9 Weeks to Serve: Singles Wards, Vultures and Tigers!

Dear Mom,

This last week though was a rough one for me mom that is for sure. Not as far as health goes, but motivation. I will get into that later, well and it wasn't that bad, just different than I am used to.

I told him that we had a serious hair crisis with some highlights for his sister. Hahaha, you women and coloring your hair. I am sure it did not look that bad. Plus if Bai were to just keep it natural it would look plenty cute I am sure.  I am sure it was a lovely mess of things; I can see it now... ooohhohooh freak mom, I am not looking forward to those antics and female drama again, and I am supposed to marry one of you weird creatures!! The excitement level for that just went down a few solid notches. ;-)

Your aunt told me that your Cousin Alex is very excited for his buddy to get home so you can hang out.  I am excited to hang with him when I get home.

Thoughts on taking less active cousins to the singles ward with you when you get home? Singles ward!! What makes you think I am going to that torturous place where happiness and souls go to perish? You know how outer darkness is never shown to man for very long, it is because it would be a singles ward, where you are the only single!! Which is what actually happens!!!! It is freaking insane!! You show up the first time and they give you this dinky flower/boutonniere  thingie;  that says one of two things. Either: "Here I am a nice hunk of fresh meat!!" (Now imagine a a deer shaking its butt at a hunter who intends to kill the thing with his bare hands) Freaky I know!!!! Or option number two, (Some voice calls from the background) “Did anybody ask for a reject!! Anyone! No well if you need to find him, look for the flower!" What is this Prom!!! Freak mom, I am not even home yet and you bring that terrible place up. I would give a full discourse on singles wards, but it would take too long. Okay so maybe that was a little exaggerated... It isn't all that bad, just a giant meat market with vultures and tigers. You want to scare someone away... Send them to the singles ward. After you get friends it is alright. Until then, freaking nightmare! Now like I said maybe exaggerated, but it won't be as bad if you are one of the people who actually has a girl to sit with. Then you aren't in the recall section. Which in the ward I went to was the middle. Anyway, enough about evil things. ;)   I think his description of singles wards is harsh… remember the only time he attended one he was home for medical from the mission and his heart wasn’t in it, and all of his friends were on missions.  The people in the ward were actually very nice to him.

There is going to be a pot luck type gathering in Indiana when we visit, would you be interested in attending this?  Many members from Elkhart and Indianapolis will be there plus other returned missionaries that are there to go the temple open house. That would be awesome!! Although are we invited? I do not want to crash someone else's party I would feel really bad. Although that would be awesome! Plus it would be great to see some of the old missionaries again. Although, I hope to see Elder Hjelm before then. He is busy I am sure, and might not be able to make it to my homecoming.

How has the work been this past week? We continue to pray for you and your investigators. Thank you for the prayers. As far as the work goes this week, nothing too crazy has come up. We are really trying to find, and to this point with no avail. So hopefully things will improve on that front. I would love to find, teach and baptize a family before the end of my mission. Margarita is doing alright; she is still in the same place as she was before. She is so close mom, I can feel it. I just do not know when it will happen for her. I hope and pray that I get to see that day while I am still out here.

We did teach an English class this weekend which went really well actually. So we are doing that every Saturday and are hoping that it will open plenty of doors. There is a fiancé of a member here that we are really trying to teach. He has a desire, it is small, I think he is scared and a little nervous, but he is a really good man. So we are really hoping and working with him. Also we did find 3 really cool guys last week. They are not super interested at this point, but they are willing to have us come back. So we are really working on establishing friendship with them. Yesterday we went and spent time with them, watched some of a good soccer game, and also just talked about their lives and just hung out. It was really nice. They have potential; it will just take some time.

Have you heard from the Diaz family lately?  Will you get to see them before you go home? We will see them when we go back in July? I have not heard from the D family, I need to give them a call sometime and see how things are going. Thank you for the reminder to give them a call. Yea when I go down for my last doc appointment here on the 17th I really hope to be able to see them one last time before I go home.

You mentioned doing yard work, was this service? Yea the yard work is just for service, it is not too bad and I don't mind it.

You said you are working on listing or where you make an index using a map and list all the Hispanic people on it.  Is this to help with tracting.  It will help those that follow you as well. Yea we hope it will really pay off for those whom will come after us, and that we can really have a good base to work from. This week we will be in Frankfort for about half of the week really trying to help that area grow. So I am really hoping that all that goes really well.

Do you like the Branch President in this area? I really like President Horton, he is a really nice guy and way down to earth. He also has a motorcycle. So that is awesome as well. He has been the Branch Pres for a good amount of time, I want to say a good 5 years or so, maybe less. He has a family our size. He has 2 sons and a daughter. They are a super nice family.

Did you know Natalia Coffin had gone to China to do some sort of Study abroad? I actually did know that. Elder Labrum served in White River not too long ago, and she left when he was there, or close too. So he mentioned it. That would be really a really cool experience, although I would like to go to somewhere in South America or Spain. I hope she is enjoying it.

So more onto the spiritual thought. I have been thinking a fair amount about desires. I will continue to do so, because I have just started at the end of this last week. Well I found some very interesting things. As I mentioned earlier, this last week was really hard for me to get motivated, I am not even entirely sure why. My desires to really teach were just not as strong as usual. Luckily I would just drag myself out anyway. So I realized something, and I knew it, because we had been taught this principle since we were little, but it had never come to me so strong. That is this; that God grants us according to our desires. When we truly have the desire, God gives us the ways and the means to accomplish the task or whatever it may be. Many times it is just by helping us to continue to have those great desires. The will of one person can change the course of the world, not to mention the lives of those around them. Now Agency will not be hindered in this of course. But our influence will spread far beyond what we know, as I have come to find out. Now with me being unmotivated, there were several things I did to try and help. One of which was to try my best to be happy and go out there and do it anyway. Sometimes we obtain a desire whilst in the middle of the journey. Another one is when your goal is in sight it is easier to obtain it. For example I suffer from what I call hiker's syndrome. As many people can testify once I get to my destination or some point along the trail and I see something better or another peak ahead, I immediately press on to go to that mountain. Now there will always be more mountains so usually someone has to stop me or something else dissuades me from the next adventure. Overall though if we pray to our  Heavenly Father to help us to have a righteous desire, whatever it may be, He will help us obtain it. To me this just shows the great love our Father in Heaven has for us. He loves us so completely that He is willing to answer our prayers and even give us small mercies. Heavenly Father in reality cares for each one of us, so deeply and tenderly He is willing to give us what we desire. Now if our desires are not pure, we are the workers of our own destruction. I was talking once with a companion about this and how he thought it would be at the last day. We discussed it for a while and we came to the conclusion that we will judge ourselves just as much as He will judge us. Now this isn't doctrine or anything just the thoughts of some young men when they are bored. Heavenly Father will never force us to do anything. So if we like to drink, and have "fun" that is what we will receive. As Alma said Wickedness never was Happiness. I have learned that Sin is never happiness, but as many people know it sure can be fun. That is what makes things so tempting, if sinning sucked than nobody would ever even have the temptation to do wrong things. Fun is momentary and not all the time bad, Happiness and joy last forever if we let them. They are those memories we can look back on with joy and peace, and yes sometimes this does include fun, but I think you get my point. Some of my greatest memories are with Dad; we have had so many great times together. Like the time we tried to go Dove hunting on our pretty much last weekend together. The trip went anything but as planned, but we made the best of it, and I doubt dad or I will forget that trip for many years to come. I guess all in all, God will grant us what we desire, those who desire riches work for them till the point they obtain them. Therefore in a roundabout way, God grants them what they desire, no this isn't like a genie wish or anything. Desire means you are willing to work for it, I believe that is the difference between desire and want. Desire like faith is a concept of action, wanting like belief often times requires very little effort, and a thing of the mind. Now I am not the greatest with words so if I explain something wrong I am sorry, I hope this helps someone though. Desires are great if they are based on those things that matter most, and are of "good report". They can also be hindering if they are after something that brings about bad consequences. In my experience this week though I learned that we can always obtain those good desires, sometimes they take work in and of themselves, but they will come if we are willing to work. Dad used to say stuff like All things come to a man that works. Of course I phrased it differently, but overall to have righteous desires is the start to living a happy and righteous life. Now we must use those desires to fuel our lives and help us be better.

Well my thoughts were probably all over the place, but that has been my thoughts over the last week or so, along with a ton of others of course. Well I love you mom and you and the fam and many others are in my prayers often. I am excited to talk with you in about 2 weeks!! It is crazy that the time has gone by so fast! Then after that, I will only have around 50 days till you see me in person 8/ not sure how good that sounds. Well I love you and I hope to hear from you next week!

Love, Elder Paxman

Hoosierville and Chasing Chickens

Columbus, Seymour and Mt Vernon missionaries. This picture was taken before last transfers.

Dear Mom,

This last week has been pretty good.

Have you adjusted to being in Columbus and living at the Nehrings house?  Did you get a bed or are you sleeping on what? As far as living with the Nehrings it’s pretty good. It is really nice of them to let us use their house. As for a bed I am using a couch... So yea it isn't that bad luckily.

Living in the basement of the Nehrings, do you interact with them much? We do interact with the Nehrings quite a bit.

I imagine living in Columbus where the branch is located; maybe you get dinner appointments more often.  Is this true?  Or are you mostly still cooking for yourself?  I do get fed a little bit more; it is a lot easier to budget things when you get fed every-once in a while. Now the only problem is with traveling back and forth we eat out a fair amount which bites.

So do you guys drive out to Seymour a few days a week or how does that work?  How are you teaching the investigators that you already had out there like Bertin and Carlos?  Do you still look for new investigators out in Seymour or just teach the ones you already had? We are usually in Seymour about 3-4 days of the week. We do look for new investigators and such, but it makes things hard with the cold and the weather and everything. Also we are now not allowed to tract after dark, which is like after 6... So this is going to be very interesting.

Did you move all of your stuff out of your apartment in Seymour and do you still get your mail there or should we start sending your mail to Columbus? How many miles is it exactly out to Seymour and how long does it take you to drive there? I am about halfsies in both apartments, because we don't have a ton of room in Columbus, and we do spend nights every once in a while in Seymour so it all works out alright; it isn't ideal, but it works. You can send mail to either address we get it from both of them. It takes about 35-45 minutes to drive between the two cities; it will probably start to take longer seeing as it is getting colder and icier here.

I have noticed on your personal debit card that you have a charge to a place OLFY quite often.  So I googled it to see what it was and it said it's called Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt?  Is this what it is? Orange leaf frozen yogurt, yea we eat there quite a bit. It is one of the places we eat here in Seymour. It is mostly frozen yogurt, which is what I get anyway. It is filling and tasty. In fact we will probably go there tonight, I like it, but we will see.  

Have you found any new investigators since becoming a trio or just continuing to teach people you already had? How is it going being in a trio? We have not found any news since we have been together. We are teaching some investigators that they already had and some I had, so we are working with them, and LARCS as well as members. I love being with Elder Rowberry again; he is a great friend of mine. I also really like Elder Blood.  I feel for the most part the trio is going pretty well. We are also getting better as time goes on and we are growing more accustomed to the way we teach, act, and work.

How are your investigators from Seymour doing?  Carlos is going to be baptized on the 29^th, he just has to pass his interview. Bertin is coming along, but is struggling with a testimony of Joseph Smith so if you could pray specifically for him about that, it would mean the world to me.

I see that you got snow today, Sunday.  Did you get a lot of snow or just a little bit?  Do the people of Columbus get snow often?  You are quite a bit south; do they know how to drive in the snow there?  Has it been really cold? We did get snow today only about an inch though as of Monday. Elder Blood was freaking out hahaha, oh Californians haha. Mom no one knows how to drive in the snow here in southern Indiana... We get a bit of snow, not a lot, and really only this last winter. Usually it is a little cold and maybe a tiny bit of snow, but we keep getting the polar vortex thing or whatever the heck that is. I have a blanket now, so I am good there, for the most part I am staying warm.

My hair is quite long haha I am getting it cut on Wednesday by an English member. So that should be fun. Although a lot of people like my hair this length, it is kind of strange I actually don't mind it too much either.

Daddy is going to make 3 big lighted Christmas trees to avoid hanging lights on the house.  I will miss them on the house. I think the big trees thing is a lot cooler than the ones on the house. I’ll make you a deal though, if he does all of those trees, when I get home, I will put up some on the roof, just for you mom.

I love how my room becomes the bunker haha. Makes me chuckle. Special Christmas Candy I would like are those freaking Butterfinger bells!!!!! They are the best!! Little chiming pieces of heaven are what those are right there. Good looking sweaters for Christmas maybe...? Not just plain ones either, ones with stripes and designs, they let us wear those. Also, I will probably need mediums.  One cool Christmas present idea is to go online and get all of the families or some of them anyway favorite conference talks and burn them onto CD's and have them sent out to me. Or you know a girl, that would be nice. Just to write me of course tehehe. Other things about Christmas I am not sure. Music is a huge one. I am not sure though really... I will try and think more on that. Wow I can't believe that Grandma and Grandpa are already about done with their missions, it just blows my mind... It will be nice to be able to go to their house again for holidays and have some of Grandmas bread again. Maybe some of grandmas bread for Christmas haha.

Do you have an invite for Thanksgiving dinner yet? Someone will probably feed us, but I am not sure who, or whom. Sometimes we get like 5 meals on that day, but we will see.

Is Elder Rowberry excited to go home or sad?  And I commented to his mom via his blog… no motorcycle. I think he is both; I will miss him a lot though.  Why no motorcycle? We need to get a gang together so we can ride and have fun adventures.

Brooklyn has been hanging with a really good group of guy friends and we told him about some of her adventures. Good friends my freaking BUTT!! Those young boys better keep their eyes peeled, because when I come back... ooooohh man I will be on the prowl like a freaking wild beast! They even look funny and I will hit them so hard when they wake up their hair will be out of style!! Well maybe not... Ba ha. We will see when that times gets here 8/  

Joel comes home in December. I think I will now be the last of all my friends to come home pretty much. I was lucky to have good friends throughout most of my life.

Sounds like you will be in the mission for the Indiana Temple open house and dedication.  I’ll bet that news excites you. Yes if it goes according to schedule I will get to do a lot of stuff with it hopefully! We will see when that time comes. If I think too much of the future it seems the present escapes from me.

So I am running out of time, but I will try and tell the stuff I wish to before I have to go. So, a little funny story, we went to this street mid-week because the Columbus sisters needed us to go to a lesson with them. So we drive to this road called Dawson St. which is pretty infamous I hear. Although I did not know why, well we show up and I am talking freaking Hoosierville!! PWT out the wazoo!!!! It was crazy! There was a Deer head freshly lopped off hanging from a tree like a Christmas decoration, and garbage everywhere, along with tons of other junk. So we show up to the house we are supposed to go to with the Sisters and there are probably 80 chickens walking about, and cats and other creatures. Well Elder Blood being the Cali boy he is, wanted to catch one... He then proceeded to chase chickens around for a good 15 min. It was like a small child. (he is so funny).  I was like okay you stink at this, so I go and surround one with him, and he has like 20 chances to catch this stupid fat chicken and he doesn't do it. It turns out he was afraid they were going to attack him or peck him with their "sharp beaks" as he referred to them. It was pretty funny. Also we got pictures of the sister teaching a cat the law of Chastity... Man mom we are weird as missionaries... Anyway that was a funny story of the week.

Okay so now the spiritual stuff. This week I was struggling with my own personal self-worth. Wondering if I was doing all I could to be a good missionary, and to do all the things that are required of us. Not only this, but also if I could do it, because I am imperfect, and broken. Yet after a prayer that literally felt as if I was communing with God (as every prayer should probably feel). I was reading in the scriptures and I ended up in D&C 76. In which is described many things of the Plan of Salvation. One part of which, being the kingdoms of Glory. I was reading about the Celestial kingdom when one verse stuck out to me. It said something along the lines of. "these are those who have overcome..." Overcome, this made me think deeply for quite some time. Overcoming can only be possible if there is something to overcome. Which is proof to me that those who inherit the highest tier in the Celestial Kingdom of God will be those who although imperfect, broken and weak, will have Overcome themselves and the challenges of this life to inherit eternal Glories with our Father above. This brought great comfort and peace to my heart. I know that through the Atonement of Christ we may all overcome those things that are affecting us and binding us down to the gulf of endless misery and woe, even if that is ourselves. So cling on to God and run forward never doubting, that he is by your side waiting to deliver you in those moments of need! I hope to inherit that great kingdom above with all of those whom I love. Well my time is pretty much up, but I know that we can all make it to that Kingdom if we but follow the precepts and Commandments of God and His Son Jesus Christ the very Savior of the World of whom I testify.

Well I love you all and hope that this week is full of enjoyable adventures. Love you all and have fun!

Love, Elder Paxman

We are a Christ centered church!!

*A little note before you read this letter that will help explain some of the context. Elder Paxman’s greenie unfortunately had to come home last week; he was given an honorable medical release.  Elder Paxman has really struggled with this process as he has grown to love his companion very much and was sad to see him leave. 

Dear Mom,

Okay, so first on the list of things I guess.

Where are you living?  Who is your companion? Are you on a bike or in a car?  Were you able to stay with Elder Seegmiller until he came home?  My address is still the same for now. It is kind of confusing because I am living with the Nehrings in Columbus, as well as in our apartment in Seymour.  That leads me to the next thing, I am in a trio, haha and this part is good, I am with Elder Blood and Elder Rowberry!! We are covering both of the areas. So we also have a full time car. I kind of wish though that they would have just given me one of the visa waiters, it would have been easier.  I will miss Elder Seegmiller he is a great friend. He did indeed stay with me the whole time. In fact I gave him a hug and said goodbye and helped him load his luggage into the car that would take him straight from there to the airport. My friendship with Elder Seegmiller was in my opinion amazing. We were very close, at least in my eyes. We left on really good terms, one of the last things he said was, “I will see you at your homecoming”!  So that was nice and I really hope to see him there.

Anyway, funny thought, Elder Rowberry "killed me off" as we say in the mission (Elder Rowberry was Ben's companion when he had to come home on medical) and now it is my turn bwahahaha.  I will kill off Elder Rowberry! (Elder Rowberry will finish his mission in December)

Were you able to get out and teach much this past week with all that was going on? Did Bertin make it to church this week? We were able to teach a little bit, not much. This week though looks as though it will have some promise! Bertin was able to come to church with us this last week which was awesome and so was Carlos. Carlos also had some amazing comments and testified of the power of prayer in Priesthood it was amazing. He will probably make his date of the 29th unless something goes awry.

Have you heard any details on the possible sealing of the Diaz family and if the President will let you attend? I have not heard about the sealing, but I am sure President would let me go up, if not I will freaking walk!!!!!!!!! I am very excited for the day that they go and get sealed in the temple! It will be an amazing experience for many. I hope and pray that I will be able to go. I will definitely get a hold of them at the end of this week to get all of that sorted out. 

I shared with him that we attended the farewell of a family friend.  At this farewell another returning Elder also spoke and was telling a story of a man named Nefi.  The missionary  realized he was saying Nephi in Spanish and soon apologized.  The congregation thought it was funny. I am glad that Brayden will be serving; it will be a great blessing to him for the eternities. Yes Nephi in Spanish is pronounced Nefi. It does become a habit; we do not get it as bad as some Spanish speaking missionaries because of our being in the states.

We celebrated our anniversary and I shared with him the sweet things his dad did for me. Man I am glad I do not have to worry about pleasing women for another 7 months, it makes me at ease haha. 27 years, wow I can't believe it has been that long. haha Dad has always been good at being "cute" like that. I bet he enjoys doing it as well haha. I hope to be like that, I have watched Dad carefully to try and mimic his ways, although he will have to teach me the tricks of the trade when I get back. That sounds like a really fun anniversary.

We went and saw Shrek the musical, do you know about it?  It was funny slapstick humor. I do and the musical is pretty funny as well. It is not one of my favorites, but I do rather enjoy it. Dad and I probably would have laughed at the funny bits you mentioned, haha.

I hear you are in for a COLD 10 days, have you heard this as well? Yea that is what I have heard as well, we are in for a few cold days... So we will see how all of that goes.

Any ideas for things you might want/need for Christmas? For Christmas, first more music!! There is an LDS artist named Christian Hobbs, I have only heard a few songs, but I really like it so that would be awesome! Also any other music, and maybe some ties. That is all I can really think of right now...

We were excited to hear you had gained 6 pounds, which is the first weight gain you have had in a year. I know it is the most weight I have put on in a while because I am finally feeling kind of fat, which has pushed me to exercise a ton! So now I am starting to get some serious abs!! Probably not as serious as I think, but hey one can dream! Plus I feel as though I am getting stronger, but we will see as time goes on.

Okay so now thoughts on the last week, which involves the spiritual thought. This last week in reality was really hard for me. I had grown so close to Elder S. it was hard to see him go. I balled like a freaking baby... oh well. There have been many things I have learned from this experience over the last 3 weeks. I will touch on a few of them today. One is the simple fact that we are a Christ centered church. Often times people get so wrapped up in the Book of Mormon and in all these different things, that they forget who the Book of Mormon testifies of. A fellow missionary brought up something this last week that rubbed me so far the wrong way. It had to do with an investigator who knows the Book of Mormon is true, but its struggling with some of the other things. One, for example is his testimony of Joseph Smith. Anyway the missionary said something like. "well having a testimony of the Book of Mormon is all he deserves... what else does he expect to get.". I just about lost it!! I will tell you and everyone else right now, that we all deserve a lot more than that, especially those who are still coming to know of the truth of these things. It is said that the Book of Mormon is the keystone to our religion, this is true for a few reasons that I will not go into. But something this missionary and others forget is that just having a testimony of the Book of Mormon is not enough to save you in these last days. The Book of Mormon which I know to be the word of God is an amazing book, but it must not replace or substitute the corner stone of our religion which is Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is "Another testament of Jesus Christ". With that little splurge of slight frustration, I wish to say something more. It is in Christ Jesus that comes Salvation, for there is no other name given under heaven wherein the children of man might be saved! Jesus Christ is indeed the Living Son of the Living God!! I have come to know this with a surety in these last two weeks. I have known for a long while, but this experience has helped me to know that even more. I want my words to go down with those of old, Testifying that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world, that He suffered and bled and died for us. He is the great I Am, the very Prince of Peace who one day will return again to reclaim his people. He loves each of us with such an intensity it is nigh impossible to describe! This love is shared and also shown by Our Father in Heaven. The most often and possibly one of the most important Doctrines that is changed by man is the Nature of the Godhead, and our relation to them. We are ALL sons and daughters of God, and if you are not sure about this I invite you to pray to know for yourself, for if you do so, with real intent, and doubting nothing, it will be made manifest unto you. We invite all to come unto Christ as well as to God the Father. We know that this is true, that God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son. I know it and I hope that many of you know it, and if not, use my knowledge and the knowledge of those around you to carry you, until that day when you shall know for yourself.

I love you so much mom and I hope that everything goes great for you back home! I can't wait to hear what is new with all of you in the next week. The days and weeks seem to fly by out here. I miss you so much, and appreciate your prayers. I love you so much and hope and pray you have a great week.

Love, Elder Paxman 

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

Small Bumps in the Road

A few hours after I posted this blog, Linc received an email from Ben...So I edited and added.  Sorry if you read it before the addition of Dad's letter and the title change.

A Note from Mom:  We heard from Elder Paxman’s mission president this past Saturday and were informed that he is having some fairly serious problems with his stomach.  I was also able to talk with Ben myself.  After a lot of discussion, it has been decided that Elder Paxman will see a GI in Indiana and see if they are able to treat him, so that he can function fully as a missionary.  His desire is to remain in Indiana and continue serving the Lord.  I will keep you updated on his health.  Keep him in your prayers. 

Dear Mom, 

I like the two quotes you sent by Elder Richard G. Scott.  He is one of my favorite apostles.  Anyway yes I have been feeling better today and yesterday, we also worked a little Saturday. Anyway, today I find out when the Doctor appointment is.  

Thank you for everything you have done on my behalf, but I am fine. I am not a big fan of public announcements on my behalf.... Anyway thank you. It was hard the first day when it all kind of happened, but I realized something through much prayer, study and consultation.  Often missionaries and people say I will follow the Lord's will, but when push comes to shove they don't. I realized that although at first my thoughts were I would despise to the extreme if they sent me home, but, I learned something profound, (to me anyway). If I were to be sent home, I would accept it, because it is the Lords will if it does happen.  Health wise I have been doing better since yesterday. I still get bad pain in small bursts like those cramps I used to get, so I think it is Bacterial stuff, but we will see.

In all my thinking I remembered something someone said to me, it was something like this. "Many people fulfill their missions in 2 years but a select few finish theirs in a much shorter time, this was astounding to me when I first heard it. Anyway I am doing good, I was upset when I called you but that is only because I had all of 15 min to even think about all of it. Things on the mission are good otherwise.  Elder McDaniel and I get along very very well.  We have still been able to teach a good amount this week despite the sickness. Other than that not much has changed on the mission... Oh before I move on to the next thing though, something else I read, it was something like: "we come on our mission to saves souls and bring others unto Christ often times we forget, despite maybe only getting one baptism or teaching very little, often times the only soul we save and bring to Christ is our own." I have definitely seen that on my mission.  

Palisades looks like it was way fun, there isn’t too much I miss on my mission, Camping and the outdoors is a huge one, Family is another, and another one that surprised me was Music, haha but I don't miss them that much haha. The Kayaks are way fun I am glad that you finally rode one because they are so much fun. I loved the pictures!! The last one reminds me of those trips on the road so much, because that is what would happen half of the time. (It was a picture of the kids sound asleep in the truck) I am excited to hear about Yellowstone.  I don't want to take too long I still have to write quit a few others. Oh and sorry I didn't get a letter to you last week, I feel way bad. Anyway Mom I love you all so much and be safe but have so much fun. I can't wait to hear back next week. 

Love, Elder Paxman

Dear Dad,

That does sound like a very busy week, but lots of fun too. That is good that Grandma Paxman is doing better, because I was a little worried about her health. Anyway, I am glad you and the fam are getting to do all of this wonderful stuff. 

I liked the small bumps in the road analogy you sent me, and I have expanded it a lot but I will just share a bit with you. Those small bumps in the road of life are an interesting thing, and I have noticed that if you slow down and take them focusing solely on the bump it seems much bigger, but if you take it head on with a little more speed and faith, it passes by, and is remembered only as a pleasant memory. My companions think I am nuts because I am not freaking out or anything, and that I am very positive, they say that they would be having a mental breakdown. It did happen for a bit till I got a grip and pondered and prayed. Anyway other than that all things press forward in the work of the Lord.  

I want you to read something, we recite it every once in a while and I love it. It is called “The Standard of Truth”, if you can't find it I can always type it out for you next week. I have it memorized now.  

I do not know when my appointment with the GI is but it will come in due time I feel.  

We got to watch a cool broadcast on Sunday called the “Work of Salvation”, if you didn’t get a chance to watch it you should it was amazing. Many things have been shooting around in my mind, but not in a frantic way, but in a very peaceful yet rapid manner. I am actually not all that stressed as I thought I would be. Oh one thing that I am very anxious for and nervous for is exchanges!! It is just me and a Zone leader today in my area, so it is going to be very interesting, but exciting. I am so excited for when I am done training! I have loved it but I can't wait to be done. Anyway things here are going good besides the health stuff and even with that, I’m still going strong.  

If you can for a family thing sometime this week, and if you can on the 27th I think it is... Watch the “Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration” movie, on the day of his Martyrdom.  I really like this movie and it has helped me truly realize how much Joseph Smith has done for this great cause. I had Exchanges with the DL last week, it was probably one of the best times on the mission so far. The spirit dwells well with me and Elder McDaniel.  

I love you all so very much and you are all in my prayers on a multi-daily bases. I love you so much and I hope everything goes great. 

Love, your only son, Elder Paxman  

The quotes I included in my letter to Elder Paxman:

“Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your every lasting benefit.”
― Elder Richard G. Scott

"I have seen valiant missionaries brave icy wind, resist torrential rains, slosh through slippery, muddy streets, and conquer fear. Often they bear a powerful testimony, only to be rejected and roundly criticized. I have seen them struggle to communicate truth in a new language. Sometimes the listener stares in puzzled silence. Then there dawns the shattering realization that the message is not understood. But I wouldn't change any of it, even if I could, because there are those golden moments of success that make all of the hardships worthwhile. Such rewards come when the Spirit touches a heart for eternal good because someone like you was there. To share truth in difficult circumstances is to treasure it more. When you push against the boundaries of experience into the twilight of the unknown, the Lord will strengthen you. The beauty of your eternal soul will begin to unfold."
~Elder Richard G. Scott