New photos from my mission!

Missionaries helped with the  Run for a Cure for Cancer event.

 Nice hair!

Hallie Berry

Brian, Sis Munoz, Leo

Tabac o Tea

 Leo & lady friend

 Pit Bull

Ivette, baby & husband

Recinos Family

  

James' Baptism

Ghetto Bird after us!

Tolleupe

 Burcha missionaries

Elder Allred & I

Spam & A1 sauce

random cat

another cat.

bubble pipe

Vilalon's

T.A.

Compton's Finest

The Schillings

A random garden in the City.

Really good bbq

 Lordes birthday

 Cosnelio taping the bathroom door shut.

 Eder & Brenda Baptism

Eder, myself, Lourdes, Brenda, Cruz, Rogers

 Laura's Baptism

 Perfect Temple picture

Lourdes, Brenda, Elder Cruz & I

Great view

My new suit

 Elders Corneho, me Ferrin and Cruz

 Throwing rocks.

 Hiking back up in my suit.

I'm in the zone.....

Hey everyone, it was a short week due to our Temple P-Day last week so this letter wont be quite as long: Thursday 7-28-11 Today we had our weekly dinner with Brother Romero - our ward mission leader. Afterwards we headed over to the church for our corellation meeting. We finally got some ward missionaries in the ward so we spent some time training them with Preach My Gospel afterwards. Lourdes, Brenda's mom, had her baptismal interview afterwards - she passed! That's another baptism this week. We have really seen a lot of success in the area lately and are being so blessed. Friday Today at our district meeting I gave a training on how to teach people that don't have a Christian background. I learned that you teach them a little differently - more slowly and simply - but the doctrine and things you teach are the exact same as what you would teach anyone else. The principles in the Gospel of Jesus Christ are the same now matter how you look at it. We went to do service afterwards with the Zone - it fell through so we had the whole day open. We went and talked to Lourdes more about her baptism - she is really excited but is seeing opposition in all directions. She will make it. Saturday Today we helped Bishop Vargas move his mom's house into a storage unit. We did that from 10 am to 7 pm. It was a long deal. Both the Bishop and his mother were very grateful for our help - I was glad we were able to do that service for them. I've commented on service a thousand times already, I know - but it is SO important to do in this life. I really think it is the #1 way to reach our goal of eternal life. We ate dinner with the Guerrero's and then Elder Cruz got his free 'last haircut' from Lourdes before he goes home. Sunday Happy Birthday Mom! 50 years young. Today we went to church - it went really well. We filled out all the paper work for Lourdes' baptism and then printed the programs. Elder Ferrin and I both got phone calls earlier this morning from the A.P.'s saying that President wanted to interview us. - Transfers are on wednesday so we knew it had something to do with that. My interview was at 4:00 - Lourdes' baptism was at 4:30 - at another church. I was the one baptizing her. SO, we ran over to the interviews - we got interviewed and ran back to the other church - I got changed and walked into the room just as they said 'we will now proceed with the ordinance' - lucky me. The baptism went awesome - Lourdes was nervous but you could see all of that just leave as she was baptized. - My interview went well - President Baker asked me to be a Zone Leader in the Marina zone. It is a pretty big zone that covers Malibu, Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey - some famous cities. I'll still be spanish speaking though so that's good. This will be an adventure that i'll need everyone's prayers from back home to help me. Please. I'm somewhat nervous - but I know the Lord will help. After the baptism we went straight back to the other church for the missionary departing fireside - all of the people you've taught and gotten to know over your two years can come hear your testimony before you leave - it's always one of my favorite things to go to because I get to see people i've gotten to know over the last year and 1/2. It's always a great place to feel the spirit - and get you trunky to go home.   That's it! Thank you again for all you do. Keep reading, keep praying, keep the faith! Love, Elder Cottrell

4 in 1 month baptizer

Mom - Thank you for your letter - I accidentally deleted it after I read it like I did dad's. Whoops. I can remember that you are still way busy though - you'll still be workin in your grave. Geez. It's good that you take a vacation every other week though to somewhere exotic. I'm sure that helps relieve the stress. ;) just bring me along when I get home ok? HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I still don't believe you're turning 50. Go get in the coffin and the hurse... go spend the night at the mortuary. You'll probably be on the road when your package arrives. - hope you like it.  Today we had the opportunity to go to the temple - we got up real early and drove out here to santa monica. Elder Ferrin and I did Initiatory. - we had the whole thing to ourselves - it was awesome. It was so quiet and peaceful - that doesn't happen here in L.A.. I really enjoyed it.  It's been a great week - i'm tired so that's got to be good. We've had 3 baptisms so far this month and have another one this coming sunday - that's the best i've done in my whole mission. Awesome huh? I'm really excited about that and hope that I can continue to find more people to be baptized soon. Yesterday my companion found $140 in the parking lot of the barber shop. He just stood over this wad of money.. looking at it. I ran over and picked it up and counted it. He was just bug-eyed. I could tell he really wanted to just put it in his pocket and leave. So did I. But before I could let myself think about it, I ran inside the shop and gave it to Lourdes as quick as I could and told her what happened. I was glad to have that off of my shoulders - my companion later told me how much of a temptation it was for him to keep it. Whew. Just two days before we taught Lourdes' daughter Brenda about the Holy Ghost and how he can help us, if we will let him. That was a real-life example for her of how it works. She was just confirmed and given the Holy Ghost on Sunday so i'm sure she really appreciated that - I know I did.   Tuesday 7-19-11 Today Lourdes, Brenda's mom, said she wants to be baptized on the 31st. That's so awesome since Brenda was just baptized on the 17th. That'll will be so great to see these two, mother and daughter, united in the Gospel. We saw a referral from a man in the english ward - bless his heart. He's really old and just thought his neighbors might be interested. Poor guy. His intentions were well and you never know, we planted a seed. It was a good day, we spent most of it teaching Lourdes and getting her ready for baptism. Tonight we worked out. Elder Cruz beat my record in the 3.6 mile run - it was 24:00. He made it 23:26. I couldn't handle it so I took off and ran it again. I set a new record - 22:18.. Un-touched. ;) Wednesday My companion and Elder Ferrin's went to a 'departing missionary training' so we were together for a bit in the morning. That was fun. We saw some of his investigators. We went to see the family that owns the restaurant by the barber shop - they fed us dinner. Bonus. Then we taught Lourdes again - we're focusing on daily contact with her to make 100% sure that she is ready for baptism. Thursday We tried to see another referral that wasn't home. We taught Alicia that works next door with Sister Mastache. We finally gave her a B.O.M and an assignment. Hopefully she can progress towards baptism in the near future. We had dinner with our ward mission leader and then went to correllation. We are the leading companionship in the ward and zone. Bonus. Friday We had a really good district meeting today. Elder Ferrin gave a really good thought on Hope - I really learned alot about how we must have hope and faith together - hand in hand. You can't have one without the other. We ate lunch with everyone and then went to the barber shop. Lourdes has a coffee machine out on one of the tables. We decided we'd hide it while she was in the back. We got a phone call from her later tonight - obviously asking where it was at. We'll keep it hidden till she isn't tempted anymore. One of the missionaries that goes home next week just told me that he's been putting laundry detergent in his shampoo bottle because he is all out. He has a huge rash. I gave him some extra... I thought you'd think that was funny. I did. Saturday Today Laura had her interview for her baptism tomorrow and passed. President Baker wanted to come work with us for a couple of hours - so we took him to see Brenda. We taught her about the Holy Ghost and prepared her to be confirmed tomorrow - it went really well. We then taught Laura the same thing and used her recent-convert father to help. That also went really well. Overall, President was really impressed - sooooo bonus. We ate dinner with some other recent converts - the Guerrero's. She's going to teach me how to make salsa. My 'sweet- tooth' has turned into a 'spicy-tooth'. Sunday Eder and Brenda were confirmed and given the Holy Ghost in sacrament meeting. They were both really excited and loved the experience. During the next class we printed out programs and got everything ready for Laura's baptism. We taught primary - I taught about the kirtland temple while my companion taught about the Sal Lake one. They were realllllly hard to keep entertained. Laura was baptized after church - i've really never seen anyone more excited than her to be baptized. It was awesome. Her and her father will be great members of the church. We took Lourdes and Brenda to the Visitors Center in Santa Monica with our ward mission leader. We watched the Joseph Smith film and saw the Christus. Lourdes had never been before. She bore her testimony to us that she knows this is the true church and will be baptized in it. Monday We spent a good part of the day doing service in the barber shop for Lourdes. She calls us her ninos (kids). Once again, I can testify of service. I have come to firmly believe that it is the key to this life - serving others. I love doing it and get no greater joy from almost anything else. She cooked for us and we ate dinner there. It's been a great place for fishing as well - she always introduces us to her clients and lets us explain to them what we are about... what are they going to do anyway, leave while a lady is cutting their hair? probably not.   That was the week everyone - it's been a good one. I love you all and keep you in my prayers. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA AND MOM! Love, Elder Cottrell

New Car and more Baptisms!

Tuesday 7-12-11

Today we traded cars with some other missionaries - ours was getting kind of old so it was time for a newer one. Nice. Today was Lourdes' birthday so a few of us went over to the barber shop and sang to her. We visited the family that dad was able to meet - the in-laws were in town from Clearfield and offered to take some things back to mom and dad so I wont have to send them home later.

7-13-11

Today we taught an employee that works for some members. She had some questions about 'the cross' and why we don't wear one around our necks. She seemed pretty interested and said she will come to church with the member. We went next door to the barber shop - the one that Lourdes owns - she had a friend over that is a messianic-jew. We taught him for about an hour - that was fun. Then we taught Brenda everything else that she needs to know in order to be baptized this coming Sunday. She's had a pretty rough past but is so excited for the change.

7-14-11

We went over some things with our ward mission leader today - we ate dinner with him and had correllation. We're all really excited for the baptisms coming up this sunday. It was a long day of 'ward planning'.

7-15-11

Today we had our district meeting - I got a new suit last monday and was pretty exicted to wear it. We learned alot about our missionary purpose - I have a goal to get 4 referrals between now and sunday.. it will be difficult but i'm pretty sure I can do it. We visited Brenda again and talked with Eder as well. We ate dinner with the Guerrero's and then called it a day.

7-16-11

We went to the barber shop again to do some service - Brenda was having her 18th birthday party there so they wanted everything moved out. We spent most of the day cleaning up the shop and moving everything to the back to make room for everyone. We weren't able to go to the party but we heard it was pretty sweet.

7-17-11

Big day today - Lourdes, Brenda, Eder and Laura all came to church today - Laura is brother muller's daughter - she just got back from a month-long stay in texas and will be getting baptized next week. Church went really well - after the meetings we had the baptisms. I baptized Eder and Elder Cruz baptized Brenda. It was a really spiritual meeting - Lourdes said 'i'm next'. That will be awesome. We ate dinner and then headed to the shop again to eat cake and help clean up from the party. Good day.

 

I'm so grateful for you all - for friends and family that I can turn to and trust. Thank you so much for keeping me and the people i'm teaching in your prayers. Have a good week!

Elder Cottrell

July 11,2011- Barber Shop and 3 P's !

7-6-11 Wednesday

Today we went to the salon at 6 a.m. to paint. 6 of us showed up and painted the barber shop inside until about 1. It was a pretty big job - it looks really good though. AND after we got done, Brenda's mom said that she is going to get baptized after Brenda does on the 17th. That was really good news. Service goes a long way..

7-7-11

Today marks 500 days on my mission. What to do to celebrate... not a lot you CAN do. So we ate at Wing Stop. Woo Hoo. We taught a referral that we got from the member that met Dad. She works for her in her shop. She's from Mexico and has seen missionaries many times but never really knew what we do. It's awesome that she works and is around a member all day every day - that way they can continue to talk about the Gospel and answer any questions she may have right then and there.

7-8-11

Today we had our district meeting and I gave a training on dilligence. I read some out of preach my gospel and came up with a plan/slogan called "persistently plan and pray" - the 3 P's. I talked about how dilligence is doing things without being asked and related my history of mom and dad always having to ask me to take out the trash - for years. I read a story that mom sent me from the YW manual about Hugh B. Brown's experience as a missionary in England and how his dilligence paid off - the story is actually about fasting and prayer - but without being dilligent, he wouldn't have seen the success that he did. It went pretty well - we went and ate and then went to the barber shop to talk to Brenda and her mom. They really have grown close to us - Lourdes (brenda's mom) calls us her 'hijos' or sons. It's been great to show that through serving others, you represent the gospel and what we as members of the Church are all about.

7-9-11

Today we woke up to go and do another service for an older lady. We went to her storage space and moved some things from there into her new place. It was great - she was so grateful and even bought us In N Out. Bonus. We went on splits for the rest of the day - I was with a new Elder. We did some fishing and went to our dinner appointment. He's from Brazil and is a super good kid.

7-10-11

Sunday - we had 3 investigators at church today. 2 of them had their baptismal interview and passed. It was a really great day - we had dinner with the 1st counselor in the bishopric - I got kind of sick - just dizzy and had a migraine so I rested a bit. We visited a couple of members and then called it a day.

 

Another good week with really good weather here on the beach - thank you all for your prayers, love and support. I'll talk to you all next week

Love,

Elder Cottrell

 

July 5 2011- Happy 4th of July

Tuesday 6-28-11

Today was really hot - I was glad to be in a car. We visited Lourdes, Brenda and Jennifer at the salon today. They're all doing really well - Brenda is stil scheduled to be baptized on the 17th of July. Today is the day that Eddie promised he would quit smoking. He is in my old area so I have no way of keeping track of that, but I sure hope he's doing it. We ate dinner with the Guerrero's - they are recent converts and really really solid. Brother Guerrero is ... speedy Gonzalez. No lie.

Wednesday 6-29-11

Elder Cruz and I wrote a song to help get Jennifer - the investigator that works at the salon - to pray and come to church. We played it for everyone in the shop and they all loved it. We are trying to get more creative in our teaching - I think it's helping alot. She prayed and said she would come to church. We talked tot he Mastache family - they are in Utah and visited Dad! Jealous

6-30-11

We had a good lesson with Brother Muller today - he really reminds me of a couple people I have taught in my old area's - one of them being Franco - whom you are familiar with. He's very spiritual and very nice. He's been such a great help in getting our investigators to church or the visitors center or anywhere we need them to go. We answered some good questions he had about Alma 33 - this man has REALLY turned his life around. We had dinner with Brother Romero and then had our ward correllation.

7-1-11

We had our district meeting today and then went to eat. We visited with Edar - he is also being baptized on the 17th of this month. We did some fishing and met a few promising people. It's funny to look back on my old area's and realize that all the area's ive served in, touch each other. I've stayed in basically the same spot throughout my whole mission so far. I've really enjoyed it though, so no complaints here.

7-2-11

This morning we had our interviews with President Baker. It was really great to be able to talk to him - he's such a busy guy. I didn't get in trouble for anything... so that's good haha ;). We just looked at my progress from when I started and to where I am now - sitting with close to 6 months left. It was a good talk. We ate lunch and then went to work. I really hope I can learn this area before the transfer is over.

7-3-11

Sunday- Lourdes and Brenda came to church. It was a great fast and testimony meeting. A kid in the ward just got home from his mission so it was pretty much a homecoming for him in testimony form... It was good though. After church we ate dinner with Bro. Guerero and went hunting for a referral we received from the MTC. Her address is T.J. Max. . . c'mon.

7-4-11

Happy fourth of july. We had a bbq with President and a few other zones. We played sports and ate lunch. I went to the mall and bought a new shirt and some sunglasses and then we went out for a bit. I didn't see as many fireworks as I did last year but it was still really cool. My companion , being from Boston , really missed the big show out there. He's really close to being done with his mission.

 

Well that was the week - it's really warming up out here. I heard Utah is stinkin hot right now so be grateful you have good drinking water... and drink it.

Love,

Elder Cottrell

Transfers and BBQ

Hello everyone - stop crying about Jimmer - we'll get him in Utah. If he's any good.

Tuesday 6-21-11

Last day of the transfer. Elder Allred and I walked today. Really far. We went all the way to our mission/area boundary deep in compton. We were able to teach Latasha and Lucinda - I really hope they both get baptized soon. They have so much potential. Tonight we found out that due to some changes in the mission, our area is getting 'flushed'. We are both leaving and two new missionaries will come in. I am leaving because the Spanish program just got really small with all of the spanish-speaking missionaries that went home this transfer and they need my help. Elder Allred is leaving because he has been in this area for about 5 months. Sooo yeah. Back to spanish for me. I'm just moving down the road.. again. I'll be in the same zone but a different district. I cover parts of Gardena, Torrance, Lawndale, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. We'll see how my spanish is after not using it for 6 weeks.

6-22-11

My area is called 'centinela'. Not sure why. My new companion is named Elder Cruz. He's Dominican but lives in Boston. My president put me with him to basically babysit before he goes home at the end of this transfer. I'm being forced to learn the area and the people really quick. And the language. It'll be good though. Elder Cruz is a good guy and I know we'll have alot of success. We visited some investigators at a beauty salon that they own. 2 of them have a baptismal date - July 17th.

6-23-11

We had a good lesson with a recent convert - hermano mueller and his non-member son. It went really well - he has such a strong testimony of the gospel. He's just been baptized for a couple of months. We taught the investigators in the beauty salon again and talked to some members that own a party supply shop next door. We had ward correllation and then ate dinner with our ward mission leader. My spanish is rough. Real rough. Hopefully I get it back soon.

6-24-11

Today we had our district meeting. I'm still in the same zone as I was before so i'm seeing all of the same Elders pretty much. That's been good for me. I'm serving next to Elder Ferrin - my old comp. He's been one of my really good friends out here on the mission. Maybe sara and him will get married or something, I dunno. Our ward mission leader comes with us to most of our appointments. He's really on top of things and a super good guy. We taught this kid that was just handed off to us from some other missionaries. He's from Guatemala and 19 years old. He's been to church twice and wants to be baptized really bad. He has a date for July 17th. Awesome - 3 going down on that date. Elder Cruz and I ran tonight. Before the mission he did triathalons - we ran 10 miles. Nice.

6-25-11

We did some service for a lady in the ward that cant drive. We picked up a food order for her from the bishops store house with hermano mueller and our ward mission leader. We took it to her house and helped unload it. We ate dinner with some recent converts and tried to see some former investigators. It was a good saturday.

6-26-11

Today was my first day in the Hermosa Liahona ward. First day in a new ward is always kind of awkward. It was pretty good though. All of our investigators showed up that are getting baptized on the 17th. One even stayed to watch a baptism after the block meeting. We ate dinner with the 1st counselor and shared a good message with him. My foot is really hurting from our run the other night so I spent a little time icing it tonight.

 

Well it was a crazy change this last week - I definately wasn't expecting this. It's been good so far though. Thank you so much for all of your love support and prayers.

Love, Elder Cottrell

Reply

Reply

p.s.s. I ate at Jay-bee's ... the bbq place that was on the food channel a while back. It was right in the middle of my old area. Holy Smoke bbq is better, but this ranked #2 in my best-bbq-experiences... I was very pleased.

- Show quoted text -

Mississippi cookin' & cleanin'- June 20,2011

Mom and dad,

Dad - happy fathers day yesterday - look for something in the mail today or tomorrow - I love you!

Clean apartment award... thats right... :) haha

Im super jealous of your trip - it sounds like you had an amazing time. I'll start right in with my week.

6-14-11 Tuesday

Sister Kershner who just moved into the ward, just moved out. We spent the morning helping her pack her things - there were some complications and she had to go back to Montibello - sad story. We ate lunch with a really rich guy from Palos Verdes - he saw us the other day and set it up. He's LDS and made of money. That was fun. Having a car is way nice, the hills have no effect on us anymore - imagine that. Lucinda got an answer to her prayers while we were there - she felt 'shivers' and will be baptized shortly.. 83yrs old.

6-15-11

We had our first few appointments fell through - I got out my sunglasses, finally to wear them in the car after so long of not having them, and crushed them in the seat. Bummer. We ate dinner with sister smith and talked with the Schillings - they're the really old one's form indonesia and holland. They're really funny. We had a long talk on the phone with Shawn - a truth seeker - I'm learning so much about the bible between her and Jesus The Christ. It's been great.

6-16-11

We watched the restoration again today with Billy. She still doesn't remember everything we've taught her - its a tough situation. We did some planning and wen to eat with the Andrades to the Gourmet Food Trucks. It was really neat - i'll send some pictures soon. We saw T.A. - his talking is coming along. We gave him some tabacco tea to help him quit smoking - hope it works.

6-17-11

We had our trainings today with the Zone on How to begin teaching. It went pretty well - they seem to be getting shorter and I seem to be getting more out of them. We met with Lucinda again today - we read in 3 Nephi and she promised to come to church this week. We got kicked off some property as well, that was a treat.

6-18-11

Yes, It is true, I and my companion were chosen to receive the Good House Keeping Award. We drove down to Santa Monica and ate lunch with President and Sister Baker. Be proud ya'll; this Elders' a clean one. We mananged to contact a referral afterwards and then saw Miss Auberry - she gave us her homemade fried chicken and some "green". plus some corn bread. It was just like being in Mississippi again. We visited a man that was baptized and has amnesia - he doesnt' ever remember going to church. It's really sad, but he does recognize the spirit.

6-19-11

Happy Fathers Day!

We had a great lesson/dinner with the Parkes family - they're getting ready to serve a mission soon and had a lot of information for us. We talked to a less active member and set up a solid appointment with her - she really wants to come back to church.

 

Well it was a pretty good week - we're getting alot more done now that we have a car. Eddie has a baptismal date for July 10th and we've almost got Lucinda... keep prayin for her. I love you all

Elder Cottrell

Me and the police....June 13, 2011

Samuel Cottrell to me

show details Jun 13 (7 days ago)

Hey everyone, sorry it's been a while. Look for more pictures in the next couple of weeks - it's been a good one:

Tuesday 6-7-11

Today I went on splits with Elder Western. He's from Denton, TX - he's a pretty cool guy and we get along for sure. Today was my walking day - he's been in a car his whole mission - lets just say he was pretty sore when we got through with 'the route'. On our way to meet a referral we were stopped by a man outside of an industrious building - he brought us inside a maze of a factory - turns out he is LDS and wants to take us to lunch next tuesday. It was awesome to talk to another member of the church that we hadn't met. We talked to a ton of people today - quite a few of them where referrals I had to give to the Spanish Elders. Bummer - atleast they're getting taught. We talked to my bro Joseph Tanuvasa - he's officially engaged now - not that anyone cares ha. He's a good friend though. We walked into compton to see Latonya after we had a good talk with a lady at the bus stop. We watched Reflections of Christ with her - twice. Her house is crazy - her mother-in-law has alsheimers and her daughter is handicapped. I really felt for her, she was struggling pretty bad - but finally could relax and just watch the slideshow. I could tell that it brought her alot of peace. We started for the apartment at about 9:15 - it would have taken us an hour to get back but a police officer pulled us over and called us crazy - he told us to hop in. That was fun to get a ride back to the apartment in a police car. I can only imagine what the people thought that saw us get out.

6-8-11

Elder Allred and I saw a less-active member in Carson today - we have tried to set aside two days a week to go into Carson for the whole day - since it's so far away. We watched the slideshow with her as well - it didn't go as well as last night did - she was in a big rush. She hasn't been to church in the last couple of years and we haven't had a chance to find out why. We met with Levi - who just came back from his mission early - we're really working with him to get him back out asap. He's in much of the same situation I was. The thing I seem to be telling him most is 'get close to your parents, they are smarter than you'. Truth. We visited some other members and then rode the long ride to the church for correllation.

6-9-11

Today I woke up sick. I have a head cold - I think i'm not eating healthy enough ha. I'm definately eating - just not healthily. We met with a member that just moved here from Montibelo - she was baptized 2 months ago and is looking for work. She has the sweetest 2 year old - (besides my neices) that i've ever honestly seen - her name is Telula. I'll send some pictures. Sister Kershner - she is who just moved - made us some pusole (basically a mexican stew) that I reallllly enjoyed after not eating it for so long. She's got some trials for sure and sounds like she had a rough time in her old ward but she's excited to be here with us now. We taught Keiara - a new referral - on her porch. She's 18 and hasn't been to church her whole life. Her grandma is a hardcore J.W. and that's all she knows about the bible, God, etc. She's very interested though and seems to really embrace what we teach. We ate dinner at Rascals with the Tauefa's - game 5 was on in the restraunt - that was a temptation to watch. The food was good haha.

6-10-11

Still have my cold but we went to the trainings anyway. They went pretty alright - we went to Johnny Rockets' afterwards for lunch. I tried to get some rest before our appointment later that night. We were meeting with a guy that I have seen at church every week since i've been here - but I just found out he isn't a member. We had a great lesson with him - he PROMISED he is going to get baptized. We have a mission-wide goal of every companionship baptizing this month. I think we just found ours. I'm really excited about that. I've been praying super hard for that blessing. On our way to the appointment I got a phone call saying that I was about to receive a vehicle. As mom would say "praise the Lord".

6-11-11

I took a series of hot and cold baths/showers to try and rid myself of this cold. I got in some more studying and am super close to finishing Jesus The Christ. We had a great lesson with 83 yr old Lucinda - she's awesome. She has been taught for over a year - we've just got to get her to commit. After the lesson she told us how she was born in 1928 and everything that's happened since. Some people don't enjoy that, but I really find it fascinating. We had Lumpia with the Vilalon's - and Balut... I dunno if grandma and grandpa ever had balut, but I sure wont have it again. It is, in essence, a baby chick inside of an egg. And you eat it. All of it. Look it up on the net or wait for my video and pictures - mom will have a fit. The lumpia was great though ha.

6-12-11

Today at church sister kershner came, and even brought a friend. They are both from Beliz - very humble and kind people. They really enjoyed the service. Myself and the 3 other missionaries taught the Gospel Principles class. We each took ten minutes and taught one of the standard works. I taught about the Doctrine and Covenants. I didn't know that at first it was called "The book of Commandments" - that makes perfect sense. It was interesting to study more about D&C - I really enjoyed it. We ate dinner with the White's and had a good message with them. I can't remember if I ever wrote this, but a couple of weeks ago I saw a homeless lady and wanted to help her out. I offered her an un-opened bottle of water I was carrying in my backpack. She looked at it and said "I don't drink Sparklett's" ... 'uhh... have a nice day then!' haha I couldnt' believe it. Oh well.

 

That was the week - pray for Eddie and Lucinda! Thank you for your love and prayers - i'm definately feeling them. Have a good week! 

Love,

Elder Cottrell 

Letter/Testimony 6-6-11

The week was really good - lots and lots of fishing but some very cool experiences. Thank you for bearing your testimony to me - it means alot. Like I said before - sometimes its tough with all of the oppostition here - but I know I have a strong foundation.

I have a testimony of conversion. Not only a testimony that it is possible, but that it effects everyone around us - if we let it. I know that we are all converts. Some of us converted when we were baptized at 8, some of us later in life - but at some point, we all received direct revelation from God that this, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is His one and only true church. Here in L.A. if you drive 3 blocks in any direction, you're bound to pass a few different churches. Which one is true? Any of them? All of them? There is only one way to know. Part of 'praying with real intent', as stated in Moroni, is promising God that once you receive that answer - that this is His true church - you will do everything in your power to build His kingdom here on the earth. The phrase "every member a missionary" did not come out of the air - it came straight from the scriptures - straight from the Lord. Part of our duty as members of the ONE TRUE CHURCH ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH is to share our testimony with others and give "every ear" a chance to hear this life-changing message. I promise you that as we reach out to the less fortunate, the less privelaged people in our daily lives, we will be blessed beyond comprehension. The Lord has promised it; and He cannot lie - but "if ye do not what I say, ye have no promise". "Let us all stand a little taller" and share this amazing light that has been given to us. You will never regret, nor will I, taking the time out of your busy life to lift someone higher than they have ever been before. I know the Lord has sent us all to the earth at this point and time for a purpose. We are the elect; we are the special souls capable of spreading this message. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Not alot of time again this week - sorry. I do want to share an experience I had yesterday though. As we were riding our bikes to an appointment I was going over all of the cool experiences i've had so far on my mission and those of other missionaries - at that exact moment, a guy rode his bike up to the side of me. He was probably about 40. He said "you guys just getting off of work? what are you doing?" I told him that we are missionaries - he asked "oh no, not missionaries of God are you?" I said yes "what do you get from that?" he asked - I told him that there is no greater joy than helping those around us - I asked him if he felt good when he helped others too. "I dont know man, but i'm drunk and heading to meet up with the dope man. I just got paid and have a few days off so this is what i'm going to do to relax. I don't want to do it though, can you tell me something that will make me stop?" We pulled over to the curb at this point. I asked him about his family - he said he has 3 kids. He told me that he just got out of rehab and felt like he was about to relapse. I explained why I was serving a mission. The drug dealer called while we were talking - he put the phone on speaker phone - "where you at?" the dealer said - "i'm right here, give me a few minutes" - he hung up the phone and swore - I could see him fighting the angels and devils inside him - one telling him to go buy the dope, one telling him to listen to us. He wouldn't admit that he was addicted, but wouldn't turn away from the idea of doing it. We talked with him about families - about the example he is setting to his children everyday - whether they know what he's doing, or not. He asked for our information and turned around. He wants us to come back next week. He recognized that God put us in his path for a reason. I know that God is watching over us all - He knows what we need and will take care of us as we turn to Him for help - not things of the world. I love you all - have a great week!

Love,

Elder Cottrell

p.s. The other day I had the rare opportunity to go on splits with an Elder in the ASL program - sign language. He can hear, but with an artaficial aid. Their area is the whole mission + long beach. It was such a crazy experience. I just sat there in the appointments and observed. I didnt learn much - but I could feel the spirit. It's amazing to meet these people that are deaf - but are still members of the church. The spirit testifies to them that this is the true church. That was another neat experience I had this last week. Hopefully next week I'll have time to write my usual letter and tell you all about the week. I love you

Elder Cottrell

South Bay Zone

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Sam's missionaries counting money for charity...

Revlon Run-Walk

Each year (the CLAM) missionaries participate in a service project to assist the Revlon Run-Walk for women's cancer. They are the only ones trusted to count the money. They are guarded in a room under the Los Angeles Coliseum while they work. (Sam is 4 from the left on the first picture and 6 from the left on the 2nd photo.)

Judgement Day....not..... 5-23-11

Tuesday 5-17-11

Today we woke up to more rain. Not so fun when your area is huge and you're riding a bike. It was cold for a while but the sun came out. We talked with some Dutch people that are less-active. They're super old and really funny - just gotta come back to church. We fished a street and when we got done with the last house, 6 police cars came flying down the street and the 'ghetto bird' (police helicopter) came flying in as well. One of the officers asked us if we just got done knocking doors on that street.. "yes.." we said. "someone called us and said they heard "talking" outside of their house.. could that have been you?" ... "uh.. yeah".. "Oh ok, don't worry about it, this happens all the time. Be careful, this is a gang neighborhood.. " ... "ok, seeya.." That was fun. We just found out that one of the 'promising investigators' we had is now in jail. Bummer. We ate dinner with the Lee's and then went back to the apartment to get out of the rain - we turned the bathroom into a sauna.

5-18-11

The days are going by pretty quick - we're super busy riding our bikes for sometimes an hour in between appointments. We talked to T.A. - it's hard to see him struggle to talk when he wants to so bad - the words just wont come out. We tried to teach him the Word of Wisdom again - he really needs to quit smoking. Elder Allred had his first Elote - the corn on the stick. He loved it. I'm sure we'll have a few more of those this transfer. We talked to a whole grip of people today that weren't interested. The whole area is African American - it's tough but there ARE a few black people in the ward. That's good. We talked to a guy for a super long time on his porch. He is a basketball coach and even coached some kids that are in the NBA. His son is in the draft this year  - Aaron Hill. Watch for him. We had a lesson with Billy from Alabama. We taught the restoration again - she's really got a tough memory problem. I hope we can work past it cause she's got alot of potential. We ate at L&L with sister Kanalu - good way to end the day.

5-19-11

Today we planned and then went to 'feast and feast' at the El Camino singles branch. We did alot of fishing afterwards. We ran into some Samoan members that fed us cheesecake - nice. We talked with Vesati - she bought us some bread from the 'bread truck' that comes around every thursday. She's about 24 and is thinking about serving a mission. I hope she goes - she is just kind of lazy right now. She's got a solid schedule and is afraid of change I believe. We ate dinner with Sister Smith - it was her brothers birthday. He turned 91. Ancient. We sang happy birthday and had a "Sunday Dinner" - roast and potatos - it was the best. 

5-20-11

We had fundamental trainings today - one of the things they are really focusing on is 'pausing' during lessons. After the investigator asks a question or after we do, we are to pause.. and let the spirit work. It's super awkward sometimes .. real awkward. But it seems to help so we'll do it. Billy forgot about our appointment so we visited a former that said we could come back - bonus. We visited another former that let us in and talked to us while she cooked pork chops. She was really nice but we could tell something wasn't all the way there in her head.. She's been to church once and so I asked her if she'd go again this week. She thought about it for a minute and said "well, yeah." I sure hope she does - she'll go to the singles branch and we just found out we aren't over that branch anymore - so I hope she goes. We ate and had a lesson with James - he's getting super excited to be confirmed and receive the priesthood on Sunday. He'll be a great help for the ward.

5-21-11

Judgement day... didn't happen. Surprise surprise.. There was a Galaxy soccer game going on today at the Home Depot Center and we had to ride past to get where we were going. It took forever because of all the people trying to get in there for the game. We contacted a referral. She really just wanted someone to talk to... she wasn't interested. She managed to talk straight for 1 1/2 hours - including a tour of her home. I was actually kind of impressed. Glad we got out of there though. We visited some less active members and another member. There is a lady here that is 81, has 1 eye, is single and fosters 8 adult handicapped people - has fostered 26 and 9 bioligical kids. She's nuts - a very very hard worker. We ate dinner with some philipino's - they were awesome. They want me to try 'balut' ... a duckling... dead... still in the egg. I don't think so.

5-22-11

Today was a pretty good day at church - still trying to get to know the members. We spent most of the day after church at a baptism Elder Allred had - he taught her and then she moved. They forgot to fill up the font so we were there waiting for a good while.

It's been a good week and i'm glad the world didn't end.

Hope you all have a good one - I love you

Elder Cottrell

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