1125% Increase in Missionaries

Have you noticed any difference in your missionary work during or as a result of the recent presidential election? Did the fact that Mitt Romney is a member of the Church affect your missionary labors or questions about the Church? Has it been good, bad, or indifferent in your respective missions?

Not really. The thing that has changed missionary work the most is the church changing the members attitudes about missionary work. Elder Christensen came and talked to us (Alaska) about how, to use a construction analogy, the concrete trucks are coming. I'll see if I can send the audio to you. He said that with the 1125% increase in missionaries over 3 weeks members will have to get going in order to fit the demand of missionaries coming in. Elder Holland said that the lord has set aside all the resources necessary for them. Elder Christensen explained that the missionaries job is to teach, the members job is to find. Both compliment each other as the offense does the defense in a football team, and both are interconnected and aid each other in their tasks. He told ward councils to stop talking about reports from different auxiliaries, but to talk about the needs of the ward, and to develop a dynamic ward mission plan that changes at least every month like a football team changes plays. People need the gospel in their lives. Nothing will make them happier. So he said to stop judging who is ready to hear the gospel and share it with everyone. He said the most important thing you can do would be to listen to your friends, and then answer them. Find out who your friend really is and see how you can help because you care about them. If they choose not to learn more they still know you are just sharing the thing that makes you the most happy and has made the biggest difference in your life. Who could be offended at that. This is eternal happiness we are talking about, and how could we not share the love of Christ with our neighbors and friends. Didn't Christ say to love God above all else then to love your neighbor as yourself. I know that this church is true and I'm thankful for all I am learning. I'm thankful for the man I am becoming and I couldn't think of a better way to use my time.

What was the hardest thing you faced this week?

The hardest thing I experienced this week was letting the elders in the YSA(young single adult) ward teach our investigator. That's where she will grow the most and the fastest, so its a good thing. I just loved teaching her because she was so receptive and willing to act and find out for herself. You could see a love of God in her eyes and that she "hungered and thirsted after righteousness". The spirit is always there so strong when we teach her and it feels so good to testify of the truthfulness of this gospel and Jesus Christ who's gospel it is.

What was the most joyous experience you had this week?

The most joyous thing I experienced was teaching a less active family in our ward. We taught them about the plan of salvation, answered their questions, and the atonement of Jesus Christ. I can't explain how happy I was when I read Doctrine and Covenants 19:15-20 as they caught a glimpse of the magnitude and depth of the atonement of Jesus Christ and wondered "how is it done?"(Enos 1:7) I was filled with joy as I saw a light turn on, and they felt the spirit witness of God's love for us. I know he does love us. Christ was born and died that we might live if we will only follow him. He has set the way. He is there to help us, and I know that he wants all of us to return to live with him. I know we will find the most joy as we help others to feel of his love. I testify that there are not many other ways to learn of Him faster and more fully than bringing souls closer to Him. Serve others, listen to them, let them see the joy of the gospel in your life as you selflessly give to others. This is the spirit of Christmas, or the spirit of Christ.

What was the funniest thing you saw or felt this week?

Sorry =) You can tell I've been thinking a lot lately. I feel so good. I can't really think of anything funny at the moment. Maybe I'll think of something later.

Is there anything special you want from home?

Something from home... Maybe my Book of Mormon Student manual if you can find it. I can't really think of anything I would need. We do need to set up Skype though. What time frame would be best for you guys. Let me know and I'll schedule something around that.

Love, Elder Record

Questions from 24 Sept

Dad: Did your district change much? If I remember right, two new missionaries went to Fairbanks.

We have Sisters Hatfield and Gardner still in 4th branch, Elders Waddell and Stevenson in 5th Ward, and us in 3rd Ward. I served around Elder Waddell a lot in Anchorage. He was in the Spanish Branch.

Dad: What do you hope to accomplish in the next two months?

Not to hold him back. =)

Dad: What is something new you learned this week?

I mentioned it in my update. [NOTE: We didn't get the update file.]

Dad: What is your favorite day of the week and why?

Probably Sunday because of church and also the chance we have to coordinate with the ward.

Love, Elder Record

Questions: 21 May 2012

Dad: What was your door approach to non-members when talking about family history work?

We ask them about their family and that we wanted to help them find more. We told them about all the resources the church has and invited them to a family history center.

Dad: What is your door approach for less active members?

How are you... We are just always very friendly when we talk to people to show them we care because we do. And they can see it. Then again I have mostly only been with Samoans who are very social.

Dad: What did you think about the video "Jesus Teaches About Being Born Again?" I love the way Christ is portrayed in such a loving and inviting nature.

Wow, it was really good. I really like how he taught like you said. I also like how the savior goes right to the root of his concern, and resolves it. He's not going to understand these other things unless he first understands Christ's purpose and believes on him. This one is my favorite.

Love, Elder Record

Questions: 7 May 2012

Mom: How are you feeling?

Fine now, just a little runny nose.

Dad: Are you the truck driver since you are senior companion?

Yes

Dad: What are Elder Wright's greatest qualities?

He's very concerned about the individual people, and he has strong desire to serve and to please God.

Dad: I posted a YouTube video on your blog of Andrew Zimmerman on Bizzare Foods eating sea. Yeah it was gross! I read another description online, "Sea is truly disgusting, looks like snot according to Andrew Z and stinks like day old puke." You definitely have bragging rights.

=) yup I sure do. lol

Love, Elder Record

Questions: 9 April 2012

Elder Matthew Wright and Elder Jason Record

Dad: Where is Elder Wright from?

Enoch, Utah (near Ceder City)

Dad: What is the most unusual thing you have eaten so far?

Uh...a pig's stomach lining

Dad: What is the funniest thing that has happened this week?

I can't think of anything funny, but the coolest thing that happened was that we beet the record for snowfall! We got more snowfall this year in Anchorage since like 1950 I think.

Dad: "By small and simple things, are great things brought to pass." How have you witnessed the hand of the Lord through small or great means this week?

We keep just being in the right place at the right time. I know it's nothing I'm doing, but the Lord keeps taking us to people that need us. We have some church dvd's that have a Samoan language option and this less active man loves them. He doesn't understand English very well, but he loves these dvd's in Samoan. We can see how virtue is starting to garnish the thoughts of everyone in the home as good uplifting media fills it.

Dad: What did Easter mean to you this year?

I like how it's not so much that he died, but that he lives. It nice and good that he suffered for us, but if he wouldn't have risen on the third day none of it would have mattered. It would have been a nice thought, but it wouldn't have changed anything. I know that He lives and loves us, and it's because He lives that we too will live. And if we are faithful we will not only live again, but live with Him again enjoying the same peace and joy that He does. Because of the Infinite mercy of the Atonement all our losses will be made up and more, so I feel selfish not being happy with my lot in life because I do have a good life. I have a family who loves me. I have a roof over my head. I have endless potential and opportunity ahead. But most importantly I know that I am a child of God with the potential to become like him and to help others do the same.

Love, Elder Record

Elder Record at District Meeting

Elder  Record Finally Sees the Northern Lights

Elder Record Enjoying a Sub

Elder Wright and Elder Record Planning the Week

Elder Record and Elder Wright Studying Together

Questions: 26 March 2012

Dad: What was the funniest thing that happened this week?

I don't remember, we laugh a lot in the car. I keep slipping on the ice because my mind preoccupied with other things. That's pretty funny.

Dad: What were some of your top spiritual experiences this week?

[name withheld1] is one of our less active members who’s husband is probably a non-member, haha. I’m not sure yet. He says he was baptized, but nobody is his family thinks so. He was raised by his grandmother who was a seventh day Adventist. He loves to have fun and goof off, but he’s got almost the entire bible memorized. I’m really good friends with him. I told you that he agreed to take the lessons when the baby came. A week ago [name withheld1] went in for an appointment and was sent to the hospital to get an emergency c section. She and the baby almost died. She gave me a call and told me that they were doing fine now, but it was kind of scary. We then planned to come by later in the day if we had time, but definitely come the next day. I felt like we should go the same day we got her call, so a little before 7 we left for the hospital because we didn’t have any set appointments for the rest of the evening. As we walked in she said, “Elders I’m glad you came I was about to call you. The baby had something go wrong with her lungs.” They enjoy our company, and our presence really helped to comfort them because she was having a very hard time emotionally. They asked us to give, and we gave, a blessing to the baby. [name withheld2], her husband was there, and her nonmember and best friend. The baby is now doing alright as well as [name withheld1]. [name withheld2] was at church on Sunday with [name withheld1] and [name withheld3] her sister. I was so happy I just about cried, haha.

Dad: What are your companion's strengths?

He cares a lot about the people and the work. He has desires to serve his heavenly father. That is the greatest thing I could ask for in a companion. He's is clean and tidy. He's very considerate. He has a good memory and is a good teacher.

Dad: What have you learned from Elder Wright this week?

A lot about the Samoan language. More on how to focus on people and not just teaching lessons.

Mom: Is there anything you need us to send to you or that you are missing?

Did you get my email about the socks? I'm running low and few pairs of those Mr Mac gold toe socks would be awesome.

Love, Elder Record

Questions: 13 February 2012

Elder Adam Thorne and Elder Record

Mom: Do you need anymore vitamins?

Nope I'm good.

Dad: Where is Elder Thorne from?

Spokane Washington (same place that our ancestor Joachim Langnese got his naturalization). He is the man.  We are very similar and love to work hard.  He likes to exercise too =).

Dad: What service projects have you worked on lately?

We helped with the iditarod dog sled race

Dad: What are you doing with family history right now?

Helping the elders in my district get started and see how things work

A bit cold that day

Dad: What challenging doctrinal question have you heard and how was it resolved?

I haven't had any challenging ones yet. I guess I just look to the scriptures. People's concerns are usually social. The doctrine just makes sense.

Questions: 30 January 2012

Everyone: How was the baptism and did you get pictures?

It went great! Everyone felt the spirit there, and everything went smoothly. While they were changing we watched the ending clip of the testaments where the savior appears. I testified of the savior afterwards and I think it went well. Yes I got pictures.

Dad: If Lorielle starts sending weekly audio updates, will you be able to listen to the MP3? Can you copy them to your voice record to listen to them later instead of using your one hour computer time?

That should work, I don't see why it wouldn't.

Dad, in answer to those chapters you gave me. Here is an excerpt from my weekly to president Beesley about what I studied.

'I was studying in Alma 48 and 49. My dad referenced those to me because he knows I like Ether 12:27. I was reading and discovered that Captain Moroni exemplifies Ether 12:27. In chapter 48 it says that Moroni had been “preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God.” And in verse 12 it shows his humility, “Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.” Not only was he humble, but he also had charity and spent all his time thinking about and working for his people, not himself. And in verse 16 it says, “And also, that God would make it known unto them whither they should go to defend themselves against their enemies… and this was the faith of Moroni, and his heart did glory in it;” They were humble and sought after righteousness, and they were guided and protected by the Lord. I am thankful to have the Lord on my side. I know he is always there for me. Whenever I need help I know where to turn and can say like Nephi, “Nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.” What a blessing it is to be serving the Lord and our Heavenly Father’s children here in Alaska.'

Love, Elder Record

Questions: 17 January 2012

Dad: When did Elder Leota enter the MTC?

The 26th of July [2011].

Dad: In one of the papers you sent home, there were some notes. You drew a picture of a stick figure in a boat with an oar and flag. You listed five things 1) surface meaning, 2) whole picture, 3) symbolic meaning, 4) personal application, and 5) Savior and Atonement. If you have time, do you mind sharing your thoughts on these notes?

It was a training on how to dig deeper into the scriptures. They are the different levels of studying.

Dad: You sent home a visitor's pass to the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson military facility. What is the story behind it?

One of the members lives up there, and we went to see and eat dinner with him and his family.

Dad: Do you get to attend the temple?

Yes, when we came back to anchorage with the members of the Whitehorse branch. I think I sent you home the cards. I did the work for Daniel Owens I think.

Dad: Elder Steven Snow has been called to serve as Church historian. (http://lds.org/church/news/steven-e-snow-called-as-church-historian?lang=eng)

Wow, I'll have to check that out.

Dad: Cordova, AK got 18 feet of snow. They called in the national guard to help the residents dig out. Do you know of any missionaries serving in that area?

Not off the top of my head but WOW that's crazy awesome! My district leader Elder Thompson served there in the past.

Mom: How deep is the snow where you are?

Like 6" to a foot, but the snow banks are like 5' high.

Love you all,

Elder Record

Questions: 3 January 2012

Happy New Year!

Grandma Record: What is the history of the Samoan people in Alaska? It seems so odd to have such a large Samoan community in Alaska.

Benefits and opportunity is all I've noticed so far.

Dad: What is your companion's full name?

Elder Junior Leota

Dad: How do you spell the town he is from in Upolu, Samoa? I didn't quite understand you on the phone.

Solosolo

Dad: What is his rapper cousin's name?

I don't remember I'll have to get back to you.

Dad: Would you ask Elder Leota to share with us his conversion story, if he is willing? I would like to know what one of his defining moments were that solidified his testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (This is a common question I ask missionaries in Stake High Council who are reporting on their missions.)

sure

Dad: What are some of your 2012 goals?

Still thinking about that, I want to be ready to train though.

Love, Elder Record

We did not get an audio update from Elder Record this past week. However, he will be studying Ether 12:27 for a topic to study for the year. In a separate email, he said:

The families in the ward are becoming very friendly towards us. More and more as we associate with them and go to their activities they look for ways to find us people to teach. I’ve noticed that one of the biggest things to the Samoan people is friendship. If you can become their friend, which isn’t too hard, and associate with them a lot, they almost do the work for you. They particularly love Elder Leota. He is very funny when we visit with people, very good at sports when we play, and they love him for that.

Questions: 19 December 2011

Elder Caleb Wallace and Elder Jason Record, Anchorage, AK

Lorielle: How did you not go completely INSANE waiting to leave on your mission?

Haha, don't know. Work I guess.

Lorielle: Have you heard of the "Just one more" theory? Knock on one more door. Talk to just one more person. Pray just one more time. Plan just one more day.

Now I have =)

I'm so excited for this next transfer!!! I can't wait to be with Elder Leota! FYI our area this entire transfer was just Northern Lights. Last transfer Northern Lights and Chester Valley were combined. They are 2 separate wards now and will be this next transfer.

Love, Elder Record

Questions: 12 December 2011

Chris: I am sending you an imaginary hug, please send one back in your next audio.

You got it buddy.

I was listening to a song earlier, I think even before I said anything, that talked about a boy who received a letter from his brother on a mission that made all the difference for him. I now know why I felt the spirit so strong as I listened to that song. I love you with all my heart, and my love for you and confidence in you grows stronger every day. I love you now more than I ever have before. There are times when I think about you and the potential you have and I feel so much love for you that the feeling seems to swell too big for me and I am moved to tears. I love you Chris. You are the man. You've got so much charisma and Lord needs you. The CD I listened to that song on was called The Work, and it says something like Nashville tribute on it or something like that. That CD is another one on my list of CD's to get.

Annelise: Have you seen the Northern Lights yet?

.....no

Dad: Do you know when you will be calling for Christmas? We would like to all be here and be prepared. When you call, please call my cell phone. It has a speaker phone so everyone can hear.

Anytime that day, I was thinking after you and I open presents. K

Dad: Can you arrange to use Skype for your Christmas call?

I will see what I can do. I'll be going to the mission home today for p-day.

Questions: 5 December 2011

Chris: Will you please measure yourself, so I can see if I am taller? I am currently 5 foot 7.5 inches tall.

Don't have to I'm taller hahahahaha. I'm 5'9" unless I shrunk...

Dad: I noticed two bicycle helmets in your apartment. Do you ride bikes or drive a vehicle or both?

Nope, those are old, haha. They just never got taken.

Dad: Does Elder Curtin have a blog his family maintains?

Not as far as he knows

Dad: I have transcribed the letters you took pictures of, and the pictures worked out perfectly for the transcription.

Awesome, I'll keep doing it.

Dad: We got your SD card, it should be in the mail on it way back to you.

Awesome again. =)

Questions: 28 November 2011

Annelise: Do you remember when we were younger, during Christmas time when we had just put up the tree and decorations, we were listening to Amy Grant music, and You, Chris and I, were rolling around on the carpet in the Christmas tree light? Chris doesn't remember, I was hoping you would.

I remember listening to the Amy Grant music and sleeping out on the tile floor listening to it, but I don't think I remember that.

Eric: How do you like the weather?

I love it. I love the snow! We have like a foot right now.

Dad: Any pictures of your companion and apartment yet?

Yup, I sent them in the mail.

Dad: You mentioned that your attention span for long letters has changed. Sounds normal. How would you like me to respond? Less letters, shorter letters, spiritual thoughts sent by mail, no change - just understand you may not get to everything. I want to meet your needs and the time constraints you have.

Yes, spiritual thoughts sent by mail, that would be awesome. That's probably it.

Mom: There are two Christmas packages coming, one with presents and the other with DVDs. Did you get either yet?

I got the presents one. THANK YOU SO MUCH, THAT WAS AWESOME!!! I love you all. It made me smile. =)

Dad: Is Elder Wallace in your district or zone?

Zone, we do a lot of p-day stuff with the zone.

Dad: What makes it possible to see him every P-day?

Basketball at the arctic chapel, right next to the temple. I am not fat by the way =). In fact I think I am stronger. I've been exercising and staying in excellent healthy shape =) I could eat more vegetables though, haha. I'll get some more today.

Lorielle: How was your Thanksgiving with the Samoan ward?

It was good. Just like any other big meal, haha. Surprisingly I'm not overeating that much. The Atiifale family were the ones we ate dinner with.

Dad: Did the Samoan families have any unique traditions for Thanksgiving?

Nope, they sing a lot though, or at least the Atiifale family did. That was cool.

Questions: 21 November 2011

Eric: How do you say "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" in Samoan? (Say it on your audio update too).

umm, I think it is le 'ekalesia a Iesu Keriso o le 'au pa 'ia o aso e gata ai. I'll double check and get back to you =)

Eric: How do you say "Eric Record" in Samoan?

I'll ask one of the Samoan missionaries about Eric, but record is Fa'amaumauga

Eric: Have you gotten sick on your mission yet?

Nope, but I am temporarily the fattest I have ever been in my life =). I'm probably about 132 pounds. I'm exercising though, and surprisingly even with the Samoan portions I'm not getting fatter than is healthy.

Rebecca: Have you seen the Northern Lights yet?

Nope, but I have a picture from the coolest missionary in Fairbanks, Elder Blackhurst. He is now senior companion with a Tongan missionary named Elder Kafoa.

Mom: Did you get your last package with vitamins and SD card?

Yes

Dad: If you can, please bear your testimony in Samoan on your audio update. I'd love to hear it.

Still working on that. It'll be done by the end of the month though.

Love, Elder Record

Questions: 14 November 2011

What is your companion's (picture) home town, and blog url (if any)?

Highland, Utah. I forgot to get a picture. I'll try to get it next time. We have an hour to do e-mails, and we do it at the library.

How was your temple trip?

Amazing. I did the work for Daniel Owen from baptism to endowment. I felt the Spirit so strong. I know that what was done was good.

How was your drive from Whitehorse to Anchorage? It must have been a lot better traveling with the members you have been serving with for these past twelve weeks.

ya, we sang the whole way to Anchorage =)

How was your first Sacrament meeting in Samoan? (When I was learning Spanish, Sacrament meetings were so exhausting. I was trying so hard to listen and understand, it just really drained me. Don't be tempted to skip out on scripture study to learn the language faster.)

I loved it! I did my best to focus on the people talking and look them in the eye while paying attention to their body language. I found out that Pipi (pronounced peepee) is turkey, that threw me off for a second when I heard it. I did get a little sleepy in elders quorum, but I made it. =)

What brings the Samoan people to Alaska?

Work opportunities, and family I'm sure. I have to ask them more about it.

Questions: 7 November 2011

What is your companion's (picture) home town, and blog url (if any)?

I have no idea

What is your current calling(s), Junior Companion?

Yes

What is the best mailing address to use in sending mail/packages?

Oh, ya. I'm glad you asked. Now that I'm out of Canada everyone whose sending me a package should send it to the mission office. Mail will be a lot faster and cheaper too =). The address is

3250 Strawberry Road

Anchorage, AK 99502

United States

What is your actual apartment (picture) address?

I leave on Thursday and maybe won't be in my new area until Monday, so I'll get back to you.

What is the name of the ward in which you serve?

Northern Lights Ward (Samoan)

2240 Baxter Road

Anchorage Alaska North Stake

Yes

Who is the bishop's name (family picture)? Bishop Filoialii?

Don't know yet.

Did you travel with Elder Hartman back to Anchorage?

I will be traveling with all four of us because it's the branch temple trip. The two new Whitehorse elders will ride back with them. Elder Hartman and I will stay in Anchorage.

Did you get any referrals during your transfer?

I'll have to wait and see =)

Are you learning Samoan?

Yes

Questions: 31 October 2011

How did your week go as "senior" companion?

Good, it passed like any other week. =) Whitehorse didn't explode.

How long does it take for someone to be converted to the Gospel?

As long as it takes for them to want the gospel and make it a part of their lives. It could happen overnight or take years. For us, we determine that if they are keeping their commitments we invited them make to the Lord, they are progressing. It's all about progression because none of us can ever stop and say, "I've made it, now I'm done." I like the definition for conversion in the Bible Dictionary, and I found it is almost the same as the definition for repentance found in the same.

Eric: Do you know how big Elder Dean's plate was with the Oinker on it?

As big as a basketball hoop.

We made pumpkins with one of our investigators.

Elder Record's pumpkin master piece.

We got our district shirts today =),
Elder Record showing the new district T-shirts.

Questions: 24 October 2011

What was your favorite day of the week?

Sunday. I love church.

What was your least favorite day of the week?

Friday. We do weekly planning that day. I love planning and Fridays, but I have to sit down for a long time and my seat gets a little sore =).

What is your typical Sunday schedule like?

Wake up at 6:30am, pray, shower, personal study, leave for the church, greet people, church starts at 10am, 11am is gospel essentials (the class for investigators really), 12pm priesthood, mingle with people after church, go to the Guevarra's for lunch, then proselyte.

The Oinker

What is the name of the place in Juneau that had the huge hamburgers? (I can see why the average elder gains 40 pounds haha)

The Booyah Grill =) haha. There are 2 items on the menu that cost $30, but if you finish them in an hour you don't have to pay. One is called the Oinker and the other is El Papi. The Oinker is a burger and El Papi is a burrito.

Who is the elder with the huge hamburger?

Elder Dean, and I think I have a picture of Elder Williams holding El Papi. =)

What did you have to eat?

Just a classic cheeseburger with fries. Normal size, haha.

El Papi

Have you had any discussions with people about your title as Elder and how First Nation are called "the elders?"

Ya. We just explain it is our title and designates us as teachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It makes sense to them because the Elders in the First Nation community are like the teachers there.

As the other elders take pictures, can you copy their pictures onto your SD card, particularly pictures with you in the frame?

Yes I can. We are going to do a picture exchange before the end of the transfer because there will most likely be some changes to our district.

What is one turning point or "defining moment" in your testimony of the Savior (see Dad's Discipleship email)?

Wow, that takes a little thought. My very first "defining moment" happened very early on in my childhood. As a little kid I had a lot of nightmares. I would often have what were to me, very scary dreams. I don't know how or why, but my initial response was prayer. In my dreams just before the scary thing came, just before I couldn't take it any more and it was just too scary, I thought to pray and ask my heavenly father to please wake me up. Every time, without fail, he would. I was spared from what I thought would be something too scary to bear. I did that throughout my early childhood. Every scary dream I would pray and be instantly woken up. I love my Father in Heaven and I know and always have known that he hears and answers our prayers. I know He is there.

Email Questions: 17 October 2011

What did whale skin taste like?

A hard rubber band

Was the muktuk you had cooked or raw? Was it seasoned?

raw

Up to this point in your mission, if you could pick one day of your mission to relive, what day would it be? Why?

That's kind of a hard question to answer (haha). Every day that passes melds together into one day. I'll do my best, but I mostly only have the memory of this last week and very few days before =). I think my favorite day was Wednesday the 5th of October. We got a call from the mission office. They gave us a referral from Salt Lake of someone who had visited temple square. We looked around for the address and eventually found it through a little prayer probably. The house was in a trailer park that doesn't exist on any of our maps. We kept trying to see if this person would be home, but they weren't. Probably because it was thanksgiving weekend in Canada. We finally caught this person home on the 14th and introduced ourselves and found out that it was indeed this person who had been at the temple exhibit at temple square. We are currently in the follow up stage and are seeing how this will turn out, but I feel really good about it.

Have you had a chance to see the Northern Lights yet? If so, what was it like?

Nope, unfortunately

Answer these questions before talking with Elder Johnson.

On a scale of 1 to 10 (ten being very confident and prepared), how prepared do you feel you are to be a trainer?

6

What are the areas in which you feel you need to improve to feel you are prepared to be a trainer by November 7th?

It just seems kind of overwhelming. I'm not as quick and confident in knowing what needs to be done as I probably need to be.

What are the areas in which you have improved the most regarding the position of trainer? I have noticed great improvement in your goal setting and striving to meet those goals.

Yeah, goal setting is a big thing. I think I know how to study now (haha). I do feel confident that I know how things work for the most part. Elder Johnson is one of the best missionaries out here and is a very efficient and hard worker. I've have learned so much from him. The Lord has been so merciful with me in letting me have him as a trainer. I was promised when I was set apart that I would be able to hit the ground running when I came out. Thanks to Elder Johnson, I have.

Ask Elder Johnson these questions, and then compare your responses to his.

On a scale of 1 to 10 (ten being very confident and prepared), how prepared do you think Elder Record is to be a trainer?

10--Without hesitation

What does Elder Record need to accomplish as a trainee so you would feel he is prepared to be a trainer by November 7th?

I feel like you'd make a great trainer today, right now, if you were called to do so. However, having the rest of the transfer to complete the new training curriculum will be very beneficial to further enhance your preparedness as a trainer. Next week, you will have the entire week to act as senior companion--where you will drive, do all the planning and lead-out in every teaching situation. This will be a great experience and give you the confidence that you can take over next transfer.

What is your model for resolving concerns and helping others align their beliefs with your's?

I've put much thought in this. I will make a copy of my concern resolve model and get it to you next week.

Have you ever had a companion that did not want to work very hard, maybe a bit lazy? How did you handle it or how would you handle it when and if you had such a companion?

Yes. An elder was sent to my area, and my mission president asked me to rekindle the fire he once had for missionary work. Each case is different and certainly requires individual adaptation. For my companion, his laziness and lack of obedience was sparked by intense depression. However, here are a few principles that may apply in every case.

• You must create an environment of love and patience. Understand that a disobedient missionary already knows better, so they don't need your reproof. They need your patience and love; they need to know what they are doing good. They need encouragement.
• You must, at times, "loosen the bow strings" when things get tough. Keep a happy attitude, relax. Don't worry about dotting each and every "i" and crossing all the t's. Putting up a brick wall of expectation will only make your missionary more defensive and amplify the behavior--work them back into obedience, line upon line. Choose your battles: be unyielding and adamant about working from 10 AM to 9 PM, but during non-proselyting hours, choose your battles.
• Understand the principle of free agency. You can't make them do things; you can only encourage and inspire. Help your missionary understand the doctrine if they will listen. "True doctrine understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior." (President Boyd K. Packer)

What does a good leader do?

Still learning about this one--all of these questions for that matter. But, from my observations, good leaders are obedient and work hard, while maintaining an air of tolerance and love.

Ask the Lord the same questions and write the responses in your journal.