tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28882238392511458722024-02-07T13:22:23.694-06:00Elder Robert M. CallBeing a history of the adventures of Elder Robert Call during his two-year mission to the Idaho Pocatello Mission.Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-42661433857487856222011-03-01T09:55:00.004-06:002011-03-01T10:15:36.298-06:00Elder Call Completes Mission, Arrives Home Safe and Sound<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmNBsWVdcCYK7t4I50ir0K98gcDEzDo8DMIUiV1nidGvFNRvN-Ia2oNh0fDEgEQLioNlLYrysvPC9rPrJTcsvcf5mvyxMMPe7I8i95clX22Ud1pSnP6r1qtRPmKCmpkfWnsqU5aPJwys/s1600/IMGP2032-6x4-B.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmNBsWVdcCYK7t4I50ir0K98gcDEzDo8DMIUiV1nidGvFNRvN-Ia2oNh0fDEgEQLioNlLYrysvPC9rPrJTcsvcf5mvyxMMPe7I8i95clX22Ud1pSnP6r1qtRPmKCmpkfWnsqU5aPJwys/s320/IMGP2032-6x4-B.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579145765127161986" /></a><br />The day finally came: Thursday, 24 February 2011. <br /><br />Elder Call was to fly from Pocatello to Salt Lake City. Then, after a three-hour layover, he was to fly home to Kansas City.<br /><br />His older sisters, Rachel and Rebecca, were living in Provo.<br /><br />I had to be in Provo working with a client that day.<br /><br />This was warming up to be a wonderful day.<br /><br />Elder Call arrived on time, at about 10:30 or so in the morning, at the Salt Lake City airport, where he spent a couple hours visiting with Rachel and Rebecca.<br /><br />I spent the morning working.<br /><br />We had all managed to keep my surprise a secret. <br /><br />After Rachel and Rebecca said their goodbyes, Elder Call got into the security line to board his plane to Kansas City. What he didn't know was that Rachel was texting me, informing me where Elder Call was at the airport, so I could hide from him. He didn't know I would be joining him on his flight home.<br /><br />Thanks to Rachel's text messages, I was able to be at the very end of the security line as Elder Call was near the front of the line. <br /><br />I stood on my toes, scanning the hundreds of people ahead of me, looking for my dear son. I spotted a tall man with a missionary haircut near the front of the line, but he was facing away from me. Could this be my Elder Call? He started to turn his head. He too scanned the crowds. He looked right at me for a split second, then continued to scan. <br /><br />Yes! It was Elder Call!<br /><br />The next 30 minutes were spent hiding from him. After everyone boarded the plane, I made it to the gate. <br /><br />I had arranged for Elder Call to be in seat 12A. I was assigned to seat 12B.<br /><br />The plane was full, and everyone was seated. I slowly made my way down the isle, looking for row 12. There it was. The lone empty seat. Next to a handsome returning missionary. <br /><br />My son. My heart skipped a beat. I could barely contain myself. Should I smile? Should I call out his name? Should I be low-key? Should I draw attention? <br /><br />Before I knew it, I was at the seat. <br /><br />"Hi Elder," I said.<br /><br />He looked at me.<br /><br />"Hi." <br /><br />I smiled. He looked away. He looked back at me. <br /><br />He did another double take.<br /><br />"Oh. Hi!" he said.<br /><br />I sat down as we tried to hug in the snug seats. <br /><br />We both laughed. <br /><br />Elder Call shook his head. "This is something you would do," he said.<br /><br />The next two hours literally--and figuratively--flew by. <br /><br />We arrived in Kansas City, where Mom, Mary Ann, and John were anxiously awaiting Elder Call's return. As we walked through the security door, hugs were given and tears were shed. John couldn't stop jumping up and down out of excitement. Mary Ann had made a beautiful "Welcome Home" sign. <br /><br />Elder Call is home. <br /><br />--Editor, otherwise known as "Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dad"Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-6293789185531032782011-02-21T11:31:00.005-06:002011-02-21T17:29:35.285-06:00A Lot of Goings-On as Elder Call begins Final Week<span style="font-style:italic;">21 February 2011<br /><br />Dear Dad,<br /><br />Thank you so much for the past couple of emails that you have sent. It is really good to hear from you. Sorry this email is coming kind of late in the day. It is President's Day so all the libraries are closed and we had a weird schedule this morning. <br /><br />Grandma and Grandpa Brown came up to Rigby for lunch today! It was so good to see both of them. I wasn't sure if they were going to make it up--I kind of figured that since Salt Lake was closer I would just see them there. I didn't realize that they have been experiencing those kind of health issues. Sister Christiansen called me this morning and told me that they were going to come up for lunch today. They made it just fine, a little longer drive than I think they expected (I don't think they knew I got transferred up to Rigby a few weeks ago). They are such good people. We had a really good visit. They were surprised that they were able to find our house, it sounds like Sister Christiansen talked them all the way here. Bless her heart. Those office couples are really something special, and I don't think they know it. <br /><br />I hope the Spring has come. The last couple of days were windy and snowy again. <br /><br />It sounds like you guys have some big plans for the house, that would be really good to have fruit trees and a garden. It would be fun too.<br /><br />We had the Departing Missionaries Temple Trip on Thursday. The Temple in Idaho Falls is an exceptional place to visit and ponder. Being there with missionaries that I have learned to love and President & Sister Colton, what a neat experience. Brother Mengel gave us a ride down to and back from the temple. He and his wife gave us our first meal here in Rigby. They are good people. <br /><br />I also was able to get together with Grandpa Call's cousins again for lunch this week. I love those people also, they absolutely insisted on getting together. Sister Barbara Call Brown copied a bunch of pictures for me again. She is a funny 80-year-old woman, very spry for her age. <br /><br />That Valentine's card wasn't only my idea. Last Monday while we were in Walmart an older couple stopped and said hello to us (as many do), but she then said, "Let me see, it is Valentine's day and you would love to send a card to your mothers, telling them how much you love them, but you just don't have the money. Let me give you each a card to mail to them." She handed us the cards and they went on their way. She was right. <br /><br />It has been a good week. We found four new investigators--that was a miracle. I hope that this area can start to blossom some more (not a whole lot was going on here when we got to Rigby). I really love Rigby it is a wonderful place with some amazing people. I wish I could be here forever. One of our new investigators in particular seems really promising. His wife is a less-active member and he said he is easing into the church. He told us that he will be baptized, just didn't set a date. We will teach him again tomorrow and hopefully set a date with him. <br /><br />As cold and as hard as it is sometimes to go out and work and keep trying, I don't want to leave. I don't want this to end. The mission is too good to me. Being here and watching as the Lord's work and purposes unfold is a miraculous event--beautiful and awe-inspiring. I love the Lord.<br /><br />Thank you for everything that you have sacrificed for me for the past two years. I can't thank you enough.<br /><br />I love you,<br /><br />Elder Call </span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-91261026677138394952011-02-20T23:15:00.002-06:002011-02-20T23:51:10.843-06:00Dad's Final Post (At least at this point. . .)<center><h3><u>On Anticipating My Son's Return</u></h3></center><br /><br />I wonder. . .<br /><br />I wonder if all the longing I feel<br /><br /> to embrace. . .<br /><br /> to hold. . .<br /><br /> to see. . .<br /><br /><br />I wonder if the hunger of my heart<br /><br /> to welcome. . .<br /><br /> to listen to. . .<br /><br /> to simply be. . .<br /><br /><br />I wonder. . .<br /><br /><br />I wonder if these longings, these yearnings, these wishes of my soul. . .<br /><br /> could they be. . .<br /><br /> could it be. . .<br /><br /> they are but a foreshadowing. . .<br /><br /> they are simply a type and a shadow. . .<br /><br /> they are but a drop in an ocean of longings yet to come. . .<br /><br />I wonder. . .<br /><br /> I wonder. . .<br /><br />I wonder if, when I am on the other side. . .<br /><br /> awaiting my loved ones to return. . .<br /><br /> Will I feel as I do now?<br /><br /> Will my heart <ital>hunger</ital> as it does now?<br /><br /><hr><br /><br />I wonder. . .<br /><br /> Are today's longings <br /><br /> simply another lesson <br /><br /> from my mortal journey. . .<br /><br /> to prepare me for my eternal experience?<br /><br />I wonder. . .<br /><br /><br /><hr>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-65568816855513380542011-02-14T18:49:00.002-06:002011-02-14T18:55:42.646-06:00Finding Investigators, Meeting Relatives<span style="font-style:italic;">14 February 2011<br /><br />Dear Dad,<br /><br />Happy Valentine's Day!<br /><br />Thank you for the emails this week. It has warmed up a little bit here also these last few days. It has been kind of nice. I don't know if it will stay this way or not. <br /><br />We went on exchanges this week, Thursday night through Friday night. I went with Elder White in the Rigby East Stake. I think it was a really good exchange. It was cool because Elder White wanted me to meet Bishop Wayne Call in one of their wards--Grandpa Call's friend and cousin. We went over there Friday morning and they were excited to meet me, and it was lots of fun to be able to talk with them. They had lots of good stories and even pulled out an old picture that had Grandpa Call's grandpa and Wayne Call's grandpa in it (they were brothers). Bishop and Sister Call's sons lived in the Taylor Mountain Stake and I knew them both, they are a really good family. They insisted on feeding us also, so Sister Call made some fried halibut and shrimp for lunch--it was delicious. They are extremely friendly people with a lot of faith and trust in the Lord.<br /><br />I don't know if I will be able to get a hold of the Olavesons, I will see what happens. But it is going to be a pretty busy week coming up. <br /><br />It has been a good week here, still just trying to find more people to teach. A few weeks ago we tracted into a couple of teenage girls who said they weren't members, but had been to church before and liked it. So last Monday night we finally met one of the parents, the father. He told us that he isn't active in the church or anything, actually that he hasn't been baptized. He told us to come over though and to teach him and his family. We set up an appointment, and he called and had to reschedule for tomorrow night, I hope that we will be able to teach him and his family. <br /><br />That is kind of funny about the Primary kids not going to the right classes, but everything always works out better when done how the Lord wants it done. Kind of a similar thing that I have learned on my mission is people don't go to the wards they belong too! It can get rather frustrating, because we want the investigators to go where they can receive guidance from their inspired priesthood leaders. President Colton told me once that it is a big problem in the church and the way we are going to fix it is one person at a time, starting with our own investigators (or the people we have stewardship for).<br /><br />I had forgotten that you were going to school also, that is a big thing to try to do that and work and family and church callings all at the same time. I hope that things will be done when they need to be done. <br /><br />It makes me happy to hear that Mary Ann and John are doing good in school, I can't believe that they get up at 5:30 every morning. I don't think I could ever do that again for an extended period of time. <br /><br />Thanks for letting me know about Rachel and Rebecca and meeting them at the baggage claim, I actually didn't even think of that! I don't like airports, they can be so confusing. <br /><br />I got Mom's letter about how Grandpa and Grandma Brown wanted to see me before I leave, I called the mission office and Sister Christiansen said she would talk to you about the whole deal. Did she get a hold of you? I don't know if they realize that I got shipped back up to Rigby, which is a lot farther away from Logan than Pocatello is. I suggested that if they really wanted to come up and see me the best day would be on Monday the 21st, or they could meet me at the airport also. If you haven't had any contact with the mission office about it yet, could you please give them a call? Thank you.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Elder Call </span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-13090859972260970432011-02-08T15:55:00.004-06:002011-02-08T16:02:06.207-06:00Inspiring Zone Conference; Thoughts on Searching for Ancestral Land<span style="font-style:italic;">7 February 2011<br /><br />Dear Dad,<br /><br />It sounds pretty crazy with what is going on with the weather. I bet Mary Ann and John loved having a week off of school! I don't think I ever had anything like that. I hope it is nicer weather when I get home. I think we have only had one day where it was blizzard conditions and that was just a few days before Thanksgiving. It was really cold here the first few days at the beginning of the week, but it has warmed up a bit these last few days. <br /><br />The $100 visa card should be more than enough to cover for things that I need. Thank you so much for sending it.<br /><br />I am excited for Uncle Darryn. I am sure that he will do a great job as stake president. He has always been so nice and such a good guy. I am excited for him.<br /><br />I am really excited to look around and see all of the different sites in Missouri. That will be a lot of fun. I love church history. I have thought about trying to find some of our ancestors' land in the area. That would be really cool. If you do start looking around, it would be good to look in Anson's journal for clues about where to look--also in Samantha Call Willey's life sketch. If I recall correctly Cyril Call and his sons (Harvey, Anson and possibly Josiah) went to Missouri in the summer of 1838 and bought land at a place called Three Forks of the Grand River. It was a little community with a few families. <br /><br />We had zone conference this week on Friday. It was probably one of the best zone conferences I have been to. It was held in Ammon at the Ammon North Stake Center. The topics were pretty much The Book of Mormon and Repentance. It went on to 5:15, and was supposed to end at 4:00. Long, but good.<br /><br />Thank you for all of the things that you do for me.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Call</span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-78964114788012176632011-01-24T16:35:00.002-06:002011-01-24T16:39:22.936-06:00Family History Brings the Spirit<span style="font-style:italic;">24 January 2011<br /><br />Dear Dad,<br /><br />It sounds like it has been quite the week for the family! With school and church being cancelled. I bet that is a ton of fun for Mary Ann and John. <br /><br />I am glad that Mary Ann was able to visit some of her friends up in Roscoe! I bet it was a great experience for her. I hope that she can make some new good friends in Missouri, it makes me happy to know that kids in the ward were asking about her. <br /><br />I am cool with speaking on either the 20th or 27th, whichever works out better for you guys. If 27 March is best, then that is what we will do. I don't need to speak in the Wood Heights Ward, just curious if they were planning on it. <br /><br />That is so good that you are getting some more jobs, I hope you can find new clients. I do know about the Lord stretching us, to teach us to lean on him. He really knows how to test us. <br /><br />We had a couple of neat things happen this week. In one of the ward directories we saw that there was a Call family and decided to go visit them. The same day we decided that we should see them, the Relief Society President told us that we should go see the Call family because they could use a visit. So we thought we should go over that evening. We knocked on the door and Sis. Call answered and seemed a bit skeptical about why we were there. I told her I was just curious to see if we were cousins some how. She smiled and called to her husband, and said "Elder Call is here and wondering if we are cousins." <br /><br />So he came to the door and invited us in, we sat down and talked for a minute. He is descended from Anson Call's son Anson Vasco Call. He is part of the Star Valley branch of the family. He asked me about my family history and I explained that I was from the Rigby branch of the family, through Anson's brother Omer. He told me that he had heard about the twin brothers Omer and Homer and that he was related to the Calls from Rigby. We got to know him a little more and he told us he hasn't been active for about 5 years. He then invited us over for dinner tonight. He stopped and said, "Wow, I just invited you guys over again. That's good, twice in one week. I haven't let missionaries in for 5 years." <br /><br />He also told us that the other day he saw a couple of missionaries walking by as he was shoveling and they offered to help shovel. He said that he didn't need any help, so they kept walking. As they left he noticed that the good feeling he had as he was talking with them left also, and he almost called after them, but was too scared to. <br /><br />I guess we just don't realize the impact we make on people sometimes. <br /><br />I think I will write about the other neat thing that happened in a letter home. <br /><br />Thanks for the email, it is good to hear what is going on at home.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Call</span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-84097567927805222492011-01-17T16:53:00.002-06:002011-01-17T16:57:01.665-06:00Elder Call and his New Companion Enjoy Rigby<span style="font-style:italic;">17 January 2011<br /><br />Dear Dad,<br /><br />Thank you for the email. It is really weird how some ares have so many members of the church. Even here in Idaho some stakes are really big, with lots of families and children and others have very small wards. That is good that our new stake has so many people in it. <br /><br />My new companion's name is Elder Taumoepeau (Tau ([as in abOUt]-moy-pay-au), and he is straight from Tonga! He is a good guy and a good missionary. He is well prepared. <br /><br />We are enjoying Rigby--it is a good little town. I like it a lot, nice and quiet. We cover four wards; 4th, 5th, 6th (YSA), and the 14th wards. Everyone in Rigby is way nice and always trying to help us in anyway possible. <br /><br />Earlier this week we were tracting and met one of the Hamer girls from Freeport, Illinos. I can't remember what her first name is, but she is married now and I think she was about Rebecca's age. She said she knew her. It was way funny because she looked familiar (but we meet so many people that we see all over the place) and she said she recently moved here. I asked where she was from and she said Chicago. So I said I was from the Rockford area and we made the connection. Her married name is Curtis. It can be a really small world. <br /><br />It has been really cold, snowy and wet this week. Elder Taumoepeau has had a heck of a time adjusting from the nice warm Tonga weather to Idaho snow. <br /><br />Everyday this week I have been asked at least once if I am related to the Calls from Rigby, and everyone is so excited to know that I am. <br /><br />I really just feel at home here in Rigby. I feel so comfortable, like it is perfectly natural for me to be walking up and down the streets. <br /><br />I get along with Elder Taumoepeau really well. He is quiet and a bit shy, but funny when he opens up. He is a solid missionary. You can tell that he is out on a mission for the right reasons--to serve the Lord. He has 5 older brothers, one older sister, a younger brother and a younger sister, nine kids in all. His mom was the principal for Liahona High School and his dad was the seminary coordinator. I am glad he is my companion. <br /><br />Hopefully there will be more to tell you next week.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Call </span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-47076725414941657172011-01-16T14:35:00.002-06:002011-01-16T14:39:39.943-06:0010 January 2011: Elder Call Moving to Rigby!Note: Elder Call's paternal grandfather, Dennis Call, grew up in Rigby, Idaho.<br />--Editor<br /><hr><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">10 January 2011<br /><br />Dear Dad,<br /><br />I'M GOING TO RIGBY! <br /><br />Ya, I'm getting transferred on Wednesday. How crazy is that? It was totally--I mean TOTALLY-- unexpected. I will be opening up a new area with a new missionary. I am so excited to be going to Rigby. It will be awesome. Elder Rudd has been in this area since the end of July and I was only in Alameda for 6 weeks, so we figured that we would either stay together or Elder Rudd would get transferred. Then on Saturday night we were listening to the voice mails President sends out with all of the transfer info, he said I was going to to be training in a new area. I was way shocked. But it should be good. I am excited.<br /> <br />It really sounds like you are getting into the swing of things in Missouri. That is pretty neat that we have these neighbors with eggs and milk. What are you planning on planting in the garden? Are you going to try to be as self-sufficient as possible? That would be good, I hear from people that food prices are going to be going way up. I am glad that Mary Ann and John are getting involved in the new schools. <br /><br />I can't believe that John has to get on the bus at 6:20. That is way early. <br /><br />That is weird that you guys got my flight plans this week. It would be great to see Rachel and Rebecca at the Salt Lake Airport! I think it should be fine to see them, in fact, I would love to see them. <br /><br />Yesterday at church I had a funny experience. One of my first days here in Alameda we ate dinner with the Rhoades family. She was asking me if I knew a family by the name of Bradley in Aberdeen. I think it is some relative of hers. I said I didn't, but she was convinced that they were my cousins. She said we looked and acted like I was part of their family, same mannerisms. Then yesterday at church Sister Rhoades came up to me and said, "They are your cousins!" I didn't know what she was talking about, she reminded me and told me that she asked them and they said that their grandma was a "Call" go figure. <br /><br />By the way, does Bishop Webb want me to speak in the Beloit Ward? And if he does when am I speaking?<br /><br />We met a cool guy this week. He wants to be baptized on the 12th of February. He is a golden investigator. But I think I will write home about him.<br /><br />Good luck with work this week, I hope that you can find some good clients. <br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Call </span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-44600354413198682482011-01-16T14:32:00.001-06:002011-01-16T14:35:04.031-06:003 January 2011: Time Flies By!<span style="font-style:italic;">3 January 2011<br /><br />Dear Dad,<br /><br />I cannot believe that it is 2011! That is so weird to say. I don't think I ever imagined it would ever be 2011. Time really does fly by. <br /><br />Ya, we had a good New Year's Eve. We are supposed to be locked up in a church building as a zone from 6-9 PM, then head straight home. So we all got together at one of the ISU (Idaho State University) Stake Centers and played mostly soccer and basketball. Holidays are never very much different for missionaries. <br /><br />I didn't even think about John being able to go to Stake Youth Activities. That is strange to think he is old enough for that now. That is kind of funny that he didn't want to go. But I don't blame him, going to his first dance and being a place where he doesn't know anyone. That would be really tough. I am glad that they had a good time. <br /><br />It does sound like a busy week. I really hope that you can continue to find work. It has got to be really stressful for you right now. About BYU, I think it would be wise to work at home for a while and then head out to school later in the year. If I get home at the end of February then that will give me 5-6 months before the Fall Semester starts to earn some money to pay for school. The trick will be finding a job quick. And if I find a very well paying job then I could head out in the summer again, but I will probably wait until the fall. I don't want to start school up again and starting out in debt, that would not be good. Thank you for doing that.<br /><br />That would be cool if you were able to fix up a barn to make it livable. Every time you talk about the house I get more and more excited to see it in person. <br /><br />This week was kind of slow for us on the one hand, but on the other it flew by again. Elder Rudd and I got some pretty nasty colds at the beginning of the week, so that slowed things down a bit. I went through a full box of tissue and half a role of toilet paper in 24 hours. My nose hurt! But we are back up to speed and feeling a ton better. <br /><br />We had some really good testimony meetings yesterday. Sometimes they are just a dud. But yesterday was mostly good. We also saw a missionary that served here in one of our wards yesterday. His name is Elder Colbert (Coe-bear). We had to rush to a meeting with our stake president, so it was real brief. But he is getting married and moving into our stake. So that is pretty cool. We call it the Idaho Trap. So many missionaries end up back in Idaho after their missions for one thing or another (usually school at BYU-I or ISU) and then meet a girl from Idaho that will not move so they just settle down in the Upper Snake River Valley. It is funny.<br /><br />Thanks for your email. I continue to pray for you and the family.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Call</span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-17973168234407320982011-01-16T13:58:00.005-06:002011-02-08T16:25:48.016-06:0026 December 2010: It's a Small World<hr />Note: Our family was again blessed to be able to speak with Elder Call on Christmas Day. Here are pictures of Elder Call's Mom and his Dad talking with him. Photos taken by Elder Call's younger brother, John.<p>--Editor<p><hr><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">26 December 2010<br /><br />Dear Dad,</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMdbhgtI0281glVtLhNLKA3ExvzFpGNG4EtgFVsoe2KkPfQKHCkw7oQsMloXGulSougnB7yMrvcOxp5rS_IGbAncvO8dAsLDYlqVpTJgjLsbMkAW9yBV_L7_eelc-1uhj8xEQp2nFYS4/s1600/Mom+talking+to+Elder+Call+on+Christmas+for+Blog.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMdbhgtI0281glVtLhNLKA3ExvzFpGNG4EtgFVsoe2KkPfQKHCkw7oQsMloXGulSougnB7yMrvcOxp5rS_IGbAncvO8dAsLDYlqVpTJgjLsbMkAW9yBV_L7_eelc-1uhj8xEQp2nFYS4/s320/Mom+talking+to+Elder+Call+on+Christmas+for+Blog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571445243753207858" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />It was great talking with all of you on Saturday! It is always good to hear your voices.<br /><br />Thank you so much for the picture. It looks great! Mary Ann and John have both grown, especially John. HOLY COW! He has gotten quite a bit taller and bigger, I almost didn't recognize him. It is great to have a picture of the whole family.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I do miss all of you, it will be good to be home. It will be sad though to leave the mission and not be able to do this again. We are emailing at Brother Morrow's house again, because the family history center is closed. They have a man here doing some work for them. I taught him way back in the Poky West Stake in the Spring of 09. I don't think he ever got baptized. He wanted to while we were there, he came to church and everything just never quite prepared himself. He is a really nice, humble man. It can be a really small world sometimes.<br /><br />That is cool that the stake presidency member's son is in Boise. Elder Rudd's yo</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vz3y0kflD6n-JGw8PBCbk7o_EK3borMvy7cJhDOYlrgpuJqVAMeuSls7AOKNosv8u46760xt35PNQhi8uPpVEW-wPB5WgBrw0vNHB7wugBHLGomBheeIJCuN2vgd_Vx-2qPB9u-TD6s/s1600/Dad+Talking+with+Elder+Call+for+Blog.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vz3y0kflD6n-JGw8PBCbk7o_EK3borMvy7cJhDOYlrgpuJqVAMeuSls7AOKNosv8u46760xt35PNQhi8uPpVEW-wPB5WgBrw0vNHB7wugBHLGomBheeIJCuN2vgd_Vx-2qPB9u-TD6s/s320/Dad+Talking+with+Elder+Call+for+Blog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571447399118377874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">unger brother just got called to that mission. He will enter the MTC on February 16 2011. Elder Rudd goes home at the beginning of April. So President Colton said he will see if he can work something out where they can see each other. That would be pretty neat for both of them.<br /><br />So it sounds like you are still traveling frequently. I don't know how you do it, I don't think I would like that at all.<br /><br />Oh, I do have one question. I have been wondering about my enrollment at BYU. I still want to go there, I just am kind of worried because I have been gone since the Summer 2008 semester. Do you think that they still consider me a student, or will I have to reapply? I hope that all works out there.<br /><br />Sorry this is kind of short, not much has happened the past couple of days.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Elder Call</span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-74289528740544180312011-01-16T09:00:00.003-06:002011-01-16T09:05:53.665-06:0019 December 2010: Reflections and Expressions of Gratitude<span style="font-style:italic;">19 December 2010<br /><br />Dear Dad,<br /><br />I think it is an absolutely gorgeous home! I loved the pictures that you were able to take and send to me. When I see the home it seems to be exactly what you and Mom have wanted for years. It fits you all perfectly. I am actually kind of jealous that I don't get to be there while you unpack and get settled in, it sounds like so much fun. I love the home and can't wait to see it in person. <br /><br />I was impressed with how grown up Mary Ann looks now! Boy, she has changed. I can't begin to imagine how much John has grown up too. He is taller than Mary Ann?! Mary Ann was always really tall. It will be funny to see you all again. I was thinking of John yesterday on his birthday and how good of a kid he is. I am proud to say that he is my brother. <br /><br />Just whenever you have the new Bishop's and Stake President's information go ahead and send it. It is no rush.<br /><br />That makes me really happy to know that your ward has welcomed you right in. I have served in nearly 40 wards on the mission and some are very kind and welcoming and others are cold. I think those wards that come off as "cold" mostly just don't act for themselves and go and do. Most people are very wiling to welcome and to serve, they just need to be told to do something. I am excited to meet the people in the new ward. Isn't the church a wonderful thing? Having people at every corner, willing to help at a moment's notice is such an amazing thing. <br /><br />When you guys told me that were wanting to move to Missouri it hit me to the core with peace. I felt right about it and never had a doubt or a worry. On the other hand, when you told me that you wanted to move to Texas, that was pretty hard for me to grasp (just ask Elder Walker). I look back on it now and it makes me laugh. I read the email and pushed myself back! Then I just got up and walked back and forth in the Family History Center in St. Anthony for 40-50 minutes before I could sit down and reply! Isn't it funny how things happen. Maybe the Lord had that happen so I would be more at peace with moving to Missouri. <br /><br />Don't worry about not being able to send a Christmas package. I understand that times are tough right now and that you can't afford it. I know that the greatest gift that can be given is the gift of love. And I have felt that love for 21 years. That should be an adequate gift. Besides that the Lord has already blessed us with so much! Knowing that you have a home to be in right now is more than plenty. You can read Anson Call's journal about being in Adam-ondi-Ahman (I believe) and sleeping in the snow with his son's fingers being frost-bitten. How grateful I am that you are living in a warm home, and I have one also. <br /><br />I have been blessed with so much lately. This morning Elder Rudd and I helped move a couple of nice couches that a family was going to take to the dump. But we asked if we could use them, and they said sure. So we have new couches in our place. Then a couple of weeks ago a kind brother in one of our wards gave me a new, very nice, winter coat. That has been a great blessing. Many people have asked us to make sure we had a place to go on Christmas. The Morrows have invited us over for breakfast and to make phone calls, and then they want us to come back later for dinner. Another family, the Morrises (a young couple), would like us to come over for a little bit also. She says she has stockings for us. So in short I don't need anything, the Lord has already given me more than I could ever ask for.<br /><br />We have had a pretty good week here in Pocatello. It is such a wonderful place to be right now. Down to earth, good, loving people, everywhere you go. The Lord knew that I needed to come to Pocatello, how thankful I am for that. <br /><br />Well, I will pray that you will be able to get that client. If it is something that we need the Lord will provide for his children (D&C 50:40-46). I hope that things continue to go well and you can get settled in. All of you need to know that I love you. <br /><br />Merry Christmas,<br /><br />Elder Call </span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-66618851744363322002011-01-16T08:57:00.003-06:002011-01-16T09:00:08.878-06:0012 December 2010: Short Update<span style="font-style:italic;">12December 2010<br /><br />Dear Dad,<br /><br />Thank you so much for the picture! Those were great, it is nice to know where I will be going home to. It is a beautiful home. I like it a lot. It looks totally like something you would love. I still can't even imagine 25 acres of land. That is crazy. It seems to be on a beautiful spot of ground. It will be so much fun to go home to a new place. I hope you guys can get all settled in soon and that everything will work out. <br /><br />There are several elders in our mission all from the Kansas City area. Elder Bryant (goes home a transfer after me) is from Lee's Summit, Elder Slocum (he went home a few months ago) is from Olathe, Kansas, and Elder Burris (goes home with me) is from our stake, but I can't remember what city.<br /><br />Speaking of that could you either send me our new bishop's name and address and same with the stake president. You could either call the mission office or email it to me. I think the mission office phone number is 208-237-8992.<br /><br />Not much has happened this week out here either. There have been a few ward Christmas parties and people always give us food, actually insist that we take it. So we will be living off of pancakes, eggs, and hash browns this week. It is really good, people here in Idaho are so nice.<br /><br />Speaking of Christmas I think I will be calling home some time between 9:30 and 10:00 Christmas morning. That is Idaho time. I am looking forward to it. It will be really good to talk to all of you again. I know I say this all the time, but it is absolutely crazy how fast time flies by. It was seven months ago last time I called home.<br /><br />Thanks again for the email and pictures and I will look forward to seeing more pictures.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Call<br /></span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-84583769827811836672011-01-16T08:20:00.008-06:002011-01-16T08:44:03.462-06:005 December 2010: We Share News about our New House in MissouriThursday, 2 December 2010<br /><br />Dear Elder Call:<br /><br />I just had to write to give you the great news! The original house we wanted to buy in Missouri is now ours! It's just amazing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwpCNhQVa5bU31__8WVrFnXXnXGgfj4O7lxrb52AxD86NxQevFQbnk_5lGR0hcDgc9HT5ApsHmeSt9B_YXssUQwZg9GwaScw1QeT1EuwceCyH_9zj4hc1iigV9J4nEjM_01ZUrQzUySU/s1600/IMGP1594.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwpCNhQVa5bU31__8WVrFnXXnXGgfj4O7lxrb52AxD86NxQevFQbnk_5lGR0hcDgc9HT5ApsHmeSt9B_YXssUQwZg9GwaScw1QeT1EuwceCyH_9zj4hc1iigV9J4nEjM_01ZUrQzUySU/s320/IMGP1594.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562791864945604290" border="0" /></a> how this happened. As you know, the offer we had originally extended wasn't quite right, and so we started to pursue other homes. Then, on Tuesday night of this week, the seller of this home (it's near Richmond, so I'll just call it the Richmond home) called me and said he wanted to open discussions again if we are still looking for a home. On Wednesday I called him and told him what we would could do as far as a down payment, monthly payments, etc.--and believe me: we were asking for a lot. He told me to put it all in an email and send it to his real estate agent, which I did late Wednesday. Then today, Thursday, I received an email from the real estate agent saying <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WIZUC1KearnhcUM_geumrPosDe5supY3q76izAPqjbAnWkxtm5LqENcpUYfQEg43tkzSEEMyaDe_3jMfYzS0EdpoQogrWRZ-ZmHr9tFRpyOVxjEvCvXjAsXKvcm9PTpj42hbT_JLgro/s1600/IMGP1617.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WIZUC1KearnhcUM_geumrPosDe5supY3q76izAPqjbAnWkxtm5LqENcpUYfQEg43tkzSEEMyaDe_3jMfYzS0EdpoQogrWRZ-ZmHr9tFRpyOVxjEvCvXjAsXKvcm9PTpj42hbT_JLgro/s320/IMGP1617.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562791860596886178" border="0" /></a>that they agree to the terms we offered! I couldn't believe it! I think it must have been your prayers, and Mom's prayers, and the faith of Mary Ann. I have to admit that my faith has been waning a bit lately.<br /><br />Anyway, this is the home on 25 acres. It's 95 years old, being built in 1915. It has beautiful woodwork and the rooms on the main floor are pretty big, but the bedrooms upstairs are small. And it has only one bathroom. But it does have a basement that is suitable for storing things, which most older homes in this part of Missouri don't have. It has at least three ponds (it may have a fourth one on the extra acres we are buying) and some forest and some pasture. We are so excited!!! We move on Friday, December 10. Until we get you the address, feel free to send your letters to our address he<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eIU1WsmncdDSyOpk66-xK58g3RWPjc2ZOZpESiJbDtZkiknoQ9GN4P_oanAO4Jun0eoTtOC8mlMJ1mHev0K6upgu1UK7cbixya9cTVDxNCRfp4WxJt__vTLL_ltqxM5oD9E-WhBxEfU/s1600/Dining+Room.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eIU1WsmncdDSyOpk66-xK58g3RWPjc2ZOZpESiJbDtZkiknoQ9GN4P_oanAO4Jun0eoTtOC8mlMJ1mHev0K6upgu1UK7cbixya9cTVDxNCRfp4WxJt__vTLL_ltqxM5oD9E-WhBxEfU/s320/Dining+Room.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562791856806972898" border="0" /></a>re in Roscoe and the Post Office will forward them. By the way, we need your new address for a birthday/Christmas present we are sending you. Please provide it ASAP. Thank you once again for your prayers and faith in our search for a home in Missouri. We have been greatly blessed!<br /><br />I'm attaching some pictures of the house.<br /><br />Love,<br />Dad<br /><br /><br /><hr /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">5 December 2010<br /><br />Dear Dad,<br /><br />That is absolutely a miracle about the house!!<br /><br />I am so happy for you guys. I bet that was a really nerve-racking few months. I am so glad that you guys are able to move this week. I have to admit, that is kind of weird that you will be moving this Friday and that you are probably packing right now. I bet you are all so excited to finally get to move.<br /><br />That is pretty cool that it has 25 acres of land, three ponds, forest, etc. I can't wait to see it. Do you have pictures?<br /><br />I am serving here with Elder Rudd and Elder Goncalves. It is a ton of fun and we all know each other pretty well. Elder Goncalves and I were both in the IF West Zone until we got transferred here on Wednesday. Elder Rudd was serving in Ashton while I was in St. Anthony and Elder Goncalves was in Jackson (we were all in the Rexburg Zone). I have been on exchanges with Elder Rudd. Elder Goncalves goes home on the 15th of this month so he won't be here for very long. Usually when you get with a new companion for the first few days it is kind of awkward, trying to get to know each other and finding out what your companion is like. But it hasn't been that way at all, we are having a great time.<br /><br />Elder Goncalves will be home for just a few weeks and then come back to Rexburg in January for school. It is way funny, because so many elders do that. Often times they all end up being roommates together.<br /><br />We cover the Alameda 1st, 2nd, and 3rd wards in the Pocatello Alameda Stake. It is a really small area about four or five blocks wide and no more than 15 blocks long (that might be a stretch) so it is a walking area. We went to all three wards yesterday and they have pretty small sacrament meetings. I really like it here. There are four investigators with baptism dates right now. They all want to be baptized, but it seems like they have a few things holding them up before they can get baptized. I am excited to be here, and it is crazy how fast time flies by.<br /><br />I was wondering the other day what phone number I can call home with on Christmas Day? Hopefully by next week I should know about what time I will be calling at. Could you let me know what times would be good for you guys.<br /><br />Other than that I don't think a whole lot has happened this week.<br /><br />Congratulations on getting the home!<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Elder Call<br /><br /><hr /><br /><br />5 December 2010<br /><br />Dear Dad,<br /><br />So I wrote most everything in the other email, but I have a few more questions.<br />I sent home last Tuesday a box of letters, planners, etc. of stuff that I wanted to keep, but didn't have room to pack. Did you get that?<br /><br />That would make a really sad Sunday yesterday, but it is good to know that our family will be missed. You have helped so many people there in the Beloit Ward. I will miss it dearly. For sure I will come back and at least speak, if that is alright with Bishop Webb.<br /><br />I understand about the birthday/Christmas presents, I don't expect a whole lot. And if you can't really afford anything don't worry about it. Just having a home in Missouri is the best Christmas present I could get.<br /><br />Good luck on the move and I hope you can all get down there safe and get settled into the new ward and everything.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Elder Call</span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-16346447177096375542011-01-16T08:18:00.003-06:002011-01-16T08:20:29.408-06:00Editor's ApologyAll:<br /><br />Due to our family's recent move to Richmond, Missouri, my time and energy have been on other tasks, and I regret I haven't kept up with Elder Call's blog. I'm now updating it so you can read all about what has been going on during December 2010 and into January 2011.<br /><br />--EditorProud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-4399649983614957412010-11-29T14:58:00.003-06:002010-11-29T15:08:23.366-06:00More Success in Taylor Mountain Stake; Transfer to Alameda Stake in Pocatello this Week<span style="font-style:italic;">Dear Dad, <br /><br />We had a pretty good week. We went over and had dinner with the Collette Family on Thanksgiving. That was very nice of them to invite us over. They have a son on a mission right now.<br /><br />Thanksgiving was an all day Preparation Day. So we didn't have a whole lot going on. In the evening we got together with some other elders in our zone and played different games. In the morning we all volunteered at the "Run to Feed the Hungry" We had to be over at Freeman Park in IF at 7:00 in the morning. It was the coldest year they have done it. It was a whopping zero degrees when we got there. We had different posts along the path to point the runners in the right direction. Elder Durnall and I with several other elders and a few sisters were posted at the end of the race to cheer and form a tunnel as the runners finished. It was funny, because nearly all of the runners had frost all over their faces. Lips, cheeks, eyebrows, eye lashes, ears, hair, everything was white with frost. By the time we left at about 10:30 it had warmed up to a whole five degrees.<br /><br />One of our investigators is experiencing some serious opposition. She told us she called some distant relatives who are LDS, and that helped her a little bit. She also called a neighbor that moved away seven years ago that is LDS. He is very excited for her to be baptized. So we think that this should go pretty good.<br /><br />Last night we had a really good lesson with one of our other investigators. We have been teaching him for a few weeks now. He has been to church twice since we have been teaching him. We read through the second half of Alma 32 and discussed faith. We asked him what some goals were that he and his wife wanted in life. He wants to become a doctor, and she wants to make sure that her home is peaceful and happy. He told us he wants to be a "good son" to his Heavenly Father and do the things that God wants him to do so that God can bless him with the things that He wants to bless him with. We told him that is exactly what baptism is. We invited him to be baptized. He told us that he will prepare to be baptized, that is what he is doing, but that he wants to make sure that he knows the commitment he is making. It was an amazing lesson filled with the Spirit. His wife then chimed in and said that she is grateful that she was baptized because she received the gift of the Holy Ghost and that that has helped her a ton throughout her life. So we explained that to him a little bit. <br /><br />So this Wednesday I am getting transferred. It will be five months to the day that I served in the Taylor Mountain Stake, 1 July to 1 December. I am sad to leave, especially with all of these things going on. But on the other hand I was hoping to have one more area and I wanted to serve in Pocatello. And that is where I am going! I will be serving with Elder Rudd in the Alameda stake. Elder Goncalves (Gone-Sal-ves) will be with us for the first few weeks because he is going home a little bit early. Elder Rudd was serving in Ashton, as my Zone Leader, while I was in St. Anthony. He is a really good, easy going, kind, hard-working type of guy. Elder Walker (the one I served with) is replacing me in the Taylor Mountain Stake and I will be replacing him in the Alameda Stake. I am way excited to serve down there.<br /><br />I really hope that you guys will be able to find a home in Missouri sometime soon. I also hope that being able to rent will work out for you guys. That has got to be way stressful not knowing where you will be living. I pray everyday that something will work itself out soon. <br /><br />That is way exciting that John was able to finish his Eagle Scout Project. Tell him congratulations for me.<br /><br />I think that is about it for this week. Thank you.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Elder Call<br /><br /></span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-71227345796851133492010-11-22T12:36:00.002-06:002010-11-22T12:39:44.050-06:00Member-Present Lessons Off the Charts!<span style="font-style: italic;">22 November 2010</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Dear Dad,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I am so sorry that that home in Missouri might not work. I have prayed that you guys will be able to find a house though. That has got to be really stressful to not know where you will be and having to be out by the end of December. I so hope that you will find the right home soon. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">That would be pretty cool to live in the </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Gallatin</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Ward. It would be really interesting to live in that area with so much history. I loved Adam-</span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ondi</span><span style="font-style: italic;">-</span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ahman</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, it was very beautiful there. I will pray that this home or another will work out soon for the family. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I would like to speak in the </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Beloit</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Ward if that is possible. That would be good to be able to see all of them again. The Hobbs have also offered that I could stay in their home. I'm not sure how long I would want to stay in Illinois for. It would be good to see some people, but honestly what would I do? I think we just feel so disconnected from the world and everyone while on a mission, we just get used to not having roots set down anywhere. We move from place to place every few months, eat dinner at a different family's home every night, rotate through several wards each week, missionaries coming and going every six weeks, etc.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Speaking of that, transfers are coming up a week from Wednesday. Again we will find out sometime this weekend what is going to happen. Honestly, I have no idea what will happen here in the Taylor Mountain Stake. I was only here four weeks longer than Elder </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Durnall</span><span style="font-style: italic;">. We are completing our third transfer together, either one of us could go. Or maybe we will stay together again. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We had a snow storm this weekend. Now there is a good five inches of snow, maybe more. And we have 70% chance of snow today, and 90% tomorrow. Then it will be cold the rest of the week. A couple of weeks ago it snowed a bit, then it got warm (40s) and melted. But I think this is here to stay. It is strange because I got here on the 1st of July and it was hot and sunny, middle of summer, everyone was out and about camping, now it is cold and snowy. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We had our training meeting this week. It was really good. We had Elder De </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mola</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> stay with us Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. He is from Italy and he and Elder </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Durnall</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> served together over in </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ammon</span><span style="font-style: italic;">. That was a lot of fun. We were able to teach eight member present lessons this week--that is an absolute miracle for the Taylor Mountain Stake! We struggled getting two or three for the longest time, those were good weeks. Then we had two weeks in a row where we were able to have three, then the next week we had four. We were very excited, then this past week we had eight! That was huge. I think this week might be lower because it is Thanksgiving, holidays are always tough for missionary work.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Yesterday at church Brother </span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Romrell</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> gave us each ear warmers, that was very nice. He is a very thoughtful man. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I hope John's Eagle Scout project goes well. That is exciting that he is getting it all done so soon. I hope it doesn't snow before Saturday! That will be one cold Eagle Project. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thanks again for the email. I will pray that you can find a home to move into in Missouri soon. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Have a good Thanksgiving!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Love,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Elder Call</span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-82430019790019079062010-11-15T13:10:00.002-06:002010-11-15T13:16:25.241-06:00More Miracles in Taylor Mountain Stake<span style="font-style: italic;">15 November 2010</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Dear Dad,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Your email was great to read. I have been and will continue to pray that you will find a home in Missouri, especially that the current home owner will accept the offer that you give him. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">That is pretty interesting about the real estate agent having a similar experience as you and Mom, also that others in the area all have felt compelled to move their. The Lord works in mysterious ways, and we don't always understand why or what the outcome will be. As long as we trust in the Lord and lean on Him he will direct all of our paths to where we need to be. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">That would be neat if you are able to purchase 25 acres. What would you do with it all? Would it just be left alone, or would you improve the land at all? That would be way neat if you are able to acquire more land as the years go on. I think it would be cool to live in Missouri. I really liked it the couple of times we have been there. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I think I will write Dan today. I hope he is enjoying his mission. We are getting several more visa-waiting missionaries (like Dan) today, President Colton found out last night. Then most of the ones that we have right now are getting transferred over to Boise to get there visas and hopefully head to Mexico in a day or two. I am so glad that I don't have to be one of those missionaries. It would be exciting, but never knowing what is going on or where I will be next would be a bit stressful. I am also glad that I am not one of the assistants who have to figure out all the logistics of it all. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This week we are having another Leadership Training Meeting. The good news is it will be held in Idaho Falls!!!! It will be at our stake center, which is only 2 miles from our house. So it is good for two reasons; 1) We don't have to drive all the way to Pocatello and shut down our area for a few days. 2) All the companionships in our zone will have a third companion in the evening. So they will get to go out and apply all of the things that we have learned. It will be from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Tuesday, 8:30 Am to 4:00 PM on Wednesday and Thursday, and 8:30 Am to 12:00PM on Friday. So this week will probably fly by also. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We had an amazing day at church yesterday. In the Thayerwood ward alone we had one investigator, another investigator and his less-active wife and kids, another investigator and her children, a less-active man and his kids, the recent converts, Pam and Alyssa, and the less-active husband!!! That is eight people plus some children!! That was a true miracle that all of these people were able to come to church. We were floored actually. Then in the Sunnyside Village ward there was another part-member family, Jason and Tiffany Rigby, that we started teaching this week, and another less-active woman. In the Park Taylor ward there was a less-active man. So it was truly a day of miracles. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Rigbys, the part-member family that came to church, we started teaching this week. They have been coming to church for about a month and a half. We asked them at the beginning of the lesson what they expected and the husband said, "We want to learn more about the Church, especially help Tiffany and get her baptized." We had an awesome first lesson and set a baptism date for 18 December. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Things are going extremely well right now in Taylor Mountain and the Lord continues to bless us.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you so much for the prayers that you have offered for me, they are being answered.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Love,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Elder Call </span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-23060118835246706102010-11-15T11:03:00.002-06:002010-11-15T11:13:53.655-06:00Another Investigator Commits to Baptism<span style="font-style: italic;">8 November 2010</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Dear Dad,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I can't believe that you guys were able to find a family to buy our house! That is truly a miracle. I hope that it works out for the new family. I am also surprised that the other buyer of the home in Missouri was unable to reach an agreement with the seller. I hope that you guys will be able to come to an agreement for it also. It would be pretty cool to have that home. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I am glad that Elder Bunker and Elder Brabazon are doing well on their missions. I need to write Dan again. They were all such good friends growing up. I am sure that they are excellent missionaries. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It sounds like John is being very diligent. That is good. Definitely a missionary skill that he needs to develop. I hope that he doesn't get too stressed out about getting his Duty to God award and his Eagle Project done. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I think only a few things worth writing about happened this week. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The first is we had zone conference on Tuesday in Blackfoot at the Blackfoot North West Stake Center. It was really good. It is kind of weird; we used to have zone conference once a transfer, but now just every three months. There is always a testimony meeting and the missionaries that are departing bare theirs and the new missionaries share theirs also. So some missionaries share their testimonies three months before they go home, and the new missionaries have already been in the mission for three months when they share theirs. The next zone conference will be in the beginning of February, so I am one of the lucky ones that shares his when he is close to going home. It just wouldn't be the same if I shared it two or three months before the end of the mission. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Elder Durnall and I were asked to give a training at zone conference. We trained on the Qualifications of the Holy Ghost. I think it went well. I kind of like doing things like that. But that was the first time I have trained at a zone conference. There are usually three zones in attendance, so we don't have the opportunity every conference. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This week we met with an investigator whose wife was baptized back in August and they have struggled with coming to church. He is a non-member, but loves church and has been reading the Book of Mormon. Every time we go over there she says something about having to hurry up and get him baptized. Whenever she says that he throws up another wall and takes a step back. But this week we went to go share a lesson about the Restoration with him. It had just clicked in his mind that we have prophets today. He was very excited about that. So we invited him to be baptized on the 8 January. He said maybe he would. But as we discussed with his wife, he ended up settling on 7 February. It is good that he has a date, a goal, to work towards. But it is three months away! He did agree that if he got his answer about the Book of Mormon sooner that he would move that date up. That was an exciting night. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Other than that not much happened this week. I will still pray for you and the family. Thank you for your prayers.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Love,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Elder Call </span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-37430850943100037132010-11-08T10:32:00.040-06:002010-11-08T15:54:16.245-06:00Two More Baptisms; Visits to Family History Sites<span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >1 November 2010<br /><br />Dear Dad,<br /><br />Thank you so much for the email this week! It was great to read. That is way sad that the family that wanted to buy our home fell off the face of the earth. I hope that something goes well and someone else will be interested. I know what it is like to have people disappear. A recent convert soon after his baptism kind of disappeared also. He doesn</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >'t have a phone and I have a feeling that he doesn't have a real home, just goes from place to place.<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Halloween isn't mu</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >ch of a big deal on the mission either. Saturday night (most people went trick-or-treating on Saturday) all the missionaries in our zone had to stay in a church building from 6-9. We played some basketball and got permission to watch a movie called "Up." It was pretty good. Of course everyone that we saw insisted that we take candy all weekend long. I am sick of it. Sis. Newbold has about 30-35 pumpkins left ov</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >er. We might cook some of the seeds.<br /><br />I am so glad that Grandma's cancer might be gone. I pray for her a lot and hope that she can regain her strength. One older sister here in Taylor Mountain always asks about Grandma whenever we see her. Her brother that lives in Salt Lake has cancer also. That is Brother and Sister Isaacs. They recently got sealed in the temple and Brother Isaacs reminds me so much of Grandpa Call. </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >I am glad that everyone is doing good at school and work and everything. Seminary can be tough with the lack of sleep, but I know that Mary Ann can get through it. She is a tough girl.<br /><br />We had Pam and Alyssa Snooks get baptized on Saturday! That was way exciting. It was such a good baptism. Elder Durnall baptized Pam and I baptized Alyssa, then we switched for the confirmations. Alyssa is only 9 years old but she acts just like Mary Ann did. She has very similar mannerisms. Pam's friend was baptized back in August and that friend's husband is investigating the church also. So that was good for him. Pam's husband also came to the baptism and to church on Sunday. These two families are so funny, to see them interact.<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >I don't hear anything about politics on the mission. But I do wish that things will work out for the</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" > best and that if it is necessary some changes will be made. Good Luck. I am always curious as to what is going o</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >n, but here in Idaho nearly everyone does not support Obama, so they just always make little remarks or jokes about him. But they are out of context to us so they don't make sense to us.<br /><br />Anyways, this morning we were able to go up to Rigby and see some family sites and have lunch with all of Grandpa's cousins. Bless Elder Durnall's heart for doing that. I don't have much time, but to give a brief synopsis: <hr /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknq6_8GQRgBdoPeJDoeD2OpOuDWzcJsK0eImMM6WbqYDDQUU97lLjwxuCI8GcoV6EZ0noI6BFBY8yjcRASP6aKtuF9jQHMGzxsJf13gSrRYJqrLdJ_iXK65MvSF-Yl9W42oHxXIlOkSw/s1600/Picture_016%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 405px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknq6_8GQRgBdoPeJDoeD2OpOuDWzcJsK0eImMM6WbqYDDQUU97lLjwxuCI8GcoV6EZ0noI6BFBY8yjcRASP6aKtuF9jQHMGzxsJf13gSrRYJqrLdJ_iXK65MvSF-Yl9W42oHxXIlOkSw/s320/Picture_016%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537276994690768226" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);font-size:85%;" >Left to right: Barbara Call Brown, June Call (Brent's wife), Brent Call, Elder Call, Nona Call Hunter, Trudy Hammond Potter, Jay Hammond.<br /><br />Note: Barbara, Brent, and Nona are all children of Cyril J. Call Jr.Trudy and Jay are children of Lila N. Call Hammond.</span><p></p><hr />1. We saw two homes of Cyril J. and Mary E. Wood Call. One is the original that they built back in the 1880's. That was way cool. And the other was built about 1920 in town. Barbara Brown (Grandpa's cousin) had arranged with both home owners to allow us to look through.<br /><br />2. Drove past the home of Ellis Heber and Lida Call that got moved when they built the highway. We didn't really have access to it.<br /><br />3. Went to the Rigby Pioneer cemetery and saw a bunch of headstones.<br /><br />Brent Call also brought some pictures. I took a lot of pictures and he had some copies that I could keep also.<hr /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGATt0Sil6E8GURNtM1B7Szf_Eu_1VSZtMi7jdH5ZNXxlF0w1gG-4jHd6AJwg-DoIR3GJnXXNpl0J2kWlCCeuZGHTjDxF2_-MNeg1Q0PsKCwKfuU84ljs42rRN_ke8J5sMGqhOQ_aRAE/s1600/front_of_original_home._Only_section_on_right_is_orginal%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGATt0Sil6E8GURNtM1B7Szf_Eu_1VSZtMi7jdH5ZNXxlF0w1gG-4jHd6AJwg-DoIR3GJnXXNpl0J2kWlCCeuZGHTjDxF2_-MNeg1Q0PsKCwKfuU84ljs42rRN_ke8J5sMGqhOQ_aRAE/s320/front_of_original_home._Only_section_on_right_is_orginal%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537285446724026610" border="0" /></a> <span><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:85%;" >Original home of Cyril J. and Mary Ellen Wood Call, built in the 1880s. Only the part of the home on the right is original.</span><br /></p><hr />On a side note, Bro. Hammond grew up in St. Anthony, 25 miles north of Rigby. His father was not a church going man, but he remembers his whole Call side of the family was very religious and active in the church. In particular he remembers his Uncle Ellis (grandpa's Dad), whenever they were visiting each other, would pull Brother Hammond's Dad aside in a corner and try talk with him about going to church. Of course his Dad would react to it a bit. He never went to church. Brother Hammond's mom wasn't real active in it either, but was involved in the Relief Society and would go to church sometimes. Brother Hammond always went to Primary and he and all his siblings were married in the temple and were active in the church.<br /><br />It was a once in a lifetime event. I am so glad that I was able to do that. And grateful that all of these people were accommodating. The cousins were all so gracious and kind.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Call<br /><hr /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8jeQoe24HSEnGQcA0BluxP7tM68kJh_UVDPOXedYsX_L-Y9Yw15bBIKpvxm9O5W7t1n1MFZ_c8ol_Tg0ShTqz0oUxfm3SasX3Kby40zTM1V8-TvsRrrNI_HD_sn70aQfEen_G178F3o/s1600/CJ_Call_home_in_town_built_abt_1920%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8jeQoe24HSEnGQcA0BluxP7tM68kJh_UVDPOXedYsX_L-Y9Yw15bBIKpvxm9O5W7t1n1MFZ_c8ol_Tg0ShTqz0oUxfm3SasX3Kby40zTM1V8-TvsRrrNI_HD_sn70aQfEen_G178F3o/s320/CJ_Call_home_in_town_built_abt_1920%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537292940456096226" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Cyril Josiah Call home, built about 1920.</span><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><hr /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzni7hFILYNMnsNevBqRWa1Y_seU6-u_PpEo89SU43yuq1ICkZ0HjwHtMmxIOsJSjapJ9THEMD8svgLr7iRdcCVkkTcCrMHEH0lXgI9RGvCjb5qplHbjjmLlqWhPy5jNUv45Roljgcfo/s1600/EH_and_Lida_Call_home_that_was_moved%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzni7hFILYNMnsNevBqRWa1Y_seU6-u_PpEo89SU43yuq1ICkZ0HjwHtMmxIOsJSjapJ9THEMD8svgLr7iRdcCVkkTcCrMHEH0lXgI9RGvCjb5qplHbjjmLlqWhPy5jNUv45Roljgcfo/s320/EH_and_Lida_Call_home_that_was_moved%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537294471935825938" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:85%;" >Home of Ellis Heber and Lida Perry Call, moved from its original location.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><hr /><br /><p></p></span></span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-75865168205311129712010-10-25T13:03:00.000-05:002010-10-26T09:53:11.274-05:00New Investigators Abound in Taylor Mountain StakeNote: We received a letter from Elder Call’s mission president asking us to let the mission office know our preference on Elder Call’s flight home. In my email to Elder Call, I asked him if he wanted us as his parents to fly out to Idaho and visit the various areas in which he served, or if he would rather just fly home.<br /> —Editor <br /><hr><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">25 October 2010<br /><br />Hi Dad,<br /><br />That is weird about your laptop!? I hope that you are able to fix it soon. <br /><br />It has been cold and rainy up here for the last couple of days also. I don't think that we are going to get anymore really nice days for the rest of the year, well not until next spring or summer. Shelley got a little bit of snow Sunday morning, but we just had rain up here in IF. But people are telling us that we are supposed to get snow this week some time. On the one hand it is nice that we don't have to worry about the hot, hot sun. But now it will just be cold and snowy. <br /><br />That is way funny about the BYU game! I bet it was still fun to get together anyways. <br /><br />We picked up a couple of new investigators this week. We have one ward where not a whole lot has been going on. So we decided to go visit the leadership in the ward and set expectations on both ends--what they expect of us, and what we expect of the ward. So the Relief Society President gave us a list of about eight less-active sisters in her ward that she thought would be receptive to us. The Bishop had recently asked her to go and visit every sister in the ward. So we went contacting these people and one of them told us she would call us some time, because her son might have questions and hasn't been baptized yet. So we gave her the number not real hopeful, but on Wednesday at about 1:00 she called and asked us to come over at 8:00 and begin teaching her and her son! The lesson went very well, he is a smart kid. We didn't set a baptism date yet, but I'm positive that he will be baptized. <br /><br />One of the other investigators is a man whose wife is a member. He has lived in Idaho his entire life, and people mistake him for a "solid LDS man" frequently (He doesn't drink, smoke, chew, swear, has a family, and drives a minivan). He is very welcoming of us coming over, doesn't seem to have a very firm belief in Christ being the Redeemer--just an excellent, if not the best, teacher that we all need to follow. So we will see how that goes.<br /><br />The other new investigator is a lady that is active in the church, has a calling, her children are active, the father pretty active (he drives truck so is gone a lot), yet she isn't baptized. The biggest hold up is that both her and her husband smoke. And she wants him to baptize her. She also said she is still undecided about Joseph Smith. The oldest son is 15 and they have been going to church since he was 8 or 9. He was baptized at age 10 with his younger sister who was 8 at the time. Hopefully we can help them. The father grew up in Brigham, but stopped believing when he was 12. Then shortly before they started going to church he had a few questions and found the answers in the Bible. So he decided that he better read the Bible. The son said they read it all day on Sundays. I thought he meant just a long time, but they read from 8:00 in the morning to 8:00 at night with an hour tops for lunch! They read the Bible and believed and the father said, "Well I am LDS so I should read the Book of Mormon too." So they read that and believed it also. They have been going to church every since. They are a way good family, and I am excited to teach them.<br /><br />I think I would rather just fly home. That sounds a lot better than touring the mission. Some missionaries do tour the mission with their parents, but that just doesn't feel right. I would rather be able to just walk off the plane and be home. Not have any of this in between stuff. <br /><br />By the way, on exchanges with Elder Fife this week in the other half of the stake we had dinner with the Crandall family. Bro. Crandall is helping a business get started in Rexburg called "Yellowstone Hotel Systems" (I think) and their product is called "Open Book." It is basically a way to book hotel rooms online. He said they are in need of raising money. I have no idea if that is along your line of work, but you might want to look into it. I told him your business is called "Civicus Consulting," he said he might be interested. I told him I wasn't sure if it is what you do or not. Either way it sounds like a cool business he is helping to start.<br /><br />Thank you for everything.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Call<br /></span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-29249875648224524842010-10-25T12:52:00.004-05:002010-10-25T13:03:00.859-05:00Work Moving Forward in Idaho<span style="font-style:italic;">18 October 2010<br /><br />Dear Dad,<br /><br />I am so jealous that you all get to go to the BYU game. That sounds like it would be so much fun. That is too bad that BYU isn't doing well this year. <br /><br />We are having some good success here in the Taylor Mountain stake. We had some investigators come to church again yesterday. They really enjoyed it. The daughter is about 10 years old and she reminds me so much of Mary Ann when she was that age. They have very similar mannerisms. They live in the Thayerwood Ward, and the Thayerwood Ward does an excellent job with missionary work. Our ward mission leader's name is Jordan Sermon and he is one of the best WML that I have been able to work with on the mission. While we were waiting for church to start yesterday he and his wife and kids came in, I thought she looked like she was extremely pregnant. Not nice I know, but true. Then part way during sacrament she left and a few minutes later Bro. Sermon got up and pointed out the door and said something to us. We couldn't tell what he said. But right as Sacrament was over he left a message for us saying that his wife just had the baby (we could hear crying in the background) and he wouldn't be able to make it to coordination meeting! It must have been quick for her! She was at Sacrament meeting at the church and within 1 hour and 10 minutes she had had the baby! <br /><br />I think I told you that I met Jay Hammond. Bro. Hammond is Grandpa Call's cousin. He is Lila Nancy Call's son. Lila and Ellis Heber were siblings. So we went over and talked with him for a little while on Friday. He is 85 years old and very nice. He is your typical member of the church in IF that has lived in his home for the past 40 years, served as a bishop, and has a good active family. While we were there he called another cousin and asked her if she wanted to get together for lunch. So today at about noon we are going to have lunch, it sounds like there are are going to about 4 of Grandpa's cousins. It should be fun. I will have to write home about it. <br /><br />You don't need to send me President Monson's biography. I can scrounge up enough money to buy it out here. <br /><br />Everything is moving right on along here in IF. Elder Durnall and I are staying together another transfer. We weren't too surprised about that. We could see it going either way, 50/50. This will be our third transfer together. And I have only been in the area 4 weeks longer than he has. I know it is six weeks away, but I bet I will get moved next transfer and have one more area. Elder Durnall and I get along great and have a lot of fun together. This transfer President Colton created a new zone, the "Yellowstone Zone"! It is zone number 10.<br /><br />We have the: <br />1) Pocatello South Zone<br />2) Pocatello Centeral Zone<br />3) Pocatello North Zone<br />4) Blackfoot Zone<br />5) IF West Zone (us)<br />6) IF East Zone<br />7) Ammon Zone <br />8) Rigby Zone<br />9) Rexburg Zone<br />10) Yellowstone Zone.<br /><br />This new zone includes St. Anthoy, Ashton, Driggs, West Yellowstone, and Jackson. Basically it is the same as when I was there, but without any of Rexburg. There are also more missionaries in those areas now. When I was in St. Anthony there was one set of English missionaries and one set of Spanish. Now there are 2 sets of English and 2 sets of Spanish. So the work up north just keeps increasing dramatically. I loved the North end of the mission. When I first got into the mission there were 6 zones and about 160 missionaries. Now there are about 200 missionaries and 10 zones. The work moves forward.<br /><br />It is exciting about the move. I will pray that you will be able to find a home in Missouri. Thank you for all of the things that you and the whole family do for me.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Call</span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-33910199027956070002010-10-12T12:45:00.004-05:002010-10-25T13:03:31.725-05:00Work Progresses; Elder Call Enjoys Country Life<span style="font-style:italic;">11 October 2010<br /><br />Hey Dad,<br /><br />Thanks for the email. It's all right that you missed last week. Things happen. <br /><br />It sounds like everything back home is going really well. I am glad that Mary Ann is 16 and enjoying life. I never went to any high school dances, I don't think I missed much. Friends would always go and no one ever liked them.<br /><br />I am way excited for that family to buy our home. I hope that it works out for them. I remember moving in almost 10 years ago. That was a fun drive across the snowy plains with Grandpa Call and Mary Ann! Then I got sick, we lived in the hotel that smelled like cake, and the missionaries helped us move in. That was so nice of them.<br /><br />I hope that house that you found north of Richmond will be available. I really liked Missouri when we went there and visited. It was beautiful. My dislike for cities has grown a ton since I have been on the mission. I think that is one of the reasons I liked St. Anthony so much. <br /><br />This week I was on exchanges with Elder Goodman in Shelley. I was there only one day, but I loved it so much. I just felt at peace and at home in the small town. The Taylor Mountain Stake has a lot of rural areas, but it doesn't have that small town feel. There will be neighborhoods with big, expensive houses. And a lot of the stake is in Idaho Falls proper. I still like the work here, it is just a city. <br /><br />I really liked your description of the home. It sounds perfect. I just hope that you are able to get it. I will pray for that also. <br /><br />One of our investigators that has a baptism date went to church yesterday and really liked it a lot. She said that some of the testimonies were "tear jerkers" and really clicked with her. That was way cool. She actually told us that she wanted to be baptized this Saturday. But we think it would be best if we kept the goal of 30 October. We need to help her be firmly rooted, taught, and committed. She is a really good lady. <br /><br />Transfers are just about a week and a half away. We will find out on Sunday what is going on. I could easily see Elder Durnall and I staying together a third transfer, but I could also see me getting transferred into one more area. <br /><br />It makes me sad to think that I probably only have one more area before my mission is over. It has gone by way too quickly.<br /><br />Oh, the family we ate with knew you and Aunt Jenni when you guys lived in Michigan. Her maiden name is Barbara Murphy, I believe. Her married name is Rovig. They were way nice. She asked if I knew any Calls in Michigan (I always get, "Elder Call, do you know Calls in...or "Elder Call are you related to..."). So I asked her which ones and she said, "Jenni Call." I was so surprised. I told her that she was my aunt. She said she was really good friends with Jenni when they were just kids. She kind of remembered you and she remembered that Grandpa and Grandma Call's names are Dennis and Connie. So if you could tell Jenni that I met her that would be great. <br /><br />Anyways, I hope that you guys have a good week and that you will be able to find a home in Missouri.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Call</span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-79653273342485095102010-09-27T13:08:00.003-05:002010-09-27T13:14:03.162-05:00Elder Call's Passion for Family History Comes AliveNote: I mentioned to Elder Call that my own life history—to age 50—is currently almost 600 pages long and will likely be close to 1,000 pages when it's finished, which I hope will be by the end of the year.<br />—Editor<br /><hr><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">27 September 2010<br /><br />Dear Dad,<br /><br />I cannot believe that Mary Ann will be 16 in a couple of weeks. She and John are getting so old. <br /><br />It sounds like Mary Ann is quite the missionary and that makes me so proud of her. That makes me happier than anything else I think. You are successful when you invite. She is successful. <br /><br />I am also very happy that you finally have some people that might be interested in the house. I will pray that one of them will be able to go through with it. <br /><br />It is cooling down here also. Idaho is weird, it will get cool then a random day of heat. Or get really hot, then a random cold day. But I think it is now fall, and every time I think that it makes me sad. I only have a few months left. Elder Durnall said once that it is like the dusk of my mission. So I guess that means it will be over in the cold of the night. <br /><br />If you think that no one will be interested in reading your life history, I'd say you were off your rocker! Just think if Cyril had written 600 pages of life history! We would know about his conversion, about his blessings, his family's conversion, specifically what he experienced in Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, and crossing the plains, starting new in the Great Basin. Not just fragmented details drawn from children and grandchildren, glued together by memories and stories in the framework of history as a guide! But a whole piece of art—intact, beautiful, and as fresh as the dawning of the days he awoke to face the world! <br /><br />This is a work that must be finished. Records, personal records, are vital to humanity. A family's history is the world's history. They must be created, consistently reviewed and updated, and then preserved. <br /><br />I'm just a little passionate about this. <br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Call </span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-34324891795540272742010-09-27T13:00:00.002-05:002010-09-27T13:08:31.607-05:00Elder Call Demonstrates He Hasn't Lost His Family History AcumenNote: I had forwarded to Elder Call a request from a member of the Cyril Call Family Association on LinkedIn for any information regarding Joseph Smith's prophecy to Cyril that he (Cyril) would have a large posterity that would remain true to the Church. This is Elder Call's response<br />—Editor<br /><hr><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">27 September 2010<br /><br />Hi Dad, <br /><br />I so wish that I could do some real serious genealogy on the mission! <br /><br />I have heard of that "prophecy" before. I don't remember right now of finding any original source. I have all of those black bins of genealogy stuff. It is sorted alphabetically by last name by couple. So Cyril and Sally Tiffany Call should have a folder with information gathered about them and any children that I am not a direct descendant of, so Omer and Sarah M. Ferrin Call should have a separate folder. You can go through that and look to see if there is anything. <br /><br />The one thing that might be similar to that "prophecy" is his patriarchal blessing given by Joseph Smith Sen. I believe that talks about a large posterity that would be a part of the church. I should have a copy of that in that folder. I believe they received those in May 1836, the same day that Anson was baptized. Sally's makes note that if she would be baptized, then the blessings will come. <br /><br />There is a book that has early patriarchal blessings compiled. There is one listed for Cyril and Sally "Cabb". Whoever transcribed it misread "Call" for "Cabb" (an easy mistake). <br /><br />Samantha Call Willey (1814-1905) also wrote a life history (I think about seven pages) that might give some insight. I think in her's she mentions being baptized in the Grand River (in Ohio) in 1837 with some siblings. Her cousin Orvis Call was also baptized in 1837 (she refers to him as "Uncle Orvis" sometimes). That should be in Cyril's folder also.<br /><br />If I remember correctly there are two possible dates of baptism for Cyril:<br />1) October 1831 (according to Anson's journal begun about 1839)<br />2) November 1832 (I think that is on a High Priest Group Record in Bountiful)<br /><br />In May 1836 Cyril and Sally had 12 children, 8 of baptism age and Anson being the only one married. Children are: Harvey (27), Anson (26), Samantha (21), Fanny (turned 21 in May 1836), Lucina (16), Josiah (14), Mary (12), Sonora (9), Sarah (7), Melissa (6), Omer and Homer (2).<br /><br />Cyril definitely had a large posterity. According to one researcher it is the 6th largest in the church.<br /><br />Out of all children it seems as though they all stayed active except for Melissa. I think she joined The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. <br /><br />Good luck and let me know of any developments on that.<br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Call</span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2888223839251145872.post-47299695095529899102010-09-20T12:07:00.002-05:002010-09-20T12:17:24.047-05:00Baptisms Continue to Come<span style="font-style:italic;">20 September 2010<br /><br />Dear Dad,<br /><br />Isn't it crazy how fast the weeks are flying by? This past week it seems like we have been constantly running all over the place trying to get things done. The busier you are the quicker it goes. This upcoming week we have another training meeting in Pocatello. That will be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. So that will make this week go by quick also. <br /><br />Elder Fife's half of the stake is having some crazy things happen with missionary work. For probably the last 7 or 8 months there hasn't been a baptism. Now He has four baptism dates. Two of the dates are 10 year old twins, another is 23 year old lady, and the last is a 22 year old man named George [not his real name].<br /><br />That last one is a pretty cool story. We tracted some apartments earlier this week and met a lady that said she is less-active, but would like us to come teach her and her husband. So she set up an appointment for Friday night. We got there and she left a note on the door saying she had to work, but "please do come back." So we left kind of dejected. Then as we were getting in the car Elder Durnall and Elder Fife saw a man outside. They both thought we should go talk to him. But they didn't want to get back out of the car and walk straight up to him. So we parked on the other side of the building and walked around to talk to him. He is less-active also, and not interested in hearing about the Church (incidentally, he went to school Uncle Scott Kunz down in Bear Lake). So we walked around and saw another man outside. We chatted with him for a minute. His name was George.<br /><br />I said, "George, I think we met your wife, Susan [not her real name], the other day." He said that was her. We talked about how she wanted us back to teach about the gospel. We asked him if it was alright to come back. He said, "Ya, maybe tomorrow night."<br /><br />So we went over Saturday night. We started talking about how the gospel blesses families and how prayer has affected their lives. (This approach has had a huge impact, especially lately.) We asked some questions to help him identify his feelings and the Spirit (one of the things we are taught in this new curriculum). Later on in the lesson Elder Durnall extended a baptism invitation and he accepted, without any hesitation! It was so cool.<br /><br />We had another investigator baptized on Saturday! He is 20 years old and we have been teaching him with another family. One of the members of that family was baptized last week. This investigator is way cool and really gets the gospel. He is the kind of guy that never really had too many friends in High School and his parents haven't treated him very good. He told us after the baptism, "There are some things you do before you're baptized. And some things you don't do after you're baptized." He wants to serve a mission.<br /> <br />That's pretty cool about the new family moving into Aditya's neighborhood. Aditya has a sister that is considerable younger than he is. Some of their kids might be her age, I'm not sure. I hope Aditya is doing alright. <br /><br />I pray for you and for the family, about work, school, and the move. I know that everything will work out like it is supposed to. <br /><br />Love,<br />Elder Call </span>Proud (in a righteous sort of way) Dadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499779111393164454noreply@blogger.com0