Surprised at Transfers, Follow the Will of The Lord

Elder Ben Paxman at Transfers.  Picture taken by a sweet missionary momma!

 Elder Paxman and his new companion Elder Markward.  Taken by Branch President Coffin and posted to facebook.

Dear Mom,

I really liked the cookies mom, they were super good and I am glad that you got them for me.  Elder Markward actually got the other cookies because he is my new companion. I am glad you liked the packages and the Books of Mormon.  (Elder Paxman sent us each a Book of Mormon with a post it note that had a list of scriptures that he wanted us to look up and mark.  He had also written his testimony in each one.) I wasn't sure what to do so I thought that was a pretty good idea.  I was going to highlight those scriptures and make you all find them, but that would have taken forever, seeing as you all got like 12 scriptures.

(This past week we were super blessed to receive 3 packages from Ben, a phone call from Brother TIncher, a member in the area he was just transferred from, and pictures posted via facebook by a sweet sister and the branch president in his new area) The Tinchers are amazing and I plan to email them next week, they are awesome people and yes we always joked that they were going to set me up with their granddaughter. I would email them this week, but I am a little short on time. I don't know if they have served a mission in Palmyra but I will ask him next week and see what he says.

1.      Why did you send home your Spanish Preach my Gospel?  Don't you need it? Isn't that what you teach from and study? I have two of them so I sent one home just in case you guys wanted it, and because it took up space.

2.      You also sent home the Spanish MTC study book, don't you need it to study your Spanish? The really big one is super old and I figured dad could use it if he wanted I found it and thought it would be cool to send home, I still have the newer ones with me.

3.      Where did you get those metal dice?  Are they homemade and who made them?  They are cool.  Brooklyn wants to put them on her shelf in her room till you get home. I told her NO WAY they are Ben's.  If you want to display them you have to ask him.  A member made me the metal dice back in Logansport his name is Junior. he was super cool and from Puerto Rico.

4.      Why did you send home tie tacs? The Tie tacs were sent home because they put little holes in my ties and so instead I used to use them as lapel pins, but they said we can't use them for that anymore, so that was sad...

5.      Where did you get all those CD's.  The country Christmas ones?  Do you still have the CD's because all the cases were empty.  If so where do you keep the CD's? I bought a CD case and the CD's are gifts from members, and then I bought I think two of them.

6.      FYI, Drew Shaver requested you as a friend on Facebook.  I accepted him for you.  You have also had a request from a sister Deandra do you want me to accept that one? That is awesome Drew invited me as a friend and I am glad you accepted him, also you can accept Sister Deandra she is a very nice less active sister from Logansport.

7.      What were all the Bibles?  Gifts from investigators, and the mini scriptures... where did all of that come from?  The bibles are gifts from investigators and the little books are a military set that Elder Hjelm gave to me and I need a box made for them haha.

This week was really interesting... First off as far as transfers go... I am BACK in CUMBERLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Crazy right!!!!! I thought so.  Yes I am in the same Branch and so I have the same mailing address as from the start of my mission hahaha. Hermana Marciella is a member in the White River branch.  We have a full time car, thank goodness!! My new companion is Elder Markward. I like him he reminds me a lot of myself when I first came on the mission. I drive, he has only been out for about six months. The apartment is the same one I started in, but they fixed the shower so it isn't retarded. So I like it. The Branch is good.  Good news the Diaz family is active again (this is the family he prayed so hard to travel back to Cumberland to be able to baptize) and it was like having a small homecoming yesterday in the Branch so that was awesome haha. I did love the country though.  My Spanish is alright not amazing, but it does alright considering I have not been using it.  It is going to be an interesting transfer.  We have a few investigators, but we will be trying to find more as time goes on. The Diaz family is in the branch and my area of course, so that is good they were really excited to see me when I surprised them with a visit on Saturday!  

8.       What are your plans for Conference? We always go to the church for conference so that is amazing.

How was the women’s conference thing?? I will have to go after my mission and just hang outside haha you know to hit on du ladies and stuff bahahaha, man am I evil. Just kidding!!  That is crazy that you had snow but probably good, you need the moisture.

No plans for the temple yet, but we will probably go here soon, and yes it would be Kentucky unless someone from somewhere else invites me

Well this week has been great, transfers were a curve ball that is for sure, and I really like Elder Markwarad he is from Washington. Well I do not have much time to email so I will talk a little about my feelings of transfers and such. First off, I have really learned about the will of God and also how he will do whatever he can for the people and me. Coming back to Cumberland has brought back many memories of great times, and funny stories. Another thing, it has helped me realize that Heavenly Father needs me here on the mission and even more specifically in certain areas for certain purposes.  After this transfer I will hit 9 months in this area, but I know without a doubt that I would not be here if it wasn't for a specific reason.  Maybe it’s to be with this certain companion, or maybe to help strengthen some Converts or some new people searching for the gospel, whatever it may be I will continue to do my best to try and fulfill his will and be the best I can. I know the Lord and my Father in Heaven love me so much, and the people here, to bring me back once again to the area, I cannot express enough how much this has been on my mind that I am definitely here back in Cumberland for a reason.  Although I may not know what it is, I will do my best to complete it. Also, with all the pondering and reflection it has caused a lot of remembrance and yet excitement for the future. Overall I am excited and grateful to be back and we will see what the future holds for me as a missionary.  By the way this is extremely rare and usually never ever happens!

Well Mom I love you so much and I can't wait to hear from you all again soon. Oh also one last story before I end, so I was talking with Sister Diaz, which they have been coming back to church for about 5 weeks now, and she was telling me again how much I have changed her family for the better.  In fact her mother and one of her sisters have been baptized because of their influence, and the spirit of this Gospel.  It has strengthened my testimony so much of the divinity of the work and the power of my calling as a missionary.  Anyway I love you all so much and hope everything continues to go amazing! Also I hope to hear from you soon.

Love, tu hijo, Elder Paxman 

There is Happiness and Faith in the Future...

Me in my costume for our costume Zone activity.

Dear Mom,

Well I was hoping I stayed this transfer, but it shall not be, I am getting transferred... My guess is back to the city, but who knows... We will find out on Wednesday.  I love the Logansport area and my companion, but there is happiness and faith in the future, so onward we go.

I am sorry your B-day didn't turn out the way you wanted... But my present will be in the mail shortly.  I am going to tell you part of what it is, first it is a big blue binder that has a lot of memorabilia kind of stuff in it, that I want kept.  I thought you would like looking through it and the other part is a surprise.  In total you will get about 3 packages from me, I know I have a ton of stuff!! I am sorry again your B-day was cruddy and I do remember that med I thought it was an anti-nausea drug, but my medical stuff is getting a little shady, a full year has killed many things in my memory, haha. You got the movie Frozen for your birthday, Frozen I have heard so much about that movie and I want to see it!! Grrrr...... Anyway I hope you like my birthday present; it will get there in probably about a week.

That is unfair with the warmth you are having, here it is still like 32 degrees.   I am still in sweaters which is alright because I look adorable... Okay adorable was a bad choice of words, lets go with studly haha. I am glad to hear Nick Simms did a good on his farewell talk, my companion right now and Nick were friends back in High School.

I can’t believe how many people have had accidents long boarding. Long boarding is interesting, but lets just say me and a flimsy board that has four wheels and requires me to look cool and ride it BAHAHAHAHA yea I don't fill any of those qualifications.

Purdue and other campuses are their own area, but you have to be a ZL to work on them, and I don’t think that is going to happen for me in my mission, so I probably won’t serve in those areas.

(In his last letter Ben mentioned using Balogna in quesadillas, I asked what he was thinking and who he learned that from) Bologna is great, and mainly I used it because it was in the fridge, after I finished the Balogna I just put lunch meat that I liked inside it. You gave me Bologna as a kid, so it can't be that bad, and Vienna Sausages which are like Bologna so yea. I taught myself to make those; it was a creation out of my ingenious mind of awkwardness haha.

The Spin class thing sounds like a good idea, riding freaking destroys me, and my guess is I will be back on bikes again here in the not too distant future.  So I have to find a way to get my bike from Elkhart and then, if it dies, buy a new one for cheap

(I had two questions for him this week, just my random curiosity.)

How much money do you receive from the mission and is it per week or every other week?  Do you find it is sufficient for your needs? I get 70 bucks every 15 days or so, most the time it is fine for my needs, but other times it is a little shy.  The times I need money from my account are when I am sick and have to buy saltines, Advil or Tylenol or other stuff like that, or Healthier food that is better for me.

When you were living at home you would have delirious moments when we tried to wake you up, where you would talk in your sleep etc.  We always had a good laugh about it. Have any of your companions mentioned this is still something you do? I grew out of me being a crazy freak if you try and wake me up, unless I am on cold medicine, than it is a little different, but not as bad even with that. Actually sometimes I am a light sleeper out here, it just depends really.

The work is going good we found a really solid guy named Aaron who asked us if he could be baptized, also Donald came to church yesterday which was amazing because it was my last week there.  If he keeps it up he will be baptized shortly and also he wants me to come back and baptize him so we will see.  If the Elders here do good they should have 6 baptisms by summer time in this area alone and that is if they only maintain who we have been working with.  I do not speak a lot of Spanish for a few reasons, but I am getting transferred, so it doesn't really matter anymore.  I am going back to Spanish land for real, at least I think... Teaching is going good a lot of people are sad I am leaving, I will miss them, but I will hopefully come back and visit... if they even remember who I am by then.  haha.

(I asked him about the title given his tie in the last letter, and why his shirt looked big) Ok haha, it is probably a little big because I am skinny and muscly, but the comment of his about my tie refers to Oklahoma City Thunder (a Basketball team and Kevin Durant is a player there)  

(Through Facebook I have learned that the mission President has moved an Elder from English speaking to Spanish) President Cleveland has moved one to Spanish, but just because I am striped doesn't mean I am not Spanish it just means that I am not with a Spanish Companion. We have not found any Spanish people to teach in this area, that is probably why they are kicking me out hahaha, but oh well. The shirt was one I went out with and if it is a little wrinkly it is because I didn't want to Iron it... My clothes are hanging in there so we will see.  It is just me that uses the Juan faces, there isn't anything that I can think of that I need right now, but I will let you know. The new Spanish Scrips are awesome so thank you again for those. My companion noticed my new case, but they stay at home and I use them for personal study that way I don't get them messed up, but I need you to make a new case for some other red scrips I have that will be in one of the packages. I have gotten close to several families one is the Smiley's, another is the Tincher's, they want to set me up with their Granddaughter when I am done,  so I am down with that... Another is the Hernandez, but I do not know them too well they just came back from Texas not too long ago, so we will see how that goes.

My health is doing really good.  I have that follow-up Doc appointment here in about 10 days so we will see how that goes. Ok a short funny story because time is on the short side a little because of the transfers and I have to pack. So this morning I was backing up out of our little parking area behind the house and your companion has to stand out of the car behind you, and guide you while you back up.  So I put it in reverse and make sure he is out of the way a little, then I hit the gas and fly back and then hit the brakes and he turns and runs with his arms straight above his head flailing back and forth like noodles screaming. I could not stop laughing for the life of me! Another was while we were cleaning he comes out, and I tell him "you have got a little brown speck or spider or something on your shirt" At which point he looks down and freezes a horrified look on his face as he freaks the heck out, kind of like the news reporter with the lizard, but while screaming like a small child! He then wouldn't hit it off with his bare hand so he ran grabbed a paper towel and then smashed it and threw it in the garbage exclaiming that it was disgusting in a very female voice.  I died of laughter; he has been such a fun companion.  Anyway, that is it for this week, I love you all so much and hope you have a great week, and next week I will let you know what happens for transfers. Love you.

Love, Elder Paxman 

Hope and Faith

This picture was shared by Elder VanHaren's mom to me via facebook.

The caption read:  Mean Man thuggin' with Elder Paxman. I'm Rockin' the classy slim purple.

 Paxman's got the stellar OKC Thunder "K Durrant Whaddup"!!

I have know idea what any of that means and i don't think Elder VanHaren's mom does either. :)

Dear Mom,

So I have been dying to ask you if you got your package.  Did you like your new Spanish Scriptures?  Don’t throw those out you will want to save them. Yes mom, I did indeed get my package, and I really liked the case you made for me, and I might need you to make another one, but a different size.  I really liked my scriptures and also the package, everything was great in them! I am going to keep using my old Spanish Scriptures I have as well, so I will not get rid of them don't worry.

How did you celebrate your year mark?  Did you burn anything? Did you do exchanges on the Purdue campus, how did they go? Okay now to celebrate my year mark we did a few things, first we spent all that day at Purdue so actually I didn't get my package till the next day.  Our neighbor dropped it by, she had picked it up because she didn't want it to get stolen. While we were on Purdue we went to BW's (No idea what BW is?)One of the greatest places ever!! Mainly because we hear real music and watch sports bahahaha, I know I am terrible..... Campus was awesome though I used to be terrified of it because It is harder for me to talk to people that are my same age for some reason, but it went really well and if I was to ever serve there I would be a happy camper. It is fun, the only problem is that I would not really be speaking Spanish and I would have to be a ZL which to my knowledge is not going to be happening anytime here soon. Thank Goodness...

Will you or your companion be transferred this week?  As far as transfers go I think one of us is getting transferred which will most likely mean me, but we will find out here next week

What did you buy at JC Penny for 81.00?  I saw this on your personal debit card. Oh the 81 dollars was a few things, a gift for my companion, a new shirt, and a gift for an investigator for her birthday, so yea I totally forgot about that... sorry. [:{)

Dying to know what you sent to the stranger whose email you thought was Kenzie? Was it embarrassing? Luckily I did not write anything stupid or embarrassing on the random dudes email.

Did you get her corrected email address I sent with your package?  Was it different than the one I emailed originally? Yes there was a difference in the emails one had some numbers on the end and the other didn't.

Do you ever use gel in your hair anymore?  Just curious. Ha ha. Do I ever use gel in my hair anymore..... Ay mi madre, claro que si!!!! Yes mom I still do, goodness gracious if it isn't one thing it is another hahaha.

What food do you eat the most that you make for yourself? Things I eat often are instant mashed potatoes that I can microwave, another is Cereal, but not just any cereal, they are freaking Captain Crunch Berries with freaking MARSHMALLOWS!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is awesome!! Also, eggs and hash-browns, and last but not least quesadillas with bologna. So yea.... I have not gained weight though, except maybe in rippling muscle!!

I saw that in your mission page that they had a district/zone meeting somewhere that was March Madness/basketball based.  Are you guys having that as well? He didn’t even answer this question. :/

What was this costume zone thing you mentioned, and what did you dress as?  Did you take picture? ... I dressed as a pimp from the 80's, well not really just a fancy man and yes I got pics. hahahaha

I can’t believe that in a few months you will be teaching Brooklyn to drive, hahahaha I can remember how stressed you were with me, now imagine that with her BAHAHAHAHAHA!! I wish I could be there in the back seat just rolling haha. I know she is going to be driving soon and by the time I get home she will almost have her license!!  

Lincoln and Kyle went and saw the movie he said a member recommended in the last letter.  I am now really jealous that they got to see that movie, haha little buggers.

A friend of mine recommended two places in Indiana that her husband and son love.  I told him he should try them sometime.  Ok I don't mean this mean against your friend, but I have had White Castle.......Stinking Bat Crap Nasty man that place was disgusting, I never want to eat there again, who knows maybe it was just a bad day, but it tasted terrible!!! And Pizza King I will have to try, I have never eaten there. There are a couple of awesome restaurants here in Logansport, like B&K, It is awesome!!  When we come back we will be eating here.  

Spring weather is not even here yet, we have had about 3 days above 40 and that’s it, so we will see, this week is supposed to be in the 50's. There is talk that  they think we will have a drought or a really bad summer this year..... yay

I really like the story that Elder Cook shared, it just goes to show that the spirit will work in many different ways, and if we but heed to the call we can see many blessings follow. Mom I do not think that your letters are too long; it just makes me feel loved haha. I made up the Juan faces myself, I know they pretty sweet, but I was bored one day and thought about them haha.

So this week’s little spiritual note is on Hope. This week I learned a lot on Hope.  We had some times when it was like I just wanted to find the nearest table and flip it! (an expression we use) it drove me insane and also moments that were amazing and I wanted more of them. Anyway it brought to my mind that you don't just hope for things in the future, but also things that have already come to be and that you are doing right now. I feel often times in my head I am asking the question "I really hope this works..." Now sometimes it does and sometimes not, but the hope and the faith it took to make that decision makes all the difference in my eyes. Also it has helped me realize how in reality, how hopeful I was as a young boy and still am now. I feel sometimes I am one of those people that just hope for best and looks for the silver lining even if I never end up finding it. I feel it is what keeps me moving forward, the thought of a brighter day or a happier second or the hope that I learned what I was supposed to the day before. I truly believe that this life would be utterly pointless if we did not have Hope even to the slightest degree in our lives. So anyway lots of thoughts on that throughout this week that will continue into this week. Other than that not much has happened this week besides we had exchanges, first with Elder VanHaren early in the week, then on Purdue and then with the Assistants!! It was a crazy week, I taught a hilarious lesson with a man under the influence of alcohol, where the spirit actually touched his heart even if it was only for a moment, but we never know whose lives we will touch today so might as well try and touch as many as possible and just hope that something we say or do will stick and if not at least you have the hope and knowledge that you tried. Well I am running behind and have to get going.   I love you all so much and hope you have a great week, let me know of any questions you have in particular even if you just take a poll from all the wonderful people who read my blog hahaha.  Well I love you guys and hope that all continues to go well and that we may all follow the Lord's will, anyway love you and hope to hear from you soon.

Love, Elder Paxman

AAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNDDD JUAN!!  [:{) 

[:{) Juan loves you too! ONE YEAR THIS WEEK!!

*A few pieces of his letters to Dad and Bailee this week:

Dear Dad,

Mom writes sometimes too good of letters, but I am glad she does it makes me feel like home still isn't far away and that I am not missing two years of everybody’s life if that makes sense. Anyway I will keep it short, this week was good and all is well out here.  We have one investigator preparing for baptism in April so we are hoping they will be ready by then, but we shall see. Man the mission is going by way too fast though and wish it would slow down, but yet don't because than my guess is it would mean that the mission doesn't mean as much, because of the old saying you know "time flies when you are having fun" So as long as I get to live it the best I can right?

Te quiero y ojala que todo esta bien aya pero vamos a perseverar antonces, nos vemos en un ratito.

con amor, tu hijo, Elder Paxman

Dear Bailee and Kyle,

 I am still just your goofy younger brother that thinks things are "all good" and still uses his Stitch impression on occasion. haha. I do love the mission though so much, and I am sad to see it be half over... Spring Break!! I wish it were that here hahaha I think it is more of just another winter break it seems we are supposed to get some more snow on Wednesday. Be sure to enjoy the sunshine and fun for me too! Thanks it is interesting that a year has already flown by; I wish it wouldn't go so fast, but yet it is nice at the same time, because it generally means I am loving it, if you know what I mean? I'm glad you like my Juan faces,  I do love the Juan faces they make me chuckle, ha ha.  Oh and my spiritual thought of this week is on time, I have found that if we love something and want it deeply enough we will MAKE time for it. Also that time should not be our enemy as something wished to be obtained and to have back again, but our friend to remind us of the past, help us live the present, and push us into the future. For me it is hard to see this sometimes, but when I do it, it’s really nice and makes life a little easier to tackle at times

Love, Elder Paxman

[:{) Juan loves you too!! BAHAHHAHA man I make lame jokes.... [:{(

(I, mom, don’t ever get Spanish messages, or Juan faces, I fell neglected. Just kidding)

Dear Mom,

Ok, so first the email address you gave me for Kenzie was not the right one... It was some guy named Michael, but he was nice about it so it was worth a good laugh...

The mission has gone by way too fast!! I wish it would slow down but it only gets faster and faster as more time goes on. As far as transfers go I am not sure what is going to happen, my guess is we will both stay or they will give me a new companion. I am good where I am at, I really like my companion and the area, so I would be fine staying here.

I am way excited for the package on my year mark, but I can't really think of anything else that you could include in there... Sorry I am the same as you, I think of stuff I want to tell or ask you and then forget it as the week/time goes on, that is why missionaries always have their planners I guess.

(Ben’s mission changed their policy on attending the temple.  So starting now they can attend the temple once every six months.  Depending on where in Indiana they are serving they will either attend the Chicago or Louisville temple.  They have to be taken by members. Ben is so excited to finally be able to go to the temple again.) I have my white pants so all I need is the ordinance clothes and shoes, not the bag I will just use a backpack. I don't have plans to go soon, but it is because we can only go a select few times so I am debating whether to wait for a convert or someone in the branch that I am close to, too go so I can go with them then rather just having a member take us. I would love to be able to go to both temples, and the Indy temple, but I am not sure if the Indy one will be finished in time or not. (It’s expected to finish early in 2015, so he should at least still be there during the open house.)

 It sounds like life is busy back home, I do feel bad for dad that he doesn't have anyone to go to the Priesthood session with, that is one of my favorite traditions, to go to Priesthood session and then food afterwards. That is awesome that you got 5 tickets to go to the women’s conference that should be really cool to go up and see.

The trip south should also be really fun! I loved going down there and I am excited to be able to go back again after my mission. I have been out long enough, that I have now gotten to the point where most movies people mention I have not seen!!!! I thought that would never happen, but there are a few movies people have been telling us are awesome and a few cool songs too.  Two movies that I think I want to see, depending on the rating is one called Non-Stop and another called The Wolverine, they both sound really good, so add those to the list that you and dad should be making, so that I can watch those when I get home. Oh also you should watch Michael Henry and Justin Robinett's version of Billy Jean, it was really cool an investigator showed it to us because he really likes Michael Jackson. It is super sick. Anyway the weather here has been cold as usual, except two days we had 40's which was awesome!

Also we had a costume like contest for our Zone Training it was fun, I will have to send you pictures of that. Soon I will be sending home a package with a bunch of stuff in it.

(I asked him if he prefers the hot humid weather of summer or the cold of winter) I think I like the hot humid rather than the cold, but I am not sure. People say this summer is going to be really bad. That is awesome to hear about the Weaver family, I am so glad that they are really liking the missionary discussions, that will be a great thing for them.  I really like that family a lot!!  You will have to tell them hi for me and the best of wishes. Also tell the Romero's hi, I would like to go back up there in that area and serve one of these days, but I have no idea, we will see what the future brings for me. I think I have dreamed in Spanish, it has gotten sometimes where if I have been talking in Spanish for a while it just starts to sound... normal kind of like English does. . Some people pick up Spanish really quick while others don't, I didn't really pick it up super quick, but it comes with time and practice.

That is good that you saw Kenny, how is the old man doing?? I miss hearing his stories, he has been like a second father to me, so it is interesting to hear about him after such a long time. You will have to keep me updated on Kenny and the wife situation.

I am glad Aunt Mel is okay, that is always scary when stuff like that happens, and I will be sure to keep her in my prayers... I know I will be the oldest missionary in the family here soon, and I think I already am in the Ward if I remember right... Oh I almost forgot, we do have traditions for the one year mark that should be fun.  It is for every six months you burn a different article of clothing, first tie than shirt than slacks, than a suit. (I told him if he burns a suit I will have to hurt him, ha ha) My suits are also holding up just fine, The member just gave me the suit because he was getting rid of it and I looked super fly in  it hahahaha, not really but I like to think so. I do shine my shoes, the biggest thing I thrash is the bottom of them.  One pair is already taking heavy damage in one area and the others are doing alright, I do have to get new shoe laces for them though.

No new Gators yet, but the work is going really well. Sunday was awesome we did not have a dinner appointment; we do tonight though with the Davis family, who I really like. I do feel like we are pretty busy every day, and if not it is easy to fix by going by some less actives or tracting. I am doing alright on the Journal it isn't the best, but it is doing really well for me. Oh and I just use mama for mommy in Spanish it is like mom or mother but informal so that is what I use, it works better haha.

So now this week, this last week has been good, lots of exchanges which have gone well and we have one where I will be going on Purdue campus.  This will probably be on Thursday on my year mark, but we aren't for sure so I will let you know about that next week. The thought and such I will include this week though came from our gospel principles class on Sunday and brought for me a lot of personal thinking. It was on God is our loving Heavenly Father, now it took an interesting turn when the teacher went on about how there were times in his life where he was mad at God for the things that have happened in his life.  It made me think if I had ever been mad at my Father in Heaven.... I came to the conclusion after much pondering and thought that no, I never have been, so I mentioned that in the class. Now the teacher looks at me weird, and is like really you never have kind of questioned or been why, and I said yea, if I have ever been angry at someone for things that happen to me it is always myself never God. He then knowing me (Bro. Tincher is his name I really like him) says even with all the crap you have been through in your life you have never been mad at God or even felt the right to be mad at Him?!?? I said kind of calmly no, He has given me everything right? So if he takes something then it is in His will and it is for my better. Especially with my health challenges I have noticed this, not once did I ever think "Oh why does this happen to me???!!!" or things like that. I came to the conclusion of why is from a quote from the Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration movie when Emma asks Joseph "Do you think God ever asks too much??" And Joseph after a long pause says "No, I do not let myself". To me that almost means I can't or will not let myself think of it. I have felt the same, if I think of it in that manner than sure I could have been mad (which I don't!!!), but I don't let myself think that way, because if I did it would eat me alive I feel. There you have it, my spiritual thoughts for the week. I really enjoyed them, all is well out here and I hope everything continues to go well at home. I love you all so much and you are in my prayers often. Hope you have a great week.

Love, Elder Paxman

Scripture Slide Case

A few weeks ago Elder Paxman requested a new set of Spanish Scriptures and a case for them at his 1 year mark.  The ones he was given in the MTC are thrashed.  He wanted a case that was just a sleeve or small zip case to hold the scriptures to protect them in his backpack.  He already has a nice scripture bag.

The two Elders serving in our stake have been in our home a lot teaching some lessons and I noticed they had these great holders that are just a cardboard slide with fun pictures and quotes.

I want one of these!!

So I asked them where thy bought them... They made them!

Seriously!!  These Elders have skills.  

Apparently it is a thing in our mission and some other missions.

So I took a picture and sent it to Elder Paxman and asked if the Elders in his area made these. 

He said, Yes, some have them, but he doesn't think he is creative enough to make one.

Here is a quick picture of one of the cases owned by one of the Elders serving here.

He made is using a cereal box, pictures from the church magazines and packing tape.

I decided to make one to hold Elder Paxmans new scriptures that I will send him this week.

It was a FUN project!  Plus he will have a case made by his mommy! :-)

I started with some Church magazines

a ruler

an exacto knife and a free box from FED EX.

Linc decided a cereal box would not last long.

The Fed ex box is a lot thicker and stronger.

Below are pictures...

I put the box together and then put the scriptures inside to measure where to cut it.

I had to cut it off the top and one side because it was too long.

 I took the piece I cut off the side and slid it into the big part of the box, to make it a perfect fit and still have finished edges on both sides.

 Then began the decorating!!  This was fun to decide what to put on it.

I bought a few pictures at Deseret Book 

printed a few small things off the internet 

and used some from the New Era.

Below is the front

The Spine

 One of the sides, the touch all the lines is a picture I got The Indiana Indianapolis page, it has some importance to Elder Paxmans mission.

 The back

 The other side

 The scriptures fit snugly inside.  To get them out you just give a little shake and they slide out enough to grab them.

 

This was such a fun project, and I wanted to put it here on Elder Paxman's blog as documentation.

I can't wait until he gets it on Thursday, March 13, 2014.  His 1 year date!

Blessings and Challenges

Drew and I at his baptism last Saturday!

Dear Mom,

Ok, so I have no idea where to start because I was kind of laughing throughout the letter and yet thinking of all the fun. So here goes nothin. First my health has been alright, I got a little sick not too long ago, but all is going fairly well. (This letter will probably require a lot of my little explanations, as he went right through my letter and addressed each topic I wrote about.)

(I attended a Missionary Mommas Retreat this past weekend and told him all about the fun, also there were 16 moms of missionaries from Indianapolis in attendance.) 16 Indy moms, goodness gracious! They must come from all over because Elder Hjelm and Elder Stones moms are from Idaho and Colorado, so that must be crazy. Elder VanHaren and I are tight for a couple reasons, one is because he is my district leader, and two is because he has a bucket list, which is awesome because I have one too. Another reason is because I was there when he came out, now we, our whole district is tight, and we are bro's and have some pretty freaking awesome adventures. Overall your retreat sounds like an amazing experience with you and the other moms. (I also found out this week that his mission has a facebook page where the mission posts pictures etc.)  I thought you knew that our mission had a Facebook page, although we aren't really allowed to look at it so I have no idea how it is, but you will have to let me know.

(I told him we are having a few difficulties with our foreign exchange student) I am sorry that things are not going too well with Regina, hopefully things will come around, just keep working with her.  I guess I really have no idea, luckily the parenting thing is not in my job description at the moment haha. (We have been having missionary lessons in our home for about the past month with our foreign exchange student and I told him how we are loving the experience) I am glad you are seeing the Joy working with the missionaries, keep it up, we as missionaries love it when we have families to work with that are super cool. Do the missionaries have a lot of member appointments there in Utah? I would imagine? Here in my area not so much, but back in Utah probably tons.

(His sister Brooklyn placed first in Region Inspirations in Photography and gets to move on to State)That is amazing for Brooklyn that she is able to do all that with her photos.  I want to see it one of these days. That is also cool that her show is enjoyable for her, there is a part of me that wants to get back into all that singing and such... But who knows. I hope Brooklyn will do well in State this year with her photos.

(I explained that in my calling right now we are getting into the thick of planning youth conference) Youth Conference, it is crazy to think that I never had the opportunity to go to those. L I think I actually went to one overall, Trek.  (I told him that I had visited with a family in our ward that he used to Home Teach and that they said they just love him.) Of course they love me.... Well come on I am me...

(So apparently Ben lost some sort of bet to his companion and needed the email address of a girl he knew in high school.  I was asked to get it from her via facebook.  I then told him, bet or no bet… do not embarrass yourself.) Ok yea I get your point but whatever.  Okay Mom I will not make an idiot of myself... Come on now, give me some respect, I mean I am absolutely terrible with girls so if I make a fool of myself it will not be because of a bet, it will be because I am a missionary and am super awkward around girls hahaha. Although I do have to say you know me too well mom. Also that is cool that Bai gets to play her understudy role in the show that should be fun for her.

So the work this past week has been really good, we have been working a lot on LARCS as well as trying to find new people, sadly on those fronts nothing really panned out... But we did get an investigator who has been investigating for a while named Donald to get on a Baptismal date, which he is really excited for.  It is set for the 27th of April. So if I stay here for another transfer, I will be here for it. Other than that not a ton has happened on that phase of the work, we are just continuing to try and find people to teach so hopefully here soon we can do that.

Now for the Baptism, we had the baptism this last Saturday and it was really good!  My part in it was the confirmation, which was a really good experience for me, and even more so for him.  He and I are really tight seeing as my companion and I found him and taught him and baptized him.  He is pretty chill all the way around I would say. I am so happy for him!!

I am still loving the area a lot, and we did try a new town on the borders called Delphi.  We didn't have a lot of luck there, but we were only there for a little bit of time.  It is okay, we will continue to try and get by there every once in a while. My Spanish is doing alright.  It is holding in there, I am really trying to work on it in my studies, this is nice because it will help me to get used to what it really feels like when I will be home and not be able to speak it on an everyday basis. (I sent him the little spiritual message that I heard in Music and the Spoken Word this weekend) I liked the little message at the end of the music and the spoken word. Although, it would have been cool for you to see Elder Holland, I would have been so jealous! Well maybe next time.

Anyway other than that this week has been really good.  One thing I have realized is that I have a lot of pretty awesome stories or at least that is what a lot of people tell me, so that is cool because I have always wanted them. Anyway as far as studies go there was something that I noticed that I really enjoyed.  It is in Preach my gospel at the end of chapter 8 in the study and applications part. It talks about how it wants you to think of the final day in the mission and what you want to say you have become, what you want people to notice is different about you, and also how do you want to have changed. So overall it was really cool to see and to think about.  It makes me realize how long I have really been out and the blessings I have seen and the challenges I have had. This week we talked with a lot of people about challenges and I personally like talking about this topic because it allows us to see the hand of God more in our lives. One thing that stood out to me was someone said that sometimes extra ordinary spirits have a harder time in this life so they may learn and grow.  Then we went into Elder Nelsons talk on this subject, it is from the talk he gave last conference, and I really love that talk a lot.  I feel as though I can connect with it exceptionally well. You should all read it!! One more thought before I end, it was that of remembering those days of baptisms.  When Drew was baptized it reminded me of all the baptisms I have seen in my life and the ones I have been a part of, which makes it even more interesting.  We learn something or feel something from all of them and I realized that I have seen many in my short 20 years and am grateful for that.  Well next email I am going to talk a little about the feelings I’m having of what it is like to be a year old.

 Anyway I have taken a long time and I still have to email other people. Well I love you all so much and am grateful for the prayers that us missionaries receive on an hourly basis.  I hope you have a great week and that all goes well. Love you all and hope to hear from you soon.

Love, tu hijo Elder Paxman