Finding the One

So today is it. Tomorrow I will be in meetings all day and then I'm on a plane and home again. I never thought I would see this day come and I didn't realize it would be this hard. Yesterday was so great. We got a new bishop and the Spirit flooded the room. We sang and I was able to see all those people that I love and will miss. I left and Jameston was my home ward. I'm now leaving my home in Howell and I can't describe the feelings I have. It's like I am loosing a loved one or when an old friend is gone and you're left in the sudden quiet of an empty house. It's almost heart breaking.

I came out here to find one person that I had seen in a dream. I spent two years searching and praying, knocking and testifying.  I've looked and looked and cried and I've come to  realize that I found him-- not the man in the dream, but I found me. They told me in the MTC that I was just as lost as my future investigators and I was, in a way. I knew the truth but I didn't have the Lord's image engraven on my countenance or the gospel written in the fleshy tablets of my heart. I'm still far from any type of perfect. but I was able to be molded and tested and tried. Now I feel that I am trusted.

What a blessing these past two years have been. They were the hardest two years of my life. Any one who tells you they will be the best two years is kidding themselves. But they have been, without a doubt, the best two years FOR my life.

I think I'm now ready to start my next chapter. See you on the other side...

--Cooper

Creeping Along

This week was slow again. The days seem to fly but man, those minutes just creep along!

We had a warm week. It was super hot and pretty muggy so knocking doors stunk. We had a really good lesson with Lisa. The Lord humbles his children and tries to help them need the gospel and she could really use it! She's having a lot of family struggles right now. She called us in tears one night telling us how she's just not sure about God any more. We taught her to pray again and told her to doubt her doubts before she starts doubting her faith. She's looking for a home. We felt inspired to promise her that she would find a place if she prayed every night and morning for three days. We called on the third night and she said she hadn't prayed every night.  She fell asleep once but she felt better you could tell. She had direction. She said she randomly looked in this other part of Michigan and found a lot of options. The Lord always answers our prayers, always!!  Not in our way but His way.

We saw Jannett again. Man, it was so sad! She just wanted us to pray with her. Her son is being a butt and isn't going to see her more than three hours a week. She's heart broken. I don't know her son but
I'm not his biggest fan. You don't desert family like that. We prayed with her and you could see the effect that it had. It was good! I just hope that she can find peace.

Other than that, just trying to stay focused and fake the want to knock doors! ha-ha They don't knock themselves so that leaves me and Abbott to do it! Wish us luck!

--Cooper

Goodbye President Gerber

Slowly but surely! This week was pretty slow for us--it flew by but I feel like we got nothing done.  ha-ha. We saw the girls. They still haven't been to church--week three now! I'm starting to get a little frustrated with their mom, like I have mentioned. May this be a lesson to everyone: If you want peace and happiness and power to overcome, here is the key: obedience! That's it! Cut and dry! All  the worries of life will still be there but you will have the all the Creator of Heaven and Earth on your side! You cannot fail!! I wish she would just try and understand that and live it! She would find the peace that I know she needs.

Elder Abbott, my companion

We also got to see Jannett. (She's the older lady in the nursing home.) She was so happy to see us. It was just great. I'm tearing up thinking about it! She is so lonely and afraid. She told us her oldest son isn't coming to see her anymore. He told her that he needs a break from her. I hurt for her but you can tell she feels the spirit when we come. I've learned that it really doesn't matter what I say to people. It's how they feel that matters. The Spirit they feel is different and they are unfamiliar with it. That is what interests people.

We had a zone conference this week. It was the Gerbers (and my) last one. It was good to see everyone. The Gerbers talked about the next president and his wife. He invited the Elders and Sisters to pray to know if he was called by God. I already know he is. I sure hope the missionaries that stay here will feel that. It was a powerful conference.

 I had my finally interview with President. It was so nice. I felt the love and the Spirit was so strong! I felt physically tired afterwards--that's how strong it was. We just talked about me, the spirit of the law and how I cannot compromise at all. I felt a little offended that he would talk about that but as we talked I could see that he was worried about me and who I needed to be for the Lord to work through me. It was tender. We talked also talked about what my plans are. What I want, not what the church or you want for me but what I want for me. I shared how I felt and I think he understood. We had some great conversations, We shared a special moment after talking about life and stuff . I told him I appreciated what he does and he said the same. He thanked me for coming on my mission. I told him I was grateful he let me stay and he teared up. He thanked me for staying and giving up my life to be here. "It's just what we do," was what I replied and he understood. What a wonderful man! He is a new role model for me for sure!

It was a good week and were going to make this one good to. Who knew that you could love as deep as this! I was thinking about it...as much as I have missed you and the family, that is how much I'm going to miss these people! Two years ago I didn't think I would ever feel this was. Crazy how God works!

--Cooper

Road Kill Turkey

Me and Elders Barrett and Birschback from my district.

This week was pretty good...ha-ha...the regular to-do's of mission life! We had a really good lesson

with the older ladies in the nursing home--just short and sweet. The friend of the member, Janette, was doing so much better and she was so happy to see us. She began to cry as she told us that she just had this feeling swell in her when we had come.  We smiled and told her that it was the Spirit. She's not physically strong enough to take the lessons yet but she told us she would do anything. She just wants to learn. It's great to find and be a part of the lessons with some one who actually wants to know.

Turkey damage to the bumper!

Elder Abbott finally got to meet our ward mission leader. He has been out of town for the last two weeks. Nothing too fun there. I honestly hate those meetings. They're pointless but we do it anyway. I hate doing what others tell me to do but I would love to see some one put something on the table.  "Elders," they would say, "these are the appointments I've got lined up for you this next week." Instead of "What did you do this week? What can I do next week to help you? I want to be engaged." Blah blah, whatever. But on the ride home I pegged a turkey with the car! Slammed it! ha-ha. It ran out after it had already made up it's mind not to run--or so I thought. Everyone said that I should have taken ir home. I was like, "Nope! I followed the driver's ed course--just hit it and don't stop!" Why that turkey crossed the road, we will never know. He didn't make it! ha ha.

From the ward bulletin. I felt the love!

Please pray for my girls. Their Mom has stopped bringing them to church. It breaks my heart. I'd move back just so I could take them but the members here are all willing. Their mom just has to get the picture! I just don't know how to help her get it. She won't give up her lifestyle. "I'm not ready to jump all the way in yet," she says. It's beginning to affect her girls and that's not alright by me! Just pray with me!

It was a pretty good week. We got to be instruments in the hand of God. Can't beat that! We also toured the huge old church in town very cool, not Mormon. ha-ha.

Love,

   Cooper

Retrospect

Sometimes the hand of God in our lives is so small we only see it in retrospect. This week we saw a lot of blessings but we felt like it was a bummer of a week. We found two new people to teach. They were referred to us by a member from the other ward. One is the member's friend, Janet. She is really sick and is in a nursing home. She is worried because she hasn't been baptized. We went and gave her a blessing and testified the she is God's daughter and that He loves her. Then her roommate Donna said she would like a blessing too. So we gave her a blessing. You could feel the spirit. It was great and you could tell the the member felt it too. We have another appointment tomorrow with them.

We are taught that we can call down the powers of Heaven and that Father hears our prayers. I know that's true. We did it just yesterday. A member of our ward asked us to pray that her less-active friend would be well enough to come to church. She had been using her illness as an excuse. So we pulled over and prayed. It's so good to have that feeling in your heart--that Heaven and Father, for that moment, stopped for you--to listen and feel that he acknowledges you. I got to shake that sister's hand. She said, "I wasn't going to come. My foot hurt but I came." The little miracles are what have built my testimony and conversion.

Oh and I got to make my first "911" call. We met a guy tripping on acid so we sat and talked. I stepped away and called the cops (felt like a boss, I might add). They came and got him to the hospital. We were in the right place at the right time. It was super neat.

A good week but the best is yet to come!

Last New Companion

This week was good. I dumped Todd. ha-ha, Grandpa Douglas took us down to transfers. He's so great. He and I, just two old timers hanging out. ha-ha. It was cool. He opened up and talked about some things that we really care about.  Sister Douglas was surprised that he even talked to me about some of it so it was cool. My new comp is Elder Abbott. He's from Idaho Falls, so pretty close to home. It's been a hard transition. Weird, I know. It's different having some one that laughs and jokes. He's pretty cool. I am still figuring it out.

Nothing too great to talk about this week--just continuing on. We almost got a lady on date. We have taught her twice. Her name is Lisa. She knows it's true. She has had the lessons tons of times. She finally told us her concern. She doesn't think she could be Mormon because she's not perfect and would fail. So we testified of the atonement. She didn't get it quite yet but we'll get there.

I went out last night with the Bishop. We just talked. You would have thought that I was one of his youth getting ready to leave. I could feel his love for me and the people we saw. I can't forget the Lord because he chasteness me so often. I feel like I have been driven to my knees and I am thankful for that now. It has taught me about prayer and love, long suffering, and about being succored. Kinda cool. Thought I'd share.

I'll get you a picture of Abbott next week. Have a good day! Only a couple more weeks!

--Cooper

Staying in Howell

This week was good we didn't have to cook a dinner all week! It's the little things in life that make the biggest difference. At the end of every transfer, the members seem to remember us and all of them want to feed us. It was nice to go and visit with so many of them. I could honestly care less about the food. It could taste like cardboard...if the conversation is good, it's worth it!

We got invited to go and help the other ward with their mutual activity. We helped them wash cars and gave out pass along cards. It was pretty fun. I was with one of the Brighton elders (my favorite one). It was just fun! Mormon members are weird though. Think of sitting in your car getting a free car was and all these people smiling at you and watching you and then them sending two guys in white shirts to your window. Yep, weird! We tried to not be to awkward but one of them just like hovered behind us. Ugh! Get your own investigator, dang it ;)

Something cool: We took a memeber out with us last night. He's fifteen. It makes me tear up just typing about it. He is so converted to the gospel--like more than me or most missionaries. He shared his testimony and how the gospel has changed him. It was such a sweet experience. He would be a Stripling Warrior if it was the Nephite times!

We got transfer calls and I'll be staying here in Howell. I was so shocked!! No one expected me to stay. I was already running through the list of who I needed to say goodbye to and what I was going to leave behind. I'm happy to stay though. Most areas I have been so ready to leave but I think I could stay here for a while. You know--get a new comp every now and again and keep going. I joked with one of the members. He said he was going to tell the mission president I couldn't leave for another couple of years. At church I walked up and said he had better start looking for a house and a wife for me if I'm staying that long. He said he would hook me up!! ha-ha. Pray my new comp is cool! I am praying for that!

Love you guys! I hope you have a great week. You're always in my prayers.

--Cooper

Humbled

So this week was pretty good. I hate the thought of leaving Howell. We get transfer calls this week and I am praying I get to stay. It's crazy how you can learn to love the people so quickly. We had a good week.  Monday I was in a bad mood so the Douglas family took us out to ice cream and dinner to cheer us up! They're so great! I want to have the Elders over just like them. They are our family away from family. Tuesday we took a vacation day and just did service all day. Perfect! I miss just working and I missed Dad a ton! We helped Brother Douglas build a deck. I guess there is a rule missionaries can't use power tools...well, I broke it! Just get out of the way, I'm working here!! ha-ha It was hard. I loved to help but I just wanted my dad!  The smell of the wood and Brother Douglas giving me the "I'd-say-something-about-how-you-measured-all-those-boards-a-quarter-inch-too-short-but-you're-not-my-kid" look. It was nice!

Afterwards we went to "The Roost," an antique store down town and helped them reorganize the store. Kim and Jerry are such good people. They own the store and James is the store manager. They just instantly became our friends when we stopped in that first time. It was good. We talked about what we do on missions and stuff--nothing to heavy. Then on Saturday night, we had been asked by the other ward to come and judge their chili cook off. We thought they should have just asked their own elders but whatever. I asked Todd if we had any friends we could invite and Jerry and James came to mind so we texted them. We weren't sure how they would respond--they don't live the morals that God instituted, but we thought we should try anyway. They CAME! and they had a blast! It was so cool! They just hung out with Todd and I and the other elders. I had fun and they had a good time. James had a really bad experience with Mormons before and had this bad feeling. He told Todd that we had totally changed that. Perfect! One heart softened, that's all we can ask for. Pray for them! We would love to pick them up as new investigators!

I talked to President this week--I was his first interview! I had emailed him on Monday and said that I loved him and wanted to sustain him and I covenanted to do so, but I was struggling with some of the new misison rules.  We got to interviews, he called me in, and we talked.  I feel so bad. I was just stressed and struggling to understand and it turned to anger. Then I just couldn't tell up from down! We had a really good talk and he was so personal about it, telling me how he too struggled and how he had almost weeded himself out of the church a couple times. It was great. He wasn't my leader for a while, we were just friends talking and figuring things out. I saw him as he was--a tired old man trying to do right in God's eyes and keep us all safe, happy, and spirit filled. It was good and I walked away humbled and ready to follow again. ha-ha  Some times I'm such a jerk! You'd think I would just follow and know that he's trying to help me. Instead, I fight like he's the devil and throw a tantrum! It's all good now!

I can't wait to talk to you on Mother's day!

Love,
   Cooper

Miracles

I don't know what happened with our ward but it has changed. We had three lessons with members last week. That's more than the last transfer combined! It was just great! We had a member I knew from Walled Lake call and go with us to teach her friend. It was a bad lesson. The lady had agreed to take a lesson so she could get help with some work stuff. She really didn't feel it but we still got to go and teach, which was good.

Then we did some service for a lady. Her home teacher took us. She had some friends over to help her get packed (she's trying to move). When we went to give a message, she told us we should go to the kitchen "there are more ears there."  We did the nail lesson. They are older and were awed! ha-ha It was cool. The member that took us, he and his wife teach seminary. They had a funeral to go to and didn't have a sub. So we taught seminary Thursday and Friday and today. It starts at 6:10 a.m. Let me tell you! We got up at 5:30 a.m. to go over there. That little bit makes so much of a difference!  We came home, did personal study, tried to do comp study, and then took a nap! The kids were super cool! Today we had a high of 9. There are kids in seminary that don't even come to church! It was so great!

We taught the girls about the temple. They are so pumped to go there some day. They are so converted! The week before last, they were in Florida. We went to church and I didn't realize they were there. They came in late and sat by themselves. This week they came and sat with us. It was sweet! They are just little lights in the ward.

We had a couple super cool thing happen. We got a referral to go see this lady and her husband. We went stopped by but they weren't home. We called and the woman was so nice to us. Her husband was in a nursing home. We said we would call in two weeks so we could check in and meet them when he was better. We called the man who gave us the referral, his name was Peter Jensen (I thought of Pete, but it wasn't him--I asked). Peter said that the man wouldn't be coming home with his wife. He had a week to live. He was dying of cancer. I felt so bad! She didn't even let on! We sent some elders to see them--the nursing home wasn't in our mission.

On Saturday were were doing service for a member's non-member daughter. She's moving into her parents' basement to help take care of them. We were with her when we got the call that the man had passed. I don't know them. I've never seen them. But I hurt for them. Lisa, the woman we were moving, was lost to what we had to do with it all. So, impromptu, we taught maybe the best restoration lesson I've ever felt. We simply explained that we, because of the restoration of the gospel, have all the peace, hope, happiness, and strength that any person could want or need. We have it and we're giving it away for free. This time she got it! She agreed to take the lessons after she was settled in. What a blessing!

It has been cool learning how things feel. Once I was annoyed with a family here in church. This mom was struggling to get her three children to be quiet and settle down. They were distracting from the spirit and I wanted to worship! What an inconvenience to me! Then I looked at the Bishop's face. He was looking at her like she was an angel?! He was so happy to see HER. I pondered on that. Here was a mom, alone, that brought her three kids to church because that's where they needed to be and she had that duty to herself and them. She came alone and has since I can remember. A warrior against the devil for her children! The Bishop loved her like the Savior does. He was so happy to see all the sinners and hypocrites, the trodden down, battle-worn people file through the doors into the chapel to worship and be renewed. It has changed me forever! I now see people in church through his eyes and I know how Christ must see me. Miracles, I'm telling you! I don't pray for hard times, but I learn so much more when I have them.

Have a good week!

-- Cooper

Fightin' the Fight

When I first came out, I thought that we were coming out to fight the devil and all the evil in the world. But the longer I serve and study, I really feel that it's more about fighting the evil that is in ourselves. If we can empty ourselves of that evil, and tame our own devils, we will make the world a better place one person at a time.

This week was pretty blah. We had a district melt down. You put a bunch of 19 and 20 year old boys in charge and it's bound to happen. It's all about being able to communicate with each other. We got it all solved but it was so tiring. Drama! Drama! Drama! ha-ha.

We had some cool stuff happen. Kim, a lady we met at an antique store (she's the owner) invited us to the grand opening of her new store. She's so cool! She is doing her hobby for a job. I felt so special being invited. We don't ever get to go to stuff like that and it was a personal invite! We couldn't make it--stupid mission boundaries! We are going to see her later this week though and see how it went.

The Lord puts us in places to help others.  Yesterday we had dinner with the whole Douglas family. It was so nice. I felt just like family and that I belonged for a while. We came home and were talking to some of our neighbors. One of the girls always has a nurse with her. She started to have a seizure. I took the dog's leash (they had just gotten back from a walk) and they got her all taken care of. One of the ladies commented about how it was "perfect timing" and "thank heaven that we had come when we did."

It was a pretty good week. We saw a lot of less-active people and members took us to do it. The work is starting to pick up even thought the numbers aren't showing it but they can't record everything! I hope this week goes just as well!

--Cooper

The Girls' Baptism

So this week was a great one! Here in Howell we work hard, and party hard! ha-ha (and sleep hard too!) The girls passed their interview on Thursday night. Man, I was so stressed. We had gone over on Wednesday night and went through all the questions with them. Flawless, as always! They want it and for their righteous desire, they should get it! As we were getting ready to leave one of the girls said, "Don't worry, I will only drink a little coffee when I grow up." I just about died! So we kindly but firmly helped her understand that we had just asked her mom to quit and it has been hard for her so she shouldn't even start. They passed either way!

One of the elders had his year-mark temple trip so we had his comp with us all day. It was great! He's probably my best friend in the whole district so I was happy. It caused some waves with Todd though. I guess it's hard not to be Mom's favorite. We had a good long talk about it Friday and we are getting through it. The rest of this transfer might actually be a lot better. Thursday night some elders, the ones who were at the temple, stayed and chatted a while. They are super cool and I really enjoyed it.

Camryn & Kaylee's Baptism

Saturday I was starting to stress. As always, I hate being dependent on anyone. I had made sure that I wasn't in charge but it all worked out. The girls got baptized! We had been praying for the Spirit to be there so their brother could feel it. We had almost picked Corbin up as a new investigator earlier in the week. Sister Douglas had put his name in the temple and we all were praying. I don't know if he felt it, but I did.

After we got everything cleaned up and went home. I sat down and boom! out like a light! I was so exhausted. It was funny. One of the Douglas kids had told me to stand up straight. One of the sisters from the ward stood up for me. She said that I was tired from the spiritual side--like after a trip to the temple. It was so true! I slept it off! ha-ha. Yesterday the girls were confirmed. It was good. I felt the Spirit strongly again (no nap this time). We also got a new ward mission leader. It was a cool day.

On a mission, we live for days like these! We spend all day looking and nights praying for people to be searching. It was so great to find and help them!

--Cooper

Countdown to Baptism

This week was a tough one...it's up there in the "Big Three" of hard weeks! The work was about the same but when you don't feel mentally or emotionally strong, it's rough. The scripture says "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." For me, most times, it's the flesh is willing and able but my spirit is weary. You don't have to worry about me. I want you to know Father's looking out for me always!

We met with the girls this week. They are so excited! They have the program all planned out for their baptism this weekend. They are so thrilled, and so are we! ha-ha They have their interview on Thursday night. The baptism is Saturday at 11:45. We planned it right after a Primary activity so all the kids will be there and can stay and support. I hope that there is a ton of people there!

The weather stinks! It was pretty warm all week then BOOM! snow and cold for Conference. In the broadcast, Utah was all sunny and warm! ha-ha All the elders in my district are from Utah so I'm the only sane one! They were all thinking of sunny Mormonville! Just kidding! Conference was good. We watched it at the church on Saturday. Sunday we went to the Douglas's house. It was nice just to be home. I thought it was cool. Brother Douglas blessed the food we were eating and he asked that the missionaries would feel comfortable in their home. What a cool thing to ask for! We did feel comfortable--maybe too comfortable! It's nice to be with family--not ours but still, it's as close as we can get!

Only 11 weeks left and counting! ha-ha I'm still working but I'm ready to get some rest. I was born with an old spirit and it's needing some sitting down time! ha-ha

--Cooper

The Savior is Real

The District! My companion, Elder Todd, is on the far right.

Mission life almost never changes--like, at all! It's the same thing over and over. The only thing that changes is the people that you are loving and being with! We got to see all of our people this week. The girls, Kaylee and Camryn are still on date for April 9th. They have come to church three weeks in a row now. Their mom even came this last week. It was so great! They are so pumped for their baptism! The whole ward is starting to get excited about it. Keep praying for them, they will need it!

We also have been working with a girl named Breann. She's almost 17. She's sweet. She is less-active (she and her mom). She has to work a lot and every Sunday but she has such a conversion. It was so great to teach her. She finds out today if her boss will let her change her hours around on Sundays. We have been praying so hard for her to be able to get her schedule changed. The Lord has answered my prayers before. I don't think he will change that now! She had enough faith to ask, so hopefully it all works out for her!

Church yesterday was good. Elder Todd and I spoke in sacrament meeting. It went well. There was supposed to be a guy speaking between us but he didn't show, sadly, so we took the time. I miss home but I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere but there yesterday. It was just great! The Spirit was so strong...as I took the sacrament through the talks, it was awesome! I had been working on my talk....thankfully, all my thoughts came into line. They always seem to do that. I woke up one morning at 4 am so I got up. Then felt sleepy and laid back down but didn't sleep. Man! I just gave my whole talk in my head. It was so great! When I got up to study, I couldn't remember it anymore! ha-ha But it all worked out. I got up and took my time. I felt the Spirit--like goose bumps and chills thrilling through me. I KNOW that my Savior is real. I talked about how we need to know the Savior as a friend not just as some great god that we worship. It was so great.

As for transfers, Todd and I are staying together for one more. I'm happy to not leave Howell just yet. We're just going to hit the pavement! The district is staying the same. One elder that I'm really good friends with goes home tomorrow. That's sad but we are getting a brand new elder to replace him. I hope that he is cool.

--Cooper

No, those aren't clip-ons! I'm a man now and tie my own bow ties!
With Elder Beckstrom

Ready for a Change

This week was pretty fast. I can't really remember anything too exciting that happened. We had exchanges on Tuesday which was nice. They say that you shouldn't do exchanges just to get away from your comp, but hey, we have to go on them anyway! ha. ha. It just worked out and it's nice to have a break from the normal everyday life. One of the elders had a birthday so we "un-celebrated" with him. They don't want us to lose focus with a party, so another elder and I organized an un-party for him! ha. ha. (It's all about that gray area.) It was really great. He had a bummer of a week and it cheered him up. It was his first birthday on the mish so he probably missed home like crazy.

We got to meet with the girls. They are doing so good! Their mom is struggling with life and just having a hard time...being a single mom isn't easy. If you would all pray for Sister Patton that would be sweet! She could use the help! She brought the girls to church yesterday but had to work so she dropped them off and ran. The girls sat with us and ran off to class as soon as the amen was said. ha. ha. It's good to be with people that like to have you with them!

We helped Papa and Gramma Douglas into their new apartment. It was nice. Thanks to Dad for teaching me how to work. I about freaked out at Elder Todd. "Get your hands out of your pockets so you can work! Ugh--Nevermind, just get out of my way! I'll do it!"  ha. ha. I am a Kniffen. What can I say? Thankfully, one of the Douglas boys, Craig, was there. He's Ute's age and I hope Ute is just like him. He's a hard worker and so converted to the gospel I think he could handle a mission right now! He and I figured out how to work around Todd and have him feel like he was working but we are actually doing everything. Ha. Ha.

I have to speak in sacrament meeting on Sunday--Easter Sunday! I have been working on my talk but I just don't like it. I was pondering on it yesterday. I laughed and decided I'm trying too hard. I'm just going to get up there and talk--you know use the Spirit and my gift of BS and rock it! No, I'm joking! I just haven't figured out quite what to say. Mom, you and I will be speaking at the same time. How cool is that? Just know that we can cry together! Ha. Ha.

It was a good week. I'm happy it went by fast. This Saturday we get transfer calls. I'm hoping that I stay here for one more. I love it here and I love the people but I would like a new comp... We'll see what God wants. He's the boss!

I love you all!

Cooper

Recharged

So after my fast last week this week was so great! I felt like we had a purpose again. We had a chance to see the girls. I missed them so much! They were so excited to see us! They want to come to church so bad. We talked it over and set a new baptism date for April 9th. Come hell or high water, that's the date! It's amazing to see the change in people. Sister Patton, the girls' mom, got a new job and she has to work some Sundays. We said we would help her any way we could. She called and said she had to work but she would drop the girls off at church before work if we could get them home. What trust she had to put her girls into our hands! They came and we sat with them. They loved church! We are off to a great start!

We also got to see a less-active girl, Breann. She's less-active because she has to work. To find people that want to come back and are willing to do what they need to is so refreshing! Since finding is absolutely the crappiest thing ever, we have started doing member lessons and inviting them to think of one friend that isn't presently participating in the gospel and then start to work with them and we will help them. Its been a hit so far. It's not showing yet but its got people thinking and coming up with names.

So its been a great week. It was so nice to take the sacrament yesterday. By the time Saturday came, I was done--just washed out. I didn't have my spiritual charge anymore. How blessed we are to have the gospel! I'm hoping to stay in Howell for one more transfer (and to get a new comp!). This ward is home to me. Their people are like my family. I have never felt love like this for a ward...people, yes, but a ward, not so much. It's cool. I almost feel like I want to move out here with my family and try and help the ward. It's weird. Charity!

Thanks for all the prayers! Sometimes when something out of the blue happens and a blessing comes, I tell the boys. "There it is! Mom is still praying for me." There isn't anywhere I go that your prayer hasn't already been! Thank you! This has definitely not been the best two years of my life. But it has been the best two years for my life.

--Cooper

Moving Papa

One lesson and one heart softened is our week this week. There is a sister in our ward named Sister Douglas. Her family is so awesome. Her husband is in the bishopric and her kids are all just super awesome.  They are my family--the ones that are taking care of me with Fakahau gone. She called and asked us to come and help move her non-member parents.  That is what we did almost all week!

We started last Saturday. We took all the Elders with us on Monday night. We worked Tuesday all day and Wednesday. What a blessing! Papa (her dad) is kind of crusty but by the end of the week he was so open and kind with us...Sister Douglas was amazed! It was so neat to be apart of it. I felt like one of the grandkids. I honestly don't know either of their names--they are Papa and Gramma. Papa call's me Coop! ha-ha I love it! I ought to correct him but it's not worth it. He pulled me aside and personally thanked me for all that I had done for him--saying it was tenfold of what was required or even asked for. It was so cool! We invited him to church, as grandkids and as friends, because Elder Todd and I are speaking. I thought that it turned him off. He didn't really say anything. Then, as we left, he said he would tell Gramma about Easter Sunday! How awesome is that?!

We taught one lesson to a guy at TJ Maxx. He was super cool. His name is Jay. He asked if I was on a hot date all dressed up (note Todd was not standing with me so it wasn't gay). I told him, "I wished!" We talked about the mission and what we believe. It was cool.

We also had a Zone Conference. President Gerber talked to us about the atonement. It was awesome! I cried, no surprise there! It's hard not to be overwhelmed when I think that for me He died. If I was the only person on Earth, He would have still come to die, to succor me, and be there for me. Like I mentioned, I get to give a talk on Easter Sunday about the atonement.  My hope is that the people I speak to will be able to feel the spirit and know the reality of the Savior and what it means for them. Please pray for me!

Have a great week!

--Cooper

Another Week

Another week bites the dust! I wish that I had something exciting to tell you about this week but we didn't see anyone--like zero lessons. It snowed so much that we had to cancel with the girls. It was like a blizzard! We got 15 inches of snow in a couple of hours. The schools closed for two days. The roads were so bad! We ended up walking around with our shovels so we could help people as we walked. It was something different to do but I miss the warm weather!

The longer I stay out here, the older I feel and the
older I look, too! Helping put  up drywall was messy!

It was warmer yesterday. The snow is almost all gone. It was perfect timing! I left the keys in the car and one of the elders put his laundry in it and the other elders dropped off a set of hair clippers--then they locked the door! We had to call a service guy to come help us. Even he couldn't get our car unlocked! The elders drove us to the mission office and we got the spare set of keys. It was pretty crazy.

We helped some people move. We also helped the bishop hang some drywall. Nothing too great!

I hope that you have a great week. Thanks for all the prayers!

Love,
     Cooper

Learning to Listen

This week was a lot better than the last. We did a lot of finding and found no one but that's okay. The girls are my little rays of sunshine always. There is nothing better than showing up to a lesson and they are excited to see us and keep wanting us to start as we try to visit with their mom and see how her week was. They really hunger after the gospel. They aren't going to get baptized this weekend. They didn't make it to church because their mom had to work. And last week they were sick. We are moving the date but they are still solid and growing.

Elder Todd

I did the weirdest thing this week. I have been trying to follow the Spirit more. I have a hard time knowing if it's just in my head or the Spirit, so it's always a battle. We were contacting downtown and we walked past this insurance place. I looked in and this girl was there. Oh well, whatever. We walked past again and I thought I saw her crying--like positive she was crying. It was so weird. I felt for her--like ached and we walked past. I was like, "She needs what I have!" So we turned around and (I didn't tell Elder Todd what was going on) we almost walked past again...UGH! Finally, I just stepped in and told her that I felt that she could use this and gave her a card and invited her to check out the church's website. I apologized for it being awkward and walked out. I couldn't believe that I had just done that! But I felt like I had done the right thing. The Spirit confirmed it this week. I have seen the effects of little promptings. I'm so bad at following them that our miles ares starting to pay for it but I'm slowly learning. By the end of the week I was drained--like weary.

Sunday was such a relief! My goal was to take the sacrament and have it renew my covenants and to cleanse me, So I applied myself. That darn Summers' blood came out! I was trying not to cry as I felt the Spirit touch my heart as I was passing the sacrament.  It was such a miracle--so small and yet it renewed, sanctified, and lifted my tired soul. What a blessing to be able to take the sacrament every 7th day for the rest of my life!

My companion and I are adjusting just fine. I just have to learn to love him. He's a great guy. I'm trying to learn to refine myself. Mission's aren't about baptisms. It's about the molding and shaping of the missionaries...building their conversion. When people see that, I believe they feel and begin to see that in the missionaries. That is what ignites something in them!

Love,
  Cooper

So you know that hole in my ear? One of the other elders noticed it and his mom has one. So he asked if he could put a needle in it. (He didn't use the sharp end.) I was pretty sad. It wasn't too deep. His mom can put a whole earring in hers :/ I guess I wasn't meant to have my ears peirced all the way ha-ha

Blessed are the Valiant

This week was a week or parties and sadness. Transfers were Tuesday and it was a mess, as expected. It is so hard to have your family ripped away from you like that! Fakahau got moved down to Detroit River Branch, lucky guy! He told me that he wanted to go to Detroit. He hadn't been there but wanted to serve there so bad and he got his wish! My new comp is better than Ross but still a challenge. His name is Elder Todd. He's from Utah and been out the same amount of time as Oviatt. He's had 18 comps and as many areas as I have had. I really miss Fakahau but I still have the district and I won't be alone this time.

The hardest part of my week was that an elder that I love went home for medical reasons. He called me in tears and asked for a blessing. He was one of the young ones in the district, my babies, I joke. We went over and gave him a blessing and we talked for a while. He flew home yesterday. People just don't realize how hard a mission is or how valiant some people are to answer the Prophet's call even knowing the demons they will be fighting. If people knew, they would never judge a missionary for coming home early. They honor military for their valor, their courage. They call them heroes. That's what this elder was to me. A dear friend and a hero! May God bless him on his journey.

The girls are now on date for February 27th. We are all super excited about it. They are ready! Their mom brings them to church and stays with them. They missed church on Sunday but so did the rest of the ward. It was so cold! We had 60 people there, maybe. It was small. We have an appointment with them tomorrow and then they are going to go to activity days for the fist time. I'm so excited for them.

It has been a crazy week but this week looks normal. Keep praying for Kaylee and Camryn. They are going to need it to keep Satan off their backs!  Thanks for the letters. I don't think that I need anything--just prayers (always) but you are already doing that. Only 18 weeks to go!

Love,
   Cooper

Goodbye Fakahau

So this week was pretty awesome. It was the last week we had with the Howell district as we know it. Elder Fakahau is leaving!! I'm kind of worried. With the string of companions that I've had, I really wonder who I will be getting and if he is going to be chill or not. We are losing another elder in the district so we are all going to spend the rest of today together.

This has been the hardest transfer call on me. It's like I have known everyone in this district forever and ever. Now they are ripping away my family! I'm trying not to be bitter about it. I signed up for this and told God I would do whatever He asked. I just wasn't aware that he wanted ALL of me plus some! I might need some more prayers depending how tomorrow goes. I fasted and feel like it's going to be fine. Or I'll come out a well-tempered tool of the Lord!  ha-ha

My birthday this year rocked! We had a zone meeting and all of the elders in the district bought matching ties and brought the party to the meeting! We started it off by sitting in the very front and kicking the sisters to the back--which is unheard of! The rest of the meeting was pretty normal. Afterwards my district and one other set of elders went to lunch and stopped in Hell on the way home and had a beer, ginger beer but still! It was super fun! We had dinner and then the elders came over and we just sat and talked. No cake. We all were stuffed from lunch and we all had had dinner appointments.  It was awesome!

Other than that, we had a super awkward lesson with the girls. The Law of Chastity is always a tough one. We hardly teach it and it was to 11- year-old girls! One of the girls had had a bad day. Her boyfriend had broken up with her and she was sad. ("You're 11! You  can't have a boyfriend!") So we had a chat. It was better by the end of the lesson but it was a rough start! Fakahau started and gave a brief overview of what we would be teaching. Then he looked to me. Ummm...so i was like, "Mom, we are going to need some help." So she was like, "Girls, what the elders are trying to talk about is sex." She didn't break the ice--she threw a bomb through it! It all was all good in the end.

The girls came to church again. Its been so cool to see the change in their family since we started the lesson's with them or since I go here. Tomorrow we get new comps. Pray for me or for him--either is good! ha-ha

Have a great week!

-- Cooper

Progress

So this week was pretty normal. We knocked a lot of doors then got sick of it so we tried everything to not have to knock doors. ha-ha. We had a great lesson with the girls, Camryn and Kaylee, this week.  We taught tithing. We had a member come with us. I felt so bad! This is my first member- present lesson in almost a year. Dearborn was the last ward that I had someone come with us. (Thanks to Marlen!) The lesson went smoothly. It felt like I was in a trio. The member did so great! Afterwards we learned that was an AP when he was on his mission. Man! he got fired up when we told him that he was the first member that had come out with us! He said that is why wards shrink. He was ticked! I would love him to be the next ward mission leader here in Howell but we'll see.

My district and the ladies we helped move.

So the coolest thing that happened is that the girls made it to church! They came!! I felt so bad. The meeting started and they weren't there. We sat down and had the sacrament. I was praying for them and looked back. They came! They had sat in the back! How sweet is that? I was so happy...no, not happy...my joy was full! They have the coolest primary teacher. She is the most loving lady in our ward. It was perfect. Kim, the girls' mom, said she felt like the speakers were talking right to her! I'm so excited to see them this week! As long as they keep coming, they are going to progress! Don't stop praying for them. They have a long road ahead of them but they can make it!

We had a really spiritual lesson with the Merrills. His mom and dad are members. He's less active but that's okay. He and his wife are really funny. His wife is starting to get dementia, so her daughter (who's not a member) asked that we come and share the lessons. We talked about how Satan had tried to stop the First Vision from happening and if Joseph could call upon God and get strength to overcome, so can she! It was really good. The Spirit was strong and we knew that the daughter felt it.

The weather this week has been so warm. Sunny and 47 degrees with no complaints. It's awesome! No snow. It looks like Spring is already here! I'm doing good. Sometimes we focus so hard on being better that I forget how good I'm actually doing....great compared to so many people we meet.

I'll talk to you next week!

--Cooper

Detroit Car Show

This week was normal...kind of dull.  Elder Fakahau and I have resolved to do something awesome every day--that spices up life and we can have some fun. If you aren't having fun on a mission, you are doing it wrong! Any one who doesn't think so can fly a kite! Ha. Ha. We started off the week by going to the car show. It was super fun! Really neat cars! We rode with another set of elders and the member that took us is an engineer from Ford so we got the "tour." Ugh! I just wanted to ditch him! Last year's show was better. There were more cars and I had more fun with Elder Oviatt. We just ran around and did what we wanted. It wasn't like a school field trip. It was fun to be back in my kingdom again. Westland Stake covers the downtown area so I drove through Dearborn. It was great! Back where I knew everything!

Tuesday we didn't do anything too great other than email. We had an appointment with the less-active

family I told you about last week--the one with the crazy family life. They were doing so much better! It's amazing to be able to see people as a missionary. You can literally see and feel the light that is in them. They were doing so much better! The son even prayed and we felt like we made a difference. We were asked not to spend time with them by the bishop though. So that was our last set appointment with them. After that, Elder Fakahau took some medicine and a nap. He was having an allergic reaction. The was the rest of our day...almost. We went with the other elders and walked across a frozen lake! Don't tell! I guess it's against the rules? Grey Zone! Got to love it!! ha-ha

Tracting in the country

We had a mission training broadcast from Salt Lake on Wednesday. It was good. Six of the apostles were there and a couple of them instructed us. It was nice to hear them live--just to us tell us that they feel our pain and are cheering for us. We met with Camryn and Kaylee the two 11-year-old girls we are teaching. They love the gospel and want to come to church but there less-active mom won't take them. It's so frustrating! They want to come. They keep all of their commitments and try so hard. Their mom, who knows this is true, just won't make that step for them. Please pray for them and their mom! We have another appointment with them this Wednesday and are going to try and have some members take the girls to church next week --if their mom won't.

We think we have bed bugs. All Saturday and Sunday  we cleaned cleaned cleaned and sprayed some nasty chemicals around. I swear we have the cleanest apartment in the whole mission right now! Our poor washer and drier haven't stopped going for two days! The last two loads are in right now so it's almost done! Its been a good week though. Love you guys!

Love,
   Cooper

A Car Wash & Borrow Pit

This week was a good one. We had one really exciting day Tuesday! What a day!! We started out doing personal studies together (not recommended) but we talked about our investigators and how we could help them. At ten we went out and started to work but our car was really muddy on the outside from all out dirt roads. So Elder Fakahau was like "we should wash the car." It was 17 degrees outside! I said I thought it was too cold but he felt like we should, so we did. Ha-ha!

Happy Elder Fakahau

It was so COLD! We would spray off the one side of the car and by the time we got to the back of the car the front would be frozen. We were literally blowing ice chunks off the car! ha-ha  It was funny! We switched after the one washing got too cold. The car looked good when we were done and Elder Fakahau was happy. Then we went to a trailor park to tract.

We prayed we would be lead to those we could talk to and know whose door to leave a card on, that would be prepared, and would look at the website. We talked to one guy and got to share our message with him. He didn't get it and was convinced we were adding to the Bible. As we left, he told us that there was a single mom that could use our shoveling skills to clean off her porch and driveway. We went, shoveled, and left a card.  Prayer answered!

We had a lesson with a less-active sister right after that. We saw her family fall apart as we were sitting there. Her son (who is highly-functioning autistic, suffers from depression and suicidal thoughts) cut himself in the other room then came in. We were like, "umm, can we pray and leave?" and then the woman's mother called. They had had a huge fight right before that, so we left a short thought, prayed, and left. So already it has been a crazy, fun day! We ate lunch and decided to go out and knock in the country.

The roads were good so we went for it! Then we hit this part in a dirt road that was super bad. As long as you didn't stop, you were good. There was a car stuck, so we pulled up, stopped and asked if they wanted help. She asked if I was stuck.  We smiled and said, "probably." So her boys pushed us out. We pulled into a driveway and pushed her out.  Elder Fakahau slipped as we were pushing. He ate snow, stood up, and slipped again! ha-ha We all laughed and got her out. If she stopped, she would get stuck again, so her one boy jumped in with her and the other son was going to ride with us. We pulled out of the drive and BOOM! right into the borrow pit! I was like, "well, lets get out and see how bad it is." We were high- centered, so we were toast! Luckily, a truck came and pulled us out. Then we went on our way. ha-ha

That was the best day this week! If all days were like that, a mission would fly by! The rest of the week was pretty normal. ha-ha I am in a district of all elders. This one is great! We are brothers here. We all laugh and tease and joke with each other. No one is better than anyone else. It's awesome...so much better than the last one. We hang out with each other on Mondays at my apartment and then go play ball at the church. Like last night, we had all gone to the car show. I'll talk about that next week. I've got to save the good stuff! Afterward, we all met at our place and got Little Caesar's Pizza and sat and joked. Elder Fakahau gave a couple elders hair cuts. We talked about home, our mission, and girls. It was just great!

I'll talk to you next week!

Ofa Atu (love you in Tongan)

Loving the Country

Our week was pretty great... nothing like being a balmy 40 degrees outside! What could be better than that?! It was pretty slow.

Ha. Ha.

We are teaching a couple of 11-year-old girls, Kaylee and twin sister, Camryn. Their mom is less-active. They are super cool little girls! I love to go teach them because it's the basics of the gospel and their questions are all heartfelt. Last week they had some ducks pass away. We had just got done teaching them about the Plan of Salvation. They asked if they would be able to see them again. It is really neat! They are so excited that they can get baptized. We just have the struggle of getting their mom to church. They were going to come yesterday but they didn't show up. They said they had people come over. It was a bummer! We have another appointment with them this next Wednesday. I'm already stoked to see them!

It was also Elder Fakahau's birthday yesterday. On Saturday night we had the the other elders in our district come over and had brownies and ice cream. It was fun. I think he enjoyed it. It's hard to make things special when you aren't with the ones that love you the most.

We woke up to snow and ice all over the roads! We broke an ice scraper on the car! It was crazy! We had maybe 30 people show up to church. I got asked for the second week in a row to say the closing prayer. We joked...I'm 2 and 0. Maybe I'll go for all six weeks!  ha-ha

It was a good week, just cold. Hopefully things stay good.

--Cooper

Loving the country!

Happy in Howell

New Year's Eve Chinese with Elder Fakahau

So I'm now in this little ward called Howell. The the ward is about the size of a branch. It's so small but it seems good so far. We are in the country --like walking  forever to get to the next house and up a long drive--but I have an awesome companion!  Elder Fakahau is from Tonga. He moved to California just like a year before he came on a mission. He is so great! Elder Fakahau is so happy--like nothing could get him down at all. I just love it! He just has the Island way, the faith of the people and he just loves it here. He's been in Howell for seven and a half months. He came out three months after me. I'm so blessed to have him.

With it being the new year, I have had the chance to reflect on the past year. I know how much Father in Heaven loves me. Over the past year, I have learned so many important lessons. I now have a personal relationship with my Savior. I know how to really commune with Father and I have seen the Lord working in the very fine details of my life. How richly blessed I have been. Instead of making a resolution for the year, I have decided to choose two words that I would like to live by. The first is "remember." If I can remember Jesus, as I have covenanted to do, then I would live a better, richer life. I would have the Spirit to be with me always and I would never be able to loose sight of the Celestial Kingdom. The other word is "experience." Bishop Day used that word over and over and I love it! I can pray to Father and it can be just words or I can humbly kneel before my Creator and have an experience with Him. That is what I want--to not only do the steps of the gospel but to hear and feel the music fill my soul and experience the light. Its been a great past year and this one has the possibility of being even better!!

My new address is: 62 Curzon Ct, Apt 301, Howell, MI 48843

Love you,
    Cooper

Elders Becker and Oviatt, my boys!

Michigan Detroit Missionaries, December 2015