Friday, March 27, 2009

Weeks 9 & 10

Two more weeks down, 2 months down, only 22 more to go!

Elder McBride has sent to more letters and he still sounds like he is doing really well. He survived the first round of transfers and stayed in the same place with the same companion, so basically, the changes didn't effect him.

Here is a portion of his last letter - he went with his companion to another church and they had to have a security escort.

So I am guessing you want to hear more about my Cross Roads/Security Guard experience... haha :) (mom: lol, kolten told me I shouldn't ever had told you that I have to have a security guard for something - so sorry if that scared you ;)) But anyway... we went into the building (all great and spacious mind you) and everyone was starring at us! Then we met with our security guard - he was really cool with us. He took us into the room where the thing was going to take place (called Generate) the room was bigger than a stadium! as we walked in, everyone started hugging us and telling us we were at "home" lol - a little weird!

Then he sat us down right in front of the speakers. A couple of minutes later a rock band came out called 'Sex Salon" (hummm, ya weird name for a church rock band - i know!) So they started blasting their music for like 40 minutes with everyone singing along, raising their hands and kneeling in prayer - I was a little freaked out. E. Varney said, "we might as well get up and get into it and clap." So we did and I started getting "into it" and he said, "not that much into it!" haha. But I will have to say I liked the music a lot! Might have to look that up on iTunes! haha But really the whole thing was just a concert and advertising - not at all spiritual! (Never thought I would go to a rock concert on my mission lol)

Then after the music they turned the lights to the corner of the room right where we were be and there was a tank full of water there & these guys and girls walked out and baptized their friends - I was like "WOAH, didn't see that one coming!" then this guy came out and gave a speech about sex and was very very ..specific? haha wow - yet another thing I didn't think I would be hearing on my mission.

After the talk and another concert it was done and while we were walking out, this lady fell down the stairs on us and said she was sorry - but she thought she saw Mormons... then she freaked out when she saw our badges and grabbed our hands and was saying how good it was to see us there and that she used to be Mormon and how we need to change and convert like she did. She said we didn't believe in Christ.. we assured her we did, and she said that we did not -but believed in the "Mormon Christ!" hmmmm??? The security guard then pushed her away so we could get out. haha wow what a fun experience!!

Elder McBride also said they have a few baptisms lined up for the end of this month - and has asked us to pray for them!

He got to help out at the library for book-a-paloza day and had to wear a balloon hat, I'm sure he loved it and hopefully we will get some pictures!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Week 7 and 8

Direct quote " I never really thought how much I would miss you all before I left, (hence the non-emotional part.) ;)

HE HE HE - of course he would miss us -who wouldn't?

We've had two more letters from Elder McBride - he sounds really great! He bought a GPS to aid with his directional skills - and he is loving it.

He is teaching quite a few people. He says the spirit is so strong, and from his letters you can tell he genuinely cares for the people. He has his first baptism lined up for March 14th and has asked us to remember the people he is teaching in his prayers.

His companion, Elder Varney, is a district leader, so Patrick has done several exchanges over the past few weeks while Elder Varney does his other duties. He is really enjoying getting to work with some of the other Elders.

Patch also wanted to let us know that last Friday at 1:20 pm he had is first In-and-Out Burger - which he thought was fabulous! (I'm sure he is now excepting gift certificates, although he did not mention this....)

He also mentioned in his last letter that he was pulled over by some cops - (I'm sure he had flash backs of a recent car accident...) But the officers just wanted to give them a name of an ex-con and told them to go teach some Jesus and Joseph to him.

Hopefully he'll send some pictures soon!