Sudden Changes and My New Ward

​Hey...

So ​this week was pretty good. I heard about what happened on 9/11 in arizona....BUt what are the details. Elder **** is from AZ so he is kinda nervous about it. Also, I am looking hecka fly right now, since Elder Johnson just cut my hair! Woot woot!

We had Zone Conference this week. It was fantastic! Pres. Frandsen gave a great message on the Holy Ghost. I felt like I was in general conference. He talked about how to feel the Spirit, we need to be worthy but also compatible and available to the Spirit. It was a fantastic message. He talked about how we need to be compatible. That was like the part that resonated more with me. That we can still be worthy, but we need to be open to it. He used the new music rule as an example. We were not listening to anything unworthy, we could just be listening to things that would be more compatible. It made the rule click with me. I haven't been violently opposed to it or disobedient, but it was nice to finally get the "why" of the change.  

 I feel like I received a lot of revelation for what I can do to help our investigators. I came with one of our investigators, named M****l, in my mind so I could hopefully receive some guidance as to what I need to do to help him. I really liked the teaching with the Spirit practice with the Highland YSA sisters. During the practice I was really focusing on what the spirit was prompting me to do. I realized I hadn't been relying as much on the spirit in lessons. So because of that I set a goal for myself of consistently praying for guidance during lessons. I am happy to report that when we taught M***** there was a HUGE change after the lesson. He understood why he needed to be baptized and he said he is close to finally choosing a day to be baptized! It was a huge step for him and we are really excited about that.

We committed someone for baptism last week as well! She is like 22 with a child, and she is dating a great guy who is a member already, but they need to get things straightened out with their situation before we can proceed. I am sure But the b they will do what they need to do!! Anyway, he is 19  and he is super fun! He is always saying things like "THATS HOT FIRRREEE!" "THAT FIRES HOT!" like randomly while we are teaching. So only in union city would that happen but its awesome..

The ward is doing really well, we have some potentials that should be becoming investigators this week! The ward is willing to help us go on splits and also find new investigators for us! I really love it here. The Bishop is an awesome example of faith and works. He really has an emphasis on missionary work and the ward catches on to it as well! 

I went on exchanges with Elder A again. He is of course awesome! He wants to know if you all wanted to go to his homecoming!  I said y'all probably would! 

I got the box of training gear and white shirts! THey are all perfect! Thank you so much! I am using them so don't worry! I am getting fit so I am really excited for that! Thank you for all that you are doing.

Love you all! 

Elder Meier

September 7th

So it's been a crazy week!

I got Emergency transferred to the Hayward Zone! Nothing I did wrong so don't worry! But it was my choice. Its a long story...So I talked to the AP's and President about it. I told them that it would be best if I would get ET'd so I did. I am in Hayward still the Zone Leader and everything so yeah.

Well my new companion is Elder J from Gilbert Arizona! He is hecka funny! Also, a really good missionary, he also is all into eating healthier and stuff. We also work out every morning so it's a blessing that he is here with me.

In other news....today while I was backing up I accidentally hit a pole....So that sucks. First time out here, I thought I was doing so well. But It was pretty bad scrape. I feel so stupid! haha! Well to recap the key points of the week.

We had MLC again and it was a pretty good time, the night before I was packing for the ET. I was up until like 1 in the morning packing because we didn't get home until like 9 and I wanted to wash all of my stuff before I packed it all in. At MLC we talked about the upcoming events such as Zone conference! It was fun seeing Elder  A  and Elder B,  being AP's together! They are all super awesome together. 

Then we had the ET up at the mission home right after MLC. It was really on the down low because it wasn't that big of a dealio. But then after the ET we taught a Book of Mormon class and I got to meet a few of the members, they are actually pretty cool! The ward is really missionary minded and are super good. All the missionaries in the mission say this ward is one of the best. I believe it, the Bishop is probably one of the most faithful guys I have ever met. You just kinda look at him and you just think dang. The spirit is strong with that one. I also ended up going on exchanges with Elder Y! One of my companions from the MTC! he is doing great and a really awesome missionary!

 We talked with a lot of people on the street! One was actually really cool.......So we were walking down this road and we notice this African American Young adult and child sitting in the driveway of an apartment complex. So we obviously went and talked to her. Her little daughter who was like 3 or 4 runs up to me and just randomly hugs me....which was cute but against the rules. Anyway, we try talking to her and she says "no. Go away. I don't wanna her 'bout your Jesus" so we asked why not and she said "I listen to people that are actually preachers." she was super sassy the whole time BTW, so I sassed back (kinda) and said "turns out we are preachers"! I showed her the card that proves we are preachers and she kinda fell silent.Then her mom came out and tried to bash us...but she had no bible knowledge at all, E. Young and I just testified to her (the mom) about the truthfulness of the Restoration of the Gospel, the spirit was really strong, and the mom had nothing to say so she went back inside. 

But after that, the daughter totally opened up to us and wanted all of our information and was going to go to church and everything. It was a really cool change that we experienced. After exchanges Elder J and I went and had a good day and at the end of the day we went and OYM'd (open your mouth = talk to as many people as we can) some more we had one conversation just last night at around 830. 

We were walking  and an Indian lady came out and greeted us kindly. We started talking to her then her husband came out. Then a few minutes later another lady came out. We pulled out a Book of Mormon and preached away. We felt like we were on a soap box crying repentance. Pretty sweet. But they just said that they have many books and that their ways are higher than books. We don't need books to know God. So they wouldn't take the book. They all were jabbing at us and we were just standing there holding the book.

 A couple of sentences later, one of the Ladies said something and then I felt like I had a chance, and I slipped the book in her hand and she accepted it. I tell ya....They were  hard to work with! But they are so loving and kind! Awesome people. Just not too willing to try new things. Understandable. It was just a really cool experience being apart of both of those. I felt so good afterwards and I knew that we were doing the right thing, even though people say we are wrong I know we aren't and I actually feel confident in telling people that we are right!

How was the week for all of you??

Love you all!!!!!

God Bless,

Elder Meier

on excahnges with e. young last week
the damage to the car
storm troopin'
the spiders at our apartment complex....they were both |                    | <-- That big like the body...

​exchanges with the AP's!

HAZEL's

Well, this week was pretty dang good! We were able to teach a lot of lessons this week! Which is always a good thing to have! Still in the YSA ward and I am still loving it! There are a bunch of awesome people to support us and all that goodness! I am still alive and whatever

But this last week E.O and I went to this place called Hazel's it's apparently some famous place in this area. But anyway....they are famous for this huge burger called the Willy burger! It's literally the size of a Frisbee, like it was huge! I ATE ALL OF IT! I felt like I was going to get so sick after, but I ate it :D It was hard eating dinner that day, because I basically ate 4 different hamburgers with everything on them when I ate the Willy Burger! It was fun though! Elder O didn't eat it all....But that's okay! He only had a little bit left! 

Other than that we met with a few of our investigators! E--- is a guy found at LMC he is awesome! He is a Jehovahs Witness and he is very spiritually in tune! We taught him the plan of Salvation and he actually grasped it pretty well! He asks a lot of questions and they seem like good genuine questions! We also added a new investigator named C---! He is from the Congo! He used to be really religious but then he started asking questions and he lost his faith. Which is sad because questions are supposed to build our faith. But we taught him a little bit about the Restoration and then prayed with him and got a return appointment! So that is exciting! We also taught N---, who basically just tried to tell us that she got her answer and that it was a no. So that was awkward...but we invited her to go to the temple and she accepted! So we can't wait for that. Then...oh man...this gets weird. So, the Antioch 2nd elders gave us one of their investigators named J---, they told us that she was pretty solid and that she is interested in learning about the Gospel. So we were all like! Okay! cool! We will teach her! So we give her a call and set something up.But in the end, she and the family were not that serious and it was a really crazy visit... so I am not sure what happened with them prior to that. We had to kindly visit, and left without any opportunity to get a lesson in. They had to leave.

My favorite scripture story right now is in Mosiah! Chapters 20-24 when it talks about 2 different people in bondage and how the both respond to that bondage differently! It's awesome to compare how they relate! My challenge to you this week, is to look that up and let me know your thoughts!

Love you all!!!

August 24th: Short but Sweet

Sorry....This email is unfortunately gunna be really short!

Basically I am staying in Antioch with Elder O!!! WOOT WOOT! Our new AP is Elder B!!! He is one of the district members from the MTC, and also from San Ramon! So that is really awesome! Both AP's are my friends! They are the best guys ever!!

We weren't able to meet with any of our investigators this week because it was the first week of school. So no one wanted to meet. But I am doing well! I love being out here in Antioch with E. O! We have been so busy and have done so much...and I love that we can continue ..We have some things to do for today that will take me away soon.. So yeah! Sorry this email is so short! I hope everyone is doing well! How did Quinn's game go and how did Tatum's concert go???

Here are some YSA pics with Carl.. we have a great group of member missionaries who help us a ton! Plus some with Elder A
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August 17th: Blessing From the Lord

Hey Family!!!! 

This week was a pretty d a r n  good week! A few have had to go to school last week, but most of them will leave in like a month or so....Cayson Renshaw or WML left us to go to BYU already so I am sad about that! A lot of people either go to school here at the local colleges either LMC or DVC but then a lot go to BYU or BYU-I if they are members... 

The weather here has been really hot :( I have been seating a ton even with the A/C in the car on full blast! So we don't really bike since it is hot, but right now my bike is at the mission home! Safe and sound! Was the picture on the ward program actually a good one?? OR nah? haha. Tell Tatum good luck on her harp thing! Who does Quinn play on Friday?? Elder O is from West Valley!! He is really cool, but we have our moments of disagreements. We just have 2 different styles of teaching and leading, neither of them are bad. They are just different. But we are definitely working them out! He is an awesome missionary and I love working with him, he has taught me a lot of things about myself and I appreciate them, even if it seems like I don't sometimes ;) 

Umm, well too be honest we had a lot of training and a lot of house keeping things to do this week! We had our ZTM and ZLC which was just normal stuff, we talked about how to help our investigators progress in the gospel through effective planning teaching committing and following up! It was a good time! Then we also had a "special training" and it was hilarious, because EVERYONE in our zone thought it was going to be Ipads! Elder  O and I knew it wasn't because President told us what it would be about.... But then we only saw 2 of our investigators this last week :!!!! It was a good time! though! We just prepped them for baptism and every thing! It all went really smooth and it was fantastic! WE dropped like 6 of our investigators because we haven't been able to meet with them for like weeks! So because of that and the baptisms we are down to like 4 investigators as of today! So we are going to be doing a lot of finding this week! But we are excited, because the local college is opening today and that's where all the YSA people are! 

So the Baptism! It was super awesome! It was really long though, but still totally worth it! So, it was right after church everything was going really smooth! Until we realized that there are too many people to fit in the baptismal room during the actually talks and stuff! So we had to move everyone into the chapel, which ended up being full! It was crazy how much support there was! We ended up having 3 talks and they were all really good and really spiritual! Then we had the baptism! I GOT TO BAPTIZE N----! IT WAS THE SCARIEST, COOLEST, MOST TERRIFYING THING EVER!! I was shaking just as much as N---!! But I kept it together! Afterwards when I was changing I felt sooooo good! I was just smiling to myself in the mirror like really happy, looking back it sounds weird. But I really felt my saviors love for her at that moment, and it's something I won't forget. I was so grateful I got the chance to do that! Also when C--- was being baptized S--, the big guy in the picture with the white lava-lava, while he was about to say the pray for baptism. HE just started bawling and then everyone did and it was just a huge crying fest! Because S-- had known C--- forever and they were basically brothers and it was just sooo cool! AHHH baptisms are just so awesome! I love them :D The spirit was testifying to all of us, the joy of the gospel.

I love you all so very much! 

Tatum! Good luck at the Harp thing! I miss hearing you play!

Quinn! Don't hurt yourself on Friday! Play hard! Can't wait to see what opportunities will come your way!

Samantha! I can probably beat Ima up! Have you gotten your Patriarchal blessing yet?

Love you! 

Elder Meier

Indian Food!

Exchanges with Elder B
Temple Trip for days!! (Don't mind the elder with the Ipad. He is from the San Jose mission.)
yeah. we were bored.
"Ain't Nothin' to it. Gangsta Rap made me do it ":)
#Ihavegonecultural




​

August 10th: ACCEPT CHANGE

August 10th:
Hey Y'all!

Also, sorry I am coming on so late. I was on a hike with some members! It was a good time!  It was weird cuz it was yellow and there are a ton of hills. Not the same kind of hike like in Utah, but it was still pretty :)

Well lets get down to business! This week was pretty bomb! So our investigators...we only saw C---, N----- and R----. C---- and N---- are still good for this Sunday! Woot Woot! We haven't gotten all the details yet of who is doing what but it is happening! It's been kinda hard to schedule it though, because it was first going to be on the 16th, but then it was moved to the 15th, then it was moved back to the 16th. Mainly because C--- wants to be confirmed that Sunday. But we were finally able to work it all out so everyone is happy :) N--- is solid as well! Really not much to report. R--- was also really solid. She is just kinda meeting for info, but she is starting to open up a little more. She mentioned how if God opens another path for her she usually takes it, but for some reason, the LDS isn't one she thinks she should take. So we are helping her see God is showing her a better way to go! I just think it will take a little time for her to come out of her shell.

We also had MLC, there has  been a change in rules concerning music....we are now only able to listen to MoTab and Hymns :( I fought long and hard to keep it anything spiritual, but I guess missionaries always push it so President wants to make it this way...It actually hasn't been too bad! It helps with the spirit so I guess that isn't too bad. And I should not have tried to direct anything..I know its for the best...

 It was a good week. OH I ALMOST FORGOT!  I went on exchanges with E.A on his birthday! It was a good time! He is an awesome elder, and I am always learning from him! Such a stud! Here are some pictures...but I am sure you already saw them!!!

​Love yall!!!

Elder Meier

Aug. 4 TEMPLENESSITY & YSA Missionary Minds

Hola!

So to first answer some of your questions from the last email (see I read them haha!) 😀I think we are going to start working on the basics once again, I think that will really help the mission. Tomorrow is MLC and we usually figure out what President Frandsen wants us to change. The Grill is going pretty well, it was all cleaned up and it was working, but we got super excited and grilled a lot. But now there is no propane in the tank so it is useless right now until we fill it up.

Our investigators are doing awesome! N--- is still on date to be baptized on the 16th! She is so cool, I was thinking a lot about how much she has changed over the past few months and it has been ASTOUNDING how much progress she has made! She is literally soaking everything in! C--- is the exact same way! He is super stoked to be baptized, he is doing everything and learning everything and loves all of it! He has soooo much support it is awesome! Man he is soo cool! He was actually at the All-Poly camp last summer, so you probably saw him....Nadine is also doing pretty good! She is still asking weird questions but she is reading. Which, for her, is a big step in the right direction! R--- is a new 'gator and so is a guy named N--! They are both really curious and ask awesome questions! Nico might play for Dixie (cuz I recruited him) haha! jk. But he is a baller and so he might go play there! M---- showed up to church with her  friend E---! Which was super awesome, E---- is getting active and now he is doing missionary work! Man I love that guy! He is so funny! Tomorrow after MLC we are going to the temple with Him, M---, and our Ward mission Leader Cayson Renshaw (Courtney Browns cousin).I seriously love the YSA ward! It is just basically a group of homies all hanging out doing missionary work! I love working with all of them, the all have a really strong desire to help with us or give someone to us to teach! Really an amazing ward! Our apartment is like 2 minutes away from the chapel! So it is nice to be really close!

We weren't affected by the fires but we definitely saw them! They were really close to a few of our members homes. We didn't feel the earthquake, so it must've not been very big. No one has talked about it, like they did with the one in NAPA. I have been reading the B.O.M., and then I end up getting transferred and then I start over ... and so I read it like that, and also I find topics. But I have been marking a lot of scriptures and studying them to get more out of it now. I think probably a month to get through it again. We haven't had anyone get through the whole thing, while investigating. So that has been a factor, which is really nice, because they don't need to have the whole pie to know it's good. Right? They just need to read a part pray to know it's true and then get baptized. Then read the rest. That sounds weird but true.

There for sure have been missionaries from Utah, but I don't know any of them...I have lost hope in people being called to my mission! I knew gramz was serving with some sisters! That is crazy!! Small world...

But I went through the temple today!!! AHH man it was awesome! I love going through there. I wish we could go more, because it is nice to hear about all the covenants you are making and it's a good reminder. Cuz, sometimes I am too scared to sacrifice things to help the Lord. It was kind of a slap in the face today, because there are a lot of little things that I am still holding on to that I need to let go to build up Zion. So I was glad to get that reminder and focus on the things I need to give up!

Well I hope this is a good email for you! I left my cord back home...I had temple pics. Whoops. But I LOVE EACH OF YOU!

LOVE YOU MOM!

LOVE YOU DAD!

LOVE YOU SAMANTHA!

LOVE YOU QUINN!

LOVE YOU TATUM!

LOVE,

ELDER MEIER :)

July 20 & 27 LOVE IT

 July 27th

​WAAZZZUP!

This week was super crazy! We had to do a ton of stuff. It was one of those weeks where I felt like I didn't do anything, but then looking back at it. We did a TON of stuff!!! I am hecka exhasuted from this whole week!! 

So first off E. O is awesome! Still a really solid guy, just like in the MTC! Super fun and super cool! Plus he has a cool eskimo shoes, but that's for another time. he also has a realyl strong desire to help the zone! Which is always a plus!

So on Tuesday we had a lot of report stuff to do...But we also had our interviews with President Frandsen! I was the very first person he ever interviewed in the mission EVER!!! He was sooooo great!  He is a really cool guy, kind of business like, but very determined. He has some really awesome ideas for the mission and I feel like he knows exactly what he is doing! Sis. Frandsen is so nice and is very open and just really funny! She made us cookies and was really fun to talk to..

Also, after interviews we had a lesson with one of our investigators named C----! He has been going to church for like 9 years in the Brentwood 2nd ward, but for some reason he was never baptized. So we started teaching him! He committed to be baptized on the 16th! He is super solid! Everyone we talked to about him was shocked that he wasn't a member! So it's crazy how people just assume things and allow them to slip through the cracks! After that we had to do our stake reports because that night we were going to meet with the Stake President, the high councilman over missionary work, and also President Frandsen. So we had to make sure the stake reports were on POINT! The meeting ended up going well and a lot of assignments were made so we are excited about that :)

Wednesday we had our Zone Leadership Council, it's kinda like a ward council for missionaries. We talke about the needs of the zone and what not. It was productive! Then we had Zone Training Meeting where the entire zone comes and we get to train them! It was fun, but it also took a lot of time to do all of those meetings!!! Crazy how many reports and trainings and things we have to do. It is tough work but I am thankful for the practice! Then we taught a member named C----! She is planning on getting her patriarchal blessing soon! So we talked a lot about it to her! She is extremely excited about it all! We also taught N----! She is still on date for the 16th as well! She was in Tijuana over the weekend and stuff but she is home now! Her mom is wanting her to push back her date, cuz the mom is nervous about Mormons. But N---, as she was telling us the story, bore testimony to her mom about how she knew this was the church she loved, and that it was the true church. It was an awesome experience!!!

Thursday was a long day...We went to Hayward, but since we were kinda by Oakland, we text the zone to send us list of supplies they need so we can bring it back. Well we get done with the errands, we stop by the Ormsby's in San Lorenzo cuz we were passing by, THAT WAS AWESOME!!! I love that family! Their son was back from his mission, so I finally got to meet him! They are all doing well :). But anyway, we go to Oakland pick up all this stuff for people in the Zone, and right when we get into Pittsburg, which is 30 minutes from Oakland, we get a text from the office telling us we forgot something really important.....So we had to go back. Well 1 hour later, we end up drivign like 200 miles that day, barely any proselyting got done. And we were both distraught!

Friday we taught N---, she just rails us with all these questions that don't even apply. Like in Alma 32 talking about the seed she took it waaay out of text...Then we had weekly planning. We also taught C--- again, again he is super super solid! He has invited like literally 3 wards across the mission to his baptism! 

Saturday basically we did all this service! There was a stake picnic for Pioneer day and we helped set that up and we actually attended and helped with pick up and did a little singin thing and it was just a party!!!  We got to meet a lot of new people, and it was just bumpin'!!! The pics of that party are on another elders camera...but I will get them some time next week! 

The future is still kinda far, but don't worry I am considering a lot of things don't worry. I am getting better at running and working out. Obviously more progress is needed but I am doing well with getting better habits.

I am glad Samantha's Boyfriend is awesome! It's weird not really knowing this guy....but I'll trust y'all!! Sounds like a good guy :)

Also, I did talk to you about the Watches and the birthday box. I sent like a big email about that. So I don't know if you read it or not. I specifically remember being proud of myself for thanking you for them...

Love you family!!!

-Elder Meier

Well Here are some pictures!!!

The Zone!

July  20th:

Wat is up family!!!

This was the first week with my old companion Elder O!!! Woot Woot! He is seriously awesome! It is soo cool too see how much we have changed!!! (for the better of course) we are having a lot of fun! Just the other day on the side of the road we saw a free grill. So since we have the truck, we took it. Cleaned it up. Now we have a nice grill on our porch and I have already grilled some brats. When I was eating them I was really missing home! I thought of when dad cuz he would always have em haha! 

Anyway! This week was good! N--- is still making some BOMB! Progress! Seriously, she is so prepared! This week we found out she knows like a ton of primary songs somehow, I think she is doing a ton of research. Which is fine with us as long as it isn't anti right?? Oh man she is sooo cool. But I always say dumb stuff around her....idk. JK We also got to see N--- ! We hadn't seen her in a long time, but nothing has changed about her. She still asks all these tough questions, this time she asked why God didn't just forgive our sins. That goes pretty far into things. Like we can't just say, "because he can't" ya know. So it was kind of a deep session. But she did read some of the Book of Mormon which was a big step because she has never done that! We also got to see J---l, he went to LA again. He is still having difficulty giving up his lifestyle..We also got to work with several people from the ward and are helping them get more active in the gospel.

We have interviews tomorrow with President Frandsen, I am the first person to be interviewed So I get  to let him know how awesome our  zone is, so it will be  pretty freakin awesome! HAHA! Then, that same day we have the Stake Coordination meeting, where we meet with the Stake Presidency as well as some high councilors and the Mission Pres. Then the day after that is our Zone Training meeting and Zone Leadership council. So we gotta lot of meetings and things to do! It keeps us busy, which keeps us obedient! :)  I know I am going to love President Frandsen, he is going to be great!

Weel I am super glad to hear everything is going well! I am sorry to hear about all the rain and stuff! But I am kidna jealous you are all going on these trips without me. What the heck. I aint even mad though. 

Love you all!!!!!!

-Elder Meier

July 13 Good News & My Testimony

July 13th:

Hey Family!

This week went kinda slow but we were able to see a lot of cool and fun stuff!!! To start off, I am getting a new companion.......ELDER O!!! My MTC companion! Crazy right?!?! I am so excited to be reunited with him. It's maney that he is even my companion. We have always missed each other and we finally get to be together! I am stoked! 

Well just an update really on one of our investigators! N---- is seriously the most prepared person I have ever met! She seriously, it blows my mind how prepared she is. We were teaching her one of the lessons and stuff and we had mentioned the word "ward" like the congregation. and she said "Oh my gosh! Ward, I have heard of that before!! I'm gunna be a part of the ward sooon!" and we were shocked and so we told her that after she was baptized she would be a part of the ward! Now she has a baptismal date for aug 16th! so that was awesome!

We also had the first MLC with Pres. Frandsen, it was really great in so many ways. It is such a huge job he has taken on and he will be so awesome!! I can tell.. But, he was also able to help us see that he needed our support to help him with his responsibility! He hasn't really changed any of the rules,  I was hoping we could play sports with members....but no!  And I need to just trust this rule.. So I need to support ....

 This week we just did a ton of reports and stuff. We had to do our stake report, we had to do our service report, we had to do the transfer report, our zone report. Just a bunch of house keeping stuff that we just  have to handle...but someone has gotta do it! 

I know this email isn't very exciting! 

But I just want to share my testimony:

That I have faith that Jesus Christ lives, and that he loves us unconditionally. I have faith that he is our Savior and Redeemer and as we look to him for an example, we won't go astray. I lives my be hard, but Christ's life was hard, but it is definitely worth living. I know that as we hold to the iron rod, and constantly strive to follow the commandments we won't need to fear. I have faith that the Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the everlasting Gospel and as we study it and follow the things the Spirit teaches us we can progress towards who we really are and who God wants us to become. I know  that Joseph Smith did what he said he did, and I know that because of the Restoration, we have a living prophet today in Thomas S. Monson. I know that as we follow the teaching of our prophets we can develop better stability in our lives and our testimony. I love this work and I love this Gospel. I love that we have a Father in Heaven who watches over us and has prepared away for us to become like him through, his Son, Jesus Christ. I sometimes try to think about how hard that would've been for God to send all of us down here...and it just helps me see how much God was willing to risk for each and every one of his children, because of that I am trying to evaluate my decisions that I make. To see whether or not the choices I am making reflect my appreciation for all God and Jesus Christ have done for me. I love you all!!! Keep on Trucking!!!!
Love, Elder Meier

July 6 Audio not transcribed yet.. Coming Soon

So much happened in JUNE, Goodbyes, One year Mark {June 18th} and HBD Elder Meier! {June 26th}

June 29th:

HAPPY FRIGGIN BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!! (June 26th)

Well, to start up this bad boy! I got past my birthday! WOOT WOOT! I am now 1/3 away from 60!!! Super exciting right! I did my birthday door and everything! Some of the members threw a little fiesta for me :) so I feel really blessed to have such homies all around meh. I think some people sent some pictures to you about some burfday stuff. To celebrate we just had cake and ice cream and lots of sugary food which is torturous, because I am pretty sure I have gained like 10 pounds in like 5 days. NO bueno. so I gotta start eating healthy again! 

Thank you for the packages! Super awesome! They made me feel cool and loved :) Elder S was jealous! But then he realized how fat I was getting so I guess he ended up winning that one ;) 

This week was pretty friggin DOPE! We found 2 new investigators!! The first one her name is A--, she was a referral from the Sister Training Leaders! We taught her the Restoration, it was awkward though, because she had just come back from a water park, so she was basically in a bikini. Lucky she covered up a little, but we just had to maintain eye contact with her so we didn't look weird. haha! She is super solid super fun! We also found someone named N----! She was also a referral, but they were from the Walnut Creek Zone Leaders. She is super cool! Super prepared! We taught her twice last week! We introduced the BOM to her she was all over it! Super excited about all of it, then we taught her the next day, the restoration! Her family owns this restaurant that sells mexican desserts. They are straight from mexico....THE HAVE THE BEST HORCHATAS OF AMERICA! But yeah, pretty sure she will be getting baptized!! 

We also saw A--! We taught him yesterday! We took him to the visitor centers, and showed him some DOPE videos! I felt the spirit way strong, I think A-- did too! He is awesome, and is just taking everything a step at a time, as he should.. Such an awesome guy!  He was able to make some goals for himself, 1. he was gunna pray every morning and night. 2. He was gunna read the scriptures every day. 3. Go to A church! So we are excited for the decisions he is making! He will make the change, and I know he will. But over time! So that was really exciting! 

I went on exchanges with the AP's!!! I went to Oakland with Elder A!!! REUNITED!! AND I WAS JUST SO EXCITED!!! He is seriously the bomb! I really was happy to be able to work with him again! He is such an awesome missionary! We decided we are going to start a business in St. George! A philly cheesesteak shop! We taught a lot of fun people and had some good times! We also had a some lumpia! It was awesome! I love eating all this awesome food! Ugh IDK I just love Elder A! He is such a homie! can't wait to see him when I get home so we can kick it!

Funny story! There was a shooting at one of our chapels yesterday!!! haha! Some people from the area got into a scuffle. Someone pulled out a gun and yeah. Now there is 2 people in the hospital. But that's just a day in the life of a missionary in the Oakland/ San Francisco mission. 

We also have a new mission president! He came in today! President Frandsen is the new guy up in here! It is all very exciting stuff!! So that is pretty crazy! President Meredith is gonezo! Super crazy! 

Well, that's pretty much the week! haha! It was a good time! Right now we are emailing and We are talking about some deep doctrine stuff! CRAZY STUFF! hahha! 

Here are some pictures! 

AP's apartment!

Oakland dreamin'
Wildfire that burned this hill
Birthday Door!!!
Exchanges with Elder Atkinson
Too much friggin cake!!!
Ade!!
So these pictures are from MLC, so these are all the Zone Leaders, Sister Training Leaders, and then the AP's and President and Sister Meredith!!! S'cute!! Dad notice Elder Sesi Salt in the back ground I played rugby with him he is in the back row 2nd one in from the right.

​June 22nd:
Well I think it's fair to say that this last year has gone by waaayyy toooo fast! Holy Moly! It feels just like yesterday I ​was getting dropped off at the MTC, and almost leaving my wallet in the car!!!! Super weird to think that I have been living on my own (kinda) for a year now. It's really easy and I like it :) But I don't know really how it will be in the real world! Hopefully it's kinda the same. Anyway...

This week we had Zone Conference, there were 3 zones that were apart of it. The Walnut Creek zone, The Concord Zone, and the Antioch Zone! It was a pretty big group! We got trained on how to eat healthy and how to plan effectively and all that by the AP's and the nurses. Sis. Meredith talked a lot about Charity and how it's one of the most important things we can have on our missions and in our life, that took like 2 hours. So then we had lunch and chatted, normal missionary stuff, the "good to see you's" and "how are you doings" Then we went and did the training block! It was super scary! So there are 3 groups and 3 ZL's that do 3 different training. So Elder S and I talked about revelation through church attendance and how it's important for our investigators to understand why we need to be going to church. It went really well, the first one was kinda rocky but the last 2 were good because obviously I was used to it! So yeah! Loved it! After that training block which took like 2 hours. We went into this big room and Pres. Meredith basically said his Good-Bye speech. Which kinda felt awful. Everyone was like crying and it was sad... Anyway, then sis. Meredith spoke and said good-bye. Then they did a little slide show about Pres. Frandsen. He seems very cool. We are excited to meet him.

Then on Wednesday, we did our Zone Leadership Council....that council our District Leaders and Sister Training Leaders show up and we all discuss what we can do to help our zone and the various districts ....It so it was pretty normal. We just trained them and talked about how to account a little better so we can go to bed earlier on Sundays! Because we had been going to bed way too late on Sundays! Seriously! It was hard. Anyway! It was a good time to get some refreshers ! 

We are struggling with getting our investigators to meet with us. Kinda bugged about it. I hate peoples agency sometimes and I wish I could take it away. But I can't so I just have to keep working to try and get them to meet with us! It is really testing my patience right now! But that is how I am growing... And I feel it, but I also feel like I understand.

We went on exchanges with the Oakley Elders and the Antioch 1st Elders last week! It was good! I went with Elder A to his area! We did a lot of service! A cool miracle was we found Hillcrest 1's investigator that went "missing" to the elders! She ended up being homeless, so that's why they could never meet with her! haha! But they are meeting again! That was really cool! Elder A is a really good missionary and he was always testifying about EVERYTHING! I thought it wassoooo cool! And it was really powerful whenever he did it so I am trying to apply that! Then when I went on exchanges with Elder L in his area, we saw a ton of crazy things and people! Like we went to this one potentials house and she said she saw Jesus holding her and her dog in some rocks over her fire place......She was trying to show it to us and I had no idea what she was trying to point out! It was hilarious, it looked like a ton of rocks to me! hahahahah! But we just shook our heads and said "wow, that's really cool" Then we left. ASAP cuz she was crazy! 

HAPPY FATHERS DAY DAD!!!! I hope you got my picture! The bishop sent it! so yeah! 

Also, the sweats are new! I got them at target! I am going to try to buy new shirts today cuz they are all really nasty.....

 Love you all!!!! 

Elder Meier!

June 15th:

Hey y'all!!! 

Sorry I am writing to you all so late! We are starting to do a lot of awesome activities for p-day now. I like it, it keeps me busy and I think it keeps me active ;) today we went shopping and bowling! I got some HECKA COOL sweat pants!!! I'll send you a picture of the pants! I wore them to bowling. I didn't do too well with the whole bowling score....I think the pants were distracting me :) I also bought a few pairs of dress pants....

I did get the boxes! I haven't looked at the stuff in them yet....But it is soooo tempting! They are just sitting their menacingly!! Ugh I have been having to use all of my will power not to open them! I got all of the boxes so don't worry!

It's weird to think that I have been out for a year...it doesn't even feel like it has been that long! I thought I just got off the plane yesterday! So it's friggin weird...kinda don't wanna talk about it ;) jk! it's cool! just 1 more year and I am back....that's kinda stressful! Like I won't even know how to greet people anymore ....especially girls..my comp and I were talking about when we got home and how we would greet people and girls...do I hug them or shake their hands? I am sure shaking hands will be fine...Because I am so used to shaking everyone hands that it would seem improper to hug...BUT I will cross that bridge when I get there! Besides that was random.. haha

So this week was also kinda slow for us! 

We saw M---, J---l, and K--! M--- is someone we found through one of our memeber named E-- L! He is a beast by the way, but that is for another time! Anyway, M--- we taught her about the restoration and how it can bless her life! She seemed really interested and he could really see herself being in this church! So we invited her and she said yes! And she came and she loved it! So we are "prolly gunna" baptize her soon! I hope..J---....same old! Except he may be getting humbled soon! His mom has just been diagnosed with cancer and his cousin just died....so we were able to talk to him about how Jesus Christ can help him during the hard times. But only if we ask and follow his commandments! Also...just a side note...Jamal says he's  getting me some Jordans!! He is getting me the 5 original!! That would be cool, but I am not sure yet if that is a good idea..or OK.  haha! I will check..

 K___ was a former 'gator who randomly called us and was like " Hey I wanna meet with you again" So we said okay! We taught her and Elder St asks "So why do you wanna meet with us again?" K just responds and says "well I really feel like I need to be baptized!!!" so we were all really excited about that random miracle!!!

Zone Conference is tomorrow! I have to give a training and stuff! So I am really nervous!!!! But whats new??.. We are hearing a lot about the NBA finals! I kinda don't want the Warriors to win....just cuz it's funny to see the locals reaction....but I feel them, so I am just kidding... ;) haha jk. I am glad everything is going well with y'all and the food storage and the football and school and what not! Thanks for all the awesome updates.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY DAD!!  I won't skype you this sunday! sorry! But I will definately send some pictures of me to you! So you know I love you! Cuz I know you miss your other favorite son! :)!! 

Here are some pics from transfers and stuff! 

June 8th:

Weekly journal #51 or Day 355

You may be asking how I know that, well I am here to tell you that since my year mark is like ten days away the math was really easy! Don't worry I am NOT counting! haha! To answer some of the questions from last week. So we play dodgeball in the morning every Thursday and Saturday, and while we were playing dodgeball I went to caught a ball and my pinky got all caught up in my other hand. And some how got all jammed up. So kinda lame story but whatever my pinky was friggin huge doe! 

This week went pretty good! 

We found 3 new investigators last week! Their names are C---, S---, and N----! C--- and S---- are engaged (kinda) they just know they wanna get married! They are both 19 and they live together, which is against the law of chastity, so we are gonna have to help them understand more about that. They both need to have better health habits also, since they do smoke a lot! So again small road bump. N is cool! He is a Rastafarian right now, but he feels like it isn't a very organized religion. So he is looking towards the LDS church, he is seriously such a homie! I  love my new companion Elder S, he was a ZL before this area for like 9 months so he has a ton of experience and I am learning a ton from him! Really funny guy too! He has been out like more than a year and a half. So he has a little while still but not too much. He thankfully isn't trunky though so we are working hard together! Also, we saw J---, he has been missing for 2 weeks. But we finally caught up with him, he was in LA! Doing some not ok stuff....we are really worried about him and his choices, he has expressed that he wants to make changes, but he isn't doing very much about it. It's kinda sad, we might have to let him go. Hope some how he gets humbled or something. IDK. OH MY GOODNESS!!! ADE AGIRI!!!! He is now in the ward!!!!! I was just sitting in at church and he walked in! I was in shock!!! But it turns out he is staying in Pittsburg for the summer! It is good to spend time with him!! I was so glad to see him!

I hope everyone is doing well! Ade said Quinn is getting big! Awesome! How was the Rugby stff and LAx stuff and everything! I Love you all and MIss you!!!

June 1st :

HEY!

This week was pretty good! A lot of interesting things have happened in the past week! To start off, Elder B is being transferred :( he is going to the walnut creek YSA! The new elder is going to be Elder S! He is coming from the Walnut Creek YSA, so basically they are just switching. Elder B is actually really sad about leaving, so is the entire ward! :( I am  too! )Also something exciting is Elder A is the new AP!!! So I am proud of that guy, he is an amazing missionary and I am sad that I have only had 1 transfer with him. 

Okay, basically an update on some of our investigators! J-- is no where to be seen! We stopped by and his mom said she hasn't seen him in 2 weeks! Last we heard he went down to LA and never came back! So that is really scary, we are actually really nervous for what may have happened to him. D--- ended up dropping us, for some reason he thinks he can find God on his own.I hope he at least has a better understanding of Him, and will get back with us soon! But since its was not through an organized religion, I guess we had to let him go! And similar to the another guy named J--. He was not really progressing, but we will try to pray and keep in touch. 

M is awesome we are meeting with her this coming week! Super cool, she is a make-up artist and is hecka good at it! Making all these cool faces and stuff! A---- is doing REALLY good, he is progressing really well! He is understanding everything that we teach him and he is telling it back to us in his own words and so it's really cool to see how much progress he has made recently. Most of our other investigators have gone lost due to school, so we are hoping to change that in these next few days! 

We went bowling last monday. I bowled a 157 which was actually the highest record I have ever gotten in my life. So I was proud, I think it is one of the gifts of the spirit. ;) OH! on wednesday down the street from where we live there was actually a hostage situation! It was awesome! We actually were in Oakland when it happened, but President M called and told us to warn all the missionaries in our zone to stay away from that area. Apparently there were snipers there and swat and stuff! You can probably go go look at it in the news! some other things that were difficult this week just had to do with the zone, but I know things happen for a reason and I am always praying for this zone and our success!! Its a great place. The work is hard but I love it.

Well that's really all I havet! I took a bunch of pics! I got a selfie stick! woot woot! 

FHE with Vi!!!!!
Bowling with the district!
Elder B and I at District meeting!
Elder V and Elder A

My messed up pinky ....
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