You would Never Guess!

Well it was a crazy week here in Eville. So I guess I'll start off with Halloween. So we had a regular day with district meeting then we, had a lesson with some of our new investigators who are originally from China. So it is a new experience teaching people with such a non christian background. There are three at the moment, one is an atheist, one Muslim and the third has no religious background at all. It will be a longer process but it is definitely starting from scratch here. Then after our lesson we went over to the house of one of the other set of elders investigator's home and had sat by a fire pit in his back yard. It was pretty chill and fun, he has been in the military for basically his entire life and he brought out some of his guns including his sniper rifle, M4 and so on, unfortunately I'm not allowed to shoot them while I'm out here but I did get to hold and look at them.ha. Then he brought out his Scandinavian Battle Axe, which he plans to go wild Boar hunting with. He loves boar hunting and has killed one with a knife that reminds me of Crocodile Dundee. He is a way cool dude and he lives just three doors out of our area but as long as he gets baptized all is well. Alright well a new tune up for this last week was to go Romney sign hunting. So we wrote down all the addresses with Mitt Romney signs in their yard and plan on knocking them in the coming weeks after this election is finally over. Well for the biggest news of the week, so a missionary had to go home early and his companion needed some new companions till the next transfer. So I'm in a trio again. Elder Denton and I have a new companion for the next couple of weeks. and now for the best part. The new companion is Elder Clawson. Yep the clawdog and mascasa reunite. Pretty crazy right. Well the good news is I get a car for the next two weeks but we have to cover two areas so it should stay pretty busy. It should be exciting ha.

 

The weather has gotten a bit cooler here with some showers now and then. No snow yet, but very windy. Sounds like everyone had a decent week for the most part. Well I hope you all have a wonderful week and enjoy no shave November.

Love ya,

Elder Moorhouse

Wind=No Bueno

How we doing Merville?

 Well the week was an up and down one, but lots going on. First of all I still dislike the wind more than anything else out there. It makes biking against it no Bueno! Well there's nothing I can do about that so we keep moving on. This week we had exchanges and I was with Elder Rigby again out on the west side of Evansville. It was fun and we talked to a lot of crazy people out there. We also got hit with any deep doctrine question you could think of, but no worries it all went well. Of course I happened to be in a car the last nice day of the week, so biking and walking through the chilly rain and wind. This week we were able to have a few investigators come to church which is always the hardest thing for them to do out here. Believe it or not most of the time it is easier to set a baptismal date with someone than it is to get them to church. So that is always a good way to end the week when people come to church. This week we were able to find some new investigators, unfortunately none of them were in our area so we gave out quite a few referrals to the others in our district. This weeks reading in the Book of Mormon was pretty much all the war chapters at the end of Alma. Even though there is a lot of fighting going on there is still a ton you can learn from each chapter or story so to say.

Well the dance festival thing for the prophet should be pretty sweet. You can look at a couple of them that have happened recently on lds.org under Mormon messages for the Youth. They seem like they would be a fun thing to be a part of. Where is the performance going to take place? The taco bell arena maybe? Elder Lipsch is actually in my old area of New Albany at the moment so it is kinda a small world. Well I hope you all have a wonderful Halloween and don't do anything too crazy now ha. Well I love ya and i"ll talk to ya'll next week.

peace,

Elder Moorhouse

Hola Familia

I hope ya'll received the letters I sent and enjoyed. Well this has been a bit better of a week for us. Nothing too crazy is happening however. We found a few new investigators that are progressing very well. We even set a baptismal date with one for November. We have had a couple of solid lessons where the investigators just ask question after question and it is amazing to me how the spirit can bring to mind just the right thing to answer. I can definitely see a major change in how I approach lessons now as compared to about a year ago. I would definitely attribute it to all the study I've been able to do. This week in my study I went over in the Book of Mormon, when Alma was giving counsel to his sons. I found it interesting how he had so much to say to Helaman and Corianton, but when he spoke to Shiblon 15 verses was enough because he was just that boss. Alma chapters 36 to 42 have a lot of good counsel for youth from a dad who really cares for his sons salvation. It was like the 5th or 6th time I've read through those so far and that's kinda what stuck out this time around. I had some pictures I was planning to send with some of the fall colors but I totally forgot my camera so looks like next week you should receive some pics.

 

Well I love all of you and hope you have an amzing week.

Love ya

Elder Moorhouse

Another Busy week!

Well it has been crazy here for the past week. So Tuesday we had exchanges and I went with Elder Rigby to Evansville and we had quite a few appointments. We also hit up Fall Festival here which just took up a street for 5 blocks lined with people selling food and carnival rides. Just a real big fair with a ton of people. Then Wednesday was district meeting where afterwards we went out to eat at this all you can eat bbq joint, which was pretty good and very filling. So on Thursday came the crazy news that Elder Gardner, our Zone leader, is going to be the new assistant to the president, so we have been in a trio with Elder Murphy for the past 5 days or so. Which means I've been in a car this week alright! It has been pretty hectic trying to cover two different areas and hitting the other district meeting that the zone leaders normally have to go to. So this is the second time I have done this on my mission. First when I was a greenie and now when I have a greenie. Speaking of elder Denton, we will be staying together for another transfer so six more weeks to go. Then we had general conference this weekend which was really good. Elder Hollands talk was almost the exact one he gave in the mtc about two years ago that has been going around our mission for a while now. He took a different turn at the end compared to the original but it was still one of the more throw down talks of the conference. So that missionary age lowering was quite a shocker. First person that came to my mind was Presto, and how he could just leave next August  less than a year to prepare now. Pretty intense stuff.

 

Well I love ya'll very much and hope you have a wonderful fall week. It's back to the bikes for me!

 

peace

Elder Moorhouse

Zone Conference and more

How is it going family?

This week was pretty busy we had our Zone Conference on Wednesday which went really good. The new focus is really on using members and focusing on part-member families if possible. We saw a lot of less actives this week and our main focus is finding new investigators through them. We figure if they are less active then the people they most likely hang out with aren't active or members at all or else they would come. So we are in finding mode for sure. This Sunday we also had our Stake conference here it was really good except for all the noisy kids but what ya gonna do about it. We had the Stake President, 2nd councilor in the Louisville temple Presidency, President Woodbury, and a general authority, Elder Burns, all speak. So the talks varied widely with each having a different focus but they were all good as well. The weather here has been amazing except for the crazy wind, Tough to bike in wind.

 Well Love all of you and hope you have an amazing week.

Love you all,

Elder Moorhouse

Another cooler week...

Well the weather has definitely been better this week with the coolness. It is raining a bit today but that's better than the crazy heat and humidity. Well it was a rougher week this week a lot of our plans fell through but that happens quite often in this field of work that I'm engaged in unfortunately. This week I was able to have an intelligent conversation with a couple of JW's that just kept asking about the 2nd coming and what we believe will happen. I was surprised by how much I've truly learned out here. Before the mission I would have had no idea what to say but now I guess the study is really starting to pay off. It is a lot different being a trainer. You are the one they look to, to answer most questions but it has been a good growing experience thus far for sure. It seemed like we had a few lessons this week where people just wanted to discuss what we believe and then give their view point but surprisingly we didn't have any heated bible bashes as we call it. That is a good thing bible bashes are no fun and you can never win even if you do prove them wrong. It just create an environment for the spirit to testify of truth. So if people ever want to argue just start baring your testimony because they can't argue with what you know to be true and your belief. This week was also our primary program here. It was alright nothing too crazy.

 

love ya,

Elder Moorhouse

 

Some New Pictures

Well what a week! So it flew by like nothing but it ended so well. We did have the baptism this weekend and it went great. I had to give a talk on baptism and Elder Fry got to perform the baptism since he's never done it before. Amanda, our baptism, is awesome it's kinda crazy how it all worked out from start to finish but it is a good story. It turns out we were looking for her ex-husband who is a less-active on the roster and when we went to the address we met Amanda. We told her who we were and what we were doing there and asked if she would like to learn more and it kinda took off from there. We came back a week later and had a lesson that went alright and set another appointment. The second lesson was definitely the turning point to everything, We just read Alma 7 with her and related it to her life and that's when we set the baptismal date. It really shows how powerful the Book of Mormon can truly be. Since then we have just been teaching her all that she would need to know and answering all of her questions (she really had some good questions). Sunday August 26th was the big day and it all went really well. So our week was definitely focused on that then of course we got the transfer calls on Saturday, and I will be staying here and training a new guy. Someone who is probably just getting to the mission home as I'm typing. So the next little while should be real exciting. It will be sad to see Fry go but he's been here his entire mission and he came out right when I went to Danville so it has been a little while.

 

Glad to hear you had a good time in Seattle you'll just have to do better next year when I can actually see it. That trade the dodgers made is crazy. They better tear it up now. Hope BSU does well this year as well. I'm sure this week will be really busy and I'll have a lot to tell you about. Love all of you and miss ya

 

Elder Moorhouse

Zone conference and convert baptism

It was a pretty good week here in E-ville. Last Monday we were able to get together as an entire zone, so 30 missionaries, and play some fun games and kinda enjoy p-day together since everyone was coming to Evansville for a general authority conference that took place Tuesday. So we had Elder Chrisotphel Golden Jr. of the quorum of the 70 come and speak to our mission. Lots of good insights about missionary work of course there was some rebuking but lots of learning. The rest of our week was mainly focused on our investigator that is scheduled to be baptised this coming Sunday. She is awesome and it has been great to teach her and see how much the gospel has been able to change her life this far already. This week she was sick on Sunday but knew she had to come in order to be baptised next week so she stuck it through and made it. She is determined to be baptised this week and we are excited. Lots of planning going to take place this week but it will all be worth it. We'll still out finding and talking to as many people as we can.

We will find out about transfers this Saturday so I will let you know what is going down next week. I still like the area so not tired of it yet. Fry and I still getting along but it is really hard not to get along with me right? no just kidding around well I hope all of you enjoy the last week of summer there. School here started last week so be happy you still have a little time. This year will fly by for all of us make sure to enjoy each moment. Love ya'll and hope for the best there in Washington.

Glad to hear you had fun with the Moorhouse's this last week and just want to wish ya'll good luck at the World Series. Arkansas has nothing on us spuds, oh I meant studs from Idaho . Well this week flew by for me I'm not even sure what happened I feel as if I just told you about my last week yesterday. Well some highlights from the week probably include interviews with president. They went really good and there were some hints dropped about the upcoming transfer but I won't say anything until it actually happens. 

 

Well our progressing investigator finally made it to church this week and she really enjoyed it. We just have to make sure she is done with smoking then everything else should be good for her baptism in a few weeks. The other missionaries in our ward had a baptism this weekend and we were able to get her to that and she was already talking about what she wants to do for hers. So we are excited here should be a good couple of weeks. 

 

Still doing really well on the bike and the weather has been amazing this weekend the 80's and low 90's are awesome ha. Last week a guy we talked too guessed that I was from Idaho because of my "accent" didn't know I had one from Idaho, it was kinda funny that was the first time that's ever happened. This week we have Elder Golden Jr from the 70 coming to talk to the mission so that should be really good. General authorities are always good.

 

 

Well hope you have an enjoyable week and all goes well. love ya'll lots.

 

Elder Moorhouse

Just about there!

Hello family,

 

Well this week was pretty good we had a general Authority come and speak to the mission. His name is Elder Munns. It was good and he focused on Finding, Teaching and overall just how to become a better missionary.

 

 Well I have been thinking a lot lately with my year mark coming up and just reflecting on how I've changed thus far. And I would say my knowledge of the gospel and what I truly believe has grown tremendously. Each day out here there is another experience that Strengthens my testimony be leaps and bounds.

 

 This week we had a solid lesson with one of our newer investigators and we were able to set a goal date for baptism for the end of August. We are excited and our lesson was just truly focused on her and her needs. The spirit is so strong when you can just read the Book of Mormon. It is definitely the word of God and you can always make the promise to someone if they read it with real intent to know if it is true and pray about it, they will be answered and know the truth.

 

The weather wasn't all that bad this week, had a few days where the mornings were very nice. We are still out knocking each day and really forcing using the Book of Mormon in every aspect of our work. We have a few people we are working with and we just need to figure out what it is going to take to help them progress. Don't be afraid to share the gospel, It becomes easier when we truly realize what we have.

 

Sounds like you are all doing well. Good luck at Regionals! Good luck down at the Conference, I could use maybe a scentsy catalogue, since I'm no longer in a car I don't need any of the scent packs and I'm thinking maybe a warmer would be good ha. Good luck at scout camp and don't shoot your eye out. Love ya'll

 

Elder Moorhouse

Heat, Thunderstorm, nice, rain, then Heat again!

Well if you're not wet from the rain you're wet from the sweat and heat. Staying dry just doesn't exist here. And the weather blows in and by pretty quickly. So our days have consisted of heat, thunderstorm, nice, rain Heat again. 

 

Well the news is that Elder Fry and I will be staying together for another 6 weeks. So no one is leaving yet. This week we didn't have any crazy stories to report on except this one lady we keep trying to teach but each time we go over someone on that street is drunk or high and just a lot of nonsense being yelled. Some of these people out here are living lives that are just crazy to think about. It truely shows just how amazing the gospel is and what an impact it can have on your life. 

 

We had a blitz with with the Evansville elders and that went pretty good found some new investigators and taught a few lessons. The hardest thing to do out here is to get our investigators to church. Our ward changes times in August to 11am and I think that extra time to sleep in might start producing some fruit at church ha sad how that works. 

 

Well basketball was really good this morning my team never lost and there is a guy that plays with us that supposedly has a scholarship to St. Johns to play so we will see if he goes there.

 

I haven't heard anything from anyone about anything so keep me up to date. Well sounds like you all have a fun week ahead of you, stay cool ha love you all

 

Elder Moorhouse

Hello Again!

Well it was just one of those weeks where you were never dry because of sweat. It was pretty warm and I kind of miss the dry heat from back home. Humidity is rough. 

 

Well we did Finally get a few little storms to come in and cool everything off. This week was alot of finding between street contacting to knocking on doors. We have a few investigators that we teach each week which is a little more than I could have said about Danville. I'm starting to get to know this ward a little better and learning some names. there is a lot of potential in this ward to do some big things. Just gotta figure out what will work. Today we played basketball as usual then we went to a driving range and hit some golf balls. my stroke looked a little more like baseball than golf but I can still hit a ball.

 

OK so I'm not the best at taking pictures and I will improve this was just not one of those weeks. This Saturday we will get the transfer calls so we shall see what is going down. Love you all lots and miss ya

 

Elder Moorhouse

how do ya do?

 

Well it is true that the heat here sucks. I do miss the a/c of a car but what ya gonna do about it. Well this week was filled with more of the same as far going out and working. We did have our zone conference this week which was pretty good. We as a mission are really starting to focus on using the Book of Mormon as our initial approach more. Well that just shows ya that ya better know whats inside it so that you can use most effectively. One good thing about this heat is that people have been nicer to us. A few random people have just given us new bottles of water as we were just walking around. The one struggle we really have in this area is actually getting investigators to come to church. Each week we have a few that say they will be there and then when we have a ride go pick them up they just come up with another excuse. Oh well can't mess with the Agency of others. So what is the weather like out west Dry as usual or have you had some rain?

 

So what do you want to know about elder Fry? He's from Salt Lake, he played lacrosse, has one sister who is younger than him, He liked House Music whatever that is ha (I believe it's like techno), He's been out 5 months and I'm his 2nd companion, and there is a good chance he might be transferred at the end of the transfer. Just because He's been here about 6 months already and it is a pattern that has been common with president. His shirt size is a large in case you wanted to get him a shirt as well.

 

Sounds like ya did alright with the baseball tourney as long as it is still fun then it is worth it. Presto be careful and enjoy this summer it will fly its already almost half done. I'll see if I can get my camera out of my suit case ha.  It is crazy to think that it is already July, we don't have any plans for Wednesday so we'll have to see what we end up doing.

 

Love ya'll

Elder Moorhouse

11 months!

So this Wednesday will be my 11 month mark which is crazy that I'm almost to that  halfway point already. There is still so much I need to learn and accomplish. I hope that your week in Vegas went really well and that nothing too crazy happened. This week was more of the same for me, Biking, walking and knocking. We found a few new people this week so we will see where they go. The highlight of the week happened on Sunday When I had the privilege to confirm the Aaronic Priesthood to Derek Hunter the Recent convert here a few weeks ago. It truly was a neat experience. We didn't run into anyone super crazy this week which kinda makes the week boring ha. We have a few investigators that are just right there but it seems that anything that can go wrong does. One got a concussion at a local amusement park, another just had a son sent to jail. What a life, Watching what these people have grown up doing their entire life makes me so thankful to have been raised in the Restored Gospel. Still getting to play basketball every week, my shot is still a little off but i have made up for it by playing crazy D and Rebounds. Well I hope all is well on your end love ya lots.

10 months

Well it is crazy for me to think that it has already been 10 months. They do seem pretty quick and only keep speeding up. This week went pretty quickly we walked a ton! And It was hot. It is the end of the month and we are pretty much out of miles that we are allotted so walking till Friday could be a possibility so Danville is gonna be hit up a lot. Well you are always asking about prospects and right now we don't really have anyone progressing just in a growing stage of the process right now. Yesterday the Liberty elders came up and played some basketball with us and that was fun. I'm disappointed in myself for not being able to dunk the ball anymore but I will get back there. This week was my closest in awhile. A typical day here goes as follows; 6:30 wake up, exercise until 7:30 shower get dressed eat breakfast, 8:00 personal study ( read the scriptures, conference talks, Preach my Gospel) 9:00 companion study (lesson plan prepare for the day) 10:00 walk up and down main street talking to everyone until about lunch then drive somewhere and knock and talk until either a lesson or we take dinner. It becomes a routine cycle that we are trying to fill with more lessons and less knocking ha.

Sounds like everyone is doing well. I bet they are glad they are out of school. It has been just over a year since I graduated which still surprises me cause I can remember it like it was yesterday. Life is picking up speed and I anticipate it won't slow down for a long time. I have been thinking about college but still undecided where to go. I know I need to start making some decisions soon. Tell Bryson to enjoy baseball and to not make it too serious. I remember losing the championship game my 13 year old year on a pass ball that bounced off grant labbes catchers mitt, and Mitch Kissel stole home to give the long horns the win, boo ha. but no biggie that game had no effect on anything after that day. Presto's summer is going to fly. I remember being in that point two years ago and that was the fastest summer ever, well other than the half summer last year ha.

Well we will get transfer calls this Saturday. It is the sixth week with elder Stevenson and things are still going well between us. He's the first companion I can actually talk about sports with which has been a nice change of pace ha.


Peace out
Elder Moorhouse

May 21st Letter

hello

This week went well we still don't really have anyone progressing at the moment but at least we are talking to a lot of people. Interviews went really well and the training really focused on obedience and using/knowing mormon.org. We were told that something big was about to happen in the mission that another mission was using and improved their numbers dramatically. If you haven't been on the new mormon.org I would encourage you to check it out it really has some cool videos on it. Well I guess I might be here to really truly learn patience and to stop relying on my own talents to get by and truly trust in the Lord. President said that when I'm a bishop I'll look back at Danville and know how to help my ward ha that just made me laugh. I don't want to be a bishop they have so much to do. The ward is alright but they could be better and we will work with them. Each day is full of walking in the heat and talking to people. We had an exchange this week with our district leader and his comp. I served with Elder Shutt, he is interesting, very optimistic and talks a lot so I have had experience with companions like that. We taught a JW couple that was interesting. Some of their beliefs are way out there ha.


Well I love all of you so much and miss you dearly. Continue to read the BoM, Pray and attend church weekly. Good luck with the rest of school and work and Sports. Adios


Elder Moorhouse

May 15th Letter

Well what else can I say that we didn't talk about yesterday hmm.. . . Well this week we had a blitz with our zone leaders so I served with Elder Tolman the first again. He is still the same talking non stop but it was good. We did have a better week overall and talked to a lot of more people just trying to build up our teaching pool out here. 

 We did play basketball last week and we had one game where my team lost 11 to 9 but I did have 8 of our points so I know why Lebron would leave Cleveland (Ha* Ha) but other than that game Elder Stevenson and myself took it to them.   Glad to hear all of you are doing so great finish strong with school it will pay off. I'll keep thinking about schools to apply for and I'll let you know if anything comes to me on the topic. Elder Stevenson said that he either wants to major in communications or go into physical therapy. I still think the medical field is my choice as of this moment but you never know where that will be in another year. 

Well after talking to you Elder Stevenson called his family and we didn't really do anything after that because it was time to go home. It was great to talk to you and see all of you. I do miss you and loved hearing everything that everyone is up to in good ol Idaho. I'm sure I'll have more to say next week.

Love ya
Elder Moorhouse

Letter May 8th Yellow what it is (my Kentucky phrase for the week)

Well our week here was very tough everything seemed to fall through and the rough stage is kinda continuing on. But this week should be better, you always have to have that point of view that things can only get better from here. I don't really have much to report on this week just a lot of knocking doors and talking to people on the streets. 

Well happy Mothers day this week! It is that time of the month where we are able to go play some hoops as a district. and this time the game should be a bit more intense or at least we have some players that can play it sounds like. I don't know if I told you that Elder Johnson is in my district again he was the one in New Albany Bike that came out with me from Idaho Falls so I'm starting to be surrounded by more people that I know. But I guess as I get older that is more likely to happen because I'll know more people. Sounds like the Dodgers are still doing good and thank you for the update on the NBA, I think I want Thunder verses the Heat in the finals Durant vs Wade two of my favs. Well Stevenson is still awesome after two weeks so yes things are beginning to look up. 

love ya'll and miss ya

Elder Moorhouse

Weekly Update

hello there how do ya do?

Well this week flew by actually. We had a blitz with our district leader and his companion on Wednesday and it felt good to switch up comps for a little bit.( A blitz is when there are four or more missionaries working in one proselyting area at the same time). It has just been Clawson and I all transfer and it can start to drag on if there aren't a few changes in the road. We also had a zone conference on Thursday it was good. They spoke a lot on keeping your places clean and how we are in charge of our own environment. Also to have that change of heart that needs to take place while you're out here or anywhere for that matter and just get lost in the work so to say. And Saturday was the big day and Jacob was baptized. And I was the one who had to privileged of performing the baptism. It was an Awesome experience and the first person that I have ever baptized personally but I look forward to more in the future for sure. Now we need to get back out there and find our next baptism. Transfer calls do come this Saturday so that should be interesting to see what happens, who will stay and who will go. Sounds like everyone is doing well and Go Dodgers!!! Kemp is my boy. I wear my dodgers shirt to bed every night ha. The one thing you might be missing from that package is a few of the scentsy scent packs I have ran out. Other than that I'm not really sure of anything else Don't want too much at the moment in case I need to pack next week. Well let me know if there is anything that I can do for ya. Love ya Bye

Elder Moorhouse

New Pictures

Weekly Update

Well hello there,

let's see this week kinda went by fast so I'm having trouble trying to remember all that was done. So we did play some b-ball on Monday in like 80 degree weather in Somerset. Since our district is a bunch of branches no one has a court so we played at a city park. very warm and humid! It was good no one really played too much before the mish most played football or nothing so there are some athletes I guess.

Tuesday we went over the baptismal interview questions with Jacob and he should be all set for this week the official interview is on Wednesday this week then the bap is on Saturday so it should be a solid week. This week at district meeting I had to give the training and the topic I was assigned was how to hold an Effective companionship study which can really be difficult after being with someone for a while, it went well I believe.

This weekend we helped a member doing some service, we helped load and unload some tree's he cut down at and elderly ladies house. It feels good to get out and do some different kind of work every now and then. For Easter we went to church and we were planning to be on our own but an elderly couple invited us over for dinner, it was pretty good. Can't complain. glad to hear ya'll had a good time. Transfers are in two weeks so I won't get a call this week but the next. Then on Thursday this week we have a zone conference so that should be good. I don't think it is against the rules to have a member text a picture to our parents as long as its not us doing it, it should be fine. Clawson is doing well still not opening up too much to other people so we will continue to work on that. Well not sure what else to say.

Love ya,
Elder Moorhouse

Weekly Letter

well what up?

This week went pretty fast we had a leadership training on Wednesday with a big focus on Opening our mouths as it says in D&C so many times. Also using the Book of Mormon more and just how important it is to get investigators to church each week. I want all of you to ask yourselves the question; Why do I (meaning each of you) go to Church each week? See what you can come up with. I also loved General conference and The Family was definitely a popular topic. I really enjoyed Elder Holland's talk it gives you a new perspective on one of the parables in the New Testament that I never really thought of before. Now there are a lot of things to work on for me especially after someone slams the door I have to watch how I react so I don't leave any negative feelings toward our church with them. At our training President Woodbury set a goal for us to speak to at least 10 people each everyday outside of our normal tracting (knocking on doors) and member work. It really forces me to come out of my shell and to know how to approach just random people and begin a conversation. Elder Clawson still is struggling with it so it is almost up to me to speak with everyone so no one goes by without contact. With conference I think the Sunday sessions spoke to me just a little more than Saturday which is the opposite of the last conference, So I figure it must be different for everyone anyways. Well still a little slow on the finding here but trying to work out some new methods so we shall see in the up and coming weeks.

The reason why I'm so early today is because we get to go play basketball as a district today so I have to drive a ways away. I'm stoked and I have been thinking about maybe a last minute addition to the package, One of My Rally Beavas Shirts that would be cool. Other than that I can't think of too many things. I did send a letter to dad this week so hopefully it gets there today if not the mail lost it arrg.

Well I love all of you and miss you as well. Glad to hear you enjoyed your week in AZ, for the most part, Sorry to hear you got sick mom.
adios muchachos

Elder Mascasa

Week 2 of Transfer 2 in area 2

Another sort of long week here.

Well if I didn't mention it last week, we did set a baptismal date with Jacob ( the 9 yr old) for April 14th and everything is still looking really good for that. We are excited for that and the rest of the week was pretty much just a lot of knocking on doors. We didn't find too much I have decided that missionary must stand for councilor out here because I've heard peoples problems like I've been their friend forever. It is crazy how much some people will tell you right on their door step. Now if only they would listen and act on what we have to say their problems would go down so dramatically. Well where I'm at now we have to mow our own lawn each week and it turns out that the last missionaries to use our mower broke one of the tires off so we had fun trying to fix that this week since our lawn was about 6 inches longer than everyone else on the street ha. Well I started back up one of the traditions I started with Elder Tolman the first. Each week we have a day where we do our weekly planning and do basically what the title of it is. But Each week we would make our own pizza and I decided to start it up again so each week I become a pizza chef and make one. Well not sure what else to say about last week still just starting out with this ward and trying to get a little more excitement.

I did get your package and thank you so much the cookies aren't lasting too long. you know me. I didn't think you were going to send the package last week so I was thinking of some things that you could send but most of it could just be sent in a letter. I was thinking I would like a copy of my farewell talk, and I'm starting to run out of stamps again so that would be nice. The most important thing I'm out of scent packs of scentsy! They are a big hit with my car always smelling so amazing. I have gotten some comments from the other missionaries ha. Skinny Dipping was the most popular so far ha.

Well sounds like I was 50% on the final four which is a bummer now I really want whoever wins the UK Louisville game to win it all. Man I better find out what time they are playing hopefully it is during General Conference so I won't have to try and knock doors during it ha. Well all is well and just trying to work and find let me know if there is anything I can do for you guys.

Love ya bye!

Elder Moorhouse

Weekly Letter

how ya'll?

Well another week in Danville has come and past and the best part was that we finally set a baptism date with the less actives kid we have been teaching so that will take place in April. They have been coming to church each week and are very excited. Well this week I got to teach the early morning seminary in this ward and I talked all about how to share the gospel with your friends at school and how to answer questions without being confrontation or too defensive. The best way I have found is to bear simple testimony. People are accustomed to hearing short sentences and as you say a simple testimony it can bring a lot of force to the topic. We had another full week of knocking doors and have almost knocked out all of Danville even though we aren't in Danville every day. Well I did mail my bracket back home and I'll just let you take care of it since I have only been able to see bits of games through the windows and doorways of the houses we knock on. Originally I picked Syracuse to win it over Kentucky but then I just had to go with all the Kentucky schools to support where I'm at. Funny how living somewhere can change things, back home I wouldn't have picked Kentucky even if I thought they would win it but oh well.

Sounds like all is still going well for all of you up there. The weather here has been warm with thunderstorms at night which are cool. you asked if I need anything, well just in case you ever send me another tie try to make sure it is a polyester so it can get wet and not ruined. Lots of rain down here and I don't want any of the ties you send me to get ruined. But I think I'm doing pretty good and I can't think of anything specific, I'll never turn down more music of course ha. Love you lots, keep reading your scriptures.

Well keep on keepin on

Elder Moorhouse

Weekly Letter

how ya'll doing?

Well life here will be the same for another six weeks. Our entire district is staying the same. I do miss how my district in New Albany lived so close that we saw each other multiple times a week compared to here where we see other companions once every other week at district meeting. Well my trainer Elder Tolman is my new zone leader so that should be cool, I haven't seen him for the last 5 months or so. This week we knocked on a lot of doors but didn't find too much success. Nothing too special going on right now just keep chuggin along. The weather here is starting to get nice and that means the bugs are starting to come out ha. The ward here is starting to wake up a little bit but nothing much going on. We are trying to work with the ward council to see what we can do to help. The ward roster has like 300 names but only like 70 people come each week so we have been visiting a lot of less active members and trying to figure out what is going on. We run into people of just about any religion you can think of out here. Well we'll just have to see how this week goes.

Sounds like things are going well over there. Good luck with Baseball this year just try to have fun with it. If you would just mail me a basketball bracket that would be easiest the thing came up but I can't really print it and it was a list not really a bracket so I know all the teams in it ha. Since I never get to see sports anyways you'll know that I didn't cheat to know the games that already take place between when you send it to when it gets back to you. Sounds like a bummer with church ball but oh well you got next year. Glad to hear you enjoyed San Antonio.

Remember to continue to read the Book of Mormon everyday even if it is just a verse or two. Love you all and hope all continues to go well, well see ya!

Elder Moorhouse

Weekly Letter

Weather here is more bipolar than Idaho!

Monday and Tuesday very nice we were out knocking a lot of doors and trying to visit members. Wednesday we started knocking doors but then sirens started going off and no one let us in so we drove back to our place which has a basement and waited till the rain had stopped then went right back out and knocked some more doors. Thursday was like 70degrees and we had a blitz with our district leader and his companion. It was fun and kind of nice to go do work with some other missionaries every now and then. We are teaching a nine yr old boy whose parents are both converts but have been less active for a while but they are starting to come back so we are working on getting their son baptized, he's probably our most progressing investigator at the moment, still a little slow and a lot of teaching people one lesson then they don't keep their next appointments and dog ya but whatever. Dang Free Agency! Friday we started the day off normal we went a taught a new investigator then we helped a member move some of their furniture out because they are preparing for a mission, then we went home to weekly plan when all of the sudden we noticed rain and more rain then sirens so we stayed in our apartment basically the rest of the night and tried to ignore the sirens. Danville didn't really get hit at all as far as I know everyone is safe and not much damage at all just a lot of rain. Then Saturday was cold and nothing much to report followed by Sunday and today with snow on the ground. I'm not sure what the deal is but March has been crazy already. Well this weekend we'll get transfer calls so we'll see if either of us move or if we are here another six weeks.

Sounds like everyone is doing well. thank you for the package I have used the jump rope every morning. I'm still holding my weight down here around 165 I think ha. You don't need to send anything we are fine. I did realize that i did record the voice thing onto my recorder and not the card but all it really said is that you guys need to start it and just ask questions because questions are easy to answer and they give me something to say that I don't already each week.

Well love ya'll and hope ya'll have an enjoyable week.

Elder Moorhouse

7 months no it couldn't be

Wow that fast,

Well this week was our interviews with president and it turned more into what my purpose in being in Danville was. So he told me about how the last missionary here didn't work at all so he basically white washed me here, (Which usually means they start completely over in the area with two new missionaries and it is always tough) because Elder Clawson has been here only one transfer but he never did any work because of his last companion. I'm getting more used to Elder Clawson it is still a struggle because he does have some disabilities that make it really hard for him to even speak. But President told me about how this ward has kind of lost all trust with missionaries for the most part so he said that he is putting the responsibility to get the trust back from the members on my shoulders. Crazy how much president can think of me so soon. So it is taking a lot of tracting and slowly getting to know the members here. I will probably have Elder Clawson for another transfer and I don't think this is the right area to start a new missionary quite yet. He said he knew it might take some time but said that I was the right missionary at this time. It has been the toughest transfer yet so far and it is dragging kinda slow but I figure it should start picking up here soon. We just need to find that one family that is ready to be baptized then the ward will get excited. We have been trying to find some of the less actives to try and see why they don't come anymore and most of them go to a different church now and don't even realize they are on the church records it is the weirdest thing. This area is a majority of Baptist that is for sure. One thing we do each week is actually teach an institute class here to some members once a week. We are in the old testament and this week was on the tabernacle and all of its symbolism. It is very interesting to see just how symbolic things really were and still are with all of our temples now days as well.

Sounds like everyone is pretty busy and doing well. good to hear about Aaron and Chris that's pretty funny about the dream ha. I had forgotten that they were in the same ward. Syracuse is going to take it this year that's how my bracket will play out. I think it will be funny to do a bracket after not watching a single game this season. I did get the package from the grandparents this morning, peanut butter fingers yum! I have enough candy and junk food to last me until Christmas at this point. How do you expect me to stay fit if all I ever receive is candy.

Well I love you all and hope all continues to stay well

love ya bye
Elder Moorhouse

weekly letter

Well the library is open here in Danville and from what it sounds like it almost never closes which I think is crazy because in New Albany it would have been closed for sure today. Well I did get your package but I had to get it Tuesday because UPS requires a signature in order to leave it so I missed them on Monday. Maybe USPS would be better for packages but if it is more expensive than don't worry about it I'll just leave my signature on the notice they leave and then I'll just get the package the next day. Well this week included a lot more tracting for sure. We met with the bishop yesterday finally he has been gone the last few weeks and we discussed what to do to help this ward and we came up with us visiting at least five members on the roster each day. So now we have another option other than tracting finally. The ward out here is very different and some of the things that go on you would never see out west but I guess that's just how it is. Well Valentines was good and nothing really special happened but I didn't really expect anything special since I'm on my mish. It was a tough week and it seemed like almost every return appointment had fallen through. This next week should be better we do have interviews on Friday which should be good. We have a few professors in our ward that teach at Centre College here in Danville and they each speak like 5 languages which is crazy. We also have Kentucky's School for the Deaf here, so we run into a lot of deaf but we can't really teach them. We have also ran into a few Spanish speakers so I get to practice the tiny amount of Spanish I know ha.

Well as far as something in a next package maybe a jump rope. We don't have much to work out with here and Elder Clawson doesn't want to go run in the mornings so I thought I could just jump rope for cardio and legs. And CD's music is awesome and Talks are always good I've actually gotten a few talks out here which I really like to listen to. my Camera card isn't very full so give it a little while then I'll probably send it home. I will be sending a card home this week so hopefully you get it.

Well glad to hear everyone is still good. Go Cherry Lane ha.

love ya
Elder Moorhouse

Weekly Letter

well week two down here!

this week consisted of me knocking and knocking and knocking. We finally met with the ward council and set up a ward mission plan which they didn't have. And we are trying to see who in the ward we can even contact since I guess half of the roster is do not contact. This ward is unlike any other I have ever been too. The roster has about three hundred names but only about 80 people come each week, there is like 5 youth in the ward that come and the primaries are combined because of the small number. The ward is old and it is like those that are active only a few even would allow you to come over. We haven't had dinner at a members home yet so a lot of cooking for us and eating out, but that is ok because I was smart with my money back in New Albany where I did get fed now and then so I top out each month on my mission card so funds are good for now. Well President and Sister Woodbury actually spoke in our ward this week and I'm hoping that it will awaken the ward to some degree. I talked to him for a few seconds and his comments insisted that he sent me here to have more of a leadership role. I'll talk to him more next week when we have our interviews. Elder Clawson is just so quiet around people and he struggles with saying what he wants to say so it has made me talk a lot more and basically made me the senior comp. The weather here has been frigid and the wind is my biggest enemy. It was about 16 degrees on Friday and Saturday and just about every house we knocked on told us to "stay warm" but basically no one let us in. The teaching pool here virtually nothing but we are working to fix that. It was another long week and we will see what comes this week.

Cd's are good just ask me in an email before you send them and I will tell you if they are approved or not. I look forward to receiving the package today, I figured I was going to be here a while so I'd just give you my address so you won't have to deal with the mission office delay each time. As far as soap and those kinds of things I'm doing good on them and I'll let you know when I'm starting to run a lil low.

The pictures attached are of Elder J. Tolman and I at transfer meeting and then Elder Clawson after I took it to him in Disney Monopoly ha.

I'm still working out and would like to go running in the morning but it is frozen and Elder Clawson isn't to big on the idea of running. We have a little bit of weights and I make due with what we have. My meals are pretty healthy I guess. I cook a lot of eggs, and bake muffins weekly ha I work for cheap and it works out. I'm getting plenty to eat so you don't have to worry about that I'm a big boy.

Sounds like all is well there and that everyone seems to be having a good time. well love ya,

Elder Moorhouse

Danville Kentucky aka "old people"

Hello there I actually have a lot to say today.

Well I'm now in Danville Kentucky which basically stands for old people. The average age in the ward is about 70 yrs old it is crazy. There are only two active young men in the entire ward so we do the sacrament every week. We cover Lincoln, Boyle, Mercer and Garrard Couties. The towns here were founded before america was officially america. Old places and old people. We had to knock a lot of doors last week because the missionary that was here before me was kind of apostate and didn't do anything so there is nothing really here We have to start from scratch. Which is frustrating because we did that my last area and I left right as it began to see the fruits. My new companion is named Elder Clawson from Sandy, Utah. we are co-senior comps even though he has been out a transfer longer than I have. He is a little slow i guess you would say. I found out that I have to do all the talking or else we sit there in silence. He has a great heart but I can already tell this transfer is going to be a long one. One thing he has said is that his legs hurt each night I guess I'm working him more than he is used too so there's a start. Well I guess its time for me to officially buckle down more than I'm used too and push it hard because I'm tired of tracting and this ward needs a kick in the pants to get them excited to do missionary work. I'm getting to places where the accents are really heavy and it was hard for me to understand some people. Also Everyone and their dogs smoke out here.(and everyone owns dogs multiple) Word of wisdom will be a fun lesson to teach. We have our own place its a duplex so it is pretty nice.

glad to hear that everyone is doing well. I didn't really mean anything by what are you hiding i was just askin. it was a bummer to hear about the super bowl. surprisingly no body that was watching the game answered their door so I didn't hear anything about it. Hopefully Syracuse can pull it out this year. can't wait for baseball season i miss sports and now I'm in a district that is too far apart to do anything together on p-day and our church only has a tiny carpet half court so basketball might not happen for a while. and I really want to play catch with a baseball but oh well. I'm kind of sad I won't be near Louisville for the derby this year I'll miss thunder over Louisville only like the 3rd biggest firework show in America so I've been told. Well hope all is well let me know if you need anything.

love ya bye

Elder Moorhouse

Transfer Time

How is my family really doing? What secrets are ye hiddin' from me?

Well it is official i got the call and i'm being transferred. I find out tomorrow morning where i'm going and who my new companion is. It is kinda crazy how it works but it also builds up the anticipation. Both Elder Johnson and Myself are leaving this ward at the same time and we both got here at the same time. The ward was sad to see both of us who have been here so long go at the same time. I'm excited about
the change but it will be tough to miss some of the baptisms of the people we have been working with for so long. That's just the way it works out sometimes. We continued to work hard with the ward to try and excite them and I feel the ward is better now than when I got here so i guess did
something here ha.

Well as far as the super Bowl I know we aren't allowed to watch it or any tv/ movies so I would say that is a defininte no. some missionaries might break the rules or bend them just to see some movies but it isn't allowed out here so maybe it is different there.

Well I'm excited for the new adventure and hope ya'll are doing grand.

love ya
Elder Moorhouse