December 12, 2011 pictures



Elder Lindstrom and I having fun with pomegranets (spelling????)



Some deer meat that we got.  I fixed some of it and man was it good!

The family that called you on Thanksgiving that I was "betting" with that I could have pumpkin pie.  They are so funny!

December 12, 2011

Hey there.  What is going on?
Hello again!!!  This will be the last email you get from me while I'm on my mission.  CRAZZZY!  Man, another good week out on the old mission.  I had my outgoing interview with President Smart this week.  He said, "Man, if this was a business and I could have you stay, I would be asking how much would it take to have you stay."  Meaning money-wise, but he said that is not how it works.  He told me, "I know you have this work down and you know what you are doing.  You are a good example to everyone else and that you have been a good leader."  That really answered a prayer of mine, because a lot of the time I feel like I'm not meant for this job and to have your Mission President say that meant a lot.  He is a good man.  We think a lot alike and he is so cool.  We talked about a lot of things and he is 100% called of God and I love him so much.  He wants us to come see him when I get home.

Sunday I had to give a talk in Sacrament meeting and that was fun because it was Elder Lindstroms first talk and my last on my mission.  The youth speaker didn't show up, so we had to take all of the time.  Elder Lindstrom took like 13 minutes, and so that left the rest of the time for me, which was like 25 minutes.  They told me I only had to talk for 17 minutes and somehow I talked for over 20 minutes.  That was way cool how I got to fill up all of that time and it was so good.  I love it when you just feel the Spirit working through you.  So many people said goodbye to me and it was crazy to think I have no more Sundays left on my mission.  Sad thing!

We got to teach a lot of lessons this week and it was so nice to be able to do that for a change (before he came to the area there wasn't really anything going on as far as the work).  I love you all and I will see you soon and I will tell you everything else when I get home.  Have a good week and I love you guys.

Elder Rice

December 5, 2011

Well this week was a good one and the Lord's hand was in it the whole time.  We started out this week with having some people to go and teach, but that didn't work out, so that is never good.  Just like it says in Ether 12:6--that "ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith".  Then this weekend we had to help some people out getting their OYM's (open your mouth), which means just talking to people.  So, we helped get their OYM's for them because we had ours, so we got theirs too.  Then on Sunday we had a lady come up to us and tell her that her granddaughter was going to be coming with her non-member husband, so that was way cool.  We got to know them and they both said yes to the lesson.  The last 3 weeks we have picked up a new investigator each week, and they have all been part member families, so that is good.  Someday they will be able to go to the Temple and be sealed with their wife and kids.  That is the best thing to tell people about and they all love the idea of it.  That is something I like to share because my family means the world to me. 

This week I was at a lesson at the Church and the Bishop wanted to talk to us, so we went in his office and he asked us to speak my last Sunday in the mission.  So, I have to give two talks in 2 weeks---that is not cool and they are not the same topics either.  I have to plan two talks, but that is OK.  It is good for me.  I think I am going to just wing my homecoming talk and let the Spirit direct where I should go with it.  That is what I keep feeling inside to do with my talk, but we will see.

Something else that happened this week was that we have a baptism to come back for again.  We were going to have to the baptism the 1st Sunday, but the girl that was going to be baptised said that she had some health problems, so it didn't work out.  Man, Satan really works hard to not let people get baptized!  I have said that it is really hard when we teach someone one day out of the week and for only an hour at the most, and then Satan has all the other time to work on them.  So that is something our mission is having a big problem with and I have said that from day one, but no one gets it at all.  There are some ways to get around that, but I'm just a DL and I have no input in the big things that go on with the mission, but, hey, whatever. 

So that is my week.  I can't believe that I only have 1 more email left.  That is crazy to me.  This week we have a lot going on.  The ward is picking up it's work and we are teaching a little more, so it should be a good week and a good one to finish strong with.

I'm going to miss teaching people about the Gospel and seeing them change their life.  It is the coolest thing to watch.  The testimony that I had when I came out is not the same one as now.  I know that the Lord is at the head of this church and we really do have a prophet still on the earth today, and that Joseph Smith was and is the way the church was restored, and that the message we share brings greater tidings of joy to the weak and feeble that know not where to find the truth, and that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.  It shows that we have a loving God that wants everyone to hear his Gospel so that we can live with him again, and that families are ordained of God and that we are all a big family.  I know that the Bible is true and it testifies of him and that he really does love us.  I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Well, I love u!!!!  Take care and I will see you soon.  We can talk and I can tell you some of the stories.  I love you lots and have a good week.  One more week left for email!  Well, tell everyone Hi for me and take care until we meet again.

Love,
Elder Rice

September 21, 2011

Dear Mom and Dad,
Hey there.  What is going on?  Well everything is going good, but the only thing that could be better is the members feeding us.  That is OK--I have Top Ramen, which I don't like, but I eat it because it is cheap.  Don't worry, I'm fine.  I will answer your questions now:
1)  The work is going good, have just been trying to find people and I have learned something important.  The one thing that sets our church apart is revelation from God.  That means this work goes not where without it.
2)  Well, I'm not in the same ward anymore, but I'm trying to get the ward I am in up and going again.
3)  My A1C (diabetes 3 month average test)--just know that I was a good boy.  It was a 7.2.
4)  No, I'm good on things (I asked him if he needed anything).  I am not going to get any more shoes.  I need white shirts because all of mine are old and have sen better days.   My shoes that I have not are brand new and will last me 3 months.

This is to mom:  I'm sorry to say but mom I'm really not ready to be home and I think I will be in shock when I do get home.  And Dad, I think that will be good to do that about the fairs (helping his dad do fairs and Home and Garden shows).  I have some good ideas--my mind is in business mode, being on a mission and I think you will like them.  It is so weird how a mission is just like life.

Life is going food for me.  I am just really trying to work hard and get my comp to work along with me.  I hope that he will come along or I get a new one so I can work the way that I want too.

It sounds like Ash is doing good and loving life again.  Has she been on any dates yet, with what I would call potential investigators (mission talk)?  I can't believe she has one of those pad things--now everyone has one.  It's like, man, those were not even out when I was home.

I can't believe Brooke has been married for a year--that is just crazy, but cool all at the same time.  How is she doing and what is she up to?  I'm going to have to get her a birthday card.  I can't believe our birthdays are here again.

About when I come home--are we going to do the party thing the same day I get home?  I would like that, but I want to get released and then later in the night have it because I want to get released and go shoot a gun, like my shotgun.  If I could do that, that would be way cool.  Just something to think about.

I love you guys and hope things are going well.  I have to go.  Love you and miss you.

Love, Elder Rice

Pictures

Elder Rice was trying to show someone had as big of head as him--see next picture!

I think Elder Rice's head is bigger--he said he didn't have the hat thing on all the way.  I think he is not in reality!

I forgot to put in my last post that Elder Rice has learned to play the Ukele!  He even sent home a recording and a picture of him playing.  I didn't believe it was him playing at first--he sounded pretty good!

Him goofing around.  He had taken the lenses out of his sunglasses to clean them.

 


Elder Rice and new Mission President and his wife
President and Sister Smart



Elder Mumford--his really good friend from Preston

Someone gave he and his comp $100 to split--he was pretty happy!

Update August 24, 2011

Elder Rice's mom has been VERY negligent in keeping up his blog!  He has not been in Twentynine Palms for awhile.  He was transferred to Jurupa, California (just north of Riverside) in May and he is still the District Leader.  They transferred him as a District Leader from Twentynine Palms, and has been for quite awhile now.  He was also a trainer at the same time, which he said they never did but his Mission President knew he could handle it.  He also got a new Mission President in July--President and Sister Smart.  Sister Smart is keeping a mission blog for those that are interested.  The link is riversidecaliforniamission.blogspot.com.

In his new area, he is living in a converted barn and he loves it.  He stays there with 2 to 4 other missionaries and even has a basketball hoop inside his apartment.  The people that he is staying with (out in the barn) raise chickens and he says that they would wake up in the middle of the night instead at dawn.  He had to get used to that, but now he says it is all good.  He loves his new area and feels like he is doing his best work right now.  He comes home in December instead of November (yes, he extended), so he only has 3 1/2 months left.  Time has really gone by fast.  He says that if he could extend for 2 more years he would because he loves serving a mission so much.  He was on a bike for awhile, but he is now back in a car.  He would rather be on a bike, but it is really hot there so maybe it is for the best.  He said that L. Tom Perry came to their mission back in April and he loved it.

He loves his new area.  He said it was an "older ward", not as many young people.  Here is a copy of some of his latest letters:
June 23, 2011
Dear Mom and Dad
Hey there.  I'm doing my wash right now, so I just wanted to write you really fast and tell you what is going on.  Well this week was so good.  The work is starting to pick up again and it is really nice.  This week the ward found us someone to teach and now he is on date for baptism.  We are teaching him the Word of Wisdom because we know that he smokes and drinks, so prayers for him would be good.  We are starting to find people to teach every day.

By the way Dad, Happy Father's Day.  One of our ward members asked if we get to call home on Father's day and we said no.  He started to flip out.  It was so funny.  Really, Happy Father's day.  I hope it was good and you had fun.  Thanks for all you do for us.  It means a lot to me.  In church they were talking about the things that our dad's did with us.  The one thing I thought of is you always wanting me to be better, but at the time I didn't like it.  Really I wouldn't be where I am today if you didn't help me.  I can honestly say I have given everything to my mission.  It is because of you, Dad.  You know how much church means to me, but my mission means 3 times more than that.  Happy Father's Day again!

Well, mom it's your B-day again and you are turning 21, right?  Well if you aren't you don't look a day over 21.  Happy birthday from Elder Rice!  That is the last time I can say that on your birthday.  I hope you have a good day.  This letter won't get to you on your birthday, but I hope it goes good.  I wanted to let you know that I will be home for your half birthday, so I will be your half birthday gift.  I love you mom and you are the best mom in the world.

I guess I will see you in 6 months.  Just to let you know in 3 to 4 months you should be getting my flight info, so that is cool.  I love you guys, have a good week.

Love,
Elder Rice

August 15, 2011
Dear Mom and Dad,
Hey there, I got your letters that are on the program and let me start out by saying it has been a long time since I have gotten one like this (we write letters on the Church program every Sunday so he can also keep up on what is happening in the ward).  Some people better not be going less active.  Ha Ha Ha.  That is so cool about Bill Young.  He is such a good guy.  My ward mission leader is a convert to the Church and just got done being a Bishop.  He used to be Jewish--that is way cool.

First, what cruise are you talking about going on?  I know you talked about one when I first went out, but I thought that we weren't going to do it now.  That would be so cool if Maddi came.  If Maddi comes, that means Ash has to come--that would be cool. 

I know I'm getting old in the mission.  Pres. Smart called me an old timer and it was like "wow".  There is something I can't wait to do when I get home--go and shoot a gun again.  So, Dad just to let you know--I would like to do that when I get home.

This week we had interviews and I found out when I was flying home.  My flight is at 6 am and I get into Salt Lake at 9 am.  I don't know when I get to IF.  Those are what they are thinking the times will be, but I just wanted to let you know.

I love you guys and miss you guys.  Have a good week.

Love,
 Elder Rice

Elder Rice did have a baptism this last weekend.  He sent a picture home (see next post).  He has a new companion.  His old one went to Century High School in Pocatello.  He really loved having him as a companion.  He didn't tell us where his new companion was from, but he did say that he thought he would die in Jurupa (Elder talk for ending your mission).  He did say that he feels like he is doing his best work right now, but I guess that is what happens.  They just get really comfortable being on a mission right before they come home.  I am sure I have missed things, but I didn't have time to go back through all of his emails, etc.  His sister reported for her mission on August 17th, so I will have to set up a blog for her too!  That should be interesting!!!!

April 4, 2011 additional

It was conference weekend and he said:
Just to let you know, I have my conference breakfast this year (like we do at home:  fried potatoes, bacon, eggs, etc.) and it was good.  My whole district got something and we had breakfast.  Guess who came!  Elder Larimer (a friend he went to school with in Oregon) was there.  We caught up on everything.  No one knew that we knew each other and we kept calling each other by our first names.  It was funny.

Elder Rice and Elder Larimer (with Elder Rice's Comp in back)

April 18, 2011

Elder Rice is now being transferred to Jurupa, California.  Even though I am a native Californian, I didn't even know where that was.  I had to look it up, and it was north and a little west of Riverside, CA, so he is not in the desert anymore--just in time for summer!  He said in his email that Jurupa to Riverside was like Ammon is to Idaho Falls, so not very far.  He thought he would be in 29 Palms 6 more weeks, but that is not what Heavenly Father had in mind!

Here are some of the things he said in his emails"
Well this week my comp was sick so I got to go out and work with the ZL's and they got some sling shots.  They wanted to go shoot it at some bushes, and this is what we got!  We are not fishermen out here, we are the hunters!!!

Look closely!  Poor little birdy!  He later explained that they were shooting at a bush, not birds, but the bird happened to be in the bush they were shooting at!

He said that he is living with (not his comp) a missionary that was not far from him, an Elder Mumford that is from Washington state.  The elder in the picture above is Elder Hafen.  He was supposed to be Elder Rice's comp right when he had to come home for 4 weeks.  He said he was happy going to his new area, but a lot of the members in 29 were sad and that we were coming back to 29 when he gets home to visit and so that we can meet the members there.  He said that he really loved that ward.

He didn't really send an update email about his week, because he had to be quick since he was leaving for his new area today.

April 4, 2011

Emails were having a hard time getting through, and he usually emails a couple of times per session.  All we got was his new release date.  I am not going to post it here, so family and friends--if you want to know call me.  It is even different that the last time he talked about it.  He did say that he was doing good, but did not have a lot of time to write an email about what happened this week.

March 28, 2011



The Hubschman Family



Hey what is up?  Well this week was god, besides 2 days of being sicker than a dog, but I'm over it.  Things are going good.  I have been blessed to get better faster.  The best day was Sunday, I will tell you why.  So on Saturday, I came down with a really bad cold that has been going around, so I got it and was not doing very good.  I went and still tried to work and do the things I needed to get done, but it was so hard.  The day went by slow, so I went and slept.  I was not good at all.  Then Sunday came around and I woke up and tried to get ready and I was still not good at all.  I was so bad that I texted our ward mission leader and told him we wouldn't be coming.  I took some meds and got back in bed.  After that I got a call from Bro. Billings and they asked me how I was doing.  I said bad and that we were not going to be at Church.  He was like OK, and then like 2 minutes later he called back and said you need to get to Church.  I was kind of mad, so I got ready and showed up.  Bro. Billings came over and told me that he had friends coming and I was like, OK that is a good reason I guess.  Then Bro. Billings told me they were my friends and it was really the Hubschmans!  (They are old family friends and Bro. Hubschman was home on a short leave from Afghanistan where he is in the military--he used to be Elder Rice's scout leader etc.  We are very close with them)  I was like, "Oh my goodness!"  I was so happy to see them and man those kids have gotten tall and they seem to be doing really well.  That was the best Sunday on my mission!  I got to talk to them for a little bit and see how they were doing, and then I got to take a pic with them.  Then I had to go to class, so I said goodbye to them.  That was the high light from my week.  Have a good week everybody and I will talk to you later.




Not sure who the girl is, but his comp is his "Greenie"

He also said:
Well, I have to go. I love you and have a good week. I will talk to you in like a month. Can you believe that ? It will be my last call home, and then I will be home! Be ready for some things that I need when I come home, so bring a piece of paper when we talk. Love you!

March 21, 2011

Hey there, what is going on?  Anything??  Well this week was good.  I just got done being sick, so that was not that fun.  Things are going good, but the work is coming along.  We are having a problem with one person that is just not feeling the Spirit.  I think they have a wall built up and we are trying to take it down right now.  That is really all that is going on, but things are good.  We did some service for a lady that needed help with her swamp cooler and it was way cool to be able to work on them again.  That is really all that is going on--I know it is a short note, but really that is all.  Have a good week, talk to you later.  By the way, if people would like to pray for the person that I was talking about, her name is _____________.  (I don't like to use names in case someone from his area happens to be reading this!)'

March 9, 2011

(I haven't been good at updating his blog, so I will update several entries at a time!)
This email's subject had "It's a Boy!!!" as the subject line.
Well this week has been crazy and a lot of fun, but so many miracles.  I have been trying to work hard.  This week is transfers and I'm going to be in 29 Palms for 12 more weeks and I love it out here.  I found out this week that I'm going to have my first boy, which means that I'm training, and it will be fun.  I can't wait.  President told me when he called to tell me what I would be doing, he said that if he left me out here any longer that they were going to make me in to a marine (there is a marine base in 29 Palms).  Then he said that he needs me to stay there for 12 more weeks and told me I would be training.  I can't wait!  I'm going to be a DL (District Leader) too, and the Pres likes trainers to just be a trainer and nothing else, so it will be a lot of work.  I know the Lord wants it to be this way, and that he will make it happen and I hope it works out for me.  The cool thing is that we just picked up 7 new people that all want to be baptized.  The cool thing is that I can see the hand of the Lord in this work and without him I can't do it.  This is the best time in my life.  I can't believe that is is going by so fast.  I love this work and the Gospel.  Things are going good.  I had a recent convert come out with me to a lesson and he is so good.  The Spirit was so strong and I just loved it.  He asked some good things to the person and it was at the right time and I loved it.  Then this less active called us up and said that his friend wanted to learn about the Gospel and stuff.  She is just ready for the Gospel and I just love teaching!  It is so cool.  Besides that, that is all.  Have a good week and I will talk to you later.

In another email he said:
By the way, mom and dad, I can't wait to have you guys go on a mission just so you can see what I'm talking about.  To see people change their life around and follow the commandments-it is just so cool.  This Gospel is true and that this is the only true church and I just love serving the Lord.  You're going to love it too!

February 28, 2011

Emailed with Elder Rice today--he didn't have much to say.  Emails were not going through very well today and he also "jammed" his finger playing basketball, so his typing skills were even worse than usual.  Doesn't make for a lot of information coming through!  He said transfers are this next week (on Monday), so we will see what happens.  His current companion goes home, so he should stay in 29 Palms but get a new comp.  He said he is thinking about going out for basketball when he goes to school (pretty funny) because he is getting pretty good.  He said in 5 games he made 35 or so points, had some good blocks and some good assists.  He says they play every week and he loves it.  He also said they have 3 baptisms set for March and are teaching 2 people that will probably get baptized.  He is loving the work and having fun.  No pictures sent today :(  That is about all that I was able to get.  He sends me information in several emails because they don't always go through where he is at, so I didn't get that much new that was going on.  He did say that he is probably going to extend his mission, so if he does he won't be home until December--either the middle or end.  Right now his date is set for Dec. 28th, which is 6 weeks longer, but he would like to try to get home before Christmas.  He loves his mission, so he probably will extend, sooooo more patience and waiting on our part!  Oh well, he is doing great things so we can wait!



Showing how far he was from 29 Palms, in the middle of nowhere



Elder Rice and his Comp (couldn't get this to rotate!)





Not sure who these are except him and his comp

 


Same group, different pose

 

My District

My district from left to right (2/7/2011):
Elder Clark, Elder Gordon, Elder Mumford, Elder Rice (just in case you forgot which one I was), Elder Ayers, and Elder Vincent

February 7, 2011

Dear Fam--
Well, how is everyone doing?  I hope good.  I had a good week and a lot of exchanges this week.  I was only in 29 Palms 3 days this week.  This week...
Monday-
So this day was the last day of the week and we had some miles that we could use on Monday, so we went to Amboy, which is still in my area.  We can drive 50 miles one way and we are still in our area.  Then we came back home and went bowling, which I'm not that good at anyways.  That is OK, it was a lot of fun.
Tuesday-
We were on exchanges and it was good.  I was with Elder Clark in Yucca and he is from Inkom, Idaho.  He is such a good Elder!  We had some good lessons and my district is doing so good.  They are hard workers and they get the job done, so that is good.
Wednesday-
Well, the big thing that happened was that we had a lesson with the Billings about the Priesthood and it was so good.  I can't wait to see them pass and bless the Sacrament.  It will be so good, but that was the big thing.
Thursday--
My comp was not doing so good, so we stayed in most of the day.
Friday--
We had a meeting and it was down in Desert Hot Springs so it was not that fun, but the training was good.  I didn't have to give one this week, so I was happy.
Saturday--
I was down with Elder Mufford in Yucca and it was a lot of fun.  We went and had rock kicking contests when we were tracting.  We would kick in between the houses and it was a lot of fun.  We had two of them and I lost both of them.  It was tied both times on the last kick, and then I would miss the kick.  Elder Mufford is from Weston Idaho, right next to Preston.  He is way cool and he is going to come up for my homecoming and we are going to go riding in Weston in the summer.
Sunday--
This was the coolest day in the world.  It was Stake Conference and Elder Dallin H. Oaks was presiding there.  It was so cool and he is so funny.  He came to the MTC when I was there.  We got there 3 hours early to get good seats and it was so good.  People had us over for some Superbowl parties and there were like 3 that we went to, so it was a lot of fun.

That was my week and it was a lot of fun. The weeks are just flying by, and so I will only have 9 months left.  (He is talking about extending to make up for the time he had to come home when he got sick, so we shall see).  That is just so weird to think about.  I love you guys and have a good week.

Elder Rice

By the way, I made a cake for the "Birthday party for Jesus" cake contest.  If you look close, you will be able to see the San Andres (not sure if I spelled that right) fault and if we break off from the U.S., we will be swimming with the fishes!

January 31, 2011

January 31, 2011


Well, what is up fam? I hope things are going good. Here is my week summary and how the Lord works in weird ways. Happy birthday, Meg. Sorry—a little late. And happy Anniversary mom and dad, I hope still going strong! Well, here is my week:

Monday-
This week was a lot of fun. I’m staying in the 2-9 and I love it. So to start out the week, we went down to Yucca to get our truck fixed. I love how we have to drive like 30 minutes to get our truck worked on. It would not be good if the engine went out or something like that. But when we were down there we went and spent the day down there with the other Elders in my district. One of them was going home, so we went and said good bye to him. He will be missed, rest in peace. He died on 1/24/11. (He really didn’t die—that is what we call it when someone is going home), but then we decided to go and play some b-ball, so that was fun. We threw the football around outside and that was a lot of fun. Then we had to go back to 29 and get ready for dinner, and then we had a lesson that went really well. We had a list of names of people to go see that the ward wanted us to go see, and, man, the military is not cool at all. We called people before hand to go and see them, and they weren’t off work. We had a backup plan. We went to our list of names and saw like 5 people and no one wanted to have us back. The thing that I have noticed is that if they don’t want to go to church, then they really don’t want to. It’s because their parents made them go, and so now that they are not with their parents they are not going to go. That was our Monday.

Tuesday-
Well this is the day where I give training on whatever I want. So this week I gave one about working with the wards and how to help them better do the work and have them do the work for us. It was a lot of fun. I hope it will work out for the Elders and they will use it. Then after the meetings, there is this less active guy that works at a bar and is the bartender. He feeds us every Tuesday of the week and he gave us some t-shirts with his name on them. It was cool. Then we had a lesson with _______ (some names I don’t include to protect the great investigators he has and this is a new name, not sure who he is) and he wants to be dunked but he won’t come to church, so that is not good. We will have some stuff to work on, but it was a good lesson. We read in Moroni about why we go to Church. It was a good lesson and a lot of fun.

Wednesday-
Well this day we went and did some service and there was a lot of trash. It was not fun at all, but we went and did it anyway. Then the big thing that we had to do was go and find people for the ward. That is what we do a lot of the time because there is no one to keep up with all of that (who has moved and stuff), so that is what we did. Then after that we went and had lunch with the Billings (the dad was inactive, and the son was not a member—Tom baptized him awhile back. They are Mike Senior and Mike Junior). They are so strong in the Gospel. Mike is just like Alma the younger and how he was trying to tear down the Church. Now all he wants to do is build it up and make it stronger.

Thursday-
Well, now that I’m district leader, I get to do the interviews for baptism and I got to do my first one on Thursday, and it went well. I really like getting to do that. The person I interviewed was so ready to get dunked. That was all that went on. Oh yeah and I got a haircut too.

Friday-
Well, all I have to say was we tracked all day, long so it was a long day.

Saturday-
Well some more service. We found a bed for someone and got that to them. Let me tell you, I know why my mom told me to keep my room cleaned when I was younger. That was a mess. Then this is where the Lord does some crazy stuff with his Gospel. On Thursday in my prayers, I asked the Lord to have someone that we could baptize in February, and I was thinking on Friday, “where are we going to get someone to teach and stuff.” That is all I could think about on Friday while we were tracting. Well, as you guys know, tracting sucks and does not work all that great, but then Saturday we were going to have dinner with a family and they couldn’t have us over. They brought dinner to us. Then around 4 I got a call saying, “Are you guys coming over for dinner” from some other family. I was, like, we can but you guys are on for tomorrow. They said that we needed to come today, so I told them I would have to see. Then the mom said I have a less active family and the kids are not baptized and they want to be baptized. I said we will be there and both kids asked us if they can get baptized. We told them they could, and that is how the Lord works and answers prayers!

Sunday-
Well Church was so good. The Billings got the priesthood. I was so happy. I got to give it to Senior and that was so cool. I got what I wanted after asking, and then getting tough with the Ward. It only took 5 months to get it. Then Hope (a new member they baptized in December, she called us and wants to meet us at the SLC Temple—she has never been) gave a talk, so we went to the YSA to hear her speak and she did good.

So that was my week and man the Lord is always working. He must get tired with all of the work he does. I hope things are going good for you guys. I home to hear back from you guys. Love you all!

Elder Rice

Monday, January 24, 2011

The email below went with some pictures he sent:

The new ride

Crab legs! 

The rest of the crab legs



The rest of the meal!!!  It seems like he is eating better than when he is home!



The baptism on Sunday--His Dad and I were amazed at how tall he looks!

Well this is my new ride (see picture).  It is a really cool car!  It is a nice brown color.  There is a pic that you can look at and some more pics that are really cool.  I had a good dinner this week with the Billings because I thought I was leaving to go to a new area, but I'm staying in 29 for a little bit longer.  It is really cool, I like it out here.  This week was a lot of service.  We got to go out to the middle of nowhere and help someone move some furniture.  Things have been really good, then yesterday I got ready for Church and we started to drive off and the truck was acting really funny.  I got out and we had a flat, so we went to church and then Brother Billing came over and helped us change it.  I helped him change it with my church clothes on, and, dad, I did use my head to put the tire on (inside joke between his dad and him--he always steadies the tire with his forehead while he is putting a tire on--his dad always teases him).  The first pic is my new ride, the next one is some good food that we got on Saturday, the next one is showing on top of that the steaks we got at the same dinner.  This week we also had a Samoan baptism and that was way cool to see my old comp that went home about a month ago do the baptism.  It was so cool.  This week has been really good and a lot of fun.  I have been loving it out on my mission, I can't believe how fast it goes by.  I'm staying with my comp and then in 6 weeks he will be going home, so I will be here about 12 weeks and then I should have one or 2 more areas that I will serve in.  That is just crazy to think, but this week we had a lesson with Hope and she talked to her senior couple missionaries (I guess she was in North Carolina for awhile), and they are in the same mission as Elder Taylor Petersen.  That is cool and they are going to look him up and tell him Hi for me.  I have gotten like 5 referrals from them, so thanks Raleigh North Carolina!  Things are good out here, I hope things are good for everyone back home.  Love you all and have a good week!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Here is part of an email Elder Rice wrote about an experience that he had.
To start out it was not for me why we called 911!!!!  (a mother can appreciate that introduction!)  On Sunday we went and had a meeting at our ward mission leaders  house.  Before we were driving, I felt that we should see this less active that is close to where we were meeting at, but I said to myself that we are going to be late to the meeting and I really hate being late to meetings, so we went to the meeting.  The meeting was about an hour long.  We got outside and I got the feeling that we really NEED to see this person, and since they were close by, we stopped to see them.  It seemed like no one was home because all of the lights were off and it seemed like they weren't there.  My comp said that they could be watching a movie, and I said they don't have a TV, so how could they?  Then I was like they are not home and then I got the feeling again to ring the doorbell, and so we did and she was home.  She has stage 2 cancer, and she can't have kids anymore, but she is pregnant now.  She was having really bad stomach pains and so she was not doing too good.  We were talking to her on the doorstep and she was acting really strange and not talking so good.  Then she said I'm going to faint and then she did!  The funny thing was that me and my comp just took a stop back and let her fall to the ground (remember they are not supposed to touch women, I guess they really were obedient!  The "Elder" part kicked in and they let her fall to the ground!!!  Not what I would have suggested!).  Then we called 911 and got her help.  The other thing was that my comp, when he called 911 started to talk to the person about the gospel--like we were talking to her on the street, it was so funny.  Then to top it all off, when we were on the phone with 911, we couldn't find her address anywhere, so I ran to the street that was close and got the name of the street.  That is when I found out that dress shoes are not made for running, but it was a lot of fun I guess and is funny to look back on.  They thing is that you need to listen to the spirit and don't worry about being late to a meeting (that is really a hard lesson for him--he HATES being late to anything) and to not run in dress shoes.  That is my story for the week.  I am doing good and things are going good.  I think this is my last week in 29 Palms, which is bad.  I have really liked being here.  It is a lot of fun and I like the ward members a lot.  I hope you are doing good and that you are all looking at the blessings the Lord has given you.  There are so many blessings the Lord wants to give us.  Blessings will never stop coming, so count your many blessings.  I hope you all have a good week and I love you all!

An update from his email--He did not get transferred, so he will be in 29 Palms for at least 12 more weeks.  His comp goes home the next transfer in 6 weeks, so more that likely they will not put 2 brand new missionaries there.  He had a baptism this last Sunday and 2 or 3 more coming up.  The Holy Ghost has been working hard out there in the desert because he has had many baptisms and a lot of success.  He said that he has gotten 5 referrals from the Raliegh North Carolina Mission--that is where one of his good friends is serving.  Thank you Elder Petersen, although not directly!