Navajo Code 6/30

       Yaa Teeh!

      It was a fun filled week of exchanges! They were both good!

      Monday we went to a Primary activity for the Flora Vista ward because we had gotten invited. We set up a maze and had the kids walk through it blind folded with a friend telling them were to go. Kinda like the spirit. Then we had to go to Farmington to get an oil change. Later that night we got to stop by my recent convert family in Flora Vista and drop off the stuff from the primary activity because they had missed it. It was good to see them.

       Tuesday we went on exchanges with the Assistants. I went with Elder Harward in Aztec and Elder Martin went with Elder Tolman into Farmington. Well, Elder Harward had served in Aztec before so we went and saw one of his old investigators. It was amazing to me how much love he showed those people. He truly does care about those people! Then we went and saw some people we taught and he still showed them a lot of love. I really learned a lot from Elder Harward.

       Wednesday we helped a family move into the ward, and they have a boy that is turning 12 in August! YEAH!!!!! We need more Aaronic Priesthood holders! Then we went down to Bloomfield and exchanged Elder Harward back to Farmington and then I picked up Elder Helsley, the District Leader in Escito, and sent Elder Martin down to Escrito with Elder Brown. So Elder Martin didn't get to see his area for 2+ days. We got to go see some less actives. We watched 17 miracles with one and that is going so well! He loves learning about the pioneers and he asked for a blessing because of the movie. The other one we talked about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are getting so close to coming back!

        Thursday after district meeting we exchanged back and then taught some lessons but around 8 pm there wasn't much to do so we went on a walk down to the park. Well there is an arena for rodeo's down there and there was team roping going on. Now, being the city boy that I am (the more I'm out here the more I find out how much of a city boy I was/ am) I had no clue what was going on. I was COMPLETELY clueless! But luckily for me, Elder Martin knew what was going on and explained it really simply to me. Well we decided it was time to leave but we walked around the arena just to take a look at everything. Well on our way around we got called over by one of the riders. He started talking to us and we ended up giving him a Book of Mormon!

       Friday we taught some less actives. Both went well. Members here are doing a really good job at fellowshipping people when we ask them to.

       Saturday we supported Flora Vista sisters because they had a baptism and we attended. Then we went and picked up a new investigator. His name is Tank. He was formally a WWE wrestler. He's also a Jehovah's Witness. Crazy. Lets just say I learned a lot more about what the Jehovah Witness's believe now. :) Then we had a really good meeting with our bishop about how we can help the ward.

      Sunday we went to the Flora Vista sacrament meeting because their was a missionary farewell for one of the boys we had been working with a lot.

     Well there's my week! Thanks for all the support! Until next time, Hagoonee'!

Elder Chipman

Navajo Code 6/23

       Yaa Teeh!

       Wow.... I'm tired. But hey, tired = good when hard work is added to the mix. :D It's been a great week!

       Monday we went and played basketball for p-day. Then we had a lesson with a recent convert family that wants to start making plans to go to the temple. So we showed 3 Mormon messages about the temple. ..... ...... They had seen them already. (face + palm) lol. :)

       Tuesday.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUSTIN!!!!!! Well for me it was transfer day. I really didn't want to go into Farmington and work in some other elders area so I got splits set up with Drew, a 18 yr old with a mission call, so we could work until we picked up Elder Martin. We got to see Anabell and answer some questions about repentance for her. Then after trying to contact some perspective elders we went to the church dropped Drew off and I went with our ward mission leader to pick up Elder Martin. I love Elder Martin! He is straight up, pure awesomeness! Then we had two lessons right when we got back to Aztec. Elder Martin got to meet them and build a good relationship on the first day. This is going to be and awesome transfer!

        Wednesday we went to go contact a referral. This guy answered the door and talked to us for like 30 sec. Well, in the middle of me explaining the BOM he said "Thank you" and closed the door. Fun stuff. :) Then we got to go help clean up some stuff for Gentry, in Flora Vista because her house had caught on fire so we need to move stuff out. It was good to see her again.

        Thursday we found a pretty cool new investigator. Her name in Tanacia. She is going through some stuggles in her life but is turning to God for help. It's always good to see people turn to God like that. :) Then we met with Fred and his family, the two people we have on date. They are doing really well, we just read with them and explained why it is so important to read the scriptures. Then we went and contacted a potential investigator named Amanda. She is really into the outdoors! WOW! She has 2 really nice dirt bikes, snow shoes, a 2000 dollar mountain and road bike, she goes running every day, she goes to rodeo's and more.... WOW! We might get to go mountain biking with her for a p-day coming up. :) Exciting!!!

       Friday we had a lesson with Tyeler. We watched 17 miracles with him. He was freaking out at some of the miracles and stuff like that. He's awesome, we love going over there! Then we did some weekly planning until dinner. For dinner we went to a part member family that had just moved from the Flora Vista Ward. They feed us some home grown steak.... so good! Then we had a lesson with a less active family. The 50 yr old  showed us his 3' long helicopter! That thing is awesome but could literally take your head off. :)

       Saturday we had 7 appointments scheduled and all but one cancelled. We were able to catch one later in the day we it still went pretty well. It was a day of contacting and dropping people. A pretty productive day in my opinion. Then we had a ward social, only about 3 or 4 families showed up but the food was awesome!!! Then we went and contacted one person for the bishop. Well her husband was a former WWE wrestler. The dude looks scary, then he was cracking jokes with us left and right. He basically forced Elder Martin to hold a snake. This guy is just really funny. He breeds snakes and stuff so he has a room just for their food.... mice. Ya, that was crazy. He know so much about snakes it was crazy!

       Sunday I had a rough morning for some reason. So after studies we had a lesson with Tyeler to finish 17 miracles. Well we got there and asked if he was ready to finish the movie. He asked if we could do something else instead. We said yes then he asked for a blessing. He asked me to give it and it was a blessing that I will never forget. After the blessing Tyeler was in tears. He asked how blessings work. So we talked to him about it and about the priesthood. Great lesson. Then we had church and later that evening we got to go visit some people that had come to church. It was a good day!

       Well, it's been a great week here in Aztec! Until next time, Hagoonee'!

Elder Chipman

Navajo Code

       Yaa Teeh!

       Transfer week! Let's see what happened! :)

       Monday we had a Zone Activity where we played a couple mini games involving basketball, church knowledge, rock paper scissors, and water balloons. :) That was a lot of fun and I think everyone enjoyed it. We then went back to the house and I finished my college essays and sent them off. Then we had a lesson with one of our recent converts, Robin. He is so smart! He's bishop material, not that I wishing it upon him cause I don't wish that upon anybody.

       Tuesday we had 5 lesson. 4 of them were with 3 different members. It's great to have all that member support! We had several good lessons. The members here are great and are really starting to catch the vision of missionary work!

       Wednesday we met with Fred and his family and taught him the Plan of Salvation. They are really interested in being baptized! Then we went to Farmington because I had choir practice for the mission tour tomorrow.

       Thursday...... MISSION TOUR!!!!!! Elder Carlson of the seventy came down and taught us. He retired for the US Air Force as.... a 4 star general.... :O Wow.... don't make him mad. :) He was so awesome! He talked a lot about being obedient. I always love hearing from the leaders of the church. He told us a story of how he works out at the church gym in SLC and that Elder Christopherson and Elder Oaks come in and work out too. He said Elder Oaks lifts some weights and then goes walking. How cool would it be to work out with an apostle! Then we had a Mission Leadership Council with Elder Carlson. He taught us about Christ like leadership... so good!

        Friday we did a lot of finding. I finally got a quote everyone talks about. So I'm talking to this guy and I ask if he's ever met with missionaries before, "No, I'm Christian." (I almost smacked my forehead with my palm in front of this guy. :) ) I replied, "Oh really! We are too!" The look on that guys face.... PRICELESS! Then I showed him the back of the Book of Mormon where it has the church logo. Again, he was shocked. Then I gave it to him and set up a return appointment. Oh the joys of missionary work. :)

       Saturday we went on splits all day with two guys that have there mission calls. I went with Braden from the Flora Vista ward, he's going to the Lima, Peru East mission the 2nd of July. Elder Rushton went with Drew from our ward who is going to Rio Rancho Cucamonga mission in California in August. That was so much fun! We knocked on one guys door, Ed. He's not really into religion but we gave him a Book of Mormon and he said he'd read it. It was pretty cool cause he was in the Army Airborne and when I said I was a Marine that really helped him respect us a little more! Then we got a phone call from a girl in our ward who I've never met asking what time church started cause she wanted to go. So we went to her house and talked to her about it. It went really well. She also brought her dad and mom with her! Then we had transfer news... dun dun dun... :) I'm ..... staying in Aztec! I love Aztec! Elder Rushton is being transferred to Winslow. My new companion is Elder Martin! He came out with me and I know him. He's awesome! I'm so excited! He's from Wyoming. This is going to be a good up coming transfer.

       Sunday we helped out and taught sharing time in Primary! I love primary! Then we went around and took pictures for Elder Rushton.

       So there's my week! Hope you all have a good week! Until next time, Hagoonee'!

Elder Chipman

Navajo Code 6/9

       Yaa Teeh!

       One of the best weeks I've had here in Aztec! Here we go! :D

       Monday for work out we asked our Tongan Ward Mission Leader to come teach us to play rugby. We also had a priest for the Flora Vista ward come play. So much fun! Later that day we played Ultimate with us four. Again so fun! Then we met with one of our recent converts. He loves to talk but he is very engaging.

       Tuesday we had the housing coordinator come and take care of an ant problem we had. Then we met with a 12 year old investigator, Cayden, who is moving to Las Vegas this week. We gave her a BOM and she had us sign it. Then we went to the park and saw someone playing Basketball so we joined in and played a game in our proselyting clothes.

       Wednesday was great! We went and contacted some Former Investigators and got one that was interested. He's a Nuclear engineer. He started off it the Navy, sad... but I'll live. ;) Then we walked about 3 miles going to peoples house. I love walking. It lets you be seen. Then we had a lesson with a man named Fred. This was the first time I personally had met with him. We set some expectation and put him on date forAugust 2nd! Yeah! We have someone on date! Then we went out with members that night. We had a great night with lessons. The members are great. They invited those we were meeting with to church and the classes! AWESOMENESS!

       Thursday we met with Tyeler. He's come a long way since the missionaries were told to stop by his house by the bishop 2 months ago. He wouldn't even let them talk! He just closed the door. Now he is reading AND applying the scriptures, praying on his own and with us, coming to church, and he loves meeting with us! It's a miracle to see the mighty change of heart in this guy! Then we had dinner at another recent converts, the ones with the kids that are crazy about going to the temple! The youngest and only daughter is hilarious! She comes up to us and goes like this, "Can I get a whoot whoot!" While pushing her hands in the hair. Mind you she's about 4 or 5. She would argue with us if we tried to change thee whoot's to anything else. HAHA! :D

       Friday during studies we got a knock on our door. That means we are getting a package. So we both run down stairs and answer the door. It wasn't the post office lady at the door, nope! Two Jehovah's Witness darkened our doorway..... great. I will say this is the best encounter I've had with them on my mission. They were very nice to us and we had a nice little 5 or 10 minute conversation. But to be honest, I'd still rather have the post office lady at the door. :P

       Saturday there was a carnival at Riverside Park so we went. Passed out like 5 BOM's and got a return appointment. I must say... I ... am ...... BRILLIANT!!!! I bribed 3 girls from the Flora Vista ward to pass out 2 BOM's for me. I gave them each two pieces of gum for there labors. Awesomeness! Then we went to go teach a referral in Flora Vista ward boundries. We didn't let the sisters take it because of the safety concerns we had. Well we knock and out comes this lady who tells us that the guy we were looking for is in jail. But she is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED  to learn about the church.... Lucky sisters. Now that there is no safety concern they get to teach her. All well, they need good investigators too. :)

       Sunday after church we had a correlation meeting with President Dugger and President Batt about missionary work in the Bloomfield Stake. What a great meeting. We learned what the vision is for missionary work is and how we can accomplish it. Then we had a great lesson with Luis and Christy. They are so sincere about the lessons. They have some doctrinal concerns but they are reading and praying. Luis gave such an emotional closing prayer. He blessed us, the members who are fellowshipping them, themselves to know if this is true all while giving great praise to God. Wow.

      Well, it's been a great week! Until Next time, Hagonee'!

Elder Chipman

Navajo Code 6/2

       Yaa Teeh!

       Interviews this week = MLC =PURE AWESOMENESS!

       Monday we stayed at home and I got to finish my essays for College. I get to re write them and send them home today! Finally! Then for the holiday we had dinner at the park and played some games with a couple of families. Botchy ball was one of them. Fun stuff!

       Tuesday we had MLC. I really love MLC. We get to meet with a total of 30 missionaries, President and Sister Batt all in one room for about 8 hours! I learn so much during that meeting! It's probably my favorite meeting as a missionary! We talked about finding because the mission is struggling with it, we also discussed being a dignified missionary along with some other things. It was pretty interesting, for the closing prayer we decided to kneel down. Well President Batt got a cramp on his way down. He tried hard to get up then almost fell over! It was amazing to see how many people were right there with arms outstretched to help him. That is how much we love our Mission President!

       Wednesday we met with Tyeler. He is going through some ruff stuff right now so we just watched some Mormon Messages with him. I love Mormon Messages! Then we went for a walk... a mile + walk..... in 88 Degree weather!!!!! We did get some potential investigators out of it. :) And guess who rode a longboard?! :D Ok, what I should say is, Who almost DIED riding a longboard. :D :D Ya that was fun. I only rode about 15 feet and almost face planted it 3 times! I'm so skilled on a longboard it's not even funny. LOL. :) Then we visited with the Savages. They showed us around their garage where they had taken apart an engine to clean it. I may have just discovered an interested in auto mechanics.

       Thursday we got to do our interviews with President Batt. We go in a room and we get to ask him any question we want! He's so knowledgeable about the gospel! It's AWESOME!!!

       Friday we did MORE walking in, now, 90 degree + weather! But hey, we enjoy it and people see us, so it's worth it. Then we helped move a boot making machine that weighed about a half ton! Dolly's are so nice! We went to go wash it off at the car wash and I found a dollar bill just laying there! YOU NEVER FIND A DOLLAR BILL JUST LAYING AROUND! Maybe a coin but not a bill! Then we went to go see the less active family with the kids that are OBSESSED with going to the temple.

       Saturday Elder Rushton wasn't feeling so good so he crashed during studies and after studies I did the same thing only downstairs! Sleep is such a wonderful thing! Then I got to see one of the people I taught in Flora Vista. I think one of the most interesting parts about serving really close to where you have served before is that you really get to see who you effected while you were there.

       Sunday we went to go contact a referral, come to find out that it's a really nice less active family! Then at church we had fast and testimony meeting. Well the mom of the family we visited on Friday (With the kids that are OBSESSED with going to the temple) gave a really powerful testimony about needing to be at church. She told of how everything just lined up perfectly so she could receive her answer. Well she got her answer at 12 40 (We have 1 o'clockchurch) and went over to her husband and said, "We are going to church, Get Ready!" That must have caught him off guard! But hey, they came! Then we had a really good lesson with Luis and Christy about the Plan of Salvation. They had read the pamphlet and had several good questions about it! They are so sincere! It's great! Plus the lesson was in a members home! I love member missionaries!

       Well, that's all for this week. Until next time, Hagoonee'!

Elder Chipman