I'm a passin' out missionary....

Tuesday 3-22-11
Today we talked - I enjoy it alot more than riding bikes. We didn't have any appointments so we just fished the whole day. We found 4 new investigators that i'm really excited to teach. We visited Sister Recinos' and talked on her porch with her and her kids - we read in Ether, she gave us hot chocolate and cookies. She's a really strong member of the Church already. We ate at El Pescador with Hector tonight - it was sooo much food and really good. Seafood. He's getting ready for a mission - he'll be great. I keep seeing shooting stars here in L.A.. Real big ones. This is probably the last place I thought i'd see those. Tonight we found out that Alejandro passed away last week - his family is struggling but know's he is in a better place and can finally rest.

 

3-23-11

Today it rained. Hard. I really can't get over how weird the weather is here. We taught a lady that we found yesterday under the 405 freeway in a little house with Sister Munoz (jennifer). It was a great lesson - Sister Munoz did an awesome job of helping us out. We rode all the way up to Atlantic and Southern to eat at "Chucks" chinese food with Sister Morffi - somehow she told us about a Bollywood movie for about a half hour. Dunno how that happened. She gets distracted easily. We taught her humility - she's really gotta come back to church. We rode back down to talk to Rafaela and her daughter Alicia - they weren't home but we taught Jesus - Alicia's 18 yr old son. He's awesome - we watched the restoration dvd and he said he'll be baptized when he know's its true. I think we could baptize that whole family. We had a good lesson with Jose Jennifer and Norma on the foundation of our lives and the church. They're soooo stinkin funny. I'll miss them for sure.

 

3-24-11

13 Months today. Yikes. Time is really flying. We ate lunch at Panda House - reminds me of Lucky China a little. We fished a trailor park with no immediate success - tried to see maria under the freeway again - wasn't home. Rode home in the rain and planned for a few hours. Talked to Teresa and her boyfriend - had a really good lesson - teressa is less active - boyfriend not a member. Her boyfriend said he'll get baptized when he knows it's true. It was a good lesson. Heard byu lost in OT - got really depressed - brought cookies to dinner with Sis. Munoz to thank her for her help. We watched Reflections of Christ - the slideshow - suuuuper good. It was a good day - besides the heart break of byu.

 

3-25-11

After District meeting today we ate at Fatburger and Coldstone. We met with Anthony - still having a hard time understanding the language in the BOM. He's had a rough past in a neighborhood gang and can't leave his porch unless a car is waiting for him in front of his house. We visited a referral - she has 8 kids - talked about prayer - she's awesome. Very interested - perfect person to teach. We talked to Patrice for a bit and met a couple of her very interesting friends. We met with Rafaela and Alicia and taught them the Restoration - twice. They have a hard time grasping things. We ate at the Ramirez home - we watched Reflections of Christ with them as well - i'll be using that alot more I think - it's really powerful. Still raining today.

 

3-26-11

Overcast weather. I made friends with a big pitbull so it would let me walk inside the gate 20 yards to the front door - E. Watkins would come in. It was a referral and wasn't even home - I was terrified this dog was gonna kill me. I made it out alright. We met with another referral - he is also really interested - it's been such a successful week. We taught Pablo in his car because of the rain - he is very interested - he wants to change and make the steps neccessary in order to be baptized and "commit for life" as he put it. Awesome. We ate dinner at an investigators home - the Juarez family - it was a girls birthday so there was a ton of food and dancing - we ate, got another referral from some family there - and then left. It was effective. We talked to Javier- his aunt passed away and he's been struggling. He really need the Gospel back in his life.

 

3-27-11

Craziest day of my mission - probably.

Last night I set E. Watkins alarm for 2:30 am. to see if he'd wake up and start getting ready - unsuccessful. He just turned it off. We went super early to church for correllation and then I just listened to E. Watkins play the organ while we waited for church to start. We had 7 confirmations in the ward today - 3 of them were form us - jose norma and jennifer. Awesome. The work is really really picking up. My stomach started to hurt in the 3rd hour. Not good. We went to the apartment after church and I laid down for a while. I decided we could go out to a lesson at 3, not too far away. We rode over there very slowly - Jennifer Munoz was coming to help us - she brought 2 other members and her kids - ...... 9 people in this tiny tiny living room at Rafaela's and Alicia's place. The lesson wasn't going very well - my stomach was hurting bad - they were kind of arguing. I turned to E. Watkins and said "I think i'm gonna pass out" - I was feeling very dizzy and light headed. He put his hand on my shoulder and looked at Brother Piscil to signal that I wasn't ok. I passed out. When I woke up I was on the ground with a bunch of people yelling over me. Later Elder Watkins told me that Sister Munoz came over to my chair and started punching my chest and stomach - as to give me the heimlich - then he gave me a blessing and she put her hand on my head - he took it off. She was blessing me anyway, im sure Alicia and Rafaela were thinking "what in the world.. "? While I was out, Jesus called an ambulance. I got up and sat on the couch - still pretty out of it. Sis. Munoz was still kind of 'chanting' things.. really awkward. She's been a member for just over a year. She's soooo awesome. The fire dept. came - took my blood sugar and pulse, etc. I told them I was fine. They left after a little while. Dr. Lyman - the mission Dr. - came from Santa Monica to check on me. They spoon fed me soup, soda and crackers. I realized I had only eaten a little applesauce today. Woops. Dr. Lyman got there and said I was fine but I probably shouldnt fast anymore because of my disorder. Before we left, Rafaela held my hand and said "I am going to get baptized. Very soon. And I want you to do it" of course in spanish. I was sooo happy, even though I could barely open my eyes. Bro. Piscil took us to our apartment - sis flores and jennifers son rode our bikes back - sis flores is 56. haha. It was such a cool experience - sounds crazy. The members love us so much. They went and bought us groceries, and other food that night. Amazing. I couldn't believe their kindness - these people really have NOTHING and they sacrificed everything for me. A really big testimony builder. I am feeling so much better now - blessings and faith work. I love you all, don't worry i'm fine.

Have a good week!

Love,

Elder Cottrell

Hello everyone, stayin safe here in the hood.

 

Tuesday 3-15-11

Today we had interviews with President Baker. The Sisters took us over to the Hunntington Park building. My scheduled time was 12:30 and I didn't get in to see him till about 3. He was really behind. It went pretty well though, we just talked about the area and the work. He's a busy guy - things are good. We had a lesson with Patrice and told her that if she doesn't read the small Restoration pamphlet, we can't come over anymore - so she better read it! We met with Rafaela - her daughter was there and is really interested. She's a new investigator - we've got a ton of work in this area now. Finally people to teach. We ate dinner with Sister Cruz, she's doing really well - really needs to come back to church though. We had a good lesson with Norma Jose and Jennifer - Jose is going to move to Miami for work but he is going to wait around here until after he is confirmed - atleast he knows the importance of receiving the Holy Ghost. 

 

3.-16-11

Today we did our weekly planning session and then visited Ricardo for a bit. He read all of 1 Nephi - he may be drunk most of the time but he is a really smart guy. He broke down the whole book for us to prove that he really read. He just 'hasn't got an answer that it's true' yet. I really think he just needs to commit to change his bad habits. He's doing well though. We had dinner with Sis. Vasquez - we talked about the Atonement for the spiritual thought. We talked to people on the street for the next couple of hours until our appointment with Daryl and Martha at 8. They seem to be having some tough times - in the best way possible, I hope this brings them closer to Christ and His church. 

 

3-17-11

Today after studies we went and saw Esther - she's introduced the B.O.M to her mom and brother - both are really interested. That would be awesome to baptize the whole family. She's only available on thursday's at 11 so it's really hard to keep active contact with her. We just pray that she reads and does the right thing. We ate lunch at Tom's  - finally got some american food in me. I was craving it bad. We went back to the retirement home for St. Patricks Day. We wore green ties. They had us set up some tables and decorations. When one of the old ladies that calls herself 'the witch', that thinks we're 'out to baptize her' said, as we were going to get the decorations, "don't rub your religion on my decorations" haha, she's super funny. I could see her being a strong member in the church actually. There was a short black guy dressed up as a leprachaun (sp?), that was really funny. They had a big word search and whoever won would get a prize. The lady in charge said that we could play too. I started about 3 minutes after all of the 'old' people started... and I won. I'm pretty sure every lady in that room was mad at me for taking the glass flower that was the prize - so I just put it back. Some Irish cloggers came and danced - the crowd wasn't as in to it as I thought they'd be. The main guy was on "Hee - Haw" in 1985... ? Whatever that is. He's from Clearfield actually and has a sister that lives in Kaysville. He was a nice guy. We took tickets for the raffle's and helped clean up while they sang karaoke. It was really fun - I love meeting the people there and hearing their stories. We talked briefly with Teresa, Sonia and Jennifer - and then ate dinner with the Recinos' family. We had an amazing meal of corned beef, cabbage, corn on the cob, squash, and potato's. Yum. When we were at Jennifers', her neighbor came over and told her that her son was sick - we went over and gave him a blessing. It was really spiritual - hopefully they want to learn more.

 

3-18-11

Today we had our district meeting. Afterwards a bird pooped on my shoulder and I asked one of the sisters to clean it off. Nice. I went on splits with Elder McRae - we had a super busy day. We saw Anthony, taught him the restoration. Found a referral and found out he's not interested. Sister Tamayo met us at Rafaela's and we taught her about prayer. We rode to the other end of our area and ate Chile Relleno with sister Flores. Rode back to the other end and read in Alma 36 with the Arana's. We gave Sister Arana a blessing. We met Hector at Jose, Norma and Jennifers' and taught more in depth the Plan of Salvation. The whole day went by super fast - we had appointments every single hour. That doesn't happen too often here so it was a good 'split'.

 

3-19-11

Today after splits, Elder Watkins and I went out to contact a ton of referrals that we received - old ones that need to be updated. We were only able to contact 1 out of about 6. We went to Sister Rodriguez's house and watched some videos on Mormon.org with her. She is going through some really tough times and really missing her husband who passed about a year ago. It was her daughters' birthday so we sang to her to try and lighten the mood. I really wish her daughter would get baptized, but her boyfriend is a deep catholic and doesn't really like her coming to church with us - not too cool. Afterwards I was riding my bike, practicing my wheelies. I turned to Elder Watkins and said 'you watch, i'll be pro before you know it' and then did another wheelie. I leaned too far back so I put my foot down, the peddle came around and hit it - I got caught in the spokes and fell really awkwardly but hard on the asphalt. It was really funny. Guess I had it comin. We met with an inactive family that was baptized not too long ago - sad to see that. We ate dinner with Jennifer and had Chile Relleno - we had kind of a tense lesson on her having the spirit - she kind of yells at her kids. alot. so we thought we'd share about having the spirit in the home. She got a little defensive. Hope something got through to her. We talked with Ricardo again - he's been drinking for 3 days. Not good. We were able to talk with him about the B.O.M for a while - hopefully he changes. Jave is doing alot better.

 

3-20-11

Stake conference - most awkward meeting of my life. People in the crowd opposed the stake presidency instead of sustaining - the stake presidency talked the rest of the time - mentioning names - and basically putting themselves above them. I dunno, it was just super super awkward. Good thing no investigators came. It was an awesome day but I have to go.

I love you all

Elder Cottrell 

Mar.13- Happy Birthday Bro!

Pray for Japan

Tuesday 3-8-11

Today we walked all day long. First we met with Rafaela - Hector came with us to help in the lesson. It went really well - we taught the plan of salvation - again- and she finally understands it. Good news. We had a lesson with Patrice and 2 of her friends on her porch. She says she wants to get baptized - we'll see how much she is willing to change in the next little while. Hopefully alot! We walked a little ways up to 'Pizza Space' to meet with Sister Morffi who just moved here from Henderson, NV. She is a good talker. She has had 2 husbands die, and one devorce her. She's going through a rough time and really needs to get back to church. We're really just trying to figure out her needs and how we can best focus the gospel on her at this time. We walked and tried to visit people from 5:30 to 9 and no one was home. I was really tired tonight.

 

3-9-11

After studies today we went around to a few places in our area to see if we could offer service. We're really focussing on different ways to help the people here. We went to the huge catholic hospital to find that it is Ash Wednesday... and that there were a ton of people there with crosses on their foreheads. We were reffered to the main priest or father there. He was very nice and put our name on a list of people to call if there is any requested service. We went to an 'old folks home' around the block - the manager lady was super happy to see us and said she'd get in touch with us soon. We had lunch with the Galeas' and talked about the Baptismal Covenant - they're still progressing very well - Brian will receive the Priesthood this Sunday in Sacrament. Ricardo isn't proggressing much - we told him that he has to put in the work- read and pray- or we can't come over anymore. We walked around the huge park in our area and passed out cards to the runners. We ate dinner with Jennifer and Brian and shared about the Atonement - Jennifer has such a strong testimony. We talked with Daryl and Martha - (the Redneck that married a Latina over here) they seem to be having some problems - we shared an object lesson on the foundation of the church and our lives - seeing as how he is a contractor. It went pretty well.. until he pulled out his pepper spray. That was fun - to have my throat blocked and my eyes wattering. He didn't spray anyone - just the wind.

 

3-10-11

Woke up really early today and went to the temple to do service again. This time I was in the front of the temple pulling weeds and spreading gravel. - I always think of the time Dad and I went there whenever I go there. It was a super nice day and I got sun burnt - finally some color. We got to the apartment at about 4 and then went to see Rosa. She said we were an answer to her prayers - last Monday we ran into her at the grocery store - she said that she had prayed for the missionaries to be put in her path so that she could go back to church. We also taught them on the foundation of the gospel and our lives - hopefully the put in the effort and come back to church after the long absence. We then went to the church for the baptismal interviews for Jose, Norma and Jennifer. But first we had a lesson with them on faith. We brought them seeds and cups of dirt (p.s. the pea plant and chilli plant I have in my apartment arethriving) - we related it to Alma 32 and they all committed to work hard on their faith. They all passed their interviews - sweet! We ate at Carls Jr. and then went to the apartment.

 

3-11-11

Today we had our district meeting - we learned about talking to everyone and having effective planning sessions. We had an appointment with Rafaela but she wasn't home - so we rode the the old folks home to help with their Mardi Gras celebration - we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. It was a "Red Hatters" convention - dunno if you know that organization, but they're fun. Old and fun. They had us take the tickets at the door - then a drunk lady came and replaced us - so we set up chairs and then served people food. Grandma Exie would have loved this - seriously. I took some video and pictures so you can see. We ate gumbo as well - okra included. After that our night fell through - sister Rodriguez gave us dinner to go and no one else was home - we didn't have a chance to do weekly planning this week so we went back early to get started on that. They called us this morning to let us know about the earthquake in Japan and the tsunami - they said they weren't expecting any big waves over here so to keep working unless we hear otherwise.

 

3-12-11

Today we had corellation - we are having a big ward F.H.E monday night so we planned for that and practiced a musical number for the baptism tomorrow. We talked with Patrice afterwards- she's still got a way's to go before she can be baptized. We met with Pablo Diaz - the guy that pulled up to us in his car a couple weeks ago- we talked in the park and he said that he's just been searching for the true church. He had some really good questions and ended up committing to be baptized on April 3rd. Awesome. We helped sister Vasquez with the talk she'll be giving at the baptism tomorrow on enduring to the end and visited 2 less-active members. We had dinner with the Ramirez family and talked about the wise man and the foolish man. They're a really good family and very close to the missionaries. Every saturday night this month we pray at 10 pm specifically for the investigators in the Zone - it's a new thing we're doing as a Zone that we know can help our investigators progress towards baptism.

 

3-13-11

Happy Birthday Brett. Church was pretty good today - Jose, Norma and Jennifer came - good thing since they are being baptized today. We ended up being a little late to the baptism - our ride was behind (not fun losing an hour of sleep last night). Everything worked out - I baptized Jennifer and Elder Watkins baptized Jose and Norma. It was an awesome service and a ton of people showed up. It's always great to have good ward support behind the new members. The musical number also went well - Dennis showed up out of no where - it was awesome to see him there. He's still struggling alot. We went to Jennifers' house to teach him and their family. I really wish he could just ... change. I pray for him every day.

 

Well that was the week - today  - monday- we played soccer in the park with the district and we're just going to get some shopping done. Have a good week - I love you all

Elder Cottrell

March 7, 2011 Post-

One more week in the worldly world.

Tuesday 3-1-11

Today I woke up pretty well rested - that was a first in a while. Elder Watkins was feeling too sick to go out so I got to read my book - Jesus The Christ - pretty much all day. I don't know who all in the family has read it; i'm sure many of you, but it is such a good book. There are a lot of big words and sometimes I have to read the page twice to make any sense of it, but when it registers it really 'fills you up'. I even made some mashed potato's today - they were really good except I added too much milk. Turned out a little more like applesauce. Oh well. I ordered a pizza to make up for it.

3-2-11

Woke up pretty early today - Elder Moss and Elder Mcrae came to get us at 7 to take us to the temple for service. We didn't get there till about 9. Elder Moss and my companion drove back to our apartment because they were both not feeling well. Elder McRae and I pulled Ivy out of a hedge around the west side of the temple. We worked on it for about 3 hours - it was a really nice day. When we got back, Elder Watkins and I rode to Ricardo's and laid out some hard facts of the B.O.M.. He was also kind enough to tell me that BYU lost AGAIN to a stupid New Mexico team. Awesome. Why would he do that? I love talking about sports now days wayyy too much. While we were talking to him, his neighbor pulled up. She said she wanted to talk to us because she is LDS and just moved in.. while talking, she had her McDonalds coffee cup in her hand. Atta girl. We talked to her afterwards and found out she's going through a divorce and hasn't been to church in a long while. She wants to feed us next week so that should be a good opportunity to 'get in the door' and get her back to church. We ate Sope's with Sister Flores - we sang a hymn to start the lesson and the singing was so bad (no offense to any latins...) that Elder Watkins and I stopped singing after one verse because we had tears running down our cheeks from trying not to laugh. It started to rain so we called Dennis to come and get us with his truck. He picked us up and took us to an appointment with Jave. He lives in his truck now.. He doesn't have anywhere to go. He's waiting to get his drivers license back so that he can work again as a truck driver. That's going to take atleast a year. I asked him where else he had looked for work and he couldn't tell me anywhere. Basically, we told him to call us when he is ready. That's a real sad story seeing as how he was supposed to be baptized and promised God that he would this sunday.

3-3-11

Today we planned - I had a huge migraine and wasn't in the mood but worked through it anyway. We had a lesson with Patrice on the Plan of Salvation - her friend showed up during the lesson and we talked to him too. They both said they would make it out to church this sunday. Hope so. We went to Sister Cruz's place to make sure I didn't offend her with my ridiculous lesson a few weeks ago. She fed us eggs, beans and tortillas - yummm. She's doing alright but said that she can't come back to church until June... ? We had a lesson with Jose, Norma and her sister Jennifer. Jennifer also committed to be baptized on the 13th! Sweet! Finally after a drought since December 26th when I baptized the Recinos', this ward will have new members! We talked with Brennett Rodriguez- 19 with a 2 yr old. She seemed like she really wanted some help. Hopefully she follows the example of her mom and little sister and starts coming to church and eventually be baptized.

3-4-11

Today Pres. Baker came to our apartment to have a companionship study with us. FUN. He's a really good guy, but like I said before - just makes me nervous. It went really well and he was quite impressed wtih Elder Watkins and I. Good deal. We had DDM and then afterwards went on splits. I was in my area with Elder Moss - he brought his car. Finally I got a rest from my bike. We went to the park and met a member there - he's getting ready for a mission. We talked about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how we need to apply it in our every day lives. I think he's getting pretty excited to go. We had dinner with the Ramirez family - a friend was over at their house that is not a member. She got really interested and wants the missionaries to come over to her house - I'm pretty sure she lives in another mission but non the less, it's another one of God's children on their path back to Him. We talked with the Arana's - Brother Arana finally seems to be proggressing after a miracle happened with his Sister in the hospital. "Because ye have seen me and touched of my hands, you believe. Blessed are they who believe without seeing".

3-5-11

Today we had correlation for forever. It's really hard when there are 5 companionships in one ward. Not super affective. The youth in the ward did a car wash/ breakfast/ lunch. So we were able to eat afterwards. Bonus. We did quite a bit of fishing today - with little success. We did however count 80 yard sales in just under 1 hour. Saturday's here are crazy. It's like one big swap meet on the streets. Mom would have a hay-day. We had another really good lesson with Norma, Jose and Jennifer - i'm so excited for them. We had dinner with the Recinos' - one of my favorite families over here no doubt. We had a lesson on the baptismal covenant and the Holy Ghost. Tonight I called Jennifer Munoz to ask if she could give someone a ride to church - someone answered the phone and I THOUGHT it was her 14 yr old son, so I said "hey brian, hows it goin? this is the missionaries".. followed with a response.." No, Elder Cottrell, it's me, Jennifer.." awkward. Have you ever seen the movie Thumbelina? of course you have - she reminds me of the one frog lady that sings.. I dunno if you know what i'm talking about. She's really funny though.

3-6-11

Church day - all of our investigators with a baptismal date showed up! Solid. Julio came too - first time since 1989 - when I was born! That was so cool to see him there. We did some more fishing after church - again with little success - last night on our way to an appointment we saw some people trying to carry this huge entertainment center down the road - we stopped to help them. It was soooo stinkin heavy and their house was a ways away - but it was worth it for the return appointment and the opportunity to teach. We talked with Sister Rodriguez for a while - she's doing great - getting ready to go through the temple. We ate with Sister Cruz again - she's going to try to cut the time before she goes to church again from June to next week - hope so. We went to the Galeas' - also one of my favorite families here. Back in January we made some goals with them - they are really proggressing well! Coming to church every week - Brother Galeas' and Brian both shared their testimonies in church - awesome! It was a pretty good day.

That was the week - hope you enjoyed it!

Love,

Elder Cottrell