Dear Home,
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Of course, I've already wished a Merry Christmas to most of my readers, and Christmas Day has passed anyway, so... It's the thought that counts. =s
But anyway, since you all want to know what I've been up to, my Christmas was great. On Christmas Eve, Elder Grimshaw and I stopped by the Wanners (members in our ward), and they had a gift for each of us. Elder Grimshaw opened his right away (after having been told that he was free to do so), but I opted to wait. I knew we were getting the same thing, though, so the surprise was gone anyway. Oh well.
Later that evening, we went to the Andresons (more members) who fed us turkey dinner and challenged us to a game of ____________(You have to guess. It's similar to the last game that I played in California, but that's probably more of a dead givaway than a hint).
Funny Story: We got there before Brother Anderson did, and I REALLY had to pee, so Elder Grimshaw and I walked back and forth in the hall outside of their apartment for several minutes. After a while though, I /had/ to go. Sister Andreson kindly stepped outside for a moment so Elder Grimshaw and I could go in and use their washroom. On the way out, however, I accidentally left the still-wrapped gift from the Wanners on the counter. Brother Andreson and some more guests soon arrived and we all went inside. Durring dinner, I noticed that I didn't have the Wanners gift anymore... and it somehow ended up underneath the Anderson's Christmas Tree. I decided to leave it there. I had already seen what it was, and I knew the Andresons would like it more than I would. I'm not going to tell the Wanners, though. I have no idea what they would think about all this. Brother Anderson thought it was hilarious when I told him. xD I think it's pretty funny, too.
On Christmas day, we tried to sleep in, but we couldn't. We forgot to turn off the alarm. =/ At about 9:30, every missionary in Saskatoon went to the Stake Center to open our gifts and have a White Elephant Gift Exchange. It went very nicely, and I got a LOT of really nice gifts! I'll have to write Thank You notes pretty soon. ^^ Then we shovelled some snow. (We would've volunteered at the hospital, but every other good person in Saskatoon beat us to it. The hospital already had all the volunteers they could handle.) As it turns out, shovelling snow can be a lot of fun, if you make it competitive. ^^ I won. =D
After snow-shovelling, we went back to the church and played board games. I lost Star Wars RISK, big time! The Empire took over the galaxy, but life goes on.
It was great to call home. ^^ It was SO nice to talk to my brothers and sisters again, as well and my Hinds neice and nephew, and, of course, my mom. I probably spent WAY too much time on the phone. I heard of an elder who took that long on the phone for his call home last year, and he lost his Emailling privilege for THREE WEEKS! But that was under a diferent, stricter Mission President. President Paulson probably won't be quite so harsh. Still, talking for two hours when we're only supposed to talk for 40 minutes is not a good thing. We'll do better next time.
The Watsons fed us Christmas Dinner. Turkey again. There's nothing /wrong/ with Turkey, but we've gotten the 'traditional' meal SO many times! I am really grateful for the Watson's kindness, and I made sure they knew that, but... I'm glad we weren't offered the leftovers.
The giant inflatable thing that I mentioned durring our phone call will have to wait to be identified next week. I'm out of time. Keep guessing and let me know what you think it was, and I'll tell you the answer next week.
I love you all, and I wish you a happy new year!
Your festive missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
Monday, December 28, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas 2009
Christmas 2009
While serving a full-time mission, missionaries only contact
with family and friends is by mail except for a phone call on
Christmas and on Mother's Day. (If they are in the Missionary Training
Center as Andrew was on Mother's Day, they do not get a phone call -
too few phones for the number of missionaries and they have only
recently left home.) As you may imagine these calls are highly
anticipated.
About 1pm our time, 3pm Saskatoon time, Andrew called my cell,
gave me his contact information, and I called him back. For almost 2
hours (1 hour, 54 minutes , 44 seconds) we passed him around,
including a conference call to Washington state. He was able to talk
to all of his siblings, all 3 of his siblings-in-law, a brief Merry
Christmas from a niece and a nephew, and, of course, me, Mom. (I
claimed bookend privileges.)
All 16 of the Saskatoon elders were gathered at a church
building, playing games and calling home. (Each companionship has a
cell phone.) A wonderful couple, Brother and Sister Watson, was
preparing to feed all 16 young men Christmas dinner.
Elder Robarts sounded good, strong, and happy. He spoke
enthusastically of the beauty of the sparkling snow and the joys of
sliding on ice. He talked about chatting with people who were out
putting up their Christmas lights, offering to help, but at least
getting to talk to them and share a brief message. He admitted that
sometimes learning to live with a new companion was a growth
experience. He listened eagerly to Christmas tales from home - for
instance how his brother Joseph twice had to do treasure hunts through
the house to find his gifts. He expressed gratitude for packages from
home, his sister Sariah, and friends the Miles family. He said it was
one of the best Christmases ever.
There was joy in his voice and it was a joy to hear it.
Sent from my iPod
While serving a full-time mission, missionaries only contact
with family and friends is by mail except for a phone call on
Christmas and on Mother's Day. (If they are in the Missionary Training
Center as Andrew was on Mother's Day, they do not get a phone call -
too few phones for the number of missionaries and they have only
recently left home.) As you may imagine these calls are highly
anticipated.
About 1pm our time, 3pm Saskatoon time, Andrew called my cell,
gave me his contact information, and I called him back. For almost 2
hours (1 hour, 54 minutes , 44 seconds) we passed him around,
including a conference call to Washington state. He was able to talk
to all of his siblings, all 3 of his siblings-in-law, a brief Merry
Christmas from a niece and a nephew, and, of course, me, Mom. (I
claimed bookend privileges.)
All 16 of the Saskatoon elders were gathered at a church
building, playing games and calling home. (Each companionship has a
cell phone.) A wonderful couple, Brother and Sister Watson, was
preparing to feed all 16 young men Christmas dinner.
Elder Robarts sounded good, strong, and happy. He spoke
enthusastically of the beauty of the sparkling snow and the joys of
sliding on ice. He talked about chatting with people who were out
putting up their Christmas lights, offering to help, but at least
getting to talk to them and share a brief message. He admitted that
sometimes learning to live with a new companion was a growth
experience. He listened eagerly to Christmas tales from home - for
instance how his brother Joseph twice had to do treasure hunts through
the house to find his gifts. He expressed gratitude for packages from
home, his sister Sariah, and friends the Miles family. He said it was
one of the best Christmases ever.
There was joy in his voice and it was a joy to hear it.
Sent from my iPod
Monday, December 21, 2009
December 21, 2009
Dear Home,
I heard that you really liked my last Email home. Unfortunately, that Email took me about an hour to write, and now I only have 15 minutes. No pressure, eh? xD
But there is a rule in the white handbook that says that I should tell you all about my spiritual experiences, so that's just what I'm going to do.... Starting next week. =/ Sorry, my mind's drawing a blank right now. But I'll take notes this week on any spiritual experiences that I could share, so there should be something worth reading next week.
Or maybe I'm just saying that so more people will read my blog. =P I'm pretty sure that there are some people that I'd want reading my blog that aren't anymore, so that's a little disappointing. =/
Not that I don't deserve to be disappointed. The packages that I sent home and to my sister, Sariah, are pathetic, especially when you consider how late they are. A 'Do not open before Christmas' note would surely be unnecisary. Open Immediately.
It has warmed up a lot since last week. ^^ It was only minus 10 yesterday. Today's a bit cooler, but we're mostly inside on P-Days anyway, so no worries. ^^
Anyhow, I gotta get going, so Merry Christmas! Talk to you later! (Well, most of you. -is excited-)
Love, your glittery snow-loving missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
(( PS note to Teresa: There is snow, but it's just frost and dusting. The snow isn't deep enough for playing in, so there are no pictures to send you yet. =S I apollogize for the delay. ))
I heard that you really liked my last Email home. Unfortunately, that Email took me about an hour to write, and now I only have 15 minutes. No pressure, eh? xD
But there is a rule in the white handbook that says that I should tell you all about my spiritual experiences, so that's just what I'm going to do.... Starting next week. =/ Sorry, my mind's drawing a blank right now. But I'll take notes this week on any spiritual experiences that I could share, so there should be something worth reading next week.
Or maybe I'm just saying that so more people will read my blog. =P I'm pretty sure that there are some people that I'd want reading my blog that aren't anymore, so that's a little disappointing. =/
Not that I don't deserve to be disappointed. The packages that I sent home and to my sister, Sariah, are pathetic, especially when you consider how late they are. A 'Do not open before Christmas' note would surely be unnecisary. Open Immediately.
It has warmed up a lot since last week. ^^ It was only minus 10 yesterday. Today's a bit cooler, but we're mostly inside on P-Days anyway, so no worries. ^^
Anyhow, I gotta get going, so Merry Christmas! Talk to you later! (Well, most of you. -is excited-)
Love, your glittery snow-loving missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
(( PS note to Teresa: There is snow, but it's just frost and dusting. The snow isn't deep enough for playing in, so there are no pictures to send you yet. =S I apollogize for the delay. ))
Monday, December 14, 2009
December 14, 2009, A Testimony
Dear Home,
I don't need to tell you that last week's attempt at writing Emails home was a horrible failure. But it taught me an important lesson: First Things First.
All too often, I answer my Emails in the order I recieve them, then write 'Home'. Last week, that didn't work out so well, so today I'm following the philosophy that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Also, I REALLY need to tell you about the investigators Elder Grimshaw and I have been blessed with.
First, I promised I'd tell you about.... Megan (names have been changed). Megan is a superstar! Elder Grimshaw gave her a Book of Mormon just before I came into the area, and she's been reading it ever since. She's in the Book of Alma right now, just about to read the story about Ammon the Missionary. She is going to love it!
And reading the book isn't the only thing Megan has been doing. She calls us with her questions. A few weeks ago, she left a message on our phone asking what 'mana' was, referring to the part of the Book of Mormon where Nephi reminds his brothers of how God blessed the Isrealites. She also does the "Additional Study" in the back of the missionary lesson pamphlets, looking up the scriptures and answering the questions. Megan has made studying the Book of Mormon an important part of her life.
But it's not the only thing going on in her life (Thank Goodness!). She also spends time with her family and helps take care of her injured aunt. And between all the things she has on her plate right now and the general buisiness of the holidays, she hasn't had the time to read the Book of Mormon lately, let alone set aside time to visit with the missionaries. We continue to pray for her and her family, especially for her aunt, but as far as sharing the Gospel with her goes, all we can do is wait for her schedule to clear up.
Another investigator we have is.... Thomas. Tom is a great man, who is /VERY/ well prepared to recieve the peace that the Gospel brings. I can't really tell you too much about him because some things are just too sacred to talk about in an Email (Much less post on a blog!), but what I can tell you is that Thomas's learning of the Gopsel, especially the means by which he came into contact with the church at this time, is obviously the will of God. Seriously, if I told you what happened, you either wouldn't believe me, or you would know without a doubt that this is God's true church. I know that it is, and my testimony has been greatly strengthen by having met Thomas. I feel so blessed to be one of the missionaries teaching him. When people talk about their missions, they often mention a 'Golden Contact', someone who was so ready and willing to accept the Gospel that it was a sacred privilege to teach them. Thomas is one of those people. I'm amazed that God trusts me enough to watch over Tom and guide him through the process of conversion.
After seeing what I've seen, hearing what I've heard, and feeling the spirit that I've felt, there's no doubt in my mind that this church is true. I know that Jesus lives. I know that God lives, and loves us, and works actively in our lives. I know that the Gift of the Holy Ghost is the greatest blessing that we can have in our lives, and I am growing more grateful by the day that I have been given this gift, and that I now have the sacred calling to share this gift with as many people as will accept it. And I thank God that there are so many people that are preparing themselves to enter into the covenant of baptism so they can recieve the Gift of the Holy Ghost as well. I am so blessed.
This testimony would be a lot more moving in person. =/ I wish that everyone who's reading this blog could hear me bear my testimony in person. I love you all so much, and because I love you, I want to share with you the things that I know, the things that I've learned. I wish that all the people on Earth could learn the things that I've learned. It would bless them all so much. But, like Ammon said toward the end of the record of his mission, I should be content with the blessings that I've been given, and not wish for any unearthly power to share my testimony with everyone. Just the people I know personally. Still, I wish that I could share my testimony with all of you. Maybe if I'm faithful, God will grant me that wish.
Love, your greatly blessed missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
I don't need to tell you that last week's attempt at writing Emails home was a horrible failure. But it taught me an important lesson: First Things First.
All too often, I answer my Emails in the order I recieve them, then write 'Home'. Last week, that didn't work out so well, so today I'm following the philosophy that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Also, I REALLY need to tell you about the investigators Elder Grimshaw and I have been blessed with.
First, I promised I'd tell you about.... Megan (names have been changed). Megan is a superstar! Elder Grimshaw gave her a Book of Mormon just before I came into the area, and she's been reading it ever since. She's in the Book of Alma right now, just about to read the story about Ammon the Missionary. She is going to love it!
And reading the book isn't the only thing Megan has been doing. She calls us with her questions. A few weeks ago, she left a message on our phone asking what 'mana' was, referring to the part of the Book of Mormon where Nephi reminds his brothers of how God blessed the Isrealites. She also does the "Additional Study" in the back of the missionary lesson pamphlets, looking up the scriptures and answering the questions. Megan has made studying the Book of Mormon an important part of her life.
But it's not the only thing going on in her life (Thank Goodness!). She also spends time with her family and helps take care of her injured aunt. And between all the things she has on her plate right now and the general buisiness of the holidays, she hasn't had the time to read the Book of Mormon lately, let alone set aside time to visit with the missionaries. We continue to pray for her and her family, especially for her aunt, but as far as sharing the Gospel with her goes, all we can do is wait for her schedule to clear up.
Another investigator we have is.... Thomas. Tom is a great man, who is /VERY/ well prepared to recieve the peace that the Gospel brings. I can't really tell you too much about him because some things are just too sacred to talk about in an Email (Much less post on a blog!), but what I can tell you is that Thomas's learning of the Gopsel, especially the means by which he came into contact with the church at this time, is obviously the will of God. Seriously, if I told you what happened, you either wouldn't believe me, or you would know without a doubt that this is God's true church. I know that it is, and my testimony has been greatly strengthen by having met Thomas. I feel so blessed to be one of the missionaries teaching him. When people talk about their missions, they often mention a 'Golden Contact', someone who was so ready and willing to accept the Gospel that it was a sacred privilege to teach them. Thomas is one of those people. I'm amazed that God trusts me enough to watch over Tom and guide him through the process of conversion.
After seeing what I've seen, hearing what I've heard, and feeling the spirit that I've felt, there's no doubt in my mind that this church is true. I know that Jesus lives. I know that God lives, and loves us, and works actively in our lives. I know that the Gift of the Holy Ghost is the greatest blessing that we can have in our lives, and I am growing more grateful by the day that I have been given this gift, and that I now have the sacred calling to share this gift with as many people as will accept it. And I thank God that there are so many people that are preparing themselves to enter into the covenant of baptism so they can recieve the Gift of the Holy Ghost as well. I am so blessed.
This testimony would be a lot more moving in person. =/ I wish that everyone who's reading this blog could hear me bear my testimony in person. I love you all so much, and because I love you, I want to share with you the things that I know, the things that I've learned. I wish that all the people on Earth could learn the things that I've learned. It would bless them all so much. But, like Ammon said toward the end of the record of his mission, I should be content with the blessings that I've been given, and not wish for any unearthly power to share my testimony with everyone. Just the people I know personally. Still, I wish that I could share my testimony with all of you. Maybe if I'm faithful, God will grant me that wish.
Love, your greatly blessed missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
December 7, 2009
We didn't get a regular email letter yesterday, but Elder Robarts did answer a couple of emails from me - working out our Christmas phone call : ) and about the mail.
In one, he mentioned that he was on a 15 minute computer. 15 minutes??!!
Dear Mom,
The mail system here seems to be a bit irregular. It may be because I move so much, or it may just be Canada, or I don't know. I haven't really been documenting how often letters come. I'm usually too excited to think about what day it is or when my last letter came.
The computer just told me I only have five minutes left, so I've gotta get moving on.
More later, I promise!
Your cold missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
PS, it's -40 C outside right now, with the windchill. Normally, we would stay inside when it's this cold, but when you have important things to do, like going to appointments, or church, or to email your family, etc, you can go outside unless it's -50. At -50, you stay inside no matter what (if I'm not mistaken).
Dear Mom,
I got myself another 20 minutes. This computer has been reserved for someone else to use at 11am, so I'll have to get off then.
I'm not sure I like this library. =S
But anyway, to continue:
Don't worry about me feeling neglected and unloved. I know that transfer times are hard. But the good news is that we got our calls early this time around, so I already know that I'm going to be staying in Oakwood (206-535 3 Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK -whatever postal code I gave you last time-) for another month and a half.
Yeah, letters from the office vary in their travel time. The letters you send there will get to me at the next Zone Conference, visit from any missionary living in Winnipeg, or usually each transfer. Actually, I don't know a lot about how the system works. I just know that It's guarenteed to get to me, but it's also guarenteed to be slow. I think I would prefer it if letters were sent to my current address (if it's transfer time, just hold on to it for another week), and packages were sent to the mission office. I think that would work out nicely.
In closing, I would just like to say that I know that you're always thinking of me, especially when it's cold. It's actually not so bad right now. I just don't want to STAY outside. Walking from place to place is fine. ^^
Eh, once again, time's up.
Much love! Elder Andrew Robarts
In one, he mentioned that he was on a 15 minute computer. 15 minutes??!!
Dear Mom,
The mail system here seems to be a bit irregular. It may be because I move so much, or it may just be Canada, or I don't know. I haven't really been documenting how often letters come. I'm usually too excited to think about what day it is or when my last letter came.
The computer just told me I only have five minutes left, so I've gotta get moving on.
More later, I promise!
Your cold missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
PS, it's -40 C outside right now, with the windchill. Normally, we would stay inside when it's this cold, but when you have important things to do, like going to appointments, or church, or to email your family, etc, you can go outside unless it's -50. At -50, you stay inside no matter what (if I'm not mistaken).
Dear Mom,
I got myself another 20 minutes. This computer has been reserved for someone else to use at 11am, so I'll have to get off then.
I'm not sure I like this library. =S
But anyway, to continue:
Don't worry about me feeling neglected and unloved. I know that transfer times are hard. But the good news is that we got our calls early this time around, so I already know that I'm going to be staying in Oakwood (206-535 3 Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK -whatever postal code I gave you last time-) for another month and a half.
Yeah, letters from the office vary in their travel time. The letters you send there will get to me at the next Zone Conference, visit from any missionary living in Winnipeg, or usually each transfer. Actually, I don't know a lot about how the system works. I just know that It's guarenteed to get to me, but it's also guarenteed to be slow. I think I would prefer it if letters were sent to my current address (if it's transfer time, just hold on to it for another week), and packages were sent to the mission office. I think that would work out nicely.
In closing, I would just like to say that I know that you're always thinking of me, especially when it's cold. It's actually not so bad right now. I just don't want to STAY outside. Walking from place to place is fine. ^^
Eh, once again, time's up.
Much love! Elder Andrew Robarts
Monday, November 30, 2009
Dear Home - November 30, 2009
From: Andrew Robarts <ElderRobarts@myldsmail.net>
Date: Mon, Nov 30, 2009 at 1:53 PM
Dear Home,
Usually, the trivial quizes come first, but this time, there's an exciting piece of news that I don't know if I can share with the entire world (I recieved the information in a personal Email), but let it be known that I'm excited about it. =)
Note from the editor (Mom) - the exciting news that Elder Robarts recieved is that his sister Ruth (and brother-in-law Tom and neice and nephew, of course) is (are) expecting a baby the end of July 2010. Elder Robarts has mixed feelings about missing the baby's birth day - glad to be on his mission, sad to miss such an important event - but looks forward to celebrating baby's first birthday.
NOW we can talk about trivia. ^^
For those of you who thought I bought UNO cards last week, you're right! =D And boy do I love shuffling them! I've played UNO against myself (controlling either two or three hands) at least half a dozen times by now. =P
Next, the bike pedal. I assume you've all seen the pictures by now. The reason I picked up a bike pedal and stuffed it in my pocket is not so I could feel like a regular missionary by owning at least part of a
bicycle, but rather, so I could add to my little orange reflector collection. I've been picking up reflectors off the street, even when I have to pick up the rest of the pedal also (but that's only happenedonce so far).
Lastly, the sugar cookies. I came up with the same answer that most of you did: ELDER ROBARTS PA SK. It would've been funny if it was really meant to say BRAD'S SKELETOR RAP or something, but Elder George didn't have a lot of time to write it, so he did the best he could do on short notice.
Out of time. Next time, I'll tell you about our investigators first.
By the way, it's the end of the transfer, so don't mail me anything for a while, or we'll get the same kinds of problems that we got 6 weeks ago (and have just now finished sorting out).
Love, your time-wasting but penitent missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
(( Note to Ben: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! What do you want for Christmas??? ))
Date: Mon, Nov 30, 2009 at 1:53 PM
Dear Home,
Usually, the trivial quizes come first, but this time, there's an exciting piece of news that I don't know if I can share with the entire world (I recieved the information in a personal Email), but let it be known that I'm excited about it. =)
Note from the editor (Mom) - the exciting news that Elder Robarts recieved is that his sister Ruth (and brother-in-law Tom and neice and nephew, of course) is (are) expecting a baby the end of July 2010. Elder Robarts has mixed feelings about missing the baby's birth day - glad to be on his mission, sad to miss such an important event - but looks forward to celebrating baby's first birthday.
NOW we can talk about trivia. ^^
For those of you who thought I bought UNO cards last week, you're right! =D And boy do I love shuffling them! I've played UNO against myself (controlling either two or three hands) at least half a dozen times by now. =P
Next, the bike pedal. I assume you've all seen the pictures by now. The reason I picked up a bike pedal and stuffed it in my pocket is not so I could feel like a regular missionary by owning at least part of a
bicycle, but rather, so I could add to my little orange reflector collection. I've been picking up reflectors off the street, even when I have to pick up the rest of the pedal also (but that's only happenedonce so far).
Lastly, the sugar cookies. I came up with the same answer that most of you did: ELDER ROBARTS PA SK. It would've been funny if it was really meant to say BRAD'S SKELETOR RAP or something, but Elder George didn't have a lot of time to write it, so he did the best he could do on short notice.
Out of time. Next time, I'll tell you about our investigators first.
By the way, it's the end of the transfer, so don't mail me anything for a while, or we'll get the same kinds of problems that we got 6 weeks ago (and have just now finished sorting out).
Love, your time-wasting but penitent missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
(( Note to Ben: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! What do you want for Christmas??? ))
Monday, November 23, 2009
Dear Home - November 23,2009
Dear Home,
I don't think I have much to write about this week. The biggest thing is that the weather has been incredible (Note to Teresa: Which may be bad news for us)! There has been NO SNOW, except for that week-long fluke in October. The snow /should've/ started on Halloween, but it hasen't yet, and I'm a little worried. If it doesn't snow in the next 32 days (Sorry to panic you, Mom), I won't be able to celebrate my first white Christmas! D=
But it's not all bad news. When the weather turns bad, people stay inside, so there aren't as many people outside to talk to. =/ Luckily, Elder Grimshaw and I have a LOT of people we can stop by, talk to, see how they're doing, and ask how we can help them if we ever run out of things to do. The work is progressing at a comfortable rate. =)
Speaking of which, I would like to tell you about Megan (names have been changed), but I don't know if I should. If I change the name and don't give any other information, it should be alright, don't you think? We'll make that our poll this week, and I'll see if I tell you next week, how's that? ^^
But something I /can/ talk to you about is the number 22. (Sorry to anyone who has asked me a question that I haven't answered yet. I completely forgot about it, so now I'm getting into something trivial instead of answering your question. Try asking me again)
Where was I? Oh, yeah! 22! So...
Well, May 22 has always been my birthday, so the number 22, especially when it's preceeded by a 5, has always held some meaning for me. But now, 22 has become an even greater part of my life. See, I entered the MTC on April 22nd, so that's another reason to celebrate it, especially since missionaries here keep track of how long they've been out on their missions. That is, they count the months; starting the day they entered the MTC. So, every month, the 22nd day completes another month that I've been on my mission, so, as of yesterday, I have been on my mission for a total of 7 months.
And as for a bonus reason to like 22, less than a month after I return home, I will celebrate my 22nd birthday. I don't know what we're going to do with that, but my sisters are excellent party planners. Planning a party around missionary service and the number '22' should be a challenge worthy of their talents.
Out of time! Love you all!
Your Number-Loving Missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
PS. BONUS TRIVIA QUIZ: The mission president has recently declared that games are allowed on P-Days, so I bought a game today. But which game did I buy? =D Have Fun Guessing! ^^
I don't think I have much to write about this week. The biggest thing is that the weather has been incredible (Note to Teresa: Which may be bad news for us)! There has been NO SNOW, except for that week-long fluke in October. The snow /should've/ started on Halloween, but it hasen't yet, and I'm a little worried. If it doesn't snow in the next 32 days (Sorry to panic you, Mom), I won't be able to celebrate my first white Christmas! D=
But it's not all bad news. When the weather turns bad, people stay inside, so there aren't as many people outside to talk to. =/ Luckily, Elder Grimshaw and I have a LOT of people we can stop by, talk to, see how they're doing, and ask how we can help them if we ever run out of things to do. The work is progressing at a comfortable rate. =)
Speaking of which, I would like to tell you about Megan (names have been changed), but I don't know if I should. If I change the name and don't give any other information, it should be alright, don't you think? We'll make that our poll this week, and I'll see if I tell you next week, how's that? ^^
But something I /can/ talk to you about is the number 22. (Sorry to anyone who has asked me a question that I haven't answered yet. I completely forgot about it, so now I'm getting into something trivial instead of answering your question. Try asking me again)
Where was I? Oh, yeah! 22! So...
Well, May 22 has always been my birthday, so the number 22, especially when it's preceeded by a 5, has always held some meaning for me. But now, 22 has become an even greater part of my life. See, I entered the MTC on April 22nd, so that's another reason to celebrate it, especially since missionaries here keep track of how long they've been out on their missions. That is, they count the months; starting the day they entered the MTC. So, every month, the 22nd day completes another month that I've been on my mission, so, as of yesterday, I have been on my mission for a total of 7 months.
And as for a bonus reason to like 22, less than a month after I return home, I will celebrate my 22nd birthday. I don't know what we're going to do with that, but my sisters are excellent party planners. Planning a party around missionary service and the number '22' should be a challenge worthy of their talents.
Out of time! Love you all!
Your Number-Loving Missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
PS. BONUS TRIVIA QUIZ: The mission president has recently declared that games are allowed on P-Days, so I bought a game today. But which game did I buy? =D Have Fun Guessing! ^^
Friday, November 20, 2009
"Unleashing the Dormant Spirit" by Elder F. Enzio Busche
This is, I believe, the video to which Elder Robarts refers in his last letter.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Dear Home - November 16, 2009
Okay, everybody, I'm pretty sure I know what my address is now. Sorry to make you wait so long. I live at:
206- 535 3rd Avenue North
Saskatoon, Sakatchewan,
S7K 2J4 CANADA
If Canada Post doesn't know where that is, just send everything to the mission office. I know you all know where that is (hopefully).
In other news, Zone Conference was amazing, as usual. But this one was even better than usual because Elder Terrence C. Smith, the Area Seventy over here, had a two hour question and answer session where he taught us a LOT about the day-to-day business of living the Gospel. Basically, he told us that God's not going to ask for anything better than our best, so there's no reason to stress out about trying to be perfect, or to worry about every little mistake we've made in our lives. Sure, perfection is the ultimate goal. but God doesn't need us to acheive it in this life. That helped me out a lot.
He also spelled out something that I had suspected, but didn't know was doctrinal truth: When the spirit tells us what NOT to do, he speaks a lot louder than when he tells us what we /should/ do. That's why it's important to make sure you're really listening, but even if you're not listening as well as you could, you can still recieve warnings (if you have the gift of the Holy Ghost, that is).
By the way, I'm glad that most of the people reading this are Mormon. This must be REALLY confusing for the rest of you. =/ Sorry about that.
Wow, I JUST saw that I am completely out of time! D=
So I've got an assignment for... whoever wants to look up a good, inspirational video. In Zone Conference, the Assistants showed us a video clip called "Unleashing the Dormant Spirit". It's Elder Buche giving a lot of little inspirational pieces of advice. I want someone to find that video, write down every word Elder Buche says, and send it to me in a letter. It's REALLY good stuff.
But now I really have to go! D=
Your Late Missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
206- 535 3rd Avenue North
Saskatoon, Sakatchewan,
S7K 2J4 CANADA
If Canada Post doesn't know where that is, just send everything to the mission office. I know you all know where that is (hopefully).
In other news, Zone Conference was amazing, as usual. But this one was even better than usual because Elder Terrence C. Smith, the Area Seventy over here, had a two hour question and answer session where he taught us a LOT about the day-to-day business of living the Gospel. Basically, he told us that God's not going to ask for anything better than our best, so there's no reason to stress out about trying to be perfect, or to worry about every little mistake we've made in our lives. Sure, perfection is the ultimate goal. but God doesn't need us to acheive it in this life. That helped me out a lot.
He also spelled out something that I had suspected, but didn't know was doctrinal truth: When the spirit tells us what NOT to do, he speaks a lot louder than when he tells us what we /should/ do. That's why it's important to make sure you're really listening, but even if you're not listening as well as you could, you can still recieve warnings (if you have the gift of the Holy Ghost, that is).
By the way, I'm glad that most of the people reading this are Mormon. This must be REALLY confusing for the rest of you. =/ Sorry about that.
Wow, I JUST saw that I am completely out of time! D=
So I've got an assignment for... whoever wants to look up a good, inspirational video. In Zone Conference, the Assistants showed us a video clip called "Unleashing the Dormant Spirit". It's Elder Buche giving a lot of little inspirational pieces of advice. I want someone to find that video, write down every word Elder Buche says, and send it to me in a letter. It's REALLY good stuff.
But now I really have to go! D=
Your Late Missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
Monday, November 9, 2009
Dear Home - November 9, 2009
Dear Home,
Okay, I couldn't get you my full address last week, but this should be the missing piece 'S7K 2J4'. If that doesn't complete an address that Canada Post recognizes, I'll dubble-check my address and tell you where I think I live next week. =S
As for another piece of important information, I was supposed to submit my wishlist to you last week, but I forgot. =(
What I want most of all (in the category of physical things) is music.
They changed the rules on what music we can listen to (again). The new rules are as follows: "Listen only to music that is consistant with the sacred nature of your calling. Music should invite the Spirit, help you focus on the work, and direct your thoughts and feelings to the Savior. Do not listen to music that pulls your thoughts away from your work, merely entertains, has romantic lyrics or overtones, or dulls your spiritual sensitivity by its tempo, beat, loudness, lyrics or intensity." -White Handbook, page 25
If you have ANY music that's uplifting, I want to hear it.
To get a little more specific:
-I especially like piano music. The Hymns Collection by Paul Cardall is beautiful, but I've only heard it once.
-There's another pianist that I and my brothers know about, whose music I miss hearing.
-I have Motab Showtime, Called To Serve, and Essential (2 Disc Set), but anything else by Motab would be wonderful. ^^
-Chritmas music is probably my favorite category. There are a few Christmassy songs that I like that I'd like to have turned into a CD, but I'm not sure what all I'd like to include. Pachabel, Trans Siberian Orchestra Silver Bells, Halelujah- Handel's Messiah, and the Harry Potter theme music all make the list, but there may be more. Maybe we'll put a hold on this request. Late Christmas presents are fine. ^^
-I'd also like a CTR ring, but I don't know my ring size.
-Also, it'd be fun to have a pedometer, but it might not be really 'proper' to wear one. =S
I can't believe I took up all my time asking for stuff. I feel bad. =( I had other, far more interesting and spiritual things to talk about, too. I'll have to save those for next week, I guess.
Your sadly-out-of-time missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
PS, the weather has been amazing lately! =D Much warmer than usual with a little wind and lots of leaves on the ground. ^^ Very Pleasant. ^^
PPS - Almost forgot:
The office has requested that packages that are Christmas presents should have the word 'Christmas' marked on them. I suspect that there's going to be some kind of Christmas party later, but anyway, that's just something ya'll should know. ^^
Okay, I couldn't get you my full address last week, but this should be the missing piece 'S7K 2J4'. If that doesn't complete an address that Canada Post recognizes, I'll dubble-check my address and tell you where I think I live next week. =S
As for another piece of important information, I was supposed to submit my wishlist to you last week, but I forgot. =(
What I want most of all (in the category of physical things) is music.
They changed the rules on what music we can listen to (again). The new rules are as follows: "Listen only to music that is consistant with the sacred nature of your calling. Music should invite the Spirit, help you focus on the work, and direct your thoughts and feelings to the Savior. Do not listen to music that pulls your thoughts away from your work, merely entertains, has romantic lyrics or overtones, or dulls your spiritual sensitivity by its tempo, beat, loudness, lyrics or intensity." -White Handbook, page 25
If you have ANY music that's uplifting, I want to hear it.
To get a little more specific:
-I especially like piano music. The Hymns Collection by Paul Cardall is beautiful, but I've only heard it once.
-There's another pianist that I and my brothers know about, whose music I miss hearing.
-I have Motab Showtime, Called To Serve, and Essential (2 Disc Set), but anything else by Motab would be wonderful. ^^
-Chritmas music is probably my favorite category. There are a few Christmassy songs that I like that I'd like to have turned into a CD, but I'm not sure what all I'd like to include. Pachabel, Trans Siberian Orchestra Silver Bells, Halelujah- Handel's Messiah, and the Harry Potter theme music all make the list, but there may be more. Maybe we'll put a hold on this request. Late Christmas presents are fine. ^^
-I'd also like a CTR ring, but I don't know my ring size.
-Also, it'd be fun to have a pedometer, but it might not be really 'proper' to wear one. =S
I can't believe I took up all my time asking for stuff. I feel bad. =( I had other, far more interesting and spiritual things to talk about, too. I'll have to save those for next week, I guess.
Your sadly-out-of-time missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
PS, the weather has been amazing lately! =D Much warmer than usual with a little wind and lots of leaves on the ground. ^^ Very Pleasant. ^^
PPS - Almost forgot:
The office has requested that packages that are Christmas presents should have the word 'Christmas' marked on them. I suspect that there's going to be some kind of Christmas party later, but anyway, that's just something ya'll should know. ^^
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Can you solve the anagram?
Elder George made these cookies for Andrew. Can you read the secret message?
Don't read the comments until you are ready to see the answer.
General Conference Tradition
Happy EldersElders Carine (top) and Butterfield (lower)
Elder Robarts
Sweet!
Have you ever seen a Kit Kat with 70%chocolate? Not I. But Elder Robarts has.
This summer I sent Elder Robarts an patriotic package. He noticed that his candy was red, white and blue.
What is so important about this object......
What is so important about this object that Elder Robarts would bring it back to the apartment in Prince Albert?
Ok, I can tell you that his Mom has no idea,
but his brother, Benjamin, says that it is very much like the pedal that
Is it because bikes are so rare there?
Monday, November 2, 2009
Dear Home - November 2, 2009
Dear Home,
First things first this week. Last week, as with most weeks, I had very little time to compose my general Email home because I had spent so much time with individual Emails. Not this week. This week, I'm writing my blog post first.
And in the spirit of 'first things first', I'll list the news item of greatest importance first: I got transfered last week. Two weeks ago, I forgot to warn you all that there was a chance that I would get transfered. Sorry about that. =( I promise that won't happen this transfer. Last week, I would've told you, but after the Devestation, I was in such a rush to send out ANYTHING that the thought of warning you had completely slipped my mind. I didn't think I was going to get transfered anyway. But unfortunately, as my mother had predicted, Elder George and I had both been transfered. Elder George went to Thompson, Manitoba (( Note to Mom: But not before he gave me his Email address )), and I got transfered to 206-535 3 Ave N, Saskatoon SK (I don't know the postal code yet, but I'll figure it out.) An area called Oakwood.
Now, to answer a few of the questions that my loyal readers have sent in. Mom, unfortunately, there wasn't much in the way of fall colors this year. There was a random freeze that killed most of the leaves before they changed color. Better luck next year.
I was also asked how my Thanksgiving was. It was good! Elder George, whose father is a professional cook, made us a delicious thanksgiving dinner with mashed potatoes, corn, cornbread and stuffing. It was SO good! There was no turkey, like a normal Thanksgiving dinner in either of our countries would require, but there was some pumpkin pie that a member had given us, so I would count it as a good meal. ^^ Certainly much better than a normal meal a missionary eats. xD
My Halloween was also good. ^^ It started as a normal day in the life of a missionary. Testimonies bourne, lives changed, the usual. But for dinner (since missionaries don't go door-to-door on halloween night) the Gurneys, a member family in this ward, invited us over for pizza, too much candy, and a game of Yahtzee. We had a lot of fun. ^^
That might be it for the important things. Now I'll move on to the trivial things.
Here, people wear a lot of beanies, but they don't call them beanies. They call them 'tooks'. At least, that's what I thought. A week or two ago, I saw an advertizement for articles of clothing called 'toques'. Apparently, 'toques' is a French word. It still /sounds/ like 'tooks'.
Hot Chocolate is good, but it can be made even better. You know how it says 'just add hot water'? Add hot milk instead. So much creamier. SO much better. ^^
There are a surprising number of Chevy Cavaliers in Canada, especially, it seems, in Saskatoon. One day, I decided to count all the Cavaliers I saw. That day, last Friday, I saw no less than FIFTY of them! I was very surprised.
'Kay, I /think that's about it. I don't have a trivia question for you this time, but if you could find the talk 'Turning Knowledge into Wisdom' by Marrion Romney (who was in the First Presidency at the time), and mail me a copy (once I send you the postal code), that would be great! ^^
Your somewhat less rushed than usual missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
First things first this week. Last week, as with most weeks, I had very little time to compose my general Email home because I had spent so much time with individual Emails. Not this week. This week, I'm writing my blog post first.
And in the spirit of 'first things first', I'll list the news item of greatest importance first: I got transfered last week. Two weeks ago, I forgot to warn you all that there was a chance that I would get transfered. Sorry about that. =( I promise that won't happen this transfer. Last week, I would've told you, but after the Devestation, I was in such a rush to send out ANYTHING that the thought of warning you had completely slipped my mind. I didn't think I was going to get transfered anyway. But unfortunately, as my mother had predicted, Elder George and I had both been transfered. Elder George went to Thompson, Manitoba (( Note to Mom: But not before he gave me his Email address )), and I got transfered to 206-535 3 Ave N, Saskatoon SK (I don't know the postal code yet, but I'll figure it out.) An area called Oakwood.
Now, to answer a few of the questions that my loyal readers have sent in. Mom, unfortunately, there wasn't much in the way of fall colors this year. There was a random freeze that killed most of the leaves before they changed color. Better luck next year.
I was also asked how my Thanksgiving was. It was good! Elder George, whose father is a professional cook, made us a delicious thanksgiving dinner with mashed potatoes, corn, cornbread and stuffing. It was SO good! There was no turkey, like a normal Thanksgiving dinner in either of our countries would require, but there was some pumpkin pie that a member had given us, so I would count it as a good meal. ^^ Certainly much better than a normal meal a missionary eats. xD
My Halloween was also good. ^^ It started as a normal day in the life of a missionary. Testimonies bourne, lives changed, the usual. But for dinner (since missionaries don't go door-to-door on halloween night) the Gurneys, a member family in this ward, invited us over for pizza, too much candy, and a game of Yahtzee. We had a lot of fun. ^^
That might be it for the important things. Now I'll move on to the trivial things.
Here, people wear a lot of beanies, but they don't call them beanies. They call them 'tooks'. At least, that's what I thought. A week or two ago, I saw an advertizement for articles of clothing called 'toques'. Apparently, 'toques' is a French word. It still /sounds/ like 'tooks'.
Hot Chocolate is good, but it can be made even better. You know how it says 'just add hot water'? Add hot milk instead. So much creamier. SO much better. ^^
There are a surprising number of Chevy Cavaliers in Canada, especially, it seems, in Saskatoon. One day, I decided to count all the Cavaliers I saw. That day, last Friday, I saw no less than FIFTY of them! I was very surprised.
'Kay, I /think that's about it. I don't have a trivia question for you this time, but if you could find the talk 'Turning Knowledge into Wisdom' by Marrion Romney (who was in the First Presidency at the time), and mail me a copy (once I send you the postal code), that would be great! ^^
Your somewhat less rushed than usual missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
from Mom to Missionary - hoping others might agree - Christmas Wish Revised
I just sent Elder Robarts this request and would like to invite others who might be on his shopping list to join me:
If you have not yet gone out and bought lots of cute Canadian souveniers, I want to change my Christmas wish.
Please buy a couple of nice WHITE shirts and retain custody of them for me. You can wrap them if you wish, since they are Christmas presents. I don't know what you thought you were going to spend, but
spend it on shirts, plus one for shipping. ; ) When you put a nice white shirt on, think of it as a hug from me. Donate the grey shirts you replace to charity.
Believe me, it will be a good gift to me to know that you are wearing shirts you are comfortable in and not embarrassed!
I mean it.
Yoiu can write me a nice mush letter and testimony for a gift to open.
Love you!
Mom
If you have not yet gone out and bought lots of cute Canadian souveniers, I want to change my Christmas wish.
Please buy a couple of nice WHITE shirts and retain custody of them for me. You can wrap them if you wish, since they are Christmas presents. I don't know what you thought you were going to spend, but
spend it on shirts, plus one for shipping. ; ) When you put a nice white shirt on, think of it as a hug from me. Donate the grey shirts you replace to charity.
Believe me, it will be a good gift to me to know that you are wearing shirts you are comfortable in and not embarrassed!
I mean it.
Yoiu can write me a nice mush letter and testimony for a gift to open.
Love you!
Mom
Monday, October 26, 2009
October 22 was Elder Robarts' 6 month anniversary
last week (but maybe too late for him to read it then) Mom emailed him:
Happy 6 Month Anniversary this Thursday!
Do you plan to burn anything?
Love, Mom
**********
Elder Robarts replied:
Dear Mom,
Thanks! ^^
Nope, no burning. Maybe I'll burn a tie on my yearmark.
By the way, you'll be very proud of me when you hear that I remembered to start using a new toothbrush like you're supposed to every 6 months. ^^
Love, your dentally higenic, non-pyro missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
*******
I am so proud of him. Do I tell him that you are supposed to change it every 3 months? Unless, he has a decent electric one. Supposedly they last 6 months.
Happy 6 Month Anniversary this Thursday!
Do you plan to burn anything?
Love, Mom
**********
Elder Robarts replied:
Dear Mom,
Thanks! ^^
Nope, no burning. Maybe I'll burn a tie on my yearmark.
By the way, you'll be very proud of me when you hear that I remembered to start using a new toothbrush like you're supposed to every 6 months. ^^
Love, your dentally higenic, non-pyro missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
*******
I am so proud of him. Do I tell him that you are supposed to change it every 3 months? Unless, he has a decent electric one. Supposedly they last 6 months.
October 26, 2009
Mom to missionary in response to last week's letter:
Take your cuffed pants to a tailor, if you have not already, and see if you can get them hemmed without cuffs. I never thought about the problem of stuff getting in your cuffs.
What do we want for Christmas? I don’t think any of us are expecting or want you to spend a lot of time and money on Christmas presents! I think some little Canadian souvenir -ish things would be fun – magnets, or paperweights, or …. Anything that tickles your fancy and connects us to you and/or Canada.
More importantly – WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS? If you need help with ideas, ask the other Elders what are the best and the worst things they have gotten. : )
*********
From Elder Robarts:
Hmm, I hadn't thought of taking them to a tailor and having them redone. I suppose that's possible. I wonder how much that would cost... I'll have to look into it and see what our options are. ^^
I hadn't thought of what /I/ would want for Christmas, though I guess it'd make sense that you would want to know. XD I hope you're okay with waiting a week for the answer to that question. I should have some ideas by then. =)
DEVASTATION!!!!! D=
I was just wrapping up a long Email I was writing when the window suddenly closed! DDD=
No time to rewrite! D=
I'll have to try and fit it all in next week. =(
But, other than that, life has been wonderful. ^^ Thanks for your gift suggestions. Those that haven't sent in requests yet, please do.
See you next week! ^^
Your loving Missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
Take your cuffed pants to a tailor, if you have not already, and see if you can get them hemmed without cuffs. I never thought about the problem of stuff getting in your cuffs.
What do we want for Christmas? I don’t think any of us are expecting or want you to spend a lot of time and money on Christmas presents! I think some little Canadian souvenir -ish things would be fun – magnets, or paperweights, or …. Anything that tickles your fancy and connects us to you and/or Canada.
More importantly – WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS? If you need help with ideas, ask the other Elders what are the best and the worst things they have gotten. : )
*********
From Elder Robarts:
Hmm, I hadn't thought of taking them to a tailor and having them redone. I suppose that's possible. I wonder how much that would cost... I'll have to look into it and see what our options are. ^^
I hadn't thought of what /I/ would want for Christmas, though I guess it'd make sense that you would want to know. XD I hope you're okay with waiting a week for the answer to that question. I should have some ideas by then. =)
DEVASTATION!!!!! D=
I was just wrapping up a long Email I was writing when the window suddenly closed! DDD=
No time to rewrite! D=
I'll have to try and fit it all in next week. =(
But, other than that, life has been wonderful. ^^ Thanks for your gift suggestions. Those that haven't sent in requests yet, please do.
See you next week! ^^
Your loving Missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
Monday, October 19, 2009
Dear Home - October 19, 2009
Dear Home,
Mom sent me a few questions to answer, so I think I'll respond to those first.
Have I ever sung the Canadian National Anthem since arriving in Canada? Yes. Once. When I first arrived in Canada with the rest of my MTC Distric, we were taken to the Mission Home (where the Mission President and his wife live). We spent the night there, and the following morning, we had a kind of 'Welcome to the Mission' meeting in which we sang multiple verses of O Canada. Up until that point, I didn't know it /had/ multiple verses. Then again, I bet most people would be surprised to find that there's more than one verse of the Star Spangled Banner.
Question two: Are you ready for {-25.2 C (the average low in Prince Albert in the winter)}? Answer: I think so. My boots are good. My longjohns are good. My gloves could be better. My jacket could not be better. And since we saved a lot of money not having to buy boots, there's plenty of cash left for a neckwarmer, better gloves (maybe), etc. Anyway, my bases are covered. I'm plenty warm enough to get me through the now, and by the time it gets colder, I'm sure I'll be even better prepared. ^^
Third and final question: How cold does it have to be before they tell us to stay inside and try not to freeze to death (which I swear will NOT happen to me)? -40 C, which is the same as -40 F, which, I hear, is pretty cold. But I'll live. ^^
(( Note to Mom: So, I'm in a library, right? I just noticed a Reader's Digest 4-in-1 type book, the kind you often read. I thought of you. ))
Now for what I was actually planning on writing to you. XD
I can't believe I'll have been out on my mission for 6 months in a few days (Oct 22). It doesn't feel like I've been out here for half a year, but there are some of you for whom it's felt like I've been away from for longer than a year. It's a strange feeling. I don't want to be anything but a missionary right now, but at the same time, I wish I could've stayed with my family while I serve my mission. I guess being away from home is part of my consecration, but it feels both like an eternity and like a few weeks since my mission began.
Still, I'm learning a lot. For those of you that belong to the Canada Winnipeg Mission facebook group, please pass these insights on to the rest of the future missionaries in the world.
No matter where you serve, make sure your suit pants DON'T have cuffs on the bottom. Sure, they're styilish, especially if you wear pinstripes like I do, but dirt, leafs, grass clippings and small rocks often get caught in the cuffs, and it's a hassle to have to clean them out.
Also, if you plan on marking your white shirts so everyone will know they're yours, make sure you use a bleach-proof laundry marking pen. Otherwise, the writing will eventually disappear and your shirts will consequently become slightly less white.
When you track, keep track of which houses didn't answer, so you can come back to those ones later. It's frustrating to know that there are people in some of those houses that haven't heard your message yet, but you don't know who they are.
If you plan on serving in Canada, you might want to make sure that at least some of your shoes don't use laces. Tying, untying, and retying your shoes whenever you enter someone's house can be an unconvenient waste of time.
If you serve where it's cold, get used to using mechanical pencils. They're convenient, erasable, the refills are cheap(er), and the ink doesn't freeze (because there isn't any). Though you'll still need a pen because mecha pencils don't write on passalong cards.
Now I have a question for all of you: What do you want for Christmas? I'm told that if I want to get a package to you by Christmas, I'll have to send it within the next 6-week period. So.... what should I send? I mean, I don't want to be lazy/cheap and not send you anything (as I'm sure many of you would tell me to do), so tell me what I can send you, or I'll have to send whatever I can come up with, and the gift will be really lame. =( Then I'll feel bad about my lack of creative gift-giving skills, and I won't be able to focus on doing a good job as a missionary on account of my failure to be a good son, brother, or friend. And we don't want that to happen, so tell me what to send you! =P
Your Demanding Missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
Mom sent me a few questions to answer, so I think I'll respond to those first.
Have I ever sung the Canadian National Anthem since arriving in Canada? Yes. Once. When I first arrived in Canada with the rest of my MTC Distric, we were taken to the Mission Home (where the Mission President and his wife live). We spent the night there, and the following morning, we had a kind of 'Welcome to the Mission' meeting in which we sang multiple verses of O Canada. Up until that point, I didn't know it /had/ multiple verses. Then again, I bet most people would be surprised to find that there's more than one verse of the Star Spangled Banner.
Question two: Are you ready for {-25.2 C (the average low in Prince Albert in the winter)}? Answer: I think so. My boots are good. My longjohns are good. My gloves could be better. My jacket could not be better. And since we saved a lot of money not having to buy boots, there's plenty of cash left for a neckwarmer, better gloves (maybe), etc. Anyway, my bases are covered. I'm plenty warm enough to get me through the now, and by the time it gets colder, I'm sure I'll be even better prepared. ^^
Third and final question: How cold does it have to be before they tell us to stay inside and try not to freeze to death (which I swear will NOT happen to me)? -40 C, which is the same as -40 F, which, I hear, is pretty cold. But I'll live. ^^
(( Note to Mom: So, I'm in a library, right? I just noticed a Reader's Digest 4-in-1 type book, the kind you often read. I thought of you. ))
Now for what I was actually planning on writing to you. XD
I can't believe I'll have been out on my mission for 6 months in a few days (Oct 22). It doesn't feel like I've been out here for half a year, but there are some of you for whom it's felt like I've been away from for longer than a year. It's a strange feeling. I don't want to be anything but a missionary right now, but at the same time, I wish I could've stayed with my family while I serve my mission. I guess being away from home is part of my consecration, but it feels both like an eternity and like a few weeks since my mission began.
Still, I'm learning a lot. For those of you that belong to the Canada Winnipeg Mission facebook group, please pass these insights on to the rest of the future missionaries in the world.
No matter where you serve, make sure your suit pants DON'T have cuffs on the bottom. Sure, they're styilish, especially if you wear pinstripes like I do, but dirt, leafs, grass clippings and small rocks often get caught in the cuffs, and it's a hassle to have to clean them out.
Also, if you plan on marking your white shirts so everyone will know they're yours, make sure you use a bleach-proof laundry marking pen. Otherwise, the writing will eventually disappear and your shirts will consequently become slightly less white.
When you track, keep track of which houses didn't answer, so you can come back to those ones later. It's frustrating to know that there are people in some of those houses that haven't heard your message yet, but you don't know who they are.
If you plan on serving in Canada, you might want to make sure that at least some of your shoes don't use laces. Tying, untying, and retying your shoes whenever you enter someone's house can be an unconvenient waste of time.
If you serve where it's cold, get used to using mechanical pencils. They're convenient, erasable, the refills are cheap(er), and the ink doesn't freeze (because there isn't any). Though you'll still need a pen because mecha pencils don't write on passalong cards.
Now I have a question for all of you: What do you want for Christmas? I'm told that if I want to get a package to you by Christmas, I'll have to send it within the next 6-week period. So.... what should I send? I mean, I don't want to be lazy/cheap and not send you anything (as I'm sure many of you would tell me to do), so tell me what I can send you, or I'll have to send whatever I can come up with, and the gift will be really lame. =( Then I'll feel bad about my lack of creative gift-giving skills, and I won't be able to focus on doing a good job as a missionary on account of my failure to be a good son, brother, or friend. And we don't want that to happen, so tell me what to send you! =P
Your Demanding Missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Dear Home - October 13, 2009
You mean to tell me that I ask you quiz questions and forget to tell you the answers? D= Shame on me! The mystery meat was venison, deer sausage, so congrats to Miriam for guessing it right. As for the sugar cookies, I still haven't printed that picture yet. I'll get on it, though.
In the way of news, though, Happy Thanksgiving!! Or Columbus Day, if you happen to still live in USA. Elder George and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, and cornbread. What's even more amazing is that Elder George made it all himself, which prooves two things. One, he's a very good cook, and Two, he was selfish for not letting me help. -_- Shame on Elder George.
The second most exciting thing that's happened recently (actually, it's THE most exciting thing. I'm just mentioning it second) is that it's been snowing!!! =D I never imagined how pretty snow would be to live in. ^^ Of course, this meant that I had to buy winter gear a little sooner than I expected, but, despite getting the perfect winter clothes for me (nice and warm. ^^), I also spent a lot less than I was planning to. I'd explain my purchases in detail, but I don't have enough time. =(
Wanna know something else exciting that's happened? ^^ I got the best package I've ever recieved over my entire mission so far. =D And I love my Mom. O=) She sent me lots of mini Hershey's candies (CHOCOLATE!!!), fun halloween-themed things, like jack-o-lanturn bubble stuff, and THE most AMAZING tie EVER!!! It's SO good, I can't even wear it! Missionaries must be dignified, but if it wasn't for that rule, I would be SO EXCITED about wearing my new, flamingly wonderful tie. And since most of you probably haven't seen it, I'll have to take a picture of it. Yes, it's /that/ good.
In the manner of last-minute additional news, I wouldn't recomend eating at a certain Chinese Buffet. To anyone. Of course, to be fair, I had eaten a big lunch just a few hours previous to having dinner at the buffet, and at the buffet, I ate too much, but the food wasn't too great, and for some reason, everything was funny, meaning that I has laughing too hard on a full stomache, so of course I threw up. But, you know, if it was just that, I wouldn't be complaining about it. However, that fact that I suddenly came down with a BAAAD case of diarea while tracting a few nights ago meant that I just HAD to say something to you. That's probably the kind of random, but interesting thing you hope to read whenever you look at my blog. I'll try and keep the interesting tidbits coming, though I hope not to have to repeat that sort of thing, just to have something to write about.
Anyway, time's up, so I'll be going now.
Your Warm and Well-Fed Missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
In the way of news, though, Happy Thanksgiving!! Or Columbus Day, if you happen to still live in USA. Elder George and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, and cornbread. What's even more amazing is that Elder George made it all himself, which prooves two things. One, he's a very good cook, and Two, he was selfish for not letting me help. -_- Shame on Elder George.
The second most exciting thing that's happened recently (actually, it's THE most exciting thing. I'm just mentioning it second) is that it's been snowing!!! =D I never imagined how pretty snow would be to live in. ^^ Of course, this meant that I had to buy winter gear a little sooner than I expected, but, despite getting the perfect winter clothes for me (nice and warm. ^^), I also spent a lot less than I was planning to. I'd explain my purchases in detail, but I don't have enough time. =(
Wanna know something else exciting that's happened? ^^ I got the best package I've ever recieved over my entire mission so far. =D And I love my Mom. O=) She sent me lots of mini Hershey's candies (CHOCOLATE!!!), fun halloween-themed things, like jack-o-lanturn bubble stuff, and THE most AMAZING tie EVER!!! It's SO good, I can't even wear it! Missionaries must be dignified, but if it wasn't for that rule, I would be SO EXCITED about wearing my new, flamingly wonderful tie. And since most of you probably haven't seen it, I'll have to take a picture of it. Yes, it's /that/ good.
In the manner of last-minute additional news, I wouldn't recomend eating at a certain Chinese Buffet. To anyone. Of course, to be fair, I had eaten a big lunch just a few hours previous to having dinner at the buffet, and at the buffet, I ate too much, but the food wasn't too great, and for some reason, everything was funny, meaning that I has laughing too hard on a full stomache, so of course I threw up. But, you know, if it was just that, I wouldn't be complaining about it. However, that fact that I suddenly came down with a BAAAD case of diarea while tracting a few nights ago meant that I just HAD to say something to you. That's probably the kind of random, but interesting thing you hope to read whenever you look at my blog. I'll try and keep the interesting tidbits coming, though I hope not to have to repeat that sort of thing, just to have something to write about.
Anyway, time's up, so I'll be going now.
Your Warm and Well-Fed Missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
Monday, October 5, 2009
not every Monday
To Elder Robarts' friends and family - a calendar note -
I say that Monday means Missionary Mail, but most likely not next Monday, October 12 which is the Canadian Thanksgivng and I am sure the libraries are closed. : )
Canadian friends - How do Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving and what do you traditionally eat?
I say that Monday means Missionary Mail, but most likely not next Monday, October 12 which is the Canadian Thanksgivng and I am sure the libraries are closed. : )
Canadian friends - How do Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving and what do you traditionally eat?
Dear Home - October 5, 2009
After a slight computer malfunction and sending perhaps a few too many personal Emails, I now have only 15 minutes to write to the rest of you. Clearly, I need to budget my Email time more wisely.
Wasn't General Conference the greatest??? It was amazing! =D SO MANY good messages! SO good. I especially loved the talk about saving spiritual lives Jeffery R Holland's talk about the Book of Mormon (He has such a powerful testimony!), and (Who was it? I didn't bring my notes.) the talk about the ultimate heart transplant and how we can make sure the surgery is successful. I feel like so many of those talks were intended directly for me, but I'm sure that's how everyone feels if they're really listening. I love General Conference. ^^
I also love ice cream. The tradition lives! And it will continue. ^^ I bought a few things this time that I probably won't buy next time, like brownie mix and marshmallow cream, but all in all, the entire weekend was thoughroughly excellent. ^^ I can't wait 'til April. ^^
By the way, in just a few weeks, I'll have been on my mission for 6 months! My mission will have been a quarter over by then. It doesn't seem like it's been that long. I didn't realize I'd be hitting a milestone so soon. Which somehow reminds me, I love inukshuks.
Well, time's up. Hopefully I'll be able to devote more time to my neglected blog next week.
Love, Your Richly Blessed Missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts.
PS, If you think of my raincoat as the Armor of God, my umbrella would be the Sheild of Faith, wherewith ye shall quench all the [watery] darts of the Adversary. Which Shield truly is 'above all'. See Ephesians 4 (or somewhere around there. =P)
~~~~~~
from Mom -in case you, like me are unfamiliar with the word "inukshuk": An "inukshuk" is an Inuit word which means "stone man that points the way." Inukshuks are stone cairns that were erected by Inuit at various places throughout the barrens to serve as guideposts. These lifelike figures are commonly found along Canada's northern shores.
Benjamin - is there another inukshik to which Andrew refers?
~~~~~~~
Andrew responding to Mom's concerns about winter wear:
Thank you for your concern and your advice. We went to look at coats last week, so I could compare prices and make sure I get what I need when it comes time to buy, but it's been such a long summer that we haven't needed winter clothes yet. So far my jacket has been more than enough to keep me warm, so I don't need to buy anything yet. I'll do some more window shopping today, and I'll probably buy the clothes I need next week. But for now, what I have is all I need.
Elder George has been very helpful in making sure I get the right equipment from the right store, and the Lord has been helping me, too, so I know I'm in good hands. ^^ Thanks for thinking of me, but you don't need to worry. Your prayers are being answered. ^^
Your comfortably warm missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
Wasn't General Conference the greatest??? It was amazing! =D SO MANY good messages! SO good. I especially loved the talk about saving spiritual lives Jeffery R Holland's talk about the Book of Mormon (He has such a powerful testimony!), and (Who was it? I didn't bring my notes.) the talk about the ultimate heart transplant and how we can make sure the surgery is successful. I feel like so many of those talks were intended directly for me, but I'm sure that's how everyone feels if they're really listening. I love General Conference. ^^
I also love ice cream. The tradition lives! And it will continue. ^^ I bought a few things this time that I probably won't buy next time, like brownie mix and marshmallow cream, but all in all, the entire weekend was thoughroughly excellent. ^^ I can't wait 'til April. ^^
By the way, in just a few weeks, I'll have been on my mission for 6 months! My mission will have been a quarter over by then. It doesn't seem like it's been that long. I didn't realize I'd be hitting a milestone so soon. Which somehow reminds me, I love inukshuks.
Well, time's up. Hopefully I'll be able to devote more time to my neglected blog next week.
Love, Your Richly Blessed Missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts.
PS, If you think of my raincoat as the Armor of God, my umbrella would be the Sheild of Faith, wherewith ye shall quench all the [watery] darts of the Adversary. Which Shield truly is 'above all'. See Ephesians 4 (or somewhere around there. =P)
~~~~~~
from Mom -in case you, like me are unfamiliar with the word "inukshuk": An "inukshuk" is an Inuit word which means "stone man that points the way." Inukshuks are stone cairns that were erected by Inuit at various places throughout the barrens to serve as guideposts. These lifelike figures are commonly found along Canada's northern shores.
Benjamin - is there another inukshik to which Andrew refers?
~~~~~~~
Andrew responding to Mom's concerns about winter wear:
Thank you for your concern and your advice. We went to look at coats last week, so I could compare prices and make sure I get what I need when it comes time to buy, but it's been such a long summer that we haven't needed winter clothes yet. So far my jacket has been more than enough to keep me warm, so I don't need to buy anything yet. I'll do some more window shopping today, and I'll probably buy the clothes I need next week. But for now, what I have is all I need.
Elder George has been very helpful in making sure I get the right equipment from the right store, and the Lord has been helping me, too, so I know I'm in good hands. ^^ Thanks for thinking of me, but you don't need to worry. Your prayers are being answered. ^^
Your comfortably warm missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Information about sending packages - especially Christmas packages
I received a note from the mission office which says:
...all of your mail should be sent to the Canada Winnipeg Mission Office at the address below:
If packages are mailed with this format we will be able to sign for them if they become lost, whereas if the Missionary name is first, we cannot retrieve them.
Please indicate on your letters and packages if they are specifically for Christmas.
Additionally we recieved this from President Paulson:
You may think it is a little early to talk of tinsel and festive fare, but we are thinking and planning ahaed to Christmas, and would like to make it a wonderful occasion for all of the missionaries. We occaionally have difficulties with delays in the postal service, and are concerned if we don't write to you now, some missionaries may be without letters and parcels from their families at Christmas. Parcels sometimes take weeks to arrive, and because fo the stirct rules surrounding Canadian Customs, packages can take a lot of time just to clear customs.
With that in mind, I am writing to ask if you would send Christmas letters and packages early to arrive by the end of November, so we can distribute them at our Christmas Devotionals in mid-December. Please label your package as a "Gift" and check with your local postal servies as to the regulations surrounding sending parcels abroad. Please address your package to Canada Winnipeg Mission Office, Elder Andrew Robarts, 845 Shaftesbury Boulevard, Winnipeg MB R3P 0M5, Canada. As well as the normal seasonal greetings and goodies, perhaps you could ask families and friends to bear testimony of the Savior at this special time of year.
...all of your mail should be sent to the Canada Winnipeg Mission Office at the address below:
Canada Winnipeg Mission
(Missionary Name) (that would be Elder Andrew Robarts)
845 Shaftsbury Boulevard
Winnipeg, MB R3P 0M5
CANADA
If packages are mailed with this format we will be able to sign for them if they become lost, whereas if the Missionary name is first, we cannot retrieve them.
Please indicate on your letters and packages if they are specifically for Christmas.
Additionally we recieved this from President Paulson:
You may think it is a little early to talk of tinsel and festive fare, but we are thinking and planning ahaed to Christmas, and would like to make it a wonderful occasion for all of the missionaries. We occaionally have difficulties with delays in the postal service, and are concerned if we don't write to you now, some missionaries may be without letters and parcels from their families at Christmas. Parcels sometimes take weeks to arrive, and because fo the stirct rules surrounding Canadian Customs, packages can take a lot of time just to clear customs.
With that in mind, I am writing to ask if you would send Christmas letters and packages early to arrive by the end of November, so we can distribute them at our Christmas Devotionals in mid-December. Please label your package as a "Gift" and check with your local postal servies as to the regulations surrounding sending parcels abroad. Please address your package to Canada Winnipeg Mission Office, Elder Andrew Robarts, 845 Shaftesbury Boulevard, Winnipeg MB R3P 0M5, Canada. As well as the normal seasonal greetings and goodies, perhaps you could ask families and friends to bear testimony of the Savior at this special time of year.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Dear Home - September 28, 2009
Dear Home,
Last week, we went to the most beautiful place in Prince Albert. Brother Moore took us there. It was so woody and mossy and it had little bridges over little streams... It was so calm and peaceful. Brother Moore called it "PA's Sacred Grove". An accurate description, I'd say. The spirit was definitely strong there. ^^
But on a much more exciting note, General Conference is this weekend!! =D We're all really looking forward to it, especially since I've told the other Elders that I plan to uphold our family tradition. ;D A big get-together with a lot of ice cream! SO good! I can't wait. ^^
You once asked me what the most remarkable rejection I ever got was. I didn't have an answer for you because it hadn't happened yet, but now it has. We knock on the door. No answer. We see someone's head of brown hair poking up from behind the hood of the car in the driveway. We're thinking: Lol, kids. They're gonna try and scare us.
But it wasn't a kid.
The woman who lived at that house hid behind her car to avoid talking to us. I think that's a bit extreme. She could've just said 'Not Interested', like everyone else. =P
Well, sadly, that's all I've got time for. But before I go, I've got an assignment for you: Find Neil A. Maxwell's talk in which he encourages us to 'Give up our summer cottages in Babylon'. By the way, is Babylon still standing? Kinda curious. I wonder what kind of people live there and how they feel about it.
Anyway, I gotta go. I love you all, especially those I'm closely related to. -hugs Mom, then hugs everyone- Man, I wish I could do that in person. =/
Your Overall Very Happy Missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
Last week, we went to the most beautiful place in Prince Albert. Brother Moore took us there. It was so woody and mossy and it had little bridges over little streams... It was so calm and peaceful. Brother Moore called it "PA's Sacred Grove". An accurate description, I'd say. The spirit was definitely strong there. ^^
But on a much more exciting note, General Conference is this weekend!! =D We're all really looking forward to it, especially since I've told the other Elders that I plan to uphold our family tradition. ;D A big get-together with a lot of ice cream! SO good! I can't wait. ^^
You once asked me what the most remarkable rejection I ever got was. I didn't have an answer for you because it hadn't happened yet, but now it has. We knock on the door. No answer. We see someone's head of brown hair poking up from behind the hood of the car in the driveway. We're thinking: Lol, kids. They're gonna try and scare us.
But it wasn't a kid.
The woman who lived at that house hid behind her car to avoid talking to us. I think that's a bit extreme. She could've just said 'Not Interested', like everyone else. =P
Well, sadly, that's all I've got time for. But before I go, I've got an assignment for you: Find Neil A. Maxwell's talk in which he encourages us to 'Give up our summer cottages in Babylon'. By the way, is Babylon still standing? Kinda curious. I wonder what kind of people live there and how they feel about it.
Anyway, I gotta go. I love you all, especially those I'm closely related to. -hugs Mom, then hugs everyone- Man, I wish I could do that in person. =/
Your Overall Very Happy Missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
Ask an Elder - September 28, 2009
Ask an Elder:
Q: Where will you be for General Conference this weekend? A stake center? Member's home? ...??
I will certainly be thinking of you! Especially at lunch time when I feed the missionaries. I hope you have a lovely conference!
A: we're having it broadcasted to the meeting house in Prince Albert. We'll watch it right there in the chappel, almost like a Stake Conference.
Q: Is it better to send packages to the Mission Home where they take forever to get them to you or to your apartment where they either sit on your porch all day (or walk off) or get taken back to the post office or ?
A: Mission office, I'd say. Some of them are small enough to fit in a mailbox, but those that aren't go back to the post office and we have to take time away from the work to pick it up.
Q: When is next transfer? I am guessing around the 1st of November?
A: Yeah, November 1st, or thereabouts.
Not a Question: You know, you did not meet Joseph and Benjamin at the same time. Joseph is older than you so you met him soon after you were born. You didn't meet Benjamin until 3 years later. Threw me off with that. ; )
Response:
I did too meet Ben and Joe at the same time. By the time I was old enough to know what was going on, they were both right beside me. Though, I admit, maybe I shouldn't have use it as part of the clue. Still, it's quite a coincidence, isn't it?
Q: Where will you be for General Conference this weekend? A stake center? Member's home? ...??
I will certainly be thinking of you! Especially at lunch time when I feed the missionaries. I hope you have a lovely conference!
A: we're having it broadcasted to the meeting house in Prince Albert. We'll watch it right there in the chappel, almost like a Stake Conference.
Q: Is it better to send packages to the Mission Home where they take forever to get them to you or to your apartment where they either sit on your porch all day (or walk off) or get taken back to the post office or ?
A: Mission office, I'd say. Some of them are small enough to fit in a mailbox, but those that aren't go back to the post office and we have to take time away from the work to pick it up.
Q: When is next transfer? I am guessing around the 1st of November?
A: Yeah, November 1st, or thereabouts.
Not a Question: You know, you did not meet Joseph and Benjamin at the same time. Joseph is older than you so you met him soon after you were born. You didn't meet Benjamin until 3 years later. Threw me off with that. ; )
Response:
I did too meet Ben and Joe at the same time. By the time I was old enough to know what was going on, they were both right beside me. Though, I admit, maybe I shouldn't have use it as part of the clue. Still, it's quite a coincidence, isn't it?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Dear Home - September 21, 2009
Dear Home,
This is going to be the BEST TRANSFER EVER!
Elder George and I are both staying right where we are. And so are all the other Elders in our district! It's a rare occurance, but all six of us are staying put (for another six weeks anyway). Same addresses and everything. ^^
So, a little while ago, you asked me what impresses me about Canada. I didn't have much to say at the time, but I've thought of a few more things since then.
First, I don't know how I forgot to mention the sunsets. They are SO BEAUTIFUL!!! I'd take pictures of them, but we're not supposed to snap photos while we're out working.
I might anyway, though. One thing I've learned about rules is that the exceptions are included in Moroni 7. That which leadeth to do good, is good. If the sunsets are inspiring enough to want to keep them with you, it's worth taking a second or two to preserve them. At least, that's how I feel. Of course, there is the thing about obeying with exactness, but there's also 'He that is commanded in all things is a slothful and unwise servant'. Basically, I'm going to work as hard as I can, keep the spirit with me, fulfil my duty to God and my family, bring others (including you) unto Christ, and have a great time doing it. And if I happen to take a few pictures along the way, I'm sure God won't have a problem with it.
Another thing that I like about Canada (and this has nothing to do with anything I was just rambling on about), is that they have handles on most of their big green garbage cans. At first I thought 'why?', but I've come to realise that by lifting the handle, you can put things into the garbage can without having to slip your fingertips under the lid. Clever Canadians. ^^
Also, and this isn't exclusive to Canada, but while I've been out here, I've also learned that root beer floats are remarkably cheap. Elder George and I each had two last week, and we plan to have two more this week. We just might make a habit out of this, especially since it's much cheaper than chacolate pretzels and chocolate chip cookies (I miss the cookies, though. =/).
Quiz time! Elder George had a birthday recently (and I still don't what day it was)! To celebrate, I secretly made a batch of sugar cookies while he was showering. And I just remembered that I can't finish this quz question without showing you a picture that I haven't printed or mailed yet. =/ I'll have to ask you something.
A few weeks back, a member gave us some homemade sausage from the meat of an animal I had never eaten before. It's all gone now, but I wonder if you can guess what kind of sausage it was. (Yeah, I know it's a lame question, but that's the best I could think of this week. The cookie question would've been better, but it requires the viewing of a photograph, so that'll have to wait 'till later.)
And to give the answer to the last quiz, Elder Orton's full name is Benjamin Joseph Orton. Shocking, I know, but his name includes the names of two of my brothers!
Out of time!
I love you all!
Elder Andrew Robarts
This is going to be the BEST TRANSFER EVER!
Elder George and I are both staying right where we are. And so are all the other Elders in our district! It's a rare occurance, but all six of us are staying put (for another six weeks anyway). Same addresses and everything. ^^
So, a little while ago, you asked me what impresses me about Canada. I didn't have much to say at the time, but I've thought of a few more things since then.
First, I don't know how I forgot to mention the sunsets. They are SO BEAUTIFUL!!! I'd take pictures of them, but we're not supposed to snap photos while we're out working.
I might anyway, though. One thing I've learned about rules is that the exceptions are included in Moroni 7. That which leadeth to do good, is good. If the sunsets are inspiring enough to want to keep them with you, it's worth taking a second or two to preserve them. At least, that's how I feel. Of course, there is the thing about obeying with exactness, but there's also 'He that is commanded in all things is a slothful and unwise servant'. Basically, I'm going to work as hard as I can, keep the spirit with me, fulfil my duty to God and my family, bring others (including you) unto Christ, and have a great time doing it. And if I happen to take a few pictures along the way, I'm sure God won't have a problem with it.
Another thing that I like about Canada (and this has nothing to do with anything I was just rambling on about), is that they have handles on most of their big green garbage cans. At first I thought 'why?', but I've come to realise that by lifting the handle, you can put things into the garbage can without having to slip your fingertips under the lid. Clever Canadians. ^^
Also, and this isn't exclusive to Canada, but while I've been out here, I've also learned that root beer floats are remarkably cheap. Elder George and I each had two last week, and we plan to have two more this week. We just might make a habit out of this, especially since it's much cheaper than chacolate pretzels and chocolate chip cookies (I miss the cookies, though. =/).
Quiz time! Elder George had a birthday recently (and I still don't what day it was)! To celebrate, I secretly made a batch of sugar cookies while he was showering. And I just remembered that I can't finish this quz question without showing you a picture that I haven't printed or mailed yet. =/ I'll have to ask you something.
A few weeks back, a member gave us some homemade sausage from the meat of an animal I had never eaten before. It's all gone now, but I wonder if you can guess what kind of sausage it was. (Yeah, I know it's a lame question, but that's the best I could think of this week. The cookie question would've been better, but it requires the viewing of a photograph, so that'll have to wait 'till later.)
And to give the answer to the last quiz, Elder Orton's full name is Benjamin Joseph Orton. Shocking, I know, but his name includes the names of two of my brothers!
Out of time!
I love you all!
Elder Andrew Robarts
Monday, September 14, 2009
Dear Home - September 14, 2008
Questions from home:
Questions:
How did apartment inspection go? : )
Did you or Elder George get transferred?
When is next transfer?
If one of you got transferred, who is your new companion and what is
your new address?
You didn't tell us what surprises or impresses you most about Canada.
What do you like best about Canada so far?
What do you like best about being a missionary?
~~~~~~~~~ letter from Elder Robarts:
Dear Home,
(( Note to Mom: The mystery animals arrived already? That means it took less than a week! So much for the rumors that Canadian mail is slow! =P
As for the winter gear, the weather has been really good lately (except for the out-of-the-blue cloudburst this morning @_@ ). I haven't even had to use my Mr Mac jacket yet (apart from the raincoat shell). I'll probably get my winter gear sometime next transfer, but I'm confident that I won't need it for at least the next few weeks. I'll let you know before I buy anything warm, so until then, there's no reason to worry about me being cold. I'm not. ^^ ))
I gather that you all already have the mystery animal answers, so that takes care of our poll portion. The next question is something that I've been saving since my first transfer. Elder Orton, an active individual that's very fun to go on exchanges with, once showed me his drivers license, in which I saw something that I counted as an astonishing coincidence: His first and middle names. See, both his first and his middle names were also the first names of two people that I know and love. I met those two people at about the same age and for the exact same reason. Can you guess who those two people are?
Now I get to answer /your/ questions! ^^
First, the inspection went really well. The Eastmans were quite pleased. There were a few things that they noticed (and I'm surprised that I didn't) like a hole in the wall of the bathroom and a bunch of thumbtacks all over the wall in the living room, but neither of those were our fault, so there are no complaints. ^^
Neither Elder George or I got transferred.... yet. We won't get the call until tomorrow night, so any questions you have about transfers will have to be answered next week. =/
What impresses me most about Canada is how similar our money systems are to each other. They're got nickels, pennies, dimes and quarters just like we do, and they're all about the same size as our coins. The main differences come when you get into pieces of currency worth a dollar or more.
And I just realized that I only have 5 minutes left. =( Where did the time go??
Being a missionary is great! I miss my family, but I think I could get used to living on my own. Of course, I'll never live this far away from home again, and I certainly won't make any definite plans until I figure out how the rest of my life is going to work. There are a lot of things to consider when one attempts to live on this earth.
But those problems will be taken care of in due time. For now, my major concern is doing the Lord's work to the best of my ability, and I'm happy with what Elder George and I have been able to accomplish so far. ^^
Love, your left-handed missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts.
(( That's the best I could think of at the moment. I know I'll have a better self-description as soon as I send this. ))
Questions:
How did apartment inspection go? : )
Did you or Elder George get transferred?
When is next transfer?
If one of you got transferred, who is your new companion and what is
your new address?
You didn't tell us what surprises or impresses you most about Canada.
What do you like best about Canada so far?
What do you like best about being a missionary?
~~~~~~~~~ letter from Elder Robarts:
Dear Home,
(( Note to Mom: The mystery animals arrived already? That means it took less than a week! So much for the rumors that Canadian mail is slow! =P
As for the winter gear, the weather has been really good lately (except for the out-of-the-blue cloudburst this morning @_@ ). I haven't even had to use my Mr Mac jacket yet (apart from the raincoat shell). I'll probably get my winter gear sometime next transfer, but I'm confident that I won't need it for at least the next few weeks. I'll let you know before I buy anything warm, so until then, there's no reason to worry about me being cold. I'm not. ^^ ))
I gather that you all already have the mystery animal answers, so that takes care of our poll portion. The next question is something that I've been saving since my first transfer. Elder Orton, an active individual that's very fun to go on exchanges with, once showed me his drivers license, in which I saw something that I counted as an astonishing coincidence: His first and middle names. See, both his first and his middle names were also the first names of two people that I know and love. I met those two people at about the same age and for the exact same reason. Can you guess who those two people are?
Now I get to answer /your/ questions! ^^
First, the inspection went really well. The Eastmans were quite pleased. There were a few things that they noticed (and I'm surprised that I didn't) like a hole in the wall of the bathroom and a bunch of thumbtacks all over the wall in the living room, but neither of those were our fault, so there are no complaints. ^^
Neither Elder George or I got transferred.... yet. We won't get the call until tomorrow night, so any questions you have about transfers will have to be answered next week. =/
What impresses me most about Canada is how similar our money systems are to each other. They're got nickels, pennies, dimes and quarters just like we do, and they're all about the same size as our coins. The main differences come when you get into pieces of currency worth a dollar or more.
And I just realized that I only have 5 minutes left. =( Where did the time go??
Being a missionary is great! I miss my family, but I think I could get used to living on my own. Of course, I'll never live this far away from home again, and I certainly won't make any definite plans until I figure out how the rest of my life is going to work. There are a lot of things to consider when one attempts to live on this earth.
But those problems will be taken care of in due time. For now, my major concern is doing the Lord's work to the best of my ability, and I'm happy with what Elder George and I have been able to accomplish so far. ^^
Love, your left-handed missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts.
(( That's the best I could think of at the moment. I know I'll have a better self-description as soon as I send this. ))
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Elder Robarts' Mystery Animals Revealed
In Elder Robarts' "backyard" -
Surprise guest at Zone Conference lunch:
Bonus pictures - the river in the morning.
Surprise guest at Zone Conference lunch:
Bonus pictures - the river in the morning.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Answer an Elder: Jason Robards – a famous non-relation
Jason Robards – a famous non-relation.
information from Wikipedia
There were actually 3 Jason Robards who were actors. The famous one in no. 2.
Jason Nelson Robards, Jr., (July 26, 1922 – December 26, 2000) was an American actor and a WWII U.S. Navy combat veteran. (go to Wikipedia to read about his WWII adventures)
Robards decided to get into acting after the war. His career started out slowly. He moved to New York City and found small parts there, first in radio and then on the stage.
His big break was landing the starring role in José Quintero's 1956 off-Broadway production and the 1960 television film of Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh, as the philosophical salesman Hickey, winning an Obie Award for his performance. He also played Hickey in a 1985 Broadway revival staged by Quintero, who directed Robards in Broadway productions of O'Neill's plays Long Day's Journey Into Night, Hughie, A Touch of the Poet and A Moon for the Misbegotten. He repeated his performance in Long Day's Journey Into Night in the 1962 film and televised his performances in A Moon for the Misbegotten and Hughie.
Robards also appeared on stage in a 1988 Broadway revival of O'Neill's Ah, Wilderness! directed by Arvin Brown, as well as Lillian Hellman's Toys in the Attic, Arthur Miller's After the Fall, Clifford Odets' The Country Girl and Harold Pinter's No Man's Land.
He made his film debut in the 1946 two-reel comedy Follow That Music, but after his Broadway success he was invited to make his feature debut in The Journey in 1959. He became a familiar face to movie audiences throughout the 1960s, notably for his performances in A Thousand Clowns (1965) (repeating his stage performance), The Night They Raided Minsky's (1968), and Once Upon a Time in the West (1968).
Jason Robards, Jr became famous playing works of American dramatist Eugene O'Neill, and would regularly play O'Neill's works throughout his career. Robards was cast in both common-man roles and as well known historical figures including three different US Presidents - Abraham Lincoln in The Perfect Tribute and a television production of Abe Lincoln in Illinois, Ulysses S. Grant in The Legend of the Lone Ranger (a role he also voiced in the PBS miniseries The Civil War), and Franklin Delano Roosevelt in FDR: The Final Years. He also created a sensation as the fictional president Richard Monckton (based on Richard Nixon) in the television miniseries Washington: Behind Closed Doors. Robards received eight Tony Award nominations, more than any other male actor, and won in 1959 as Best Actor for his work in The Disenchanted, which was also his only stage appearance with his father. Robards received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in consecutive years for All the President's Men (1976) and Julia (1977), He was also nominated for another Oscar for his role in Melvin and Howard (1980) and received the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Special for the 1988 production of Inherit the Wind.[10] He was among the recipients at the Kennedy Center Honors in 1999
He had 6 children by 4 marriages including Jason Nelson Robards III and Sam Robards who also became actors.
information from Wikipedia
There were actually 3 Jason Robards who were actors. The famous one in no. 2.
Jason Nelson Robards, Jr., (July 26, 1922 – December 26, 2000) was an American actor and a WWII U.S. Navy combat veteran. (go to Wikipedia to read about his WWII adventures)
Robards decided to get into acting after the war. His career started out slowly. He moved to New York City and found small parts there, first in radio and then on the stage.
His big break was landing the starring role in José Quintero's 1956 off-Broadway production and the 1960 television film of Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh, as the philosophical salesman Hickey, winning an Obie Award for his performance. He also played Hickey in a 1985 Broadway revival staged by Quintero, who directed Robards in Broadway productions of O'Neill's plays Long Day's Journey Into Night, Hughie, A Touch of the Poet and A Moon for the Misbegotten. He repeated his performance in Long Day's Journey Into Night in the 1962 film and televised his performances in A Moon for the Misbegotten and Hughie.
Robards also appeared on stage in a 1988 Broadway revival of O'Neill's Ah, Wilderness! directed by Arvin Brown, as well as Lillian Hellman's Toys in the Attic, Arthur Miller's After the Fall, Clifford Odets' The Country Girl and Harold Pinter's No Man's Land.
He made his film debut in the 1946 two-reel comedy Follow That Music, but after his Broadway success he was invited to make his feature debut in The Journey in 1959. He became a familiar face to movie audiences throughout the 1960s, notably for his performances in A Thousand Clowns (1965) (repeating his stage performance), The Night They Raided Minsky's (1968), and Once Upon a Time in the West (1968).
Jason Robards, Jr became famous playing works of American dramatist Eugene O'Neill, and would regularly play O'Neill's works throughout his career. Robards was cast in both common-man roles and as well known historical figures including three different US Presidents - Abraham Lincoln in The Perfect Tribute and a television production of Abe Lincoln in Illinois, Ulysses S. Grant in The Legend of the Lone Ranger (a role he also voiced in the PBS miniseries The Civil War), and Franklin Delano Roosevelt in FDR: The Final Years. He also created a sensation as the fictional president Richard Monckton (based on Richard Nixon) in the television miniseries Washington: Behind Closed Doors. Robards received eight Tony Award nominations, more than any other male actor, and won in 1959 as Best Actor for his work in The Disenchanted, which was also his only stage appearance with his father. Robards received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in consecutive years for All the President's Men (1976) and Julia (1977), He was also nominated for another Oscar for his role in Melvin and Howard (1980) and received the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Special for the 1988 production of Inherit the Wind.[10] He was among the recipients at the Kennedy Center Honors in 1999
He had 6 children by 4 marriages including Jason Nelson Robards III and Sam Robards who also became actors.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
September 08, 2009
Questions we asked:
You have been in Canada 117 days. What about Canada surprises you the most?
Do you have to pay postage due when we send you thick letters?
What is the best or most original refusal you have gotten?
What are you studying during personal study?
Dear Home,
First off, the poll. Most of you had sent in some pretty good guesses, and I have to say that at least one of you were right. The answer is coming in the form of a picture that I sent in a letter home yesterday. By the way, the reason I didn't Email yesterday is because it was Labor Day. But it's not Labor Day today! =P
Before I forget, I also have to tell you that transfer calls are tomorrow, so in case I leave Prince Albert, don't send any mail here this week or it won't get here on time.
(( Note to Mom (and anyone else this might apply to), I have not had to pay postage due on anything you've sent me. Have you? =S ))
Best or most origional refusal? I don't know. I try not to focus on the people that say 'no'. It's a little discouraging if you do. I rather forget about them and focus on the positive things that are happening.
Personal study varies from day to day. Usually I go in with a question and come out with an answer, but sometimes it's hard to remember the questions you or your investigators have had when it comes time to study them. =S I've got to do better at writing things down.
That's one thing about missions that could be good or bad. You're always finding areas where you can improve. If you've got the right attitude, you can see those as challenges or oppotunities to grow and perfect yourself. If you go in with the wrong attitude, it's easy to get discouraged. Readjusting my attitude is probably one of the many things that I could stand to work on.
But that finding-imperfections factor can lead to a lot of growth! For example, a couple of weeks ago, I made a dumb decision. I bought $10 worth of chocolate covered pretzels. I definately could've been wiser with my spending. So I shopped around. The pretzels were good, but pricy, so I found some mini chocolate chip cookies that are also good, but at half the cost! ^^ I bought a $5 bag of those 2 weeks in a row (I skipped this week), and I'm rather satisfied with those decisions. This week, I didn't have to buy any cookies. The members are feeding us so well that we hardly had to buy anything. ^^
So recently I became aware of how inadequate it is for me to merely answer your questions and leave it at that. Of course, I'll continue to answer your questions, but from now on, I'll try to write more about what's going on in my life. That's probably what you really want to hear, if you're anything like my Mom. ^^
Elder George wants to be a conservation officer. It's nice that he knows what he wants. Seeing him with his strong vision of what he wants to do with his life, I've been really wondering what /I/ should do with /my/ life, after my mission is over.
For guidance, I turned to my Patriarchial Blessing (if you don't know what that is, ask a Mormon). I really like my Blessing. It's got some really good promises in there. Unfortunately, it doesn't really say much about the kind of job I should get. (( Note to Immediate Family: It does say I'm meant to obtain a full education, and that I'm to have an understanding on the 'human condition', but until I find out what that is, I have no idea how to prepare for it. )) I guess I'll just have to follow my conscience and the parts of my Blessing that are clear, and hope the rest of my life sorts itself out when I get there.
So.... That's about all that I had planned to tell you (unless I forgot something), so I guess I'll go right into the next poll.
At Zone Conference not too long ago (Was it only last week?), we had lunch in the cultural hall, as usual. But something was there that was quite UNusual. As soon as we walked through the double doors, we looked around, and GASP! There was an animal in there! I can't remember if I told you about this before, but if I haven't, let's see if you can guess what kind of animal could've created so much excitement. Hints: Um.... I'm not clever enough to think of hints right now. =P
If I already told you about this animal, my question to you this week will be Who is Jason Robarts? I've heard that he's an actor, but I've never heard of him until people started asking me if there's any relation.
And if I haven't told you about the animal yet, you can stop guessing when Mom gets her letter I sent this week. I included two pics of this week's animal and one picture of last week's.
By the way, my camera has been acting weird lately. There's a knob on my camera, and the device sometimes thinks I'm turning it when, really, it's not being turned. Funny, huh?
Well, I gotta get going. My time's about up.
In closing, I love you all. Thanks for reading this. I'll have another Email for you to read next week. ^^
'Till then! -hugs everyone- -hugs Mom again-
Love, your Joyous Missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts. ^^
You have been in Canada 117 days. What about Canada surprises you the most?
Do you have to pay postage due when we send you thick letters?
What is the best or most original refusal you have gotten?
What are you studying during personal study?
Dear Home,
First off, the poll. Most of you had sent in some pretty good guesses, and I have to say that at least one of you were right. The answer is coming in the form of a picture that I sent in a letter home yesterday. By the way, the reason I didn't Email yesterday is because it was Labor Day. But it's not Labor Day today! =P
Before I forget, I also have to tell you that transfer calls are tomorrow, so in case I leave Prince Albert, don't send any mail here this week or it won't get here on time.
(( Note to Mom (and anyone else this might apply to), I have not had to pay postage due on anything you've sent me. Have you? =S ))
Best or most origional refusal? I don't know. I try not to focus on the people that say 'no'. It's a little discouraging if you do. I rather forget about them and focus on the positive things that are happening.
Personal study varies from day to day. Usually I go in with a question and come out with an answer, but sometimes it's hard to remember the questions you or your investigators have had when it comes time to study them. =S I've got to do better at writing things down.
That's one thing about missions that could be good or bad. You're always finding areas where you can improve. If you've got the right attitude, you can see those as challenges or oppotunities to grow and perfect yourself. If you go in with the wrong attitude, it's easy to get discouraged. Readjusting my attitude is probably one of the many things that I could stand to work on.
But that finding-imperfections factor can lead to a lot of growth! For example, a couple of weeks ago, I made a dumb decision. I bought $10 worth of chocolate covered pretzels. I definately could've been wiser with my spending. So I shopped around. The pretzels were good, but pricy, so I found some mini chocolate chip cookies that are also good, but at half the cost! ^^ I bought a $5 bag of those 2 weeks in a row (I skipped this week), and I'm rather satisfied with those decisions. This week, I didn't have to buy any cookies. The members are feeding us so well that we hardly had to buy anything. ^^
So recently I became aware of how inadequate it is for me to merely answer your questions and leave it at that. Of course, I'll continue to answer your questions, but from now on, I'll try to write more about what's going on in my life. That's probably what you really want to hear, if you're anything like my Mom. ^^
Elder George wants to be a conservation officer. It's nice that he knows what he wants. Seeing him with his strong vision of what he wants to do with his life, I've been really wondering what /I/ should do with /my/ life, after my mission is over.
For guidance, I turned to my Patriarchial Blessing (if you don't know what that is, ask a Mormon). I really like my Blessing. It's got some really good promises in there. Unfortunately, it doesn't really say much about the kind of job I should get. (( Note to Immediate Family: It does say I'm meant to obtain a full education, and that I'm to have an understanding on the 'human condition', but until I find out what that is, I have no idea how to prepare for it. )) I guess I'll just have to follow my conscience and the parts of my Blessing that are clear, and hope the rest of my life sorts itself out when I get there.
So.... That's about all that I had planned to tell you (unless I forgot something), so I guess I'll go right into the next poll.
At Zone Conference not too long ago (Was it only last week?), we had lunch in the cultural hall, as usual. But something was there that was quite UNusual. As soon as we walked through the double doors, we looked around, and GASP! There was an animal in there! I can't remember if I told you about this before, but if I haven't, let's see if you can guess what kind of animal could've created so much excitement. Hints: Um.... I'm not clever enough to think of hints right now. =P
If I already told you about this animal, my question to you this week will be Who is Jason Robarts? I've heard that he's an actor, but I've never heard of him until people started asking me if there's any relation.
And if I haven't told you about the animal yet, you can stop guessing when Mom gets her letter I sent this week. I included two pics of this week's animal and one picture of last week's.
By the way, my camera has been acting weird lately. There's a knob on my camera, and the device sometimes thinks I'm turning it when, really, it's not being turned. Funny, huh?
Well, I gotta get going. My time's about up.
In closing, I love you all. Thanks for reading this. I'll have another Email for you to read next week. ^^
'Till then! -hugs everyone- -hugs Mom again-
Love, your Joyous Missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts. ^^
Monday, August 31, 2009
Ask an Elder - August 31, 2009
Questions:
1) Are you a Zion companionship or a Babylon companionship?(According to our missionaries at dinner on a recent Sunday, a Zion companionship/apartment shares food and food costs whereas a Babylon companionship is every man for himself. Most of the missionaries in our area? district? mission? are Zion. My guess is you are Zion as well (remembering the cereal shopping incident)
2) Do you get the New Era?
3) Have you met any nice dogs?
4) Tell us all about Zone Conference!
Did Elder George get a headache? Did you?(Sorry I didn't have a package for you! who did?)
5) Is there a regular schedule for Zone Conference? Can you tell us when the next one will be?
Dear Home,
I have very little time left, but I'm making plans to improve my time-management skills. We'll see how it goes.
We're a Zion Companionship. Every companionship I've been in so far is that way. ^^ It's a good system, I think. =)
No, no New Era. Just the Ensign. But if we got the New Era as well as the Ensign, we wouldn't have any time left for anything else! =O
Nice dogs? How do you mean? Most dogs aren't vicious. I've only met one or two that I felt uncomfortable being around, but many dogs are /too/ nice.I love you! Pet me! Let me rub my nose on your dry-clean only pants!But it's not that bad. If you start petting them, they'll usually put their head wherever you put your hand. =)
Zone Conference was amazing! Lots of good stuff! No time to talk about it all, though. =/
Yes, I think Elder George /did/ get a headache. But I didn't. Mostly I just try and take good notes so it can all soak in slowly. Otherwise a lot of it goes over my head and is forgotten. =(
Sariah sent me a wonderful package with LOTS of pictures in it! Thank you so much!I also got a very generous package from Kristine, who sent me over 600 grams of candy, and a toothbrush. That couldn't have been cheap!They will both receive ink-and-paper thanks and replies, along with anyone who sends me things in the mail. (The only question is when I'll have time to reply to everyone in my inbox. D=)
Zone Conferences are usually mid-transfer. I don't think there's a regular schedule, though.
Time's up. I love you! -hugs everyone- -hugs Mom again-
Your late-as-usual missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
PS Poll: What animal is in my backyard right now?
Hints: It's one of my favorites. I'm not talking about horses or the ever-abundant seagulls, though they're there, too.
Have fun guessing! =D
1) Are you a Zion companionship or a Babylon companionship?(According to our missionaries at dinner on a recent Sunday, a Zion companionship/apartment shares food and food costs whereas a Babylon companionship is every man for himself. Most of the missionaries in our area? district? mission? are Zion. My guess is you are Zion as well (remembering the cereal shopping incident)
2) Do you get the New Era?
3) Have you met any nice dogs?
4) Tell us all about Zone Conference!
Did Elder George get a headache? Did you?(Sorry I didn't have a package for you! who did?)
5) Is there a regular schedule for Zone Conference? Can you tell us when the next one will be?
Dear Home,
I have very little time left, but I'm making plans to improve my time-management skills. We'll see how it goes.
We're a Zion Companionship. Every companionship I've been in so far is that way. ^^ It's a good system, I think. =)
No, no New Era. Just the Ensign. But if we got the New Era as well as the Ensign, we wouldn't have any time left for anything else! =O
Nice dogs? How do you mean? Most dogs aren't vicious. I've only met one or two that I felt uncomfortable being around, but many dogs are /too/ nice.I love you! Pet me! Let me rub my nose on your dry-clean only pants!But it's not that bad. If you start petting them, they'll usually put their head wherever you put your hand. =)
Zone Conference was amazing! Lots of good stuff! No time to talk about it all, though. =/
Yes, I think Elder George /did/ get a headache. But I didn't. Mostly I just try and take good notes so it can all soak in slowly. Otherwise a lot of it goes over my head and is forgotten. =(
Sariah sent me a wonderful package with LOTS of pictures in it! Thank you so much!I also got a very generous package from Kristine, who sent me over 600 grams of candy, and a toothbrush. That couldn't have been cheap!They will both receive ink-and-paper thanks and replies, along with anyone who sends me things in the mail. (The only question is when I'll have time to reply to everyone in my inbox. D=)
Zone Conferences are usually mid-transfer. I don't think there's a regular schedule, though.
Time's up. I love you! -hugs everyone- -hugs Mom again-
Your late-as-usual missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
PS Poll: What animal is in my backyard right now?
Hints: It's one of my favorites. I'm not talking about horses or the ever-abundant seagulls, though they're there, too.
Have fun guessing! =D
Monday, August 24, 2009
Ask an Elder - Aug 24, 2009
Questions:
Good plan for getting birthday gift ideas! How's it going?
Are you shoes comfortable? How are your feet doing?
Is it getting to be time to think about shopping for winter things?
Answers:
Gift ideas, not so well. I'll probably just have to be extra nice to him or something.
My shoes are great and my feet are doing fine. ^^ I had gotten another blister, but it's healed now. =)
The winter gear will have to be taken care of probably later this transfer or sometime next transfer. The other missionaries have been really helpful in letting me know what to get and where to get it. ^^
So far, the weather has been wonderful. Occasional rain showers, but the sunsets are always magnificent. ^^ I love it here (during the summer).
Good plan for getting birthday gift ideas! How's it going?
Are you shoes comfortable? How are your feet doing?
Is it getting to be time to think about shopping for winter things?
Answers:
Gift ideas, not so well. I'll probably just have to be extra nice to him or something.
My shoes are great and my feet are doing fine. ^^ I had gotten another blister, but it's healed now. =)
The winter gear will have to be taken care of probably later this transfer or sometime next transfer. The other missionaries have been really helpful in letting me know what to get and where to get it. ^^
So far, the weather has been wonderful. Occasional rain showers, but the sunsets are always magnificent. ^^ I love it here (during the summer).
August 24, 2009
Dear Home,
First order of business, the poll results. I'm sure you're all anxious to here what the answer was, so I'm gonna go ahead and tell you that Miriam and one other person (I don't know who. xD) guessed correctly. I found a $10 bill lying on the ground while tracting a week or so ago. Pretty impressive, eh? xD Of course, it was all luck, but it was a surprising and nice experience. ^^
In other news, the ban on EFY music has been lifted. Apparently 'no EFY' was a Law of Moses type rule, just a temporary thing to get people thinking about what they should be listening to and what they shouldn't. There are some EFY songs that I wouldn't play in Sacrament Meeting, but I'm glad the ban was lifted, because there are many EFY songs that are not only sacrament appropriate, they're also very inspiring and uplifting, especially for missionaries.
And when we're not humming or singing sacrament-appropriate songs (or doing any of the other million things missionaries do on a daily basis), we read from the Ensign. The Ensign is a WONDERFUL magazine. Very inspiring, Very uplifting, but also Very consuming. With our busy schedules, we often don't have time to flip wanderingly through the wells of inspired words, but we often find ourselves doing just that. Ensigns are wonderful, but they're addicting. If you have extra time on your hands, I'd suggest getting into them. If not... Read them wisely, but still read them. They're REALLY good.
I've got a question. (Sorry I'm all over today. I usually have my thoughts more organised than this.) What's the population of Sacramento? People occasionally ask me that question after they ask me 'Where are you from?' and 'What part of California?', and the only answer I've been able to give them is 'a few million'. Not the most precise answer they could hope for. Also, is it true that there are more people in California than in Canada? I've heard rumors, but it sounds a little far-fetched.
Zone Conference is this Friday! I'm so excited. ^^ Not only am I expecting a package, but Zone Conferences are always EXTREMELY inspiring. E. George says that he always has headaches afterwards. I'm sure Ben would be on an over-the-top spiritual high afterwards if he went to one. They're unbelievably good. ^^
Ummm, I think that's all I have right now, And I've got to go anyway.
I love you all! Thanks for being there for me! ^^ ((Hugs everyone)) (( Hugs Mom again. ))
Love, your slightly overtime missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts.
~~~~~~
The answer to his population question:
Population, 2008 estimate Sacramento County 1,394,154 California 36,756,666
Sacramento City Population, 2006 estimate 453,781
Wikipedea says the population of Canada in 2009 - 33,753,000
The 2006 census figure for Saskatoon is 233,923 a bit more than half the size of Sacramento.
Wiinipeg is bigger at 694,668
Prince Albert's population in 2006 was 34,138
If these numbers are correct, yes there are more Californians than Canadians. Amazing!
First order of business, the poll results. I'm sure you're all anxious to here what the answer was, so I'm gonna go ahead and tell you that Miriam and one other person (I don't know who. xD) guessed correctly. I found a $10 bill lying on the ground while tracting a week or so ago. Pretty impressive, eh? xD Of course, it was all luck, but it was a surprising and nice experience. ^^
In other news, the ban on EFY music has been lifted. Apparently 'no EFY' was a Law of Moses type rule, just a temporary thing to get people thinking about what they should be listening to and what they shouldn't. There are some EFY songs that I wouldn't play in Sacrament Meeting, but I'm glad the ban was lifted, because there are many EFY songs that are not only sacrament appropriate, they're also very inspiring and uplifting, especially for missionaries.
And when we're not humming or singing sacrament-appropriate songs (or doing any of the other million things missionaries do on a daily basis), we read from the Ensign. The Ensign is a WONDERFUL magazine. Very inspiring, Very uplifting, but also Very consuming. With our busy schedules, we often don't have time to flip wanderingly through the wells of inspired words, but we often find ourselves doing just that. Ensigns are wonderful, but they're addicting. If you have extra time on your hands, I'd suggest getting into them. If not... Read them wisely, but still read them. They're REALLY good.
I've got a question. (Sorry I'm all over today. I usually have my thoughts more organised than this.) What's the population of Sacramento? People occasionally ask me that question after they ask me 'Where are you from?' and 'What part of California?', and the only answer I've been able to give them is 'a few million'. Not the most precise answer they could hope for. Also, is it true that there are more people in California than in Canada? I've heard rumors, but it sounds a little far-fetched.
Zone Conference is this Friday! I'm so excited. ^^ Not only am I expecting a package, but Zone Conferences are always EXTREMELY inspiring. E. George says that he always has headaches afterwards. I'm sure Ben would be on an over-the-top spiritual high afterwards if he went to one. They're unbelievably good. ^^
Ummm, I think that's all I have right now, And I've got to go anyway.
I love you all! Thanks for being there for me! ^^ ((Hugs everyone)) (( Hugs Mom again. ))
Love, your slightly overtime missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts.
~~~~~~
The answer to his population question:
Population, 2008 estimate Sacramento County 1,394,154 California 36,756,666
Sacramento City Population, 2006 estimate 453,781
Wikipedea says the population of Canada in 2009 - 33,753,000
The 2006 census figure for Saskatoon is 233,923 a bit more than half the size of Sacramento.
Wiinipeg is bigger at 694,668
Prince Albert's population in 2006 was 34,138
If these numbers are correct, yes there are more Californians than Canadians. Amazing!
Monday, August 17, 2009
August 17, 2008
Ask an Elder Questions:
1) Who is your new companion and what is he like?
2) Do you ever get to see the local sights on P day?
3) If a member asked you what you would like for dinner, what would you say?
4) Do you like or dislike getting "interesting" news items? (This is from me - Mom, Barbara, whoever - because I am rather boring, so I fill in my letters to Elder Robarts with interesting news items like the 7 year old kid stealing the family car to avoid church or the little dogs running off a cougar.)
Dear Home,
There have been a few big changes around here in PA. Nothing huge, like the last time I told you there were big changes, but still, things have been a bit different since Elder Taylor left.
First of all, I have a new companion. His name is Elder George; he's from Roy, Utah, and his 20th birthday is coming up this transfer (He refuses to tell me what he would like for a birthday present, but I have a strategy for getting around that problem. =P). He's shorter than I am (wishes he were taller) and wears contacts. He wants to be a conservation officer, partly because he loves nature (He was a Boy Scout! ^^), and partly because he thinks it'd be exciting to be a cop.
Another change is that we're walking rather than driving a car. This is the first time either of us have served in a walking/busing area, so it's a new and exciting experience for each of us. The good thing about walking is that we get more time to talk to each other, which helps us get to know each other better and be more unified, which is a very good thing. It also gives us time to ask each other personality questions, like 'what's your favorite candy bar?', 'What's your favorite predatory animal?', and 'what kind of aircraft would you choose to be and why?'. This means that by asking him what kinds of things he likes (seeming to be asking about his personality), I can try to figure out something to give him for his birthday. =D
Change number three: I am no longer serving with a District Leader, which means that rather than recieving calls from other companionships, we simply call the District Leader, Elder Butterfield.
(Each night, companionships call in to their District Leader, reporting on how their day was, how they're doing at accomplishing their goals, how their investigators are progressing, and so on. The District leaders then use that information to provide the companionships with praise, encouragement, advice, or whatever else is needed. It's a good system, even if it does take some time to describe. =P)
I think that's it for changes. On to the next question. xD
Do we see the sights on P-Day? Short answer: No. Medium answer: No, we don't have time. Long answer: No. It'd be really nice to (especially with some of the nice places in PA), but there are too many other things to do, so we don't really have time. =/
If a member asked me what I would like for dinner, I would probably say pizza. ^^ Chinese food is nice, but not when it's too authentic, and I'm not sure if these non-Robarts would know what I meant by 'Chinese'.
(This question probably only applies to you, Mom, but I don't care whether you post it or not.) Interesting news is nice. ^^ I love getting frequent letters from you (but shudder when I think of how much postage it's costing you). No matter what you send me, I'll love it. If it's a strict like-or-dislike question, I like it, but my opinion on interesting news isn't very strong. I just know that I like getting mail. xD
Now that the questions are done, I would like to share a story about what happened last week. Since Elder George and I had to wait for Elder Butterfield and Elder Clarine (a greenie) to finish shopping, I decided (which E. George's permission), to look at the side of the store that reminds me of Winco. They had the kind of shopping thing where you scoop stuff into plastic bags and pay for it based on how much it weighs (I hope you know what I mean). Anyway, I saw some chocolate covered pretzels, and they looked relatively cheap, so I decided to buy myself some. When I got to the checkout stand, I realised that I had made a mistake. The pretzels cost $1 per 100 grams, so I measured myself what I thought was a dolars worth, and then went to the checkout, but the scale I measured with measured weight in kilograms, so by accidentally thinking that the decimal point was one space over than it actually was, I ended up spending ten times as much as I thought I would. But that's okay. They were REALLY good pretzels, and I still have some. ^^ Besides, we're on Earth to learn from our experiences anyway, so by making that mistake, I was just fulfilling the measure of my creation. XD
(( Note to Mom: I may have changed my mind about wanting chocolate-covered things, though. They're tasty, but I'm not sure they're worth the cost. I'd still like Motab CDs, though, so that part of my wishlist hasn't changed. ))
So the moral of the story is to always remember, Kilo means 1000, not 100. Not that many of you need to worry about that. I just thought I'd tell you anyway. =P
-hugs everyone- -hugs Mom again ^^- I love you! Be good! Stay close to the Lord!
Your Wiser-Than-Before Missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
PS, in the 4 minutes I have left, I'll tell you that we've been finding a LOT of money on the ground this transfer. Mostly pennies, but a few silvery coins as well. Let's see if any of you can guess what the largest single piece of currency I've found this transfer is. $1, $2, $5, $10, or $20?
~~~~~~~
You can play along with Elder Robarts by taking the poll in the upper left hand corner of the blog. ; )
1) Who is your new companion and what is he like?
2) Do you ever get to see the local sights on P day?
3) If a member asked you what you would like for dinner, what would you say?
4) Do you like or dislike getting "interesting" news items? (This is from me - Mom, Barbara, whoever - because I am rather boring, so I fill in my letters to Elder Robarts with interesting news items like the 7 year old kid stealing the family car to avoid church or the little dogs running off a cougar.)
Dear Home,
There have been a few big changes around here in PA. Nothing huge, like the last time I told you there were big changes, but still, things have been a bit different since Elder Taylor left.
First of all, I have a new companion. His name is Elder George; he's from Roy, Utah, and his 20th birthday is coming up this transfer (He refuses to tell me what he would like for a birthday present, but I have a strategy for getting around that problem. =P). He's shorter than I am (wishes he were taller) and wears contacts. He wants to be a conservation officer, partly because he loves nature (He was a Boy Scout! ^^), and partly because he thinks it'd be exciting to be a cop.
Another change is that we're walking rather than driving a car. This is the first time either of us have served in a walking/busing area, so it's a new and exciting experience for each of us. The good thing about walking is that we get more time to talk to each other, which helps us get to know each other better and be more unified, which is a very good thing. It also gives us time to ask each other personality questions, like 'what's your favorite candy bar?', 'What's your favorite predatory animal?', and 'what kind of aircraft would you choose to be and why?'. This means that by asking him what kinds of things he likes (seeming to be asking about his personality), I can try to figure out something to give him for his birthday. =D
Change number three: I am no longer serving with a District Leader, which means that rather than recieving calls from other companionships, we simply call the District Leader, Elder Butterfield.
(Each night, companionships call in to their District Leader, reporting on how their day was, how they're doing at accomplishing their goals, how their investigators are progressing, and so on. The District leaders then use that information to provide the companionships with praise, encouragement, advice, or whatever else is needed. It's a good system, even if it does take some time to describe. =P)
I think that's it for changes. On to the next question. xD
Do we see the sights on P-Day? Short answer: No. Medium answer: No, we don't have time. Long answer: No. It'd be really nice to (especially with some of the nice places in PA), but there are too many other things to do, so we don't really have time. =/
If a member asked me what I would like for dinner, I would probably say pizza. ^^ Chinese food is nice, but not when it's too authentic, and I'm not sure if these non-Robarts would know what I meant by 'Chinese'.
(This question probably only applies to you, Mom, but I don't care whether you post it or not.) Interesting news is nice. ^^ I love getting frequent letters from you (but shudder when I think of how much postage it's costing you). No matter what you send me, I'll love it. If it's a strict like-or-dislike question, I like it, but my opinion on interesting news isn't very strong. I just know that I like getting mail. xD
Now that the questions are done, I would like to share a story about what happened last week. Since Elder George and I had to wait for Elder Butterfield and Elder Clarine (a greenie) to finish shopping, I decided (which E. George's permission), to look at the side of the store that reminds me of Winco. They had the kind of shopping thing where you scoop stuff into plastic bags and pay for it based on how much it weighs (I hope you know what I mean). Anyway, I saw some chocolate covered pretzels, and they looked relatively cheap, so I decided to buy myself some. When I got to the checkout stand, I realised that I had made a mistake. The pretzels cost $1 per 100 grams, so I measured myself what I thought was a dolars worth, and then went to the checkout, but the scale I measured with measured weight in kilograms, so by accidentally thinking that the decimal point was one space over than it actually was, I ended up spending ten times as much as I thought I would. But that's okay. They were REALLY good pretzels, and I still have some. ^^ Besides, we're on Earth to learn from our experiences anyway, so by making that mistake, I was just fulfilling the measure of my creation. XD
(( Note to Mom: I may have changed my mind about wanting chocolate-covered things, though. They're tasty, but I'm not sure they're worth the cost. I'd still like Motab CDs, though, so that part of my wishlist hasn't changed. ))
So the moral of the story is to always remember, Kilo means 1000, not 100. Not that many of you need to worry about that. I just thought I'd tell you anyway. =P
-hugs everyone- -hugs Mom again ^^- I love you! Be good! Stay close to the Lord!
Your Wiser-Than-Before Missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
PS, in the 4 minutes I have left, I'll tell you that we've been finding a LOT of money on the ground this transfer. Mostly pennies, but a few silvery coins as well. Let's see if any of you can guess what the largest single piece of currency I've found this transfer is. $1, $2, $5, $10, or $20?
~~~~~~~
You can play along with Elder Robarts by taking the poll in the upper left hand corner of the blog. ; )
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Pictures from Elder Robarts
When Andrew wrote to his brother Benjamin recently, he included a few pictures.
He loved the mountains they could see from the MTC.
On the back of this one, he wrote "Dear Home..."
On this one, he wrote:
"St. Charles Saskatoon
Find this place
Turn around
2 door on the right
Door on the left
1st door on the left
Welcome to St. Charles"
The place of the picnic.
The view from the balcony, Prince Albert apartment.
"the benefit of big skies"
Kevin Porter's baptism July 4, 2009
He loved the mountains they could see from the MTC.
On the back of this one, he wrote "Dear Home..."
On this one, he wrote:
"St. Charles Saskatoon
Find this place
Turn around
2 door on the right
Door on the left
1st door on the left
Welcome to St. Charles"
The place of the picnic.
The view from the balcony, Prince Albert apartment.
"the benefit of big skies"
Kevin Porter's baptism July 4, 2009
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