Yes, I've been transferred.

Hello mom,

I'm sorry I didn't get to you yesterday.  Transfers were yesterday, and yes...I did get transferred.  I will now be in Lakeport.  This area is HUGE!!  It's a really nice area, I've been here for a total of 18 hours.  My previous companion Elder Christensen served here.  The address here is 603 19th street Lakeport CA 95453

Anyway, I didn't get to e-mail you yesterday because myldsmail was down for some weird reason.  I was kinda bent out of shape when I couldn't e-mail you guys or read your e-mails.  But all is well in the world now :)

My new companion is Elder Hubbard.  He's been out for about 16 months.  He's kind of quiet.  I get the feeling that I intimidate him.  I hope I don't...I know what it feels like to be intimidated.  

Something that president has said to me more than once, (it's kind of a hidden message) my first transfer with Elder Bacon was not a good experience for me.  I let President know so he transferred me, what he told both Elder Bacon and I was that neither of us learned what he wanted us to learn.  So I figured that I needed to learn like "charity" or "patience" or something.  He called Elder Christensen and I to congratulate us on our new assignments.  He left a voicemail and said something in it that kind of...not really bothered me but made me uneasy.  He was telling about Elder Hubbard, that he was a good man and all that, then he said "hopefully" then changed his mind and said "actually I know that you'll learn what you need to learn from Elder Hubbard"  So that gives me the impression that I still haven't learned what President wants me to learn.  I've been doing a lot of pondering on this and thinking what it is that president wants me to learn.

Anyways, did you get the e-mail that had my challenge in it?  Let me know how you guys do.  I know that it seems like a bit much to ask, but if you think about it, it's really not.  Again let me know how you guys are doing with the challenges and commitments that I extend.  Like I said in my last e-mail, I know that this will bless our family.  I know that you know it will as well.  

Sister Bunker is going to send you an e-mail soon to this e-mail, so keep on the lookout.  I know what it is that she is going to send you, but I'm not going to tell you.  :) you'll just have to wait and find out.  I hope that you'll be able to do what she asks you to do (actually not to do) I know it's going to be hard but please please please try and do what she says, everyone of you.

Well that's it for this week.  Keep up the good work guys.  I love you all very much, I can't wait to hear from you next.  Hopefully I will get letters from you this week.

Much love,

Elder Graeme Newman

Two new investigators !

This week has been SO great!  The work is still slow...but we had a lot more happen than what usually does.  I've learned a lot this week.  I've learned a lot about charity and patience.  Elder Christensen and I get along great.  We have our issues at times.  And some of the stuff he does and says just drives me CRAZY!!  But I still love him.  We had a really good lesson in sunday school yesterday.  It was about godly sorrow, and forgiveness.  As I was listening to the teacher I was thinking about all the things that Elder Christensen does that drive me nuts.  But then, shortly after, it's like someone told me that "He isn't perfect, He makes mistakes, He's human too."  I already knew this, but it's like me eyes were opened wider and I saw an even bigger picture.  The stuff that he does, that's just him.  That's who he is.  I can't change who he is. 

We also found out this week that Elder Bills has to go in for surgery.  He has a staff infection in his chest.  So he has to go in and have them clean it all out.  They might have to cut out his right nipple to do it.  LOL!!  He's always joking about how he's not going to have a right nipple for the rest of his mortal life.  He says "maybe I can ask for a cool insision, like the Nike logo!!"  Elder Bills is SO funny.  I love and appreciate him.  He's one of my favorite Elders in the field right now.

We picked up a couple new investigators this week!!  Heidi Cullen is the first one we picked up.  Elder Kent and I contacted her on the street when we were on exchanges.  Then shortly after our visit on the street, Elder Bills and Elder Scott (one of our zone leaders) ran into her again and talked to her about the priesthood.  So she asked us if we could come over and give her a priesthood blessing because she wasn't feeling well.  She told us that she likes blessings and invited us to come again this Wednesday.

Luca Dada is our next one we picked up.  He's SO COOL!! He's Italian, he has a really thick accent.  He is married and has two kids.  He has a ton of questions concerning religion.  Like which of all these churches is the true one.  That question right there set the tone of the lesson.  We taught him the restoration and commited him to read the book of mormon and to pray about it.  (of course that whole story is in a nut shell).  But he has a lot of potential. 

There are some things I need but I'll send you a separate e-mail for all that.  It's asking for a lot though...

Anyways, I love you all.

Love, Elder Graeme Newman

BEST WEEK OF MY MISSION, I AM HAPPY :)

Hello Mother Dearest,

This past week was FANTASTIC.  Best week of my mission.  First we had an awesome breakfast over at the Petersen's.  Scones, bacon....SO GOOD!!  Tuesday we had Zone Conference.  I LOVE zone conference, President Bunker talked to us, pretty much the whole time.  We went over some small things first that needed to be addressed.  Then we got to the main thing that he wanted to talk about.

He told something has been pressing on his mind.  He feels that the work is "slowing down" he doesn't know what it is.  But he said something just doesn't feel right.  He didn't blame us, he didn't call us lazy.  In fact he said he couldn't be more proud and more happy with us.  All he said was something just doesn't feel right.  So what he talked about was things we can do to get us motivated to just "go and do."  He asked to turn to 3rd Nephi 11.  When the Savior came and allowed the people to come unto him one by one and feel the prints in his hands and feet, and thrust their hands into his side.  Think about it...ONE BY ONE.  The savior wasn't impatient, he wasn't putting other people at a higher priority.  In short president said "that's what we need to do.  We need to allow the people in our assigned areas to come unto us.  To invite ALL to come unto Christ.  So what he wants us to do is talk to everyone we come across.

I've learned many important and valuable things at zone conference. I've learned to start taking notes.  So what do I do?  I go out and buy 5 different note books to take notes in.  One is for church and mission meetings.  Another is for Book of Mormon study.  One for Bible study (i've started reading the old testament) One for Preach my Gospel., and one for interviews with President Bunker.  Elder Scott
said, "Revelation carefully recorded entitles us to even more knowledge from heaven"  something along those lines.  You can't quote me on that.

Recently I've been hungering...and thirsting after knowledge...I want MORE.  Sometimes I wish I could spend an entire day on my mission just reading the scriptures and writing all the revelation that comes to me.  Just so I can receive MORE and write it down MORE and receive and write, receive, write, receive write, receive, write.  AHHHHHH!!!!!! SO COOL!! :) moving on......

The day after we had district meeting.  Let me tell you...the BEST district meeting we've ever had.  The spirit was so strong there.  The spirit was teaching us all something.  We were all thinking the same things, we all had the same ideas.  It was AWESOME.  We basically talked about how we can improve the work in Sonoma.  We ended up talking about the Savior and the sacrifices that he made for us.  So we made the decision to write down EVERYTHING that distracts us from the work that we're supposed to be doing and just be rid of it.  We want to sacrifice something for the Savior, He's done so much for us. It's time that we give something back.

We all went to the temple on Thursday.  We were in the Celestial room ALL united in our purpose to become better.  In short this week was very spiritual.  It helped me grow a ton.  I'm still working on my list.  But I want to make this next year and a half totally dedicated to the Lord.  I want to work my hardest.  Just being out here isn't good enough.  I want to be out here and work my hardest.

On Friday I went on exchanges with Elder Bills.  He came to the English area.  We did a TON of service for different people today.  We helped a man in our ward pack up some things so he could move.  We also helped Mary around her house.  Mary is doing okay...She hasn't been to church since she's been baptized.  So that kind of bothers me.  She says she's stressed because she's trying to get her house sold and she's got A TON of work to do on it.  She's concentrating so much on reading the scriptures that she's procrastinating getting her home ready (which in turn stresses her out even more because she has a time limit to get it ready)  The thing that sucks even more is that she wont hardly let us help her.

Things couldn't have gone better with the exchange though.  I learned a lot from Elder Bills.  He's EXTREMELY intelligent.  He's a good friend.  I can see myself becoming really good friends with him after the mission.

Anyway, things are better here.  I've grown a lot in the past couple of weeks.  I've been able to help Elder Christensen out a lot.  I've been praying for charity and patience and everything else that I can think of.  Elder Christensen and I actually have unity now.  Stress is not nearly as bad as it has been.

I want to let you know that I'm not worried about all of you as nearly as much now.  I've learned to trust in the Lord.  Just as he says in D&C, "I will do with
your families as seemeth me good"  I know the Lord is taking care of you guys and watching over you closely.  I still pray for all of you every day and every night.  I don't want you to worry about me being unhappy or anything like that.
 I am happy :)

Well I'm going to e-mail president real quick-like and get off so we can get some shopping done.  I love you all!  You are in my prayers.

Elder Graeme Newman

Frustrations and short fuses but I LOVE the gospel.

Hey mom,

 

I liked how you said "I'm honest".  The reason I do that is because I need to hear from myself how...prideful, and impatient, and...everything else wrong with me.  It's hard to change.  It really is.  I had a unique prayer the other night.  I was just laying all of my frustrations out on the table.  I was telling Heavenly Father exactly what was going through my mind.  I wasn't leaving anything out.  I've just been SO frustrated and short fused lately.  Elder Christensen just wants to go out and work.  He just charges ahead without really thinking first.  I tell him and tell him and it's like it goes right over his head.  So just the small things that he does frustrates me.  I had a talk with him the other night.  We've just got some stuff to work out. 

 

The BIGGEST issue I have with him is that he interupts me when I'm talking...even when we're teaching people.  It's like he has this "image" in his mind where he wants the lesson to go and he just goes for it.  Sometimes I'm lucky to get a word in.  He has to REALLY hold himself back when we talk to people.  I can see the tension that he has when we actually do teach together.  But...he even admits that we taught really well that time....imagine that.  Geez.

 

Sorry this is kind of a venting e-mail.  I've just been so frustrated and stuff lately.  I'll let you know how it's going next week, and if I'm going to remain in Sonoma or not.  This next Monday is the beginning of a new transfer.  Holy cow time went by fast.  I have a feeling that I'm going to stay here.  We'll see though.

 

Our teaching pool is shrinking.  We've dropped a lot of investigators.  We've picked up some new ones though.  I baptized Mary Swegan, and let me tell you...THAT was cool.  I loved it.  I took some pictures, I'll send them off next week.

 

Today after we get e-mails done, we're going to go to some bike trails and have some fun.  I'll take a lot of pictures and record some stuff for you.  I really can't wait to send you the pictures home.  I know you're going to enjoy them.  Especially the videos that I took of us stuffing the grapes in our mouths lol.  I watch them a lot and they crack me up every time.  Elder Christensen has another video of Elder Kent stuffing grapes in his mouth and I'm in the background just BUSTING up.  I haven't laughed like that in a long time.  I'll see if I can find a way to send that to you. 

 

I also liked how you tried to tell me I have humility...I almost laughed.  I recognize that I'm being prideful and I have to fix it.  I just have no idea how.  I've decided to put all of the pictures I have on my desk in a shoe box out of sight so I can focus on being a missionary and not get distracted.  I want to see if it works or not. 

 

This last week wasn't that productive.  I mean we're talking to everyone.  But we only taught 12 lessons this last week and our goal was 20.  Our goal for new investigators last week was 7 and we only got.......1.  Better than nothing I guess.  Man I wish I wasn't so negative...I've always been like that.  My glass has always been half empty.  I'm REALLY trying to change it.  I just don't know how.  My work ethic out here is reflecting the work ethic I had when I was at checker.  I'm just unmotivated and not wanting to do anything.  That's another reason why I've been getting frustrated with my companion too.  I'm just being stubborn and not wanting to work as hard as he does. 

 

Anyway, I really don't have much more to write about.  How about I end this e-mail on a happy note huh?

 

I just want you all to know that I will not be coming home until my two years are up.  I'm going to stay out here and learn all I can, and change all I can.  I know that being out here will prepare me to live a happy life and teach me things that I would never learn in any other way.  I have grown a deeper love and appreciation for Heavenly Father and the Savior and what they have done for me.  I know you've heard me say this before, but I LOVE the gospel.  I LOVE the book of Mormon.  and I LOVE my family.  Being on my mission has made me realize how much I really do love what I left behind.  The mission has taught me how to love. 

 

I really enjoyed reading your e-mails.  I can't wait to hear from you next week. 

 

Much love,

 

Elder Graeme Newman

Graeme's Mission Messages: In the face of adversity

Graeme's Mission Messages: In the face of adversity

In the face of adversity

Things are going well.  They have gone better, but they're still going well.  Elder Christensen and I have some differences that we need to work out, but other than those things I love him.  He's a hard worker.  I have no idea how he stays as motivated as he does.  I pray every night and every morning that I'll get to that point.  I want to enjoy missionary work.  I want to find motivation within myself.  I've never been like that so it's hard.  I've never really finished anything that I've started. 

 

This week has been awesome as far as the work goes.  We found 4 new investigators this week.  I baptized Mary Swegan and Elder Christensen comfirmed her yesterday.  It was awesome!  My first baptism ever!  That definitely went in my journal.  I guess what I can do to get me motivated is to imagine me watching people I've taught getting baptized, we have to find them first!  THAT, is easier said than done however.  It's something I'm working on though.  

 

I would like to tell you about one particular investigator that we picked up this week.  We were tracting this street called Happy Lane.  We were getting doors slammed in our faces and kind 'no thank you's.  We were just getting shut down one after the other.  I was starting to get discouraged.  I really didn't want to tract because I was tired, it was 8 pm so I figured that people wouldn't want to talk to us anyway just because it was getting late.  But Elder Christensen persisted so I just said "fine let's get it over with" 

 

We knocked our last door and this teenage girl answered.  We asked if her mom was home.  She went and got her mom, we introduced ourselves and she told us that she was born again christian.  So I'm thinking "of course, another shut down." She was really reserved...at first.  Her husband was giving us a hard time in the background.  So she came out and closed the door behind her.  We soon learned that she was having some family issues and physical health issues.  So Elder Christensen talked to her about blessings of healing, and offered if we could give her one.  I'm thinking "dude, what're you doing!? We barely know this woman!"  To my astonishment she accepted.  

 

I performed the annointing and Elder Christensen gave her the blessing.  He gave one of the most powerful blessings I have ever heard.  She started to cry (and I mean cry) during the blessing.  At that moment I was thinking "this is incredible"  After the blessing she described what she was feeling.  She told us that she had a pain in her chest that had been giving her grief.  But what said shocked me.  She said she felt like she was being wrapped in a huge warm comforter.  The warmth that she was feeling went down from her head and into her chest exactly where the pain was...and she said the pain was completely gone.  

 

As I'm typing this I'm feeling the spirit so powerfully.  It doesn't last though.  I wish I felt the spirit this strong always.  I often feel like Laman and Lemuel.  Whenever things don't go their way they murmur and complain, but something good happens they repent and are completely faithful.  I do this all too often.  I feel the spirit way strong one day and the next...I'm getting distracted and feeling so inadequate that I don't want to go out and work.  I hate it.  I've been praying that I can change.  I hate the way I am.  I've always been lazy, I've never finished what I've started.  I just want to change!!  Keep me in your prayers.  Besides those amazing things that've happened this week I've been having a hard time being strong in the face of adversity.  One good thing that has come out of it though...my prayers are more sincere. 

 

Anyway I have to get off now.  I'll try to be more happy next week.  Sorry to leave the e-mail on such a sour note.  I wish I could write more but we only have one computer today and four missionaries that have to e-mail.  I hope to hear from you soon.  I love you all.  You remain in my prayers.

 

Love, Elder Graeme Newman

Hey mom,

 

Nothing much to report this week.  My new comp is Elder Christensen, (but you've already figured that out)  He's awesome.  He turned 19 this last January, he's still a youngin.  He's our district leader and my senior comp.  He's the best copmanion I've had yet.  He's a hard worker.  And I mean HARD worker.  I have a hard time keeping up with him.  I have to tell him to slow down sometimes.  I feel bad for him because he has to slow down and work at my pace.  

 

Our area got switched to a bike area.  Did I already tell you this?  Anyway I got a bike.  I'll take a picture of it for you to see.  It was for 250 and then I got a helmet for 30 and a new seat for 30 (which is oh so comfortable by the way)  for a grand total of $334.41.  I hope that's okay.  I like the bike I bought.  It's sweet.  I'm definitely going to get in shape this transfer...whether I like it or not.  I come home dog tired every night because of it.  It's hard, especially for me being as out of shape as I am. 

 

I haven't really been getting letters from friends.  The last two I got were from Ashley Romrell and from Emilee (Jakes girlfriend)  I loved both of those letters.  I would like to hear from Jake and Steve soon.  I want to know how they're doing.  I haven't heard from them since I've been in the MTC.  (long time)

 

Mary Swegan is doing fantastic.  She's our most solid investigator we have.  She's so ready for baptism.  She didn't come to church yesterday though, like she said she would.  Ugh.......that's frustrating.  She says she has insomnia.  She was up all night and was way tired so she couldn't make it.  Which I think is true.  Satan knows that she can't get baptized unless she comes to church.  So he's doing everything he can to prevent her from going.  We have a meeting with her tonight, so we'll talk about it with her more tonight. 

 

We haven't been able to meet with John Hubbenette lately.  He's a trucker and is on call.  So it's been difficult.  President asked us to not include personal info about our investigators in our e-mails home.  Cause it get's online and that stuff is exposed and all that good stuff.  The church actually told him to tell us not to do that.  anyways...John isn't doing that great.  He's not really keeping his commitments.  I'll just leave it at that.

 

Dwayne is doing well.  He came to church yesterday...but left right before the sacrament was passed.  It's still progress though!  He usually sits in the foyer, this time he sat in the chapel.  BIG accomplishment.  He came with a huge smile on his face too.  Elder Christensen and I devised a way for him to quit smoking.  Every pack he get's this week take one out and crush it.  The next week, take 2 out and so on...We figured that would be good to ween him off of it.  He came with a huge smile on his face and look of accomplishment on his face as he told us "I took a smoke out this morning, broke it right in half!"  HAHA!!  It's working!!  He's actually doing it!  I'm super stoked for him.

 

Well I gotta go.  I can't wait to hear from you next week.  I love you all and pray for you often.  I hope my prayers are working!  Ask Bishop Anderson if he got my letter.  If he did, tell him to write me!  I'm anxious to hear from him!  As well as all of my friends in Londonderry and Cresent Park YSA wards.

 

Love you!

 

Elder Graeme Newman

Helloooooooooooo Family and Friends!!!

Helloooooooooooo Family and Friends!!!

 

My second transfer has ended!  Wow that was fast.  It seems like yesterday I was driving to Sonoma with Elder Buchan.  Now I'm spending the last minutes with him.  He will be going to Highlands area, in Lake County as a trainer and a District Leader.  What a stud!!  I will be remaining in Sonoma for the next 6 weeks.  My new companion will be Elder Christianson.  I haven't met him yet.  I'm excited and nervous at the same time.  I haven't even seen him or heard anything about him.  He will be our District leader in Sonoma.

 

Things are going well her in Sonoma.  I'm so glad that I get to stay here!  The work here is picking up nicely.  I'll keep you updated as time goes on, I told you about the work last week.  Nothing has really changed there.  I'm sad that Elder Buchan has to go.  But I'm happy for him because he deserves a leadership calling.  He's going to teach his greenie missionary how to be a stud just like him!

 

Elder Pratt, (our former district leader) is also going to train.  Elder Pratt is going to remain here in Sonoma, and Elder Polson is going to Vallejo.  The whole Napa Zone has changed.  Half of the Elders are going to be new to the Zone.  It's going to be way different than what I got used to.  We have a lot of stud missionaries coming into Napa though.  So our numbers should be improving.  

 

We have 17 new missionaries coming in today!!  Holy cow!!!!!  I'm excited for them.  One of them might be one of the Elders that was in my MTC district that had to go home.  His name is Elder Marcelo.  I told Elder Buchan to keep an eye out for him when the trainers take the greenie's out on their first contacting activity.  They would get along SO well.  

 

Well that's it for now.  I would just like to end this letter with my testimony and an expression of love toward everyone back home.  I know this church is true.  I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God.  I know that this is God's work and it's time that SHOULD NOT be wasted.  I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that HE SAW God the Father and the Son.  I am SO thankful for the sacrifices that he and the saints made to keep God's true church on the earth.  Above all, I am grateful for the Saviors atoning sacrifice for us.  I know that we can not only be cleansed from sin, but be completely changed by the Redeeming power of the Atonement.  I have come to know that our Father in Heaven and Savior are so loving, and so forgiving, Their arms are outstretched toward us, anxious for us to return home.  We can return by exercising Faith in Jesus Christ, Repent of our sins, be baptized in His name, Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and last but not least...Endure to the end.  The sacrifice that the Savior made can never be repaid.  He gave his all for us.  It's my turn to give my all for Him.  

 

I know that by serving my mission, it will prepare me for the rest of my life.  It will prepare to be a better husband and father and friend.  I know that what I learn on my mission will benefit my friends and family and future family and that they will be blessed because of it. 

 

I want to express my love and gratitude for everyone that I left.  I thank you for your love and support.  For the sacrifices that you have made in my behalf.  Most of all I want to thank my Parents, for bringing me into this world, for loving me unconditionally, and raising me in this church.  I will never be able to repay the sacrifices that my Mother and Father made.  They've heard me say this before, but I am sorry for the person I was.  But I thank you for that unconditional love.  Now it's my turn to repay that.  That's why I'm serving my mission, because I know that my family will be blessed.  They need those blessings.

 

Again I love all of you, from every ounce of my being. I wish you all the best.  And I will see you again VERY soon!!

 

MUCH love from the west coast,

 

Elder Graeme Newman

Working hard

Sorry I don't really have much time to write.  I was writing to president about the work here in Sonoma.  The reason I wrote him first is because he wants us to.  It's not required, but I'm trying my best to do  what president wants. 

 

The work here in Sonoma is picking up nicely.  My testimony on diligence is growing.  Elder Buchan and I have been diligent moreso than we usually are.  We're working hard.  The Lord is blessing us for our efforts.  I think God is trusting us more and more as we continue to strive to be obedient and diligent in finding those people whom he has prepared.  We have, not a huge number, but a good amount of people that we're teaching.

 

First is Mary Suagan, she is as solid as can be.  She is so ready to get baptized.  We set a date for her on the 27th of August.  We're going to try and move that date up though. 

 

The next is John Hubbenette.  He's solid too.  He was actually a former investigator, but we picked him back up.  Elder Buchan and I have only taught him once, but in that lesson, the spirit was so strong.  That lesson was directed by the spirit, no question.  It was awesome.

 

I went on exchanges with Elder Bankhead.  He's one of the AP's.  He's such a good guy!  I loved working with him.  He's so humble and so kind.  He made me feel good about myself.  He was giving me compliment after compliment the entire exchange.  How my teaching is awesome, and my contacting skills as well.  He said I was a beast lol.  I've definately changed a ton since I've been out. 

 

My solo in church went okay...I messed up and sung a line twice in a row.  I just shrugged it off and kept singing though.  It bothered me though that I didn't get it just right.  I was so nervous!  I was glad when it was over with.  But I still enjoyed it.  I'm definately going to take voice lessons when I get home.  I don't know why I was so stubborn when I was kid.  I should've listened to you and dad when you wanted me to take piano lessons and get into choir.  Now I wish I would have.  I regret not doing so.

 

Say Hi to everyone for me.  Give a shout out on Facebook to my friends too.  Tell them I love them and miss them, and pray for tham everyday. 

 

I love you and dad and Josh and Cara most of all.  I hope that my efforts and prayers being a missionary are blessing all of your lives.  I hope that I get to return home to an active family.  If not that's okay.  I still love you the same.  That just gives us something to work on together :)  Again I love you and miss you!

 

From Sonoma, CA

 

Elder Graeme Newman

 

Rough Week, June 27th

Well I guess it's update time.  Just yesterday an investigator named Ray Christian was baptized.  We've been teaching for a little over a month.  Elder Buchan my companion baptized him, and I confirmed him promptly after.  It was nice.  Of course I was nervous confirming him.  But it's good for me.  I'm growing and learning.

 

Elder Buchan and I had a rough week last week.  We went from 6 investigators having a baptismal date to 2.  One of them we dropped, 2 of them dropped us, and one of them got baptized.  One of the investigators that dropped us was Sandy.  She was 1 week away from getting baptized, she was interviewed and ready to go.  Then last tuesday she called us and said she can't do it.  "It's just been too hard on her" she said.  She has a boyfriend who's 24 years younger than she is.  Her boyfriend has 2 kids that she takes care of.  Her boyfriend lives with her a few days a week.  She didn't want him to move out because she thought that that would break up her little family.  And she doesn't want to get married to him because both of them think it's socially unacceptable.  So she's got some figuring out to do. 

 

The next investigator that dropped us was a lady named Marisol.  Elder Buchan and I thought she was golden.  She accepted a baptism invitation, and set a date with her for the 16th.  Then after Sandy called us on Tuesday, she called us and said that she wants to figure things out for herself and she wanted to talk to her pastor about it......NOOOOOOO!!!! UGH!!  

 

Dwayne O'neil is one of our investigators with a date.  His date is the 23rd, right after transfers.  I can't remember if I told you about him or not.  But he's a schyzophrenic who's addicted to smoking.  And I mean addicted.  He smokes like 2 and a half packs a day.  He says it fills a void in his life.  So we're trying to find something that will replace that.  He had the idea of getting a pet or something.  He doesn't have very many friends either.  He comes to church though, which is good.  He didn't come yesterday or the week before though...which was kind of disappointing.  

 

Hmmm...what else...Not much going on in my life right now.  Elder Buchan is having trial after trial after trial.  I feel bad for him.  But he still works as though nothing has happened.  He's a good example to me and the other elders in the district.  He's had 3 pets that have died.  2 dogs and a cat.  His Dad got in a pretty bad car wreck, the car ended up rolling, but his Dad walked away with a few bruises.  Thank goodness.  

 

Anyway, how are you all doing?  You having family home evening yet?  If not that's okay.  How's Jake and Emilee doing?  I haven't heard from Emilee yet.  I haven't been updated recently...I get a little discouraged when I don't have anything in the mail.  It's something I look forward to everyday.  I understand agency though.  I just keep praying that I'll have patience while I await for letters from my friends.  

 

This transfer is going by WAY fast.  It's already the start of the 5th week of this transfer.  I've already been out 3 months in a couple of days.  Time flies when you're a missionary.  Other times I think time doesn't go by fast enough...I miss all of you and my friends so much.  But I know that I have to stay out here.  I'll see you all again.  I'll weep when I do.  I think about the day I come home often.  I try not to, but I do.  I don't know if that's good or not. 

 

Well I'm running out of time.  I still need to write dad and President.  I can't wait to hear from you next.  I love all of you.  Tell everyone I said hi.

 

Love Elder Graeme Newman  

We've been blessed

There's not much to say this week.  Other than Elder Buchan and I have been working our butts off.  We've been tracting and contacting a ton, we've been blessed for it.  Two new solid investigators have come our way.  Their names are Mary Suagan (Sway-gin) and Tip Massey.  We're going to be teaching them this week.  So pray for them! 

 

Also the Spanish Elders in our district are teaching this guy named Mike Guzman.  Mike has been investigating the church for 2 years.  They don't know why he won't get baptized.  But, him and his wife took us out to dinner the other night, and I started talking to Mike.  He's a lot like me come to find out.  I had a connection with him and think I know what his deal is with getting baptized.  I think he's just scared because he was baptized into another religion, and went inactive.  So I think he's scared that the same thing will happen.  But I think Elder Buchan and I can get his concerns resolved so we can finally get him baptized.  I'm excited to teach him.  Pray for him as well.

 

Well that's it for this week, let me know if there is anything I'm leaving out in my e-mails that you would like me to include. 

 

Much Love!!

 

Elder Graeme Newman

I'm more persistant now

I'm glad I get to talk to you today.  I always look forward to writing home and see how everyone is doing.  I'm glad to hear that you're all doing well.  I'll try to write as if I'm writing in my journal.  So here goes.

 

This week was kind of slow, we didn't teach too many lessons.  But we have a couple of baptisms coming up.  Sandy Standly, (who runs a daycare) she's awesome and she's way good with kids.  Her kids are very well behaved.  We have her scheduled for the 2nd of July.  Next is Ray Christian, he has an audio visual disability, (he can't read) he looks like a hippy, he's long red hair and he has an untamed beard.  He's pretty cool haha.  I like him a lot.  We have him scheduled for the 3rd of July.

 

I like Sonoma, although I like the Napa 2nd ward better.  The members were more involved in their callings, and there weren't a whole lot of elderly people.  I like where I live though.  The house we live in is the middle one.  We cleaned it real nice today because our bishop announced that he will be performing inspections of our residence unannounced.  That and he's an ex marine.  So we made sure the place was spotless. 

 

Elder Bacon was a district leader last transfer.  He's still District leader this transfer.  As for my companion, I still like him so much more than Elder Bacon.  Elder Buchan is far more charitable than Elder Bacon was.  It's like a breath of fresh air.  And with my companionship with Elder Buchan, my contacting has gotten a lot better.  I'm more persistant now.  I talk to people until they say "no" about four or five times.  That's what president wants us to do.  He wants us to get the word out.  I'm definitely going out of my comfort zone with Elder Buchan.  He's still far better at contacting than I am.  But I'm improving.

 

Saturday we had a dinner at the ward for some scout thing.  When they invited all the Eagle scouts to come up and sit in the eagles nest, my companion and the other two elders in my district got up and sat in the nest.  It got me thinking a little bit.  It made me regret not working hard at getting my eagle, because I can never go back and do it again.  It also got me thinking about my mission.  If I go home early because I think that I can't do it, or I miss home too much, I'm going to look back in the future and regret coming home early, because I can never go back and do it again.  So that experience that I had made me more determined to stick it out.  No matter how hard it gets.

 

I'm studying the Book of Mormon right now.  I'm just reading it through...slowly.  I'm in Mosiah right now.  I just finished Abinadai (sp?) I'm now reading Alma the Elders account.  I'm getting so much more out of what I'm reading than what I got out of the first time I read the Book of Mormon.  I'm also studying the Christlike attributes found in preach my gospel.  That's helping me out a lot.  My faith has grown substantially since my first transfer.  

 

Well that is it for now, I hope you enjoy this weeks entry.  I love and miss you all.  I hope you continue to grow closer together as well as grow closer to your Savior and Heavenly Father.  Stay diligent in scripture study and obey his commandments, no matter how hard they are.  You will be blessed, I promise you, and he promises you.  Again I love you all.  Until next week.

 

Elder Graeme Newman

Sonoma

Hey mom,

 

I would just like to start off by saying that I love Elder Buchan.  He's such a good guy.  He's charitable, he's good at building you up when you're down too.  He also gives fantastic advice.

He's really good at street contacting and being persistant, he doesn't give up.  He's a good missionary. 

 

I like Sonoma a lot.  Although I wish I was still in the Napa 2nd ward.  I wish I would've stayed there and got Elder Buchan as a companion.  I just feel like there's more I can do in that area.

 

I'm glad you like Sister Newman.  I really thought you would.  She's like a grandma to me.  The Newman's are our landlords.  They own a triplex.  So yes we do live in a small house.  The Elders who live next door are Elder Polson (who is the most air headed, innocent elder in the mission right now.)  I'll send you pictures of him.  Try and picture him in either a Boy Scout uniform with short shorts and socks that go up to his knees, or an old school, school boy outfit.  You'll have a good laugh with that image in your head.  Then there is Elder Pratt, he's very quiet, but he's the nicest Elder out on the mission right now.  He's also our district leader.  Him and Elder Polson are companions and are spanish speaking missionaries.  So we just have 4 elders in our district.

 

What else...Oh!  We baptized 9 year old Alyssia Hernandez.  Elder Polson got to baptize her, and guess who confirmed her a member?  I had the wonderful privilage of doing so.  It was a cool experience.  I was SO nervous though.  When it came time to end the blessing, I forgot how to end the blessing!  so we sat there for a good 30 seconds.  That doesn't seem long, but when it's pure silence...it seems like an eternity.  But it was all good. 

 

Well nothing more to report now.  Other than I love you and miss you all. 

Much love,

 

Elder Graeme Newman

Transfer time

Hello family!

It's a good thing you didn't mail anything yet because I am being transfered.  I will be in Sonoma for at least the next 6 weeks.  My new companion will be Elder Buchan (pronounced buckin) I'm still in the Napa zone, so I won't be moving too far.  I'm way stoked to serve with him though!  The other Elders in my new district are awesome as well!  I'm going to have a blast this transfer.  My new address is going to be 888 West Verano, Sonoma CA 95476.  So I hope to hear from all of you soon! 

Elder Bacon and I have come a long way.  This last week wasn't that bad at all.  He still says some stuff that drives me crazy.  But I get over it.  I try not to let it bother me.  I've come to learn a lot more patience than I'm comfortable with.  But that's good, because if you're comfortable you're not growing.  I've definitely grown.  This companionship with Elder Bacon was not a waste by any means.  Both of us have learned valuable things from it.  

Well that's pretty much it.  Not much to say this week, sorry... I will talk to you next week!

Much love from Napa CA,

Elder Graeme Newman

Graeme's Mission Messages: Patience

Graeme's Mission Messages: Patience

Patience

Thanks Mom for the lyrics.  They are really good.  I'm kinda glad you guys are getting all that rain.  You guys won't have to worry about a drought.

Things are going a little better with my companion.  We're actually finding stuff to talk about.  My issue with him was is that I couldn't be myself around him because I felt that he was judging me all the time, that he thought that I was stupid.  Well turns out during our companionship inventory, that that's just who he is.  He's just really stark, and I need to learn not to take that personally.  He doesn't judge me, nor does he think I'm stupid.  But he told me that I need to try and "be myself" that way it isn't so boring.  It's just hard for me to be myself when I'm not comfortable around him.  I'll try though.

I have taken the liberty of studying the Christlike attribute "Patience" I'm really studying it in depth.  It seems to be helping.  I think all of us should study patience.  It's not only good for your personal growth, but it's a good testimony builder as well.

Logan is not yet baptized.  We talked to his dad, and he just needs to iron out the creases with his wife.  Then we can get him an interview and get him baptized.

Rebecca is progressing slowly but surely.  We re-scheduled her baptism date to August 13th.  She's nowhere near being ready, but...she is very receptive and she is keeping her commitments so far.  So she is progressing just like any normal person would I think.  She'll get baptized, don't worry.

Well that's it for now, love you all!  Tell everyone I said hi, and thank you for their love and support!

Elder Graeme Newman

Much love from the West Coast

Hello family!!

Trying to make things work with my companion is hard, we have our ups and downs, (mostly downs).  During weekly planning we had our companionship inventory, and discussed some issues that we needed to work on.  One of the many issues I have with him is communication.  He automatically assumes that I know what he's doing and why he's doing it.  It's like he doesn't grasp the concept that I'm still green and don't know all he knows.  For example, we would go visit some people at their homes, I don't know who we are visiting because he doesn't tell me.  Sure we have our plan for that day, but very seldom does he stick to the plan.  So I brought that issue up and he's done better at it.  (He still needs to work on it) but he's doing better.  

An issue he had with me was that It's hard to hold a conversation with me.  He pictured it as me just not wanting to talk to him.  I just don't know what to say.  But I've been trying to do better at talking with him.  So far it's been going alright.  We still don't like each other...but it could be worse. *knock on wood* 

During the past few weeks we have been trying to find people.  We have no one to teach.  No appointments, nothing.  So we just try to go visit people who have been taught by missionaries before (former investigators) or people who have been contacted by missionaries but haven't been taught yet (potential investigators) so far no luck.  I think it has to with how we're not working as hard as our mission president would like us to.  I know that for a fact that I'm not working hard at all, but it's not totally my fault.  I'm the Junior companion, the greenie.  Having a companion that you have to stay with is very restrictive.  Especially when that companion isn't very motivated to go out and work until he drops.  I just do what my companion does.  There is one day that I recall working our butts off.  At the end of the day I felt fulfilled.  I was exhausted, but I felt good because I know I worked hard.  I wish my companion would do that every day.  I know that both of us would be happier.  He's just too stubborn and prideful to admit it.

This has been a growing experience for me though.  So it's not all bad.  This rough experience I've been having is teaching me patience and humility.  I admit I have been prideful.  But it's a work in progress.  So don't worry.  I still have yet to figure out the reason why God gave me Elder Bacon as a companion.  But as I ponder about it more and more, I'm thinking patience and humility have to do with it.  I just hope if there's a lesson for me to learn, I learn it fast.

Church is great, every time I go to church I feel like I'm home.  Church no matter where you go is the same.  That's something that I enjoy.  The members here are AWESOME.  They're so involved with everything, they're examples of how members should be like I think.  They magnify their callings.  They go far beyond that extra mile, and they're blessed for it.  There's so much love in this ward.  Everyone cares about each other.  Just like the Londonderry ward and my new singles ward back home.  

We get a lot of dinner appointments, I think there's only three nights we've not had an appointment as long as I've been out.  The members are so willing to feed us.  It's nice to get to know them in another setting aside from church.  

As far as teaching people, we are teaching one Former Investigator.  Her name is Rebecca.  We've taught her two lessons so far.  When we taught her last the very first question she asked was "what do I need to do to get baptized?" Cool huh!?  I'd say haha.  So far that's the only person I've had real experience teaching from the beginning.  She'll get baptized :) There's another kid that is going to get baptized soon too.  His name is Logan.  I think I told you about him when I called you on mother's day.  He's the kid whose father is a convert, and whose been going to church and all the activities for about two years.  We just need to set up an interview with him and he's ready to get baptized.  Those are the only two people we're really teaching.  We haven't found anyone yet.

Thank everyone for being so supportive!  I love you all very much.  I pray for you every single morning and night.  Yes, my friends too.  I will never forget the influence all of you had on me.  Every one back home is the reason why I'm out here.  I've felt God's love through all of you.  I want other people to feel that love.  I'm out hear to tell them that.  Again I love you all!  Until next week!

With much love from the West Coast,

Elder Graeme Newman 

Awesome Zone Conference

Hey mom, alright let me get the questions out of the way first and then I'll tell you how my week went.  Zone conference was awesome, very spiritually uplifting. I thought it was going to be a rebuking from president telling us everything we're doing wrong. It was nothing like that.  There was nothing but love in zone conference.  It was awesome.  I have no idea who those other two elders were.  They aren't even in my zone.  We had a bunch of different zones in our mission gather at zone conference.

I didn't get to talk to president about my issues.  I figure he doesn't want to listen to me complaining my first transfer.  I let him know that I was having difficulty, but I didn't give him details.  So I just told him I'll do what I can first before I go to the president.  That's what I'm doing.  As of late the companionship is looking up.  We're actually laughing together and starting to horse around and stuff, I just wish he was more motivated.  I want to go out and WORK.  I want to come home exhausted but know that I worked hard today.    But as for getting along with each other, things are looking up.  So don't worry about that.  There's only 2 more weeks in this transfer anyway, so at a minimum I'll only have to be with him for 2 more weeks.  Hopefully my next companion is "gung ho" and fun.

I got the package before the letter, (figure I should let you know) Elder Bacon and I enjoy the bouncy balls you got for us.  We set up targets across the room and try and hit them.  It's fun.  I enjoy the music too.  But ( don't think I'm being selfish ) I want more lol.  I have a playlist on my Zune software it's called Church.  Could you put that on a CD and send it to me?  For some reason the music you sent me plays in a regular CD player but doesn't play in the truck.  I think you just need to use a different file type.  Dad should know how to do that.  And also could you tell Lynn to put together some music CD's for me?  Tell him I want the Land Before Time song on one of them.  He'll know what I'm talking about.  He has some good music, and a lot of it.  That's why I ask you to ask him.  

Also I would like a few addresses that are not in my possession as of now.  The following addresses that I would like can all be found via Face Book by asking them.  Krista Park, Dani Snow, Stephanie Johnson, Lynn Hollinger, Jake Clark, Rikki Olson, Dave Dabb, Jessica Newton, and last but not least Lindsey Buck.  Tell them all I would like music :) and ask Lindsey if she would send me a CD with the "Tracting In A Winter Wonderland" song on it.  She'll know what I'm talking about lol.

 I did not get a bike.  That got put on hold again because the vehicle we have is only aloud 600 miles a month, (not that many).

Tell Curtis and Raye Congrats.  That's way cool!  I'm glad to hear that you went to church!  It brings great joy to my soul!  Now you just need to get the rest of the family to go with you :) also listen to a talk by Jeffery R. Holland in the 171st general conference, it's called "Like a watered garden" it's about tithing.  You'll love it.  And it might give you guys the extra motivation to do it.  I know that it will bless your lives.  Even if it is hard, it's worth it.  I know you know that.

Well I can't think of anything else to say, so I will let you go. 

I love you all!

Elder Graeme Newman

I'm so glad to be out here!

Wow, I have so much to say but so little time to say it!

The mission is going well, I love the area I'm in at the present time. My companion is kinda weird...but he's a great missionary. He's older than I by about 8 months. The area I'm in is kind of sketchy in some parts. As for the weather...It's been clear skies ever since I got here. HAHAHA! *points finger and laughs. Sorry I had to. The mission is challenging, it gets me out of my comfort zone, I like it. We have a baptism coming up this week. Her name is Susanne Bernstein. She's AMAZING. She's getting baptized on the 7th. She's SO ready. She was ready even before I got to the field. But I enjoy teaching her. Her testimony is SO strong and she's very receptive to what we have to say. 

There is this other investigator that I have good feelings about. His name is Brian Kough. We're actually going to see him this Tuesday and watch the Joseph Smith Movie with him. He had a baptism date set before but he just doesn't come to church. He needs to come to church!!  

We visited a man named Roger in the Hospital. He's a less active member. He's been diagnosed with cancer and he's in a lot of pain. He tries so hard to put on a good face. He does a good job of it too. He has a fantastic sense of humor. We shared some scriptures with him to give him comfort. He got a little emotional. We also left him with a priesthood blessing. After the blessing he opened his eyes and just pondered the words of the blessing. He started to cry, he looked up at me and I could see a lot of pain but also happiness in his eyes, as well as gratitude. He was SO grateful for what we did. I'm so glad to be out here, to be able to bless people's lives. I know the spirit is guiding me and supporting me in everything I do.

We ran into a man in the street working on his car. We asked if he needed help and he said (not unless you know anything about cars) That's when I laughed and said "actually..." long story short we had a 30 minute conversation with him about our religion and his beliefs as well. He believes a lot of what we do as LDSs. We gave him a Book of Mormon and gave him our contact info. Sadly he wasn't in our area so we had to refer him to some other missionaries. So we'll see how it goes. 

Anyway, that's my first week here in Napa, CA. Let everyone know that I'm doing well and tell them to WRITE ME. Geez. lol. I'll be writing letters home when I get back home. So tell Josh and Cara that they'll get letters this week. 

I love you all!!

Elder Graeme Newman

Blown Away!

Hey mom, I'm glad to get at least some mail. I haven't gotten any mail from my friends yet. I see all the other Elders in my district getting 1 and sometimes 3 letters or packages a day. I'm getting kind of discouraged in that aspect. Maybe God is just trying to teach me patience. I was excited to get a letter from Dad. I just mailed a letter to Josh and Cara today, so expect it in the next couple of days.

 

I can only e-mail, on Wednesday's (my P-day) and also write letters. I'm super busy here at the MTC. I love it though. despite the fact that I'm exhausted. I've learned more than I have in probably a year. Imagine what can happen in the two years I'm gone.

 

Figure I should tell you about my companions and my district. We are staying in the Addison Pratt building. My companion Elder Stainback is funny. I like him a lot. He's also our district leader and I District leaders' companion. So we're in charge of the other two elders we room with, (Elder Henrie and Elder Marcelo) I think you'd like Elder Marcelo a lot. He's super funny and makes me laugh every day. He's a story teller, he uses his hands to talk so it's more dramatic. He's just a comical person. And he along with Elder Stainback and Elder Henrie are going to the best mission in the world. The California Santa Rosa mission!!

 

The other 5 elders are going to serve in the 2nd best mission, the Arizona Tucson mission. Two elders in that mission I get along with famously. They're names are Elder Quist and Elder Childs. I'm going to miss them when it comes time to leave. The other 3 Elders in my district are Elder Handerhan, Elder Winger, and Elder Brown. They've had a couple of disputations among each other so my companion and I had to step in and try to resolve it. So far they're doing well.

 

My district is doing this new thing in the MTC called the Pilot Program. What we do is we have lessons during the day that teach us the doctrine, and then use what we learned in simulated investigator visits. By the time we leave the MTC we will have a total of 26 discussions. I feel it's good to do things that way because we get a feel of what it's going to be like in the mission field. We get the experience to start out with. So that's cool. I can tell I've grown because of this, and it's only been a week. 

 

I'm so blown away about how much I've learned and how the Spirit works to help you in your preparation and teaching. My companion and I have prepared awesome lessons for "investigators" that we've taught. Some of the time we don't even get to the lesson. We talk about something completely different. It's amazing how the spirit works. I've never felt the Spirit so strong before. I love it!

 

I had the opportunity to give a priesthood blessing to 2 elders in my district, which drew us even closer together. We're like brothers to each other, every one of us. I love it. Elder Stainback is like my little brother cause I give him all sorts of crap and pick on him a lot. All in good fun though.

 

Thank you for the $10. I'll use it wisely. Tell dad thanks for sending my immunization records as well. Write me more! I love getting letters. When I got that letter from Dad it was like a huge weight was lifted. I like feeling like I'm not forgotten.

 

Anyway I'll let you go, I love every one of you and I urge you to study the Book Of Mormon as a family. I know it can help all of you draw closer together. I've used the Tree of life Vision found in Chapter 8 of 1st Nephi in most of my lessons to "investigators" then I invite them to read 1st Nephi 11 which explains the symbolism of that vision. Read that as a family and discuss it. I invite you to :)