dementia that thinks we are Jehovah's Witnesses. 

Thanksgiving was great! We started off the day with a exciting Turkey Bowl game. There was lot of people there, and lots of fun. Unfortunately my team didn't win. Maybe next year? Then we had to quickly run back to the Anderson's shower and run to a district meeting. After the district meeting we had lunch at Subway. Later it was the time we (all the Cardiff missionaries) had been waiting for ever since the turkey was invented. The meal above all meals. Thanksgiving dinner. We had a wonderful time at the C home. We had a traditional thanksgiving meal with a few Mexican additions. Such as rice and beans. After we had a game of real life angry birds and a spiritual message. It could not have been any better. 

On Friday we got a call from a former investigator that goes by the name Father K.  He told us that he wanted to come to church and be baptized. He said that he talked with a member on thanksgiving and felt the spirit and knew that he needed to be baptized, and that we could help him. We were shocked. We didn't know what to do. We told him that we would save him a seat at church and talk to him some more then. However when Sunday rolled around he didn't show up. Hopefully we will be able to come into contact with him soon.

Thanksgiving is always such a great time of the year. It is a time we have to reflect on all the blessings our Heavenly Father has given us. I am so grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ paying the price and suffering for us so that we would not have to. Because of his infinite sacrifice we are " And ye are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever;therefore, of what have ye to boast?" Mosiah 2:24  Now we have the opportunity this Christmas season to reach out and to help those in need. To help slowly but surely repay a small portion of that debt we owe to him for everything he has given us. I would encourage you to do 

Elder Paget

Somethings just run in the Familly

 

 

Another week has come and gone. We have been keeping busy, trying to find new people to teach and teach our investigators. I wish that they were not so flaky. Everyone here is always busy and have something to do. They don't make learning about the gospel one of their priorities. So unfortunately we get a lot of cancellations. The only way to get lessons is to just stop by and not let them know we are coming before hand. Or else they will cancel and find something better to do. We have been trying to have a lesson with the C's for some time now. We have also been trying to get them to go to a baptism. We know if they go to a baptism and feel of the spirit there they will have a greater desire to get baptized for themselves. However we have invited them to come to 4-5 different baptisms now. They have said each and every time that they are going to go, but they have not gone to one yet. We are think that they don't want to make commitments. Hopefully this week we will get to the bottom of it and find out what the real reason is.

 

Elder Allan F. Packer came to our zone conference this last week. He told us that we are 1 of 2 missions in the world that will be doing a Family History Pilot program. I am so excited. He unfortunately didn't go into the details. But we know that we will be focusing on using Family History to find new investigators. It is really cool. Recently I have been reading about my ancestors, and it is really cool to see what they went through. They went through a lot of rough times and good times as well. It is cool to see the similarities between them and me.  For example my Great Grandmother Geneal Smith and My Great Grandfather Paul Limburg both put on a Radio show for a Radio Station. I had an internship at a sports radio station in Salt Lake City, 1320 Kfan. It is cool to see that we all had the same interest in broadcasting. I guess somethings just run in the family. I am continuing to read more about them and I can't wait to find out any other cool things. I can now say that I am hooked on family history and Cardiff better watch out because Elder Adams and I are going to get them hooked on Family History too!

 

Love Elder Paget

He Will Never Fail YOU!

This week as been really good. We are finally seeing all of our hard work over the last few weeks pay off. We have been struggling to get lessons and get new investigators. This week we have been able to get lots of lessons and also start teaching a new investigator named J. We ran into J while we were walking back from our church building after a zone meeting with Elder Ar. Elder Ar and I were on exchanges and saw J sitting on her porch in a rocking chair. We went up and started to talk with her. She was interested so we just started to teach her the restoration. The spirit was strong and she definitely was touched. She said that she would like to learn about what we know about Gods plan for us. We were so excited we finally found someone new to teach.

 

We found out this week that T one of our investigators was diagnosed with breast cancer. It has be hard for her and her family. She says that she is so grateful for everyone being so willing to help her out. We have been praying that she will be well.  It is sad to see how much it has effected them.

 

One thing I realized this week is the power of prayer. It is so important to be able to communicate with our Father in Heaven. He provides us with so much. Prayer is a way that we can show our thanks that he deserves. We also are able to ask for help or anything we need. Our loving Heavenly Father has all these blessings waiting for us but they are conditional for us asking for them. He is simply waiting for us to ask and he will give us what we need. I remember that I would pray for a million dollars or even a limousine knowing that what ever I ask I would receive. However I have not had a million dollar check dropped of at my house or had a limo pick me up from work. He only provides us with what we need and sill not satisfy our selfish desires. He wants us to get on our knees and have a conversation with him. One of the most important aspects of prayer is waiting for the response. It is just as important to listen as it is to pray. We must be in a position free from distractions where we can listen to the still small voice and receive inspiration from God. Remember HE WILL NEVER FAIL YOU because he has never failed me. I may not have get and immediate answer or have things resolved they way that I would like. However God knows what is best for us and it will always work out. He doesn't give us challenges and trials to punish us. It is an opportunity to come closer to him through prayer. That is what I have had to rely on the last few weeks. The mission has been hard, and there are a lot of things that are out of our control. Lessons and baptism dates have been canceled, investigators have not been progressing. But the one thing we are in control of is our relationship with our Heavenly Father. I keep wondering what can I do to be a better missionary and to help the people of the Cardiff ward come closer to our Savior. I have been focused on me and what can I do. I should have been asking for the Lord what would he have me do. It finally hit me when I was listening again to Elder Ballard's latest Conference talk. He said that missionaries and members need to praying for investigators by their names, and to pray for missionary opportunities. Prayer is the answer, and the key to calling down the power of heaven to help you accomplish Gods will.

 

We have started to have the Cardiff ward pray specifically for our investigators by name and I would like to invite you to do the same. I know that every miracle starts by a prayer, and miracles will start by your prayers. You just simply have to ask. Please pray for our investigators, and for missionary opportunities in your own wards. I promise you that you will see miracles in your own life, and you wills see blessings that come from it.

 

Love

 

Elder Paget

 

 

 

Cardiff Cancellations

Subject:	Cardiff Cancellations
Date:	Tue, Nov 12, 2013 2:10 pm

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Well another week has come and gone. Time flies when you are serving the lord. This week has been slow. We had 5 days in a row that every set lesson that we had cancelled on us. It was crazy. I have never seen or hear of anything like it before. We had probably 10 or more lessons cancel in a row. So we didn't do a whole lot of teaching.

 

Something I have realized lately is the power of an example. Just think about our ultimate example Jesus Christ. In his time he didn't have the Internet to share the gospel. He didn't have a telephone, or text messages. All he had was his example. His example has carried through centuries of time. Our examples matter to everyone around us and show who we truly are. There is a quote I forgot who it is from but it is, "At all times preach the gospel, If necessary use words." That is my challenge to you is to preach the gospel by your example just as the Savior did.

 

Love Elder Paget

 

 

 

6 More Weeks of Summoning Aliens

Well I have good news. I am not being transferred. So I will be staying in Cardiff for at least 6 more weeks, up to my 6 month mark. I am so glad I don't have to pack up and move. I love it here in Cardiff and I could not think of any area that could be better than this. But than again I have not been in any other area other than while I was on exchanges. So this is all that I know. I am glad to still have Elder A as my companion. He is a great missionary and a great example to me. He has taught me how to have fun while doing missionary work.

 

Things have still be slow but we might have found another new investigator to teach. His name is A, he has been a potential investigator for some time. We have stopped by a few times before but it didn't go any where. He told us that he has been praying for a miraculous event. We told him that we don't need angels to come down to us or witness miracles for us to know something is true or to strengthen our testimony. We need faith. If we knew there would be not point in this life. There would be not agency. We told him that Joseph Smith and how he saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. That is what sparked his interest and he wants to know more. At the time we were unable to talk with him because we were late to dinner, but we plan on going back and sharing what we know to be true.

 

Another cool thing this week is that we talked with balloon guy. Friday night we were by his house and noticed that he was in his back yard working on his next balloon extravaganza. I said to Elder Adams that we have to go talk to him and see what the balloons in the sky were all about. I was not going to be transferred without talking with balloon guy. It wasn't going to happen. We walked closer and saw him attaching an assortment of bright flashing lights to 15 huge black balloons. We walked closer and were standing right by his fence when Elder Adams said, "Cool Balloons you got there guy's." He didn't respond and after a few awkward seconds balloon lady, balloon mans partner in crime answered. "Yea they are cool, but they are cooler in the sky. We will be putting them up in just a little while." That is when Elder A asked " What are they for?" Balloon Lady then responded, "It is to make people happy." Elder A and I both looked at each other with confusion and thought are they on drugs. Then Elder A said, " Don't mind us we are just going to watch it over here."  We stood there as they let the balloons float into the night sky.  We still think that they are trying to hide something. So we still stand at the same conclusion. They are summoning Aliens. Luckily I still have 6 more weeks to see if they can succeed. To be Continued...

 

 

Elder Paget

 

Ups and Downs

 

This last week has been really slow with little to no success. A large part of it had to do with the multiple doctors visits we have made this week. Both Elder A and I had to go to the doctor.  I have been having stomach issues. On Monday I had to go to the Scripps hospital right here in Encinitas. I got an xray of my abdomen, blood drawn, and a few other tests. The good news is that I am fine and am feeling better. Luckily there is no major issues. . To make a long story short both of us had to take it easy this week. That's not to say that we slacked off but it was hard to get everything done that we needed to. It was hard to schedule appointments because everything was up in the air. We stopped by a lot of peoples homes but however we had maybe 5 people answer them for the week. It was hard and challenging but we were able to make it through it. You have to go through struggles for you to really truly appreciate all the happiness and success that you have. That was the whole point of this life is to experience the ups and the downs, to be tested and tried. To see how loyal we truly are, when life is hard. It is when life is hard that we rise up to reach our ultimate potential and decide we want to be better.

So that is exactly what I will do. Learn from this week and move on, striving to be a better missionary.

 

Love Elder Paget

 

The coolest part about going to the hospital was getting a copy of my x-ray. It was definitely worth all the wait.

Amazing Week!

Well this last week has been amazing. We had the privilege of going to the temple and having a baptism. It was absolutely incredible. The San Diego Temple is beautiful. When you think of the word temple there are two temples that come to mind, First of course the most famous temple is the Salt Lake Temple. Then the second most famous temple in my opinion is the San Diego Temple. It is not a coincidence that most of the accidents on the I-5 happen within sight of the San Diego Temple. You look at it and you can't take your eyes from it. We went to the 9 am endowment session, with other missionaries in our district. The spirit was so strong. After the session we found out that we didn't have a ride back to Cardiff. We were stuck. We were only stuck in San Diego, in another mission, for 4 or 5 hours before we where able to find a ride. So what did we do? We walked around  and contacted people. We also were starving so we walked to the mall across the freeway to get some food. When our ride did come we didn't have enough seats for all of us in Rogers BMW convertible. So I had to sit on a tiny console in the back. It was very uncomfortable.

 

L's Baptism was wonderful. We made sure to get there early so we would have enough time to fill the font, and set everything up. While we were filling the font we realized that there was no hot water. Only the hot water was on and it was freezing cold. We soon realized after some trouble shooting that the hot water heater was not working. It had gone out. We started to panic. Could we possibly baptise someone in cold water? Of course not. We called Bishop Toolson up and he told us to start boiling water in the kitchen so the water would not be so cold. We boiled pot after pot throwing the hot water into the chilly font. But however we didn't have enough time, and or pots to increase the waters temperature to a comfortable level. When it came time to baptise Lee, I went into the water first. It was not as cold as I thought it would be. However when Lee stepped into the water you could sense that it was to cold for her. I raised my hand to the square and then proceeded with the baptism by immersion. As she went into the water she went into a sudden shock. Like when you jump into a cold Lake. Her feet slipped out from under her and It was extremely hard for me to help her out of the water. It felt like an eternity that she was under the water even though it was probably only 3-4 seconds. Finally I was able to help her back up out of the water. It didn't go as smoothly as I would have liked but, It was alright because it made things interesting. At the baptism the Stake President , and the Sister who teaches the bible study each week, spoke at the baptism. Brother Watson also sang Amazing Grace as a special Musical number. With out fail all the major events or experiences I have had, such as all the baptisms we have had, sacrament meeting on my birthday, in the MTC, we have sang I am a Child of God. We also sang it at L's baptism. I don't think it is a coincidence, especially because I had nothing to do with any of the song choices. Crazy right. Papa is watching over me.

 

Love, Elder Paget

Cardiff Fire

Last week was great we made a lot of progress. Their are so many miracles that took place. Here are just a few that happened this week.

 

L is going to finally be baptized on Saturday, October 19. Last week we were thinking that she was going to have to move out in order for her to be baptized. However  President Kendrick said that she didn't have to move out because she is retired and has no other place she can go. We did run into some last minute problems with the baptismal interview. So she had to have an interview with President Kendrick and he was able to resolve them. L is so excited to finally become a member. She calls us up everyday and tell us just how she can not wait for her baptism. L said she has had many questions in her life. She would always ask her pastor about and he would not be able to answer. She said that we were the only ones that were able to answer all the questions that she had. It was so weird because at first she absolutely did not want anything to do with us. All she wanted to do was to bible bash with us. So after our first visit we decided we would not go back.  L then got a hold of the missionaries in the Del Mar ward and they told us that she wanted us to go back. We hesitated and finally decided to go back after two weeks of debating. We went back and again she started to bash with us at the beginning of the lesson. However at the end of the lesson her heart was softened and she accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon, and said that we could come back again. Now she is on fire! She has already read the entire Book of Mormon in 20 days and is in Helaman in her second time reading it. She watched all 10 hours of General Conference, comes to church, and a bible study class that the stake relief society puts on each week. She has done everything we have asked. Her baptismal program is going to be great we have the stake president, bishop, and the bible study class teacher all speaking. I can't wait either.

 

Then T and C finally came to church this last Sunday. It only took 2 months for them to finally be able to come. They had a baptismal date for Oct 5, and it has already past. We tried to set a new date this last week, but they would not let us. Their father told us that they need more faith. We have taught them all the lessons already and they could be baptized at any time. I feel like their parents don't want to come back to the church. They want us to come teach their kids all about it, but they are unwilling to change their ways. It is sad to see. But they are making an effort now and are finally keeping our commitments.

 

At church we also had a guy named J show up to church and surprise us. He is a less active member in the ward and has not been to church in 8 years. He is a golf instructor at Torrey Pines Golf Course here in Southern California. We had stopped by his house last Wednesday to see how he was doing. It was the first time I had been able to come in contact with him in the last 4 months. We talked with him about church a little bit but we never asked him to come with us. I don't know why but we didn't. That is why it was a surprise to see him at church, and we didn't even ask him to come. Yet he came and wants to become active again. It is so great.

 

Any way it has been great and I am looking forward to L's Baptism.

 

Thanks

 

Elder Jaden Paget

Cardiff Conference

Well another week has come and gone and it has had its ups and downs. Elder A and I are working as hard as we can to find people to teach. We have a few investigators that we are working with, but they are always busy. The only promising investigators that we have are L, and the C Boys.

 

This last week we were unable to have a lesson with T and C. We were however, able to stop by and talk to them for a few minutes. We figured out that they still are not keeping any commitments that we have given them and they are not making any effort to do so. T and C want to continue to learn more, but their parents are making it hard for them. Elder A and I have taught them almost all the lessons needed to be baptized. They should have been baptized this last Friday. We think that the parents have problems with the church. They want their kids to learn and be baptized, but they themselves don't want to come back. So to get T and C baptized we must renew their parents testimony in the gospel.

 

L has continued to do EVERYTHING we have asked. She has already read the entire Book of Mormon and is re-reading it, came to church, went to the bible study class multiple times, and watched all of General Conference this last weekend. She is doing great. She is so excited to have a clean slate and have her sins washed away through baptism. She has already planned out her baptismal program for October 19. However her date is now in the air. We talked to our district leader Elder A and he said that she is going to have to move out of the home she is living with her brother in law, in order to be baptized. L moved in to take care of her sister that was sick, since her husband had to work. Her sister died 5 years ago and she has stayed there ever since. She is in a bad situation with her brother in law. They don't get along and he has been abusive to her. So to make sure no future problems arise, she need to move out. We still have not told her yet. We will see her on tomorrow and tell her then. When we had our last lesson it came up and Lee said that she wants to move, but she has no place to go. So we will just have to wait and see what happens.

 

Every once in a while there are these weird balloons that we see in the sky. There are white and black balloons, with flashing lights and random things hanging from them at night. They are all connected together on some kind of line. Elder Moon and I tracked where they were coming from a few weeks ago. They came from a house that is not to far away from where we live. This house is completely surrounded by huge bushes that are 20 feet tall. So we can't see what is going on. We are curious what the balloons are for. We have knocked on the door to ask them what is going on? But no reply. So we have come to our own conclusion. I am convinced that this guy that is launching balloons with the bright lights is trying to summon aliens or UFOs. What else could it be? Anyway we have nicknamed this guy who is putting on quite a show, balloon guy. We have stopped by a few times this week to his house at night to try to talk to him. Usually we hear something going on in his back yard but are unable to see because of the bushes. On Friday we saw four bright lights in the sky, and we were in the area so we decided to investigate what balloon guy was up to. We walked by his house at the perfect time when he was launching a black balloon into the night sky. We stood their watching. As we did a lady walked out of the back yard with a tiny flashlight and out to the street to where we were. We said hi and she walked by and into the house across the street. Never did we ever think it could possibly be a balloon girl causing all this madness. However we stayed their and noises were still being made in the back yard. So we now know that there is two of them. So their just might be a Balloon guy after all and his girl friend, summoning aliens. Or maybe balloon girl is really in charge and balloon guy is her minion. Who knows? All we do know is that we still have not seen any UFOs so what ever they are doing is not working. Hopefully we will get to the bottom of this soon.

 

General Conference was great and is so inspiring. It seems that every talk that was given was perfect. I can not determine what my favorite talk is because they are all to good. However I love the challenge that Ballard left with all of us is that if we reach out to someone and introduce them to the gospel by Christmas millions will be touched. I challenge all of you to pray and find someone you can help to gain eternal happiness. As you do you will know who you should reach out to. They will be changed for the better. Let me know what happens.

 

Love

 

Elder Jaden Paget

New Transfer, New Companion

This week has be rough. It is hard running an area by yourself. I have to do all the planning because my new companion does not know the area or the investigators. I have had to take all the responsibilities on my self. It is hard but I am learning so much. The best way to learn is to experience. I am going through all lot of experiences right now.

 

L, one of our investigators, has made tons of progress this last week. She had came with us to the bible study last week. She loved it so she decided to go again this week. Elder M and I went to the bible study with her right before the transfer meeting on Tuesday. After the bible study we invited her to be baptized. She said YES! She is going to be baptized on October 19. But that is not all. She kept calling us with questions about being baptized. Like what she needed to wear and what time the baptism would be at. Lee was so excited. We invited her to a baptism that the Encinitas ward was having for two little girls. We told her the best way to know what a baptism is like, is to go to one. She came with us on Saturday to the baptism and she said that it was amazing and that the spirit was so strong. It sealed the deal for her own baptism. Then just when we thought it could not get any better. She came with us to church. At church we had our fast and testimony meeting one week early because of General Conference. During the  testimonies, L started to cry and cried through the rest of the meeting. She was deeply touched by the spirit, confirming to her that what she was doing was right. It is so great to see all of these small miracle's take place in someone's life just simply wanting to find the truth.

 

T and C  was supposed to be baptized this Friday however they are not progressing.  So it will be postponed. We have asked them to read the scriptures and come to church for the last couple of weeks. They still have not done so. We will have to keep encouraging them to come closer to the savior. Hopefully they will start making changes in their lives to bring them in harmony with the spirit.

 

Hopefully we will find some more people to teach soon. The investigators we have are simply not progressing. We will keep pressing on. The last week has been rough however, I still love being a missionary. There is nothing better.

 

Love,

 

Elder Jaden Paget

Another Week in Paradise!

It has been another week in Paradise. It is always sunny and has not rained. It is crazy that I have been out for three months now. Time is flying by. I am doing great. We are always so busy. It is so good to be finally done with my 12 week training. However my trainer, Elder Moon is going to be transferred. It is sad to see him go. He was my first companion out in the field. I wish him the best of luck. We found out Saturday night or what we call stoop night. On stoop night you basically have a good time and party until you get the transfer call. Your district leader calls you and lets you know if you are going to be transferred. He does not tell you where or who your new companion is. Elder Moon though I would be the one to be transferred when we got the call. He was shocked to find out he was going to be transferred instead. I will get a new companion on Tuesday at the transfer meeting. Transfer meetings are crazy. President Kendrick calls your name, has you stand up. Then he tells you who your new companion is, and where you are going. Luckily I will still be staying at the Andersons here in the Cardiff Ward.

I now have to train and teach my new companion about the area and the investigators. I am kind of nervous. I hope I don’t drop the ball. The Cardiff ward has been booming with baptisms and I hope my new companion and I can keep it up. We have two planned already, and potentially one more.

 The Cano’s are doing well. Theo and Cole are not progressing right now. Elder Moon and I taught them about the 10 Commandments and keeping the Sabbath Day Holy. We have invited them to read the Book of Mormon and come to church for a couple of weeks now. They still have not done either one. So their baptismal date will have to be pushed back. It is sad to push the baptismal dates back, but we want to make sure they will be ready.

Lee Bulluni one of investigators has made lots of progress this week. It all started off last Sunday when she said she had completed the entire Book of Mormon. She read it in less than one month. Crazy! Then on Tuesday, we went with her to a bible study that the Del Mar Stake puts on, called Sisters in Scriptures. She loved it! Lee said it was the best bible study she had ever been to. While she was sitting there she said a light went on in her head. She finally got everything we had been teaching her it finally made sense. She loved it so much that she said, she will go every week from now on, and come to church.  Each week they have a question of the week.  Next week’s question that they will discuss is “What does it mean to be born again?” This is perfect because Lee considers herself to be a Born Again Christian. She is interested in seeing what exactly Mormons believe it means. They discussed it a little bit about the question and that being born again means being baptized. We thought that it would be perfect for her to go to a baptism to see one for herself. We invited her to a Baptism the Lacosta Elders, Elder Pendergast and Elder Hancock, had on Saturday. She we called her to make sure that she was going. Lee told us that she had been praying about being baptized and she asked if she could be baptized without having a testimony of Joseph Smith. She didn’t know if she was ready. It was great to hear that she wanted to be baptized, and that she was willing to follow the example of Jesus Christ. We had to explain to her that the baptism was not for her it was for someone else. We told her that we just wanted to her to come to see what it is like. Lee said she would be with her mother for the week end but she would try to make it. She did not make it to the baptism or church this last weekend. However we now know that she has the desire to be baptized and what her concerns are so we can help her overcome them. So we should be setting another baptismal date soon.

Andrew Miller the older brother of Moises and Rohit, the two boys we baptized in July has been struggling lately. He said he has no friends at school and that Elder Moon and I are his only friends. This is because he started a really bad rumor about himself to gain attention. The rumor back fired on him, and no one likes him. He has been suffering from depression, and fighting a lot with his mother and brothers. His mother Elvira could not take it anymore, and thought he would hurt himself or someone else. So she took to a mental hospital. He spent all of last weekend there. Hopefully he will get better. We are doing everything we can to help him through this and to get him some more friends.

We picked up a new investigator this week named Scott. We had been going by Scott’s house for a couple of weeks. Every time we have gone over he has said he was busy. On Saturday he let us in and said he would give us 4 minutes to give him a quick summary of what we believe. He wanted a quick message to see if he would want to investigate any further. We taught him the Plan of Salvation. It took about 7 minutes but that was because he asked us questions. It went well and he seemed interested. Scott said we could come by again and give him another short lesson.

I hope we continue to be just as productive as we have been.

Love and Miss all of you.

Elder Jaden Paget

Cardiff Cake!

So this week has flown by. We have been very, very busy. We have gone on exchanges, had zone training, participated in a missionary musical fireside, constructed a San Diego Temple Cake. It has been incredible.

So I went on exchanges with Elder Sparks on Monday. He is from Pleasant Grove Utah. He is a great missionary who used to be in the riverside mission until, the Irvine Mission was created and everything was move around. Elder Sparks is one of the missionaries we split the Cardiff ward with. I was really cool to be in my old area. We got to go by all the great non progressing investigators that we used to have. It is always interesting to go on exchanges and see how the other missionary dose things. When we go on exchanges you got to learn how to improve and get a first hand glimpse of what make other missionaries so successful.

 

The Missionary Musical Fireside was absolutely amazing. It was called. " Christ the Life the Light and the Way." The Del Mar Stake pulled out all the stops for this one. They flew out the director from Idaho ,James Grant for two weekends to practice and with us. Crazy right? He wrote the the musical while he was on his mission. The purpose of it was to have members, and non members come and leave with the feeling and knowledge that they believed everything that was shared is true. All the missionaries in the stake were involved in some way. Some sang and some had speaking parts. I had a narration part. What would happen is that there would be a song then a narration part or testimony, then another song. We practiced a lot over the last 2 weeks that we have know about it. The spirit was so strong there. It is amazing the power that music has and how it invites the spirit. Everyone that went said that it was amazing. We didn't have any of our investigators show up despite the fact that we reminded them several times. However one of our old investigators on the other side of the ward, named Elsie showed up. We helped Travis Stevens make another cake for the event. He made the San Diego Temple. It is by far the coolest cake I have ever seen. It took a lot of work but it was worth it. The Musical turned out great thanks to all the hard work everyone put in.

 

Any way once again I have run out of time to complete my weekly letter. I am sorry they are so short.

 

Love Elder Jaden Paget

Shortest Weekly Letter Ever!

Alright I don't really have a lot of time, to write. This last week has been amazing. We have had so much success. Labor Day was incredible, it was probably the most success in one day that I have had so far on the Mission. I wish I could have been at the Cabin though. Anyways holidays are always amazing in vacation spots. Everyone is happy and are in good moods. We were able to talk to about 60 different people and give them pamphlets, Book of Mormons, and pass along cards. One of the presents I got for my birthday was a Book of Mormon with Cami's, my sister, testimony written inside. I was able to give it to a lady who was in need of guidance and direction in her life. Well at least back to her Car. She was walking her dog and could not find her car so we were able to help her find it. I am sure if she reads it it will also provide direction in her life as well. Thanks Cami for doing that.

 

This week we also got two boys committed to Baptism. Theo and Cole Cano are going to be baptized on October 4. It all started when Theo asked his Dad Ted, if they needed to go to church to make it to heaven. Ted said yes you need to go to church. His dad realized that he needed to have his kids be taught about Jesus Christ and the plan that God has for us. Their parents are members but have not been active for years. Their Dad is alright with them being baptized but the Mom doesn't know. She is the main hold up right now. Theo and Cole are learning so much and are excited. I feel that teaching them will also activate their parents as well. It is so amazing to see so many young kids and teenagers interested in the Gospel. They are truly the noble and great ones. They are the rising generation that will usher in the Savior.

 

I hope everyone is doing well. Keep on Keeping On.

 

Love Elder Jaden Paget

 

19th Year!

 

Thank you everyone for wishing me a Happy Birthday. I had a great birthday, but I wish I could celebrate it with my family and friends. It was awesome. I didn't have to run because it was a Sunday, and we didn't have a meeting at 6:30 am like we usually do. So already I was off to a great start to my 19th Birthday. I had some time to open my presents that my family had sent before church. I opened the boxes from my parents and sisters and to my surprise I had to open one present per hour.  Each present had a specific time on the outside of when to open it. Inside there was a poem that corresponded with each gift. It is a great Idea so that it lasts longer but, I couldn't open them while I was at church or walking around.  We went to church and there were so many people that came up to me and wished me a happy birthday. I don't know how they all knew about it. I didn't really tell anyone. After Church we went around with Josh Atkinson to a few houses but no one was home. Everyone was out and about for Labor Day weekend. Then we had Dinner at the Parsons house. To my surprise they had their house decorated with balloons and banners. It was crazy. When I dropped off the ingredients to make my favorite cake, I must have left the decorations that were supposed to be for my room in the bag. So I feel bad that it probably made them feel like they had to decorate for my b-day. Dinner was fantastic, we had Chicken and Steak burritos/tacos. Then for desert we had better than any thing cake. Could not have been any better. The only thing that could have been better is if I knew the BYU football game score. Hopefully they won. I have been wondering about it since Saturday. Any way it was great and I got lots of goodies and things I needed. Thanks!

 

Two weeks ago at the beach we met a man who wanted to be a Mormon and move to Saint George. On Wednesday we were walking out of the Library and saw him sitting at the computer. We went up to him and asked him if we had talked to him before at the beach. He said No. Elder Moon and I then turned to walk away, both thinking that he just didn't want to talk to us. He had lost his interest after talking to us at the moon light beach party. Then out of the corner of our eyes, the real guy appears. He was looking at the DVDs here at the Encinitas Library. I feel bad that we got him mixed up with somebody else but, they could be/probably are identical twins. We walked up to him and started talking. We talked for about an hour. His name is Mark. Mark is finally going to move to St George on September 8. He has been struggling lately and wants a fresh start with his wife. He found a job and a place to move into, but he just got his car repossessed. He doesn't know how he is going to get there. We asked him if we could teach him and he said that he wanted some time for his wife to find out more first. We told his that's what missionaries are for to teach people more about the gospel,and answer any questions that they have. It is sad to see that he is a golden investigator and he turned us down. He wants to meet with the missionaries in St George when he gets there, though. So that's good. Hopefully we can get in contact with the missionaries down there.

 

Things are going great here in Cardiff. I hope they continue to stay that way.

 

Thanks

 

Elder Jaden Paget

Open your mouth and it shall be filled!

Hey Everyone,

 

Wow, we had another incredible week. Every week out here miracles happen. Just when I think it can't get any better it some how does. I have only been out for a little more than two months now. Time is flying by. Weeks feel like days and months feel like weeks. Elder Moon and I have had a lot of incredible, miraculous experiences this week. We had a baptism, confirmation, found 3 new investigators (2 for other missionaries and 1 for us), gave a blessing, you name it we did it.

 

On Tuesday we were riding our bikes and I noticed I had a tire that was low. So we stopped at a gas station that was on our way to Fred's, one of our investigators, house. As I was filling up my tires, a 15 year old boy,named Devin, came up to Elder Moon. He asked him if he was on duty, and if he had time to talk. He started to talk to him and he said that he is just so full of Jesus and he loves to talk about him. We told him we would love to talk some more and if we could meet again. He said we could and we exchanged numbers. We called him a few days later and set up a lesson with him. He told us that he wanted us to meet him at Chick-Fil-A instead of his apartment. So on Friday we meet with him there at 12:30. We taught him about Jesus and all the things we could learn about him in the Book of Mormon. He was interested, however we found out he lived in the Encinitas Ward boundaries. It was sad to have to give him up, but it is still cool to have someone come up to you and ask if you can talk. I wish it would happen more often.

 

Friday, was a busy day getting everything ready for the baptism. We first had to clean the font. It was an interesting experience, we should have changed into different clothes before hand. We were in our usual shirt and tie and we were cleaning the font with tilex with bleach. We had to take off our socks and shoes, and roll up our pants so that we would not get any bleach on them. We had to carefully scrub and wash the font. We then had to set up chairs and fill the font all the way up, because Savannah is really tall. At Savannah's baptism the spirit was so strong. Sister Toolson and Brother Halverson gave great talks on baptism and the Holy Ghost. There was also a special Musical number that her friends, Rebecca, Julia, Josh, and Elder Moon sang, Come thou fount of every blessing. I feel sad that her family was not there to support her. She had a lot of great friends and ward family that was there to encourage her. One of the coolest things that happened was that her friend Josh Atkinson, the person who started it all by giving her a Book of Mormon, got to baptize her. Awesome right.

 

Sunday we had the confirmation of Savannah, and she wanted me to do it. I was super nervous. It was my first time confirming someone, and there was a lot of people there for the sacrament. I didn't really know what to say. I kept praying for the spirit to be with me and to lead and guide me. I knew that it wasn't me giving the blessing, I was just the voice, an instrument in Gods hands, and the spirit would be guiding me through it. There was a moment when I stopped for a few seconds trying to think of what to say. I thought the words would just come to me. But they didn't. I remembered a scripture in the D&C it says that open your mouth and it shall be filled. I realized I would be there forever just thinking of what to say. I had to open my mouth and just start saying something. It wasn't until I opened my mouth and started to speak that my mouth was filled with what I should say. It was cool and it helped me realize that I needed faith, it would happen. It takes faith and effort on our part in order to receive the blessing we need. We must show God we are willing to do what he asks, and in turn he is willing to do what we ask.

 

Then later Sunday night, we were stopped on the side of the road, and a lady named Krista came up to us and asked if we could do her a favor and give her friend a blessing. She said that her friend, Aurora, had been going through some health issues and need help. Krista was on her way over to Auroras house and was talking to her on the phone. She saw us and asked Aurora if she would be interested in receiving a blessing. She said that it would be great. We went over to her house and gave her a blessing and taught her about the importance of the scriptures and how they can help her in times of trial. The spirit was so strong that she started to cry. We were able to give her a Book of Mormon, and she is wants to learn more. Sometimes we have to be humbled and brought down to our lowest levels so that we a can be brought up to our highest. It is sad that she is sick, but by being sick it was able to open her eyes and help her find the gospel. That she would probably never have had the chance other wise.

 

I Love and Miss all of you thanks for all you do. I Love hearing from you.

 

Love

 

Elder Jaden Paget

Cardiff Cookies

Another week of has come and gone. This last week has been very busy. We had to make all the final preparations for the new missionaries. So we spent all of preparation day color coding the ward directory, making a new area book, copying maps, setting up appointments for them to teach. It was a lot of work but we we finally got it all done just in time for them to come.  After we went to our ward beach party. Yes I know that we are not supposed to go to the beach, however we got special permission from President Kendrick. We never got on the sand but we got up to the edge of it. We had an amazing contact. This guy just came up and tapped me on my shoulder, and asked if I was from Utah. I said yes and he ask if he could talk with me. I said sure. He told us that he had been reading the Book of Mormon and knows that is true. He told us that he has done a lot of research wants to move to St George, Utah because of the climate and there are lots of mormons there. He said his wife was also interested and is doing her own research. We told him that we could teach them and answer any questions that he had. I asked him for his number so we could contact him. He said he would have to go talk to his wife first and come back. We stood there waiting and he never came back. It was a golden contact, and he just slipped right out of our hands. Hopefully we will run into him again. 

 

The Missionaries finally came after the long anticipation, on Tuesday. There names were Elder Sparks and Stones. They are both from Utah. Elder Sparks has been out for 7 Months and came from the Riverside Mission. Elder Stones is brand new from the MTC. It is great to only cover half the area, and focus more on a specific section of the Cardiff ward. It was cool to see all the new missionaries come in, because I was in that same situation 6 weeks ago. At the transfer meeting we got our mail, and to my surprise my mom had overnighted me five dozen cookies. IT WAS AMAZING. However since I have so many cookies, I have been eating them non stop for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Elder Moon and I have been doing our best to eat them all before they go bad. It didn't even cross my mind that I could freeze them for later.

 

Savannah is going to be baptised on Friday. She has talked to her Mom and finally got permission. So all systems are go! It was because of her faith and her desire to become like her heavenly father that made it possible. With the lord on your side you can do anything.

 

Love

 

Elder Paget

 

Sorry my letters are so short, I will do my best to make them longer. If you want to hear more ask my parents for my journal entries.

Catching the Wave in Cardiff

We have been super busy this last week. We have been getting everything ready for the new set of missionaries in our ward. We have had to find a place for them to stay, make a new area book, map book, find people for them to teach, etc... Finally they will be here tomorrow. When we have not been working on all the new stuff for the new missionaries, we have been teaching.

 

We finally got Savannah to commit to a baptismal date. Savannah has been wanting to be baptized for a long time, but her mom would not let her. So it is really exciting. She is going to be baptized on Friday, August 23. Right before she and all of her friends leave for college. She has still not told her parents yet about the date. However Savannah said that her mom told her that she could do what ever she wanted. So it is not exactly set in stone yet, but Savannah has a lot of faith that her mom will let her be baptized. She has put her trust in the lord that it will work out. Sometimes that is all we can do. Turn our problems over to the lord and let him do some of the heavy lifting.

 

I went on Emergency ( last minute) exchange on Friday. Elder Moon was called be be the new district leader. So instead of weekly planning, Elder Moon had a meeting from 8 to 2 that he had to go to at the mission office. So I went with the Vista Zone Leaders during that time. It was interesting being in temporary threesome companionship. We had the usual morning personal and companionship study. Then since it was Friday I helped them plan for the week ahead. I had a great time. Elder Moon said that in the meeting they said that they were going to create a new district in our area as well. So once again we have more work to do to set up a new district. Right after setting up a new area. Whats next? Are we going to have to set up a new zone soon. Who knows? The work is progressing so fast that they are just creating and changing things left and right. It is cool that I get to experience all of it.

 

Anyway overall it was a great week with a lot of progress. I look forward for even more.

 

Love

 

Elder Paget

Daily Miracles

Hi EVERYONE,

 

It is amazing to be here in Cardiff, there are so many people that want to learn more about the gospel.  Last year in the Cardiff Ward there were zero convert baptisms. This year there has been 10 already. The Lord is truly hastening the work. That is why we are receiving an extra set of missionaries to help cover half of our ward. As the Lord and the church is working harder to bring others unto Christ. Satan is working harder two. He is trying to counter attack the wave of missionary work. This week has been evidence of that. This week has been really slow. It seems like no one is ever home or available for us to teach them. When we do find someone to teach all they want to do is Bible Bash, and tell us how wrong we are. Or drunk guys telling us to throw our scriptures away and to follow the devil, and have a beer with him. Yes this happened. However this only makes me stronger. All of instances we have faced over the last week only help me to realize how important the gospel is. It helps me to realize how many people don't have the gospel. They are suffering because they don't have true happiness and reassurance that families can be together forever. This gives me more motivation to work even harder in crying repentance unto this people. For I know that Good will finally conquer evil. Through daily miracles that us a missionaries, and members of the church create each day. By our examples we set and the service we render. Testifying that we can Live with God again in never ending Happiness, for time and all eternity with our families. Changing lives, softening hearts by the simple actions we do each day. Such as reaching out, smiling, and saying hi. Making friends with others that don't have many. It is by these small, simple, daily miracles that lives are changed for the better. Helping them come closer to Christ and receive sacred saving ordinances. This is what missionary work is all about. I love you all, and apprieciate everything you have done for me. 

 

Love,

 

Elder Paget

Spinning Our Wheels!

 

 

 

Hey everyone another week has come and gone. This week we have been really busy. I went on exchanges, had my first baptism, and confirmation. We have not been teaching a lot lately. I guess you would say we have been "spinning our wheels." We have so many investigators and potential investigators we have to meet with, but they are all so hard to get in touch with and set up a time to teach them. We are stuck because our investigators can't learn more and progress, if we are not meeting with them. Hopefully everything will turn around for this next week.

 

I went on Exchanges with Elder Perez our district leader. Unfortunately he is a Spanish speaking missionary. So I spent most of the night just nodding my head, and smiling while trying to understand. I felt useless. I could not understand anything they said and they could not really understand anything that I said. I felt bad for Elder Perez because he had to teach everything. The only thing I did was say the prayers at the end of each lesson. I could not imagine having to teach in a different language. It is hard enough for me to teach in English, let alone in Spanish. You would first have to learn the lessons in English then re learn them all again in a different language. It was a good experience though. When you are on exchanges you are with your new companion for 24 hours so that means you have to sleep over at their apartments. At Elder Perez's apartment they have what they call the "Hammock Challenge." The hammock challenge is you sleep in a narrow, uncomfortable hammock for the entire night. It does not sound bad, but let me tell you there is a reason that I am only the third person ever to do it. It is horrible. I will never do it again.

The Baptism was scheduled for Saturday, but our ward mission leader did not reserve the building so we had to move it to Friday, July 26. It went alright I guess. There was not a member of the Bishopric there, when it was time for the baptism so we had to wait for one to show up. When they showed up I baptised Moises. We went into the water and it was really hot, and was not deep enough. After I had said the baptism ordinance, and it was time for Moises to go under the water. Since the water was low I had to get Moises fully submerged, I had to almost push him under. This caused his feet to slip out from underneath him. Luckily I caught him and was able to help him back up. It was really awesome to get my first baptism under my belt. 

 

When it was time for the confirmation on Sunday during sacrament Meeting. Moises and Rohit were not on time. They didn't show up until the sacrament. So we had to do the confirmation after the sacrament. It was crazy Elder Moon and I were out looking for them every where and making calls to try to get them there. Fortunately it all worked out.

 

I love you all. I am in the long process of writing Thank Yous to everyone. I only have time for 2 or 3 each P-day so please have patience with me. If I don't respond right away I am doing my best in the limited amount of time that I have to Respond to everyone. Thanks again for all that you do for me.

 

Love

 

Elder Jaden Paget

Crazy Cardiff!

 

 

This week was super busy. There is so much going on. Elder Moon and I have been going crazy, we have so many investigators we don't really know what to do. We have about 10 investigators, and about 10 Less active members or recent converts that we teach every week. The Cardiff ward is on Fire! Last year they had no baptisms and already up to 7 this year. Our Mission President, has seen this and has decided to send another set of Elders to help cover our ward. They will be transferred on August 13. It is really cool because Elder Moon and I were able to decide the boundary with the bishop and ward mission leader. We split the area in half creating a West and East area in our mission.So of course we took the west because of the beach, and we live in the area already. So I am Excited to stay so close to the coast. The weather is perfect here it is always 75 degrees and sunny, with a cool ocean breeze. I am so blessed to be in paradise.

 

On Saturday we will be able to baptise two boys named Moises and Rohit. We had their first lesson with them on the first day I arrived. I also committed them to be baptized. I will be baptizing Moises, and elder Moon will be baptizing Rohit. I am so excited, but nervous at the same time. Moises and Rohit have made so much progress in the three weeks I have been here. It is so cool to see them have a change of heart and follow our Savior Jesus Christ.

 

Last Wednesday, we had a BBQ with the graduating seniors in our ward. This was so we could help one of our investigators, Savannah, get her parents to get to know members of our ward. Savannah also wants to get baptized but since she is 17 years old, she needs her parents permission. So to help get her parents permission, we though it would be a good idea to invite her parents to be more comfortable with members. It was a lot of fun. Brother Stevens, a ward missionary, baked a tiki cake that looked so cool. He is amazing, he bakes cakes for every occasion. He is also baking a cake for the baptism on Saturday. So far Savannah's parents had a good time and they are more comfortable with letting Savannah be baptized. However they still have concerns. We are going to hopefully have a lesson with them to answer any questions, or concerns they have.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love it here in Cardiff-By-The-Sea, California. My testimony has grown so much, it has also been tested a lot too. However I find that the more people question my testimony and tell me that I am a Liar, the stronger my testimony gets. "You receive no witness until after the trial of your faith" Ether 12 : 6. My testimony will only get stronger the more it is tested, and it is tested everyday. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that the only way to find out for your self is to read it and ask God. I have asked God, and received that witness for my self. I testify that it is True.

 

Elder Jaden Paget