Tofield Chapter 15

WOW. I can't even describe the emotional rollercoaster that I've been on this past week. At least through the ups and downs I was able to really learn some valuable things about myself.

Tuesday

We emailed then had lunch. We went and mowed the lawn at the Fishers trailer, until the mower died. We did a lot, before it did. We had super at Pillings and played around with some goats.

Wednesday

That was a crazy day. We met with so many people. Veg Day. We went to Veg after lunch and met with Sis Yost, Meggie, Shirley w/ Bro Gillis, had supper and met with Thompson's then Roy and Crystal. It was a packed day.

Thursday

We had District Meeting. We were going to have lunch at Kelly's, but Kelly wasn't feeling good so they were closed. We traveled back and had lunch. We did Mormon.org time stopped by some people. We had supper and then went to Trent and Khristina's.

Friday

That morning we went and were helping the Pilling's put wood on their barn so they can put tin siding on. It was at Pilling's when I got the call from President Manion. I am so grateful for them. Right after the phone call, we were talking things over and Bro Pilling decided that we should go inside for a bit to take a break. I'm so grateful for the members out here. They care about us and what is going on. We helped them for a while and then came home. We had supper at Gillis' and then had Weekly planning.

Saturday

We went to Chipman and met with Bro Kronebusch. We then helped sell hot dogs and chili at the Veg street Market for the Vegreville Transportation Services Society. It was cool and we were able to met a lot of people and see some that we knew. We then had supper at Chuck and Mary's.

Sunday

We had church then coordination. We went to the Cahoon's for supper. We went and talked with Daniel. There was the worldwide indexing challenge starting Sunday night and the youth were getting together at the Church to do it together. We had just stopped in at the church to go to the bathroom and we ended up staying and I was helping some of them with their batches. It was fun.

Monday

Well we actually got up a bit early and Daniel took us to the new gym in town. It was good, but I'm still not big into working out. My abs are sore from it. We went home and relaxed/ did laundry. I was able to work on one of my songs and I have been able to write out the note, rhythm and chords for the first two lines of the song. It was pretty incredible to me. That afternoon we played basketball. We had supper at Sis Roughley's with the younger Tiedemann's. It was good. We were there for FHE and Sis Tiedemann showed us a cool way to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was so cool. It was an object/ story line lesson. She let me borrow it and I made my own version of most of it last night. (thanks mom for the art skills)

Well that was my week. Like I said a lot of ups and downs and really learning about myself.

I want anyone who reads this to know that I know that we have a Heavenly Father. He is watching out for us. He is always there to listen to our prayers and will give us the strength and comfort to get through the hard things in our lives. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and through the Atonement we can overcome the pains and trial and sicknesses and any other distress in our lives. I know that the Holy Ghost is the messenger from the Father and is able to feel safe and protected if we let him into our lives. We can make it through anything in our lives if we stay close to the Godhead. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Elder Colin O'Neill

P.S. from Mom--Things he shared with me that let me know he is a very strong young man. and strong in his faith of the Savior Jesus Christ. No matter what I know he will finish his mission honorably until next summer.

From Elder O'Neill-- I just wanted to make sure that you were ok? Friday night was hard, but I learned things that I hadn't know before. Things that I hadn't realized about myself. Don't worry about me. I made the decision when I first came out that I would stick through it to the end. NO MATTER what happened. I couldn't have expected what has happened, but with the Lord's help we are able to go through anything. That night I was writing a letter about the situation to Regan. I was getting my feelings out. As I was writing different scriptures were going through my mind that I didn't realize that I knew. Those scriptures are very familiar ones, but I was able to understand them much more clearly. Especially Helaman 5:12. "Now my sons remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation where on if men build they cannot fall." That scripture hit me hard. I was upset and shocked and worried, but I was still able to have a smile on my face through the day. It truly is through Christ that all things are possible. We don't have to feel alone or saddened when we are close to him.

From Elder O'Neill-- I feel like at times that I have been put through harder experiences than some people that I know. I sometimes wonder why and then I know it's because I can handle it. We can handle it. Mom it's because of you and Dad. You both taught the three of us how to deal with life. Thank you

Tofield Chapter 14

Holy Cow, this week was just crazy. I'm almost a wreck from it. It had a lot of ups and downs. It was quite an adventure.

Tuesday

Well we emailed and then had lunch. We went and helped out at Busy B and then went to Ryley. We tried by our only potential and found out she isn't much of a potential. We then tracted that street. We then were driving to find another street to tract. We turned the corner and I couldn't tell if we had tracted that street yet then I saw that it was the Svensons's street and that we had. We decided to stop by the Svensons and talk with them for a bit. It was good. It was hot outside and I think we all could have used the break. We then went and had Supper with Gillis'. We then went and visited with Daniel for the rest of the night.

Wednesday

Wow that was a crazy day. We did the new usual, then left for Sherwood park for ZTM. It was fun. To start off with before the actual meeting we had a zone lunch and played Mafia. It was really interesting. We then had ZTM. It was good. We then right after when on exchanges. I was going to be with Elder Reynolds in my area. Well during ZTM I got a text from Sis Stennes needing some help. So we took off and went out there. to help them. We were helping them take some windows off of the trailer and it started raining. It was big rain drops. It was too hard to continue so we jumped in the truck. A few moments later it started to hail. It was crazy. First 4 people in a 3 person truck. I was on Elder Reynolds lap and then it was hailing. What and adventure. We then had pizza with them. We then went into Veg and visited with Chuck and Mary.

Thursday

Veg Day. We stopped by some people in Veg, more to invite them to the branch BBQ. We were supposed to exchange back at 1 from what we were told. So we took lunch and then drove to Chipman to exchange back. Along the way I showed Elder Reynolds the local landmarks. We got there and waited for a bit and they still weren't there. We called and then texted back and said we were exchanging at 4. We had to hurry and run to Tofield for an appointment. We picked up Bro Gillis and went to meet with Ronnie. She is the blind lady that I think I mention a few weeks ago. We finally met with her. She is really awesome. She is really eager to learn more. What we taught her made since to her. We helped to answer a lot of her questions. She had a lot that were relatively easy to answer, but were concerns for her. It was a super lesson. We then took off and went to exchange back. We went to the Hillyer's for supper. They were great. They had a Birthday cake for me. Pres Hillyer said he got a text from Ann Marie about my birthday. :) It was great. We then went and met with the Roe's. They are a crazy hyper family. We then went to Trent and Khristina's. When we got there they were trying to catch one of the horses. It was interesting to watch. We then visited with them for a bit before we had to come home.

Friday

So I love looking at my planner for this day. I colored the edges orange, so it stands out. Well we were around the apartment most of the morning. We decided we need to clean up a bit, before Bro Fisher came to check out apartment, which he still hasn't come. :) We then had lunch and weekly planned. We did Mormon.org. and then tried by some people. We talked with Sis Comaniuk for a bit and then tracted. We had supper with the Kastendiecks and that was crazy. We had Lasagna. They also had sparkling cider. Well so we were eating. Bro Kastendieck went to start cutting the second pan of Lasagna and saved Sam Cahoon's glass from tipping over, but in the process knocked mine onto my plate and all over the table and my lap. Sis Kastendieck was freaking out a little bit. I was just laughing. It was still really good. We then went and played basketball with the Kastendieck and some of their friends.

Saturday

Veg Day.

Well it started with the Branch BBQ. It was pretty good. Dante (Kastendiecks' friend) was the only non-member for a while. Well towards the end Shirley and Moki came. Well it was also right at the point that everyone was packing up to go to the pool to go swimming. It was a pretty big bummer. We were upset. It was a chance for people to met our investigators and they didn't really stay to talk with them. We then went and talked with Soren for quite a while actually. We then went and were going to stop by Anthony, then Chuck called. We went over there and they ended up taking us to dinner again. It wasn't the best Chinese food I've ever had. Still they are great. :)

Sunday

We had Branch Council and we were able to take a fair bit of time talking about the people that need the most help that we are working with. We then had church. We went home and had lunch and studies. We then went to the Fisher's for supper. Well it was also the whole Woodruff Family. I mean from a family of 8 kids, 5 of the kids were there with their kids. Crazy. It was still fun. We then tried some potential. We then went to Carol's and talked with her for a while.

Monday

Well Pday was pretty boring. We didn't do much until the afternoon. We went shopping and did laundry. We then went to the Church. I was playing piano for a bit, while Elder Laulu was playing basketball and rugby by himself. We then got a text from Sis Kastendieck inviting us over for a water fight with the Hillyer girls. It was a lot of fun. They had a little inflatable pool. We did not get in the pool, but got wet enough if we would have. :) It was a ton of fun. We had supper by ourselves. Afterwards we were trying to figure out what to do. I texted a bunch of potentials and formers and LA and other random people in the phone. The rest of the night and continuing on we get quite a spectrum of responses. Some are pretty funny. We had one LA that was confused at how we had his number. He texted us no thanks, then called us and asked how we got his number. We told him it was just on the branch directory. "I've never even gone to the Church in Tofield." Oh the joys of people. We also had someone text back and say that we could come by this weekend, and I have absolutely no idea who she is or where she lives. Oh the joys of mission life. :)

Well that was my week. It was crazy. I have learned to just live on day at a time. Things are only going to be as good as you make them. It's crazy, but I am learning that is just how my life is going to be. :)

Love you,
Elder O'Neill
(I think he was typing fast, so there are a few mistakes. But I hope you enjoy it anyway! I sure did!)
MOM

Tofield Chapter 13

Oh man so many changes in just one week. I think my head is on straight. It's been crazy.

Well I don't remember if I told you, but I got a new companion. His name is Elder Laulu. He is from Samoa. It's been interesting. We haven't even been together a week.

Tuesday

Well It was Canada Day. It was a non-pros day so we had to figure out what to do to fill our time. We went to the Pancake breakfast. It was in the middle of 50 St. They had to clean it up to get ready for the Parade. It was pretty boring for the first little bit. We didn't really find anyone to talk to. Before the Parade we walked all the way down the street and back up the other side, before we found anyone. We did finally find Fishers and Comaniuks. Pillings were across the street. We then went to the BBQ at The House. We were able to talk to a lot of people that we knew there. After that we took a little break at the appt. We then went and checked out the fairgrounds. There wasn't much there. Watched some barrel racing for a bit. We then drove around and said goodbyes. We had supper at the Fisher's. It was a fun night. The last thing we were going to do, was I told Elder Garver we would go to this little Ice Cream place and I would buy. Well we told Fishers that is where we were going so the girls wanted to come so they were right behind us. We knew that Bro Fisher was going to do it, but we tried to not let him. Well he did end up paying for us instead. Apparently they don't take Visa which is what my card is and I couldn't pull out the cash I had fast enough. It was pretty funny. We then dropped by the House, because we promised some people that we would go to the movie. I don't know why. We got there for the last 5 min. We were able to talk to some people there and talk with Sherilyn and Daniel and some other people we know from there. It was a crazy day.

Wednesday

Well we got up and got everything ready for transfers. Transfer meeting wasn't until noon and it was only like a 45 min drive. Ya we found out in the time it takes to drive to Veg from Tofield, we can go from Tofield and drive to the west side of Edmonton. We ended up leaving early and visiting some one from Elder Garver's old area. We then went to Transfer meeting. I couldn't believe it. Elder Marsh went home. He was done. It didn't seem that long ago that I was with him. Time sure flies by.  Also Elder Shreeve went home. I have known these missionaries my whole mission and now they are gone. Crazy! Well after that our new district (Fort skat 1 and 2, and us) plus Vermillion went out to Panada Express in Sherwood Park for lunch. We came back and I let Elder Laulu unpack a little. I had some phone calls I needed to make. We then went and I introduced him to Sis Roughley. We talked with her for a bit and then went to Fishers for supper. Yes two nights in a row. They did that on purpose.

Thursday

We had District Meeting at the baseball field again, then went to Kelly's. I guess it takes some time to get to know new people. We then drove to Veg. We helped out at the cultural center for the pysanka festival. We then went and weeded this lady's community garden plot. We then went and visited with Katelyn. We were going to go pick up dinner from Sis Skeem, but surprised us and invited a friend over so we could eat there. After that we went and visited with Sis Yost. then drove home.

Friday

Well I didn't know before, but we do language study now. Elder Laulu is learning English so we have an extra hour of studies. We then had lunch and then did Weekly planning. We tried by some potentials. We didn't really know what to do, so we went to Ryley. I wasn't even really thinking of leaving tofield until supper. We were being lead by the Spirit. We stopped by the McCauley's. We then went to try by Sis Godin. Well we knocked on the door and she came and let us in. I don't know if she ever lets people in. She told us that she had a feeling that we might be coming by today. It was then that I guess we were doing things right. We had supper at Cahoon's. We then went and played volleyball at the church. The Fishers and Woodruffs play on some Friday nights and they invited their friend to come play. It was fun. Elder Laulu is a powerful striker.

Saturday

Veg. We went after lunch. We vistied with sis Gillespie. Then went and talked with Soren. We talked with Chuck, but not for too long. We had supper at Subway and shopped. We then went and talked with Shirley. We then drove out to Stennes' and talked with Bro Stennes for a bit before coming home.

Sunday

Well I thought it was branch council, but it wasn't so we were one of the first people at the church. We had church and then lunch. We tried by some people for the rest of the night. No one was really home. We did ended up talking with Jesse since Murray wasn't home for a bit. We drove home and talked with Sherilyn for a little while, before we went in.

Monday

Well it was p-day. We relaxed for a little bit then shopped. We went and helped Woodruff's move for a while then went to the Tiedemann's for the night with the Gillis'. Played around and had fun. not really much.

Well that was my week. It's weird being in charge of the area. I forgot what it feels like. Just have to be patient with everything.

Love ya,

--

Elder Colin O'Neill

Ps forgot my camera cord. I'll send pics next week.