So... It's kind of been a while. To be honest, I don't really know what to say. I just know that I need to say something because it's been way too long since the last time I've posted anything.
It's Father's Day, so I guess I could talk about a very important father I know, our Heavenly Father. The trouble is, the things I would like to say about Heavenly Father are a bit controversial, and I'm not even sure how much of it is true. I know that parts of what I would like to say are true, but other parts of what I believe may just be my opinion, but I still believe it, though I know I may be wrong.
I hope I don't offend anyone when I say that I like to think of my relationship with God is something closer to Father and son than King and servant. I know that God knows me personally, and that He loves me like a Father loves his son. I know that He wants what's best for me and that He wants me to succeed, like any good father would.
Sure, He wants me to keep His commandments, just as a King expects his subjects to obey his laws, but fathers often have to lay down the law, too. Fathers set curfews, limits on privileges, and even some 'thou shalt not's, all out of a desire to protect their children. For example, a father might forbid his child from going to a certain party, not just because the King doesn't want any drunkards in his kingdom, but because the father doesn't want his children to get themselves hurt, or hurt each other.
Plus, that kind of Father/son perspective is helpful when I really need someone to talk to. When I need to have a heart-to-heart with someone who knows me perfectly, and loves me anyway, I know that I can always call my Heavenly Father. Sometimes, in those situations, I refer to Him as my Dad. Now, I really hope it's not sacrilegious for me to say that, that is to say, I hope God doesn't have a problem with me calling Him that, in certain situations. I'm sure that, in some situations, He probably would have a problem with such casual language. He is our God. Therefore, we owe Him reverence and respect. On the other hand, when I really need Him, I know that God will be there for me, not as my Great Eternal Judge, but as someone who cares.
I don't know. It's kind of complicated. I hope that someday I'll understand my relationship with Him more completely while I'm still alive. But for now, in my opinion, my relationship with God is such that it makes perfect sense to fold my arms and close my eyes and wish Him a happy Father's Day.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Almost weekly updates.
I need to pick a day of the week. The day used to be Monday, since I had no other option, but now that I have quite a bit of freedom, any day will do. Like I said, I just need to pick one. I'll get back to you on that.
In the meantime, life has been going okay. There has always been something to do each weekend for the past several weeks, and this week is no exception. There's an Aaronic Priesthood commemoration Campout this Friday and Saturday, and I'm giving a talk in church on Sunday, which also happens to be my birthday. I'm feeling just a little bit stressed.
Registering for classes has been frustrating. I'd like to get started on this next phase of my life as soon as possible, so as not to fall even farther behind my peers, but I hesitate because 1) Money is tight; how are we going to pay for these classes? and 2) it's a pain in the neck to sign up. I would LOVE to get a job before going in for schooling, so I could pay for the education, and rent, and maybe, just maybe, have some money left over so I'll be able to get things that I want/need without being a burden on my family's finances. Money is tight, and it would take a lot of motivation to get me to do something complicated, difficult, frustrating, and just a little bit scary (What if I'm not smart enough for school?) that would cost my family money.
-sighs- That's life. I posted on Facebook that real life was hard, and I hadn't even gotten to the hard part. I am not looking forward to the really difficult parts, like raising infants and teenagers. I'm going to have to get MUCH better and handling things before I try and tackle a challenge like that! I would much prefer I less-difficult challenge, like holding down an entry-level job and going through a few college classes.
Sometimes I think trials are like Bowling balls that God ties to your wrists. Yeah, it makes doing things a LOT harder, but eventually, you get much stronger because of it. I'm looking forward to the 'being-stronger' part.
I'd better get going. This is Mom's computer that I'm on, and she has come home and wants to use it.
In the meantime, life has been going okay. There has always been something to do each weekend for the past several weeks, and this week is no exception. There's an Aaronic Priesthood commemoration Campout this Friday and Saturday, and I'm giving a talk in church on Sunday, which also happens to be my birthday. I'm feeling just a little bit stressed.
Registering for classes has been frustrating. I'd like to get started on this next phase of my life as soon as possible, so as not to fall even farther behind my peers, but I hesitate because 1) Money is tight; how are we going to pay for these classes? and 2) it's a pain in the neck to sign up. I would LOVE to get a job before going in for schooling, so I could pay for the education, and rent, and maybe, just maybe, have some money left over so I'll be able to get things that I want/need without being a burden on my family's finances. Money is tight, and it would take a lot of motivation to get me to do something complicated, difficult, frustrating, and just a little bit scary (What if I'm not smart enough for school?) that would cost my family money.
-sighs- That's life. I posted on Facebook that real life was hard, and I hadn't even gotten to the hard part. I am not looking forward to the really difficult parts, like raising infants and teenagers. I'm going to have to get MUCH better and handling things before I try and tackle a challenge like that! I would much prefer I less-difficult challenge, like holding down an entry-level job and going through a few college classes.
Sometimes I think trials are like Bowling balls that God ties to your wrists. Yeah, it makes doing things a LOT harder, but eventually, you get much stronger because of it. I'm looking forward to the 'being-stronger' part.
I'd better get going. This is Mom's computer that I'm on, and she has come home and wants to use it.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
I almost forgot I had a blog!
Dear... Home?
I am home. I've been home for over a week (and I still haven't posted anything!). So, would it be 'Dear Loved Ones'? 'Dear Friends'? That sounds sappy. Maybe I should say something that matches the title of my blog... Hail, Soldiers!
What does 'Hail' mean anyway? Where's a dictionary?
1. to cheer, greet, or salute; welcome
2. to acclaim; approve enthusiastically: the crowds hailed the conquerors.
That works! Thank you, Dictionary.com =)
But anyway, part of the reason I chose the title The Armor of God is because we are all at war. You know that war that started in heaven before the earth was created? That one where Satan was trying to get everyone to let him control them like a puppet master? It's still going. Our enemy, the enemy of all righteousness, is employing every evil, underhanded method he can think of to reduce mankind's control of themselves. I think drugs are his favorite weapon. Other addictions are very effective, too. And there's the emotional loss-of-self-control to worry about, also. The first emotion that comes to mind is anger, but there are others.
Satan is constantly attacking all of us, so whether we like it or not, we are IN the ultimate battle of Good vs Evil. That's why Paul said we need to put on the whole armor of God. We need to defend ourselves.
I love the war chapters in the Book of Mormon because just about every story in that section describes either what Satan is trying to do to us, or what we can do to counter Satan.
Example: The Nephites knew that a war was coming, so the Nephite war captain gave his soldiers armor and started building fortresses.
How it Applies: Satan may not be attacking us at his very moment (or maybe he's just being extremely subtle), but we can start defending ourselves right now. We can put on our armor and build up our fortresses by reading our scriptures and going to church, etc. So that when Satan DOES attack us, we'll be ready for him.
Another Example: The Nephites were trying to take over a Lamanite stronghold, but the Lamanites were too strong, so the Nephites drew the Lamanites out with a decoy, and captured to fortress without much of a fight.
How it Applies: Satan is trying to destroy us, but we have more power than he does, so he tries to distract us with things that don't matter so he doesn't have to worry about us so much.
By knowing what Satan is up to and knowing what possible counter-attacks there are and how well they worked for the Nephites and the Lamanites, we can give ourselves an upper hand in this battle.
God speed the right.
With love, from your Red-Headed Warrior, Andrew James Robarts.
I am home. I've been home for over a week (and I still haven't posted anything!). So, would it be 'Dear Loved Ones'? 'Dear Friends'? That sounds sappy. Maybe I should say something that matches the title of my blog... Hail, Soldiers!
What does 'Hail' mean anyway? Where's a dictionary?
1. to cheer, greet, or salute; welcome
2. to acclaim; approve enthusiastically: the crowds hailed the conquerors.
That works! Thank you, Dictionary.com =)
But anyway, part of the reason I chose the title The Armor of God is because we are all at war. You know that war that started in heaven before the earth was created? That one where Satan was trying to get everyone to let him control them like a puppet master? It's still going. Our enemy, the enemy of all righteousness, is employing every evil, underhanded method he can think of to reduce mankind's control of themselves. I think drugs are his favorite weapon. Other addictions are very effective, too. And there's the emotional loss-of-self-control to worry about, also. The first emotion that comes to mind is anger, but there are others.
Satan is constantly attacking all of us, so whether we like it or not, we are IN the ultimate battle of Good vs Evil. That's why Paul said we need to put on the whole armor of God. We need to defend ourselves.
I love the war chapters in the Book of Mormon because just about every story in that section describes either what Satan is trying to do to us, or what we can do to counter Satan.
Example: The Nephites knew that a war was coming, so the Nephite war captain gave his soldiers armor and started building fortresses.
How it Applies: Satan may not be attacking us at his very moment (or maybe he's just being extremely subtle), but we can start defending ourselves right now. We can put on our armor and build up our fortresses by reading our scriptures and going to church, etc. So that when Satan DOES attack us, we'll be ready for him.
Another Example: The Nephites were trying to take over a Lamanite stronghold, but the Lamanites were too strong, so the Nephites drew the Lamanites out with a decoy, and captured to fortress without much of a fight.
How it Applies: Satan is trying to destroy us, but we have more power than he does, so he tries to distract us with things that don't matter so he doesn't have to worry about us so much.
By knowing what Satan is up to and knowing what possible counter-attacks there are and how well they worked for the Nephites and the Lamanites, we can give ourselves an upper hand in this battle.
God speed the right.
With love, from your Red-Headed Warrior, Andrew James Robarts.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Open House
Come visit with return missionary Andrew Robarts
Saturday, May 7
7-8:30 pm
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
3001 Wisseman Dr
Sacramento
off Folsom Blvd between Watt & Howe
Enjoy music provided by Wojohowitz - the best DJ ever
Dance if you like with your sweetie, your friends, Andrew, your children and/or by yourself
Play games
Potluck finger food refreshments appreciated, but not required! Do come!
Saturday, May 7
7-8:30 pm
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
3001 Wisseman Dr
Sacramento
off Folsom Blvd between Watt & Howe
Enjoy music provided by Wojohowitz - the best DJ ever
Dance if you like with your sweetie, your friends, Andrew, your children and/or by yourself
Play games
Potluck finger food refreshments appreciated, but not required! Do come!
Monday, April 25, 2011
April 25, 2011 The Last P Day
Dear Home,
Today is my final P-Day on the mission field. By this time next week, I'll be home in California. WOW. Am I looking forward to it? OH, YEAH. Big time. Sure, it'll be hot in California, but I'll be with my family again! And I'll be able to ride my bike, watch movies, play video games, bounce ideas off my brother's head (until he goes on HIS mission!). It'll be great. ^^
In the meantime, Elder Roth and I have work to do. =/ The apartment has to be spotless and completely empty by the end of the day. Tonight, we'll be spending the night with the Zoneleaders, and tomorrow, after District Meeting, we'll be meeting with our apartment manager to walk-through our apartment, give an accounting of its current condition, check the mail one last time for rogue, San Franciscan packages (long story - don't ask), and hand over the keys. After that, we'll be doing some stop-bys and saying some goodbyes, followed by another sleepover at the Zoneleaders' apartment before our departure on Wednesday morning. Wednesday will be spent traveling. Regina to Winnipeg can take a while. Thursday, we'll have interviews with President Paulson, who will probably remind us what our Highest Priority is. Friday, we fly home.
I'm anxious. And a little nervous. I'm also pretty excited. I don't know what I'll do first. Sure, we'll have the picnic at the park (that will be so nice!!), but after that...? Unpack, maybe? That's not very exciting. Will there even be room for all of my junk?? @_@ Two very full suitcases, a very full backpack, and three boxes of stuff that's going to have to be sent by mail. I'm going to die. But first I'm going to spend the family fortune on postage and overweight baggage fees. THEN, I'm going to die. Because my mom is going to kill me. x_x
Eh, it'll probably be fine. I just wish I could remember my PIN so I could check to see how much money I have available to me. If it's not enough to pay for postage and baggage fees, I'm really in trouble. It SHOULD be enough... I think. But still, it would be great if I could make sure. =/
I'm probably boring all of you to death. I'm not sure how many faithful readers I have left at this point, but I'm certainly not giving them the quality letters they deserve. Sorry about that. Maybe my blog posts will be more interesting when I get home.
Until then, this has been your weekly-reporting missionary who still, somehow, thinks he has some potential as a professional writer, Elder Andrew James Robarts.
Today is my final P-Day on the mission field. By this time next week, I'll be home in California. WOW. Am I looking forward to it? OH, YEAH. Big time. Sure, it'll be hot in California, but I'll be with my family again! And I'll be able to ride my bike, watch movies, play video games, bounce ideas off my brother's head (until he goes on HIS mission!). It'll be great. ^^
In the meantime, Elder Roth and I have work to do. =/ The apartment has to be spotless and completely empty by the end of the day. Tonight, we'll be spending the night with the Zoneleaders, and tomorrow, after District Meeting, we'll be meeting with our apartment manager to walk-through our apartment, give an accounting of its current condition, check the mail one last time for rogue, San Franciscan packages (long story - don't ask), and hand over the keys. After that, we'll be doing some stop-bys and saying some goodbyes, followed by another sleepover at the Zoneleaders' apartment before our departure on Wednesday morning. Wednesday will be spent traveling. Regina to Winnipeg can take a while. Thursday, we'll have interviews with President Paulson, who will probably remind us what our Highest Priority is. Friday, we fly home.
I'm anxious. And a little nervous. I'm also pretty excited. I don't know what I'll do first. Sure, we'll have the picnic at the park (that will be so nice!!), but after that...? Unpack, maybe? That's not very exciting. Will there even be room for all of my junk?? @_@ Two very full suitcases, a very full backpack, and three boxes of stuff that's going to have to be sent by mail. I'm going to die. But first I'm going to spend the family fortune on postage and overweight baggage fees. THEN, I'm going to die. Because my mom is going to kill me. x_x
Eh, it'll probably be fine. I just wish I could remember my PIN so I could check to see how much money I have available to me. If it's not enough to pay for postage and baggage fees, I'm really in trouble. It SHOULD be enough... I think. But still, it would be great if I could make sure. =/
I'm probably boring all of you to death. I'm not sure how many faithful readers I have left at this point, but I'm certainly not giving them the quality letters they deserve. Sorry about that. Maybe my blog posts will be more interesting when I get home.
Until then, this has been your weekly-reporting missionary who still, somehow, thinks he has some potential as a professional writer, Elder Andrew James Robarts.
Monday, April 18, 2011
April 18, 2011
Dear Home,
This is my second to last P-Day. All of the other missionaries are thinking about transfers, wondering whether they'll stay or leave, and, if they leave, where are they going to go? I don't have any of those questions, but I do feel some of the apprehension that some of them feel. No offense towards the many people that I'm looking forward to seeing when I get home, but I'm not sure if I'm emotionally ready to go home yet. I don't want my mission to be over yet.
Maybe I'll just think of this as 'being transferred'. I'm still a missionary (every member a missionary, right?), I can still study the gospel every morning (or some time every day) and I'm still going to be serving the Lord as much as I can. At least, that's the plan. It has a lot to do with how much motivation I'll still have when I'm back home. =/ If there's one thing that scares me about myself, it's my lack of motivation and will-power. I can do anything. But will I? Will I want it badly enough to put in the effort it will take? I probably shouldn't post this. Any wise employer will be looking at this message to try and find out what kind of person I am, and what kind of worker I'll be. Poor motivation? That doesn't sound good. But I'm honest. I know that I have weaknesses, and I know what most of those weaknesses are.
But here's another thing that I want my perspective employers to know: I don't want to be in debt to anyone. If I expect someone to give me money or benefits or anything like that, I want to make sure that I earned that, or at least that I'll pay them back. For example, there's a gift that Elder Roth said that he's planning on giving me before we go home. I know approximately what it had cost him, and I know approximately what it's worth. Also, I know what the gift is worth to him, and I know what it's worth to me. It's a good gift. But I don't want to just take it. I want to pay for it somehow. He won't take money, so I'm buying treats and sharing them with him. I bought ice cream a while back, and shared it. I bought a dozen doughnuts a few days ago, six for me, six for him. I'm buying more ice cream for both of us today. (We haven't used up all the toppings yet from last time.) Yes, I want what Elder Roth is planning on giving me, just like I'll want a regular paycheck when I start working for you, but I DON'T want to get something for nothing.
I don't want to be a burden or an expense to anyone. I'll be living with my mom and my brothers when I get back home. Free room and board? I don't plan on it! I want to pay rent to my mom when I can. I will ALWAYS be in my parents' debt for everything they've given me, and I don't think I'll ever be able to repay them, but at the very least, I'd like to be able to stand on my own two feet from now on. If I can pay for my share of the food and utility bills, plus any other expenses that I cause, I'll consider myself worth keeping around.
And the same goes for the workplace. My goal is to produce more wealth for whomever I'm working for than whatever they're paying me. I want to be an asset to any organization I'm in. I don't plan on being anyone's dead weight. Except for Christ. And I'm only okay with the debt I'm in to Him because there is literally no way for me to repay Him. I've accepted that there are some things that I can't do. But I can do what He has asked me to do, and I really want to do it.
But that brings us back to the question of motivation. Yes, I want to work hard and be the best that I can be, but do I want it badly enough? That's a risk that we're all going to have to take. We'll roll the dice and see what kind of number we get. In the meantime, all I can say is that I hope so. I want to have the kind of motivation that it will take to reach my full potential. I want to work my hardest to do good things. I want to be a worthwhile son, Christian, and employee. So now the question is: Do you want me to work for you?
Signed by a man who is trying to apply the principle of Diligence into all that he does,
Elder Andrew James Robarts
This is my second to last P-Day. All of the other missionaries are thinking about transfers, wondering whether they'll stay or leave, and, if they leave, where are they going to go? I don't have any of those questions, but I do feel some of the apprehension that some of them feel. No offense towards the many people that I'm looking forward to seeing when I get home, but I'm not sure if I'm emotionally ready to go home yet. I don't want my mission to be over yet.
Maybe I'll just think of this as 'being transferred'. I'm still a missionary (every member a missionary, right?), I can still study the gospel every morning (or some time every day) and I'm still going to be serving the Lord as much as I can. At least, that's the plan. It has a lot to do with how much motivation I'll still have when I'm back home. =/ If there's one thing that scares me about myself, it's my lack of motivation and will-power. I can do anything. But will I? Will I want it badly enough to put in the effort it will take? I probably shouldn't post this. Any wise employer will be looking at this message to try and find out what kind of person I am, and what kind of worker I'll be. Poor motivation? That doesn't sound good. But I'm honest. I know that I have weaknesses, and I know what most of those weaknesses are.
But here's another thing that I want my perspective employers to know: I don't want to be in debt to anyone. If I expect someone to give me money or benefits or anything like that, I want to make sure that I earned that, or at least that I'll pay them back. For example, there's a gift that Elder Roth said that he's planning on giving me before we go home. I know approximately what it had cost him, and I know approximately what it's worth. Also, I know what the gift is worth to him, and I know what it's worth to me. It's a good gift. But I don't want to just take it. I want to pay for it somehow. He won't take money, so I'm buying treats and sharing them with him. I bought ice cream a while back, and shared it. I bought a dozen doughnuts a few days ago, six for me, six for him. I'm buying more ice cream for both of us today. (We haven't used up all the toppings yet from last time.) Yes, I want what Elder Roth is planning on giving me, just like I'll want a regular paycheck when I start working for you, but I DON'T want to get something for nothing.
I don't want to be a burden or an expense to anyone. I'll be living with my mom and my brothers when I get back home. Free room and board? I don't plan on it! I want to pay rent to my mom when I can. I will ALWAYS be in my parents' debt for everything they've given me, and I don't think I'll ever be able to repay them, but at the very least, I'd like to be able to stand on my own two feet from now on. If I can pay for my share of the food and utility bills, plus any other expenses that I cause, I'll consider myself worth keeping around.
And the same goes for the workplace. My goal is to produce more wealth for whomever I'm working for than whatever they're paying me. I want to be an asset to any organization I'm in. I don't plan on being anyone's dead weight. Except for Christ. And I'm only okay with the debt I'm in to Him because there is literally no way for me to repay Him. I've accepted that there are some things that I can't do. But I can do what He has asked me to do, and I really want to do it.
But that brings us back to the question of motivation. Yes, I want to work hard and be the best that I can be, but do I want it badly enough? That's a risk that we're all going to have to take. We'll roll the dice and see what kind of number we get. In the meantime, all I can say is that I hope so. I want to have the kind of motivation that it will take to reach my full potential. I want to work my hardest to do good things. I want to be a worthwhile son, Christian, and employee. So now the question is: Do you want me to work for you?
Signed by a man who is trying to apply the principle of Diligence into all that he does,
Elder Andrew James Robarts
Monday, April 11, 2011
April 11, 2011
Dear Home,
My mom brought up a good point that I've been forgetting to mention. Since I'm coming home soon, I won't be in the apartment where I am for much longer, so consider this the 'Week 5 Warning'. Also, since I'll be leaving all of Canada, rather than just a part of it, it may be best to not send anything to the mission office either. If you really want to mail me something, mail it to California. Or, if you're already in Sacramento, just hold onto it and save yourself the stamp. I'll be there to get your letter in person before too long.
In the meantime, I'll still be working hard to save some souls. Unfortunately, even though I have enough motivation to keep knocking on doors, facing rejection, I don't seem to have quite enough courage to call people we've already met. That's a weakness of mine. I don't like talking on the phone. =S I'd much rather talk to people (even strangers) in person, like on their doorstep.
You know how we use different computers for Emailing every week? Someone did something to this computer so that everything on the screen looks like I've zoomed in on it, and I don't know how to zoom out. As a result, what I've written so far is taking up the entire screen.
I like playing 'Hit It'. It's a game I made up. You take a volleyball (or some other kind of ball, but volleyballs are best) and you hit it against a wall. When the ball comes back to you, you hit it again. And again. You can use any part of your body for hitting the ball. Eg. you can kick it, you can punch it, you can headbutt it (but not with a basketball). You can basically just do whatever you want except for letting the ball roll. Catch it if you have to, but whatever you do, don't let it roll. The game involves a lot of running around. Coincidentally, I think I need a shower. =P
In a recent Email my mom sent, she said that a part of me will always be partly Canadian. I think that's true. I've never said 'chesterfield', and I don't like perogies, but I'm going to be rooting for Canada at all of the Winter Olympics now. I want them to at least beat the US at Hockey every year (like they did this last time!!! =D). If anyone deserves to win at Hockey, it's them. =)
As for things other than that... I'm still American. I like stars better than maple leaves, and the colors red and white just aren't complete without a little bit of blue (which kind of makes me wonder why I'm wearing a red tie over a white shirt. o_O Aha! There's some blue on my watch! =P)
Wow, this watch has lasted me a long time. Two years of hard work and it still works like a charm. ^^ I can even take it into the shower without it getting any problems. All of the features still work, as far as I know, and besides a few places where the paint has worn off, the only thing that makes me think that the watch could be better is that the latch is very slightly bent, so I have to move the little stick-thing over every time I put my watch on, but really, how hard is that? I've already got all my fingers right there. Moving one of them over a little bit isn't that much of an inconvenience. I love my watch. ^^ Plus, I compared it to the General Conference countdown timer, and my watch is only 17 seconds off. Close enough, eh! xD
Ooh! That reminds me of something that I forgot to tell you. And talking about that reminds me of something else that I keep forgetting to tell you. =/
The first thing is 'Currant Bush'. You remember that story told in General Conference about a guy who pruned a Currant Bush and then got pruned down himself? Sister Paulson, our Mission President's wife, told all of the missionaries that story BEFORE General Conference! (And she told the story WAY more movingly. I almost cried. Just teared up. A little.) It's a good story.
The second thing is: I don't know if I told you that one of the missionaries in our MTC group is also from California. He lives in Modesto, which, I hear is about as close to Sacramento as it is to Oakland. I also heard that those are the two major cities with airports close to Modesto, so someone wanting to fly to Modesto might as well fly to either Sacramento or Oakland (how come Oakland doesn't have a Spanish name??) and drive the rest of the way from there. Guess what. That's the plan. Elder Goodrich is going to be flying to the Sacramento airport at exactly the same time I am on exactly the same plane. He'll be meeting his family there and they'll all drive to Modesto together. So, Sacramento people, keep your eyes open for the Goodrich family on April 29. ^^ And, if you see them, tell them I said 'hi'.
Time to get going. =/ Have a great week! See you soon, some of you. =)
Love, your still-a-full-time-missionary-until-I-get-released-by-a-member-of-the-Stake-Presidency ie. still-giving-the-Lord-my-all-until-then missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
PS, I wonder if it's against the rules for a full-time missionary to hug his Mom. I'll have to check the handbook...
My mom brought up a good point that I've been forgetting to mention. Since I'm coming home soon, I won't be in the apartment where I am for much longer, so consider this the 'Week 5 Warning'. Also, since I'll be leaving all of Canada, rather than just a part of it, it may be best to not send anything to the mission office either. If you really want to mail me something, mail it to California. Or, if you're already in Sacramento, just hold onto it and save yourself the stamp. I'll be there to get your letter in person before too long.
In the meantime, I'll still be working hard to save some souls. Unfortunately, even though I have enough motivation to keep knocking on doors, facing rejection, I don't seem to have quite enough courage to call people we've already met. That's a weakness of mine. I don't like talking on the phone. =S I'd much rather talk to people (even strangers) in person, like on their doorstep.
You know how we use different computers for Emailing every week? Someone did something to this computer so that everything on the screen looks like I've zoomed in on it, and I don't know how to zoom out. As a result, what I've written so far is taking up the entire screen.
I like playing 'Hit It'. It's a game I made up. You take a volleyball (or some other kind of ball, but volleyballs are best) and you hit it against a wall. When the ball comes back to you, you hit it again. And again. You can use any part of your body for hitting the ball. Eg. you can kick it, you can punch it, you can headbutt it (but not with a basketball). You can basically just do whatever you want except for letting the ball roll. Catch it if you have to, but whatever you do, don't let it roll. The game involves a lot of running around. Coincidentally, I think I need a shower. =P
In a recent Email my mom sent, she said that a part of me will always be partly Canadian. I think that's true. I've never said 'chesterfield', and I don't like perogies, but I'm going to be rooting for Canada at all of the Winter Olympics now. I want them to at least beat the US at Hockey every year (like they did this last time!!! =D). If anyone deserves to win at Hockey, it's them. =)
As for things other than that... I'm still American. I like stars better than maple leaves, and the colors red and white just aren't complete without a little bit of blue (which kind of makes me wonder why I'm wearing a red tie over a white shirt. o_O Aha! There's some blue on my watch! =P)
Wow, this watch has lasted me a long time. Two years of hard work and it still works like a charm. ^^ I can even take it into the shower without it getting any problems. All of the features still work, as far as I know, and besides a few places where the paint has worn off, the only thing that makes me think that the watch could be better is that the latch is very slightly bent, so I have to move the little stick-thing over every time I put my watch on, but really, how hard is that? I've already got all my fingers right there. Moving one of them over a little bit isn't that much of an inconvenience. I love my watch. ^^ Plus, I compared it to the General Conference countdown timer, and my watch is only 17 seconds off. Close enough, eh! xD
Ooh! That reminds me of something that I forgot to tell you. And talking about that reminds me of something else that I keep forgetting to tell you. =/
The first thing is 'Currant Bush'. You remember that story told in General Conference about a guy who pruned a Currant Bush and then got pruned down himself? Sister Paulson, our Mission President's wife, told all of the missionaries that story BEFORE General Conference! (And she told the story WAY more movingly. I almost cried. Just teared up. A little.) It's a good story.
The second thing is: I don't know if I told you that one of the missionaries in our MTC group is also from California. He lives in Modesto, which, I hear is about as close to Sacramento as it is to Oakland. I also heard that those are the two major cities with airports close to Modesto, so someone wanting to fly to Modesto might as well fly to either Sacramento or Oakland (how come Oakland doesn't have a Spanish name??) and drive the rest of the way from there. Guess what. That's the plan. Elder Goodrich is going to be flying to the Sacramento airport at exactly the same time I am on exactly the same plane. He'll be meeting his family there and they'll all drive to Modesto together. So, Sacramento people, keep your eyes open for the Goodrich family on April 29. ^^ And, if you see them, tell them I said 'hi'.
Time to get going. =/ Have a great week! See you soon, some of you. =)
Love, your still-a-full-time-missionary-until-I-get-released-by-a-member-of-the-Stake-Presidency ie. still-giving-the-Lord-my-all-until-then missionary, Elder Andrew Robarts
PS, I wonder if it's against the rules for a full-time missionary to hug his Mom. I'll have to check the handbook...
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