Start Strong finish well

Hey hey there family glad to be able to write you 

Not to much to update you on this week. The  Gonzalez family is doing great and prepping for their baptism on the 25th of January which is coming right up. So exciting to see them go from beginning to end and how much they have changed in all of this. The companionship is going really well. All three of us are getting along great which is awesome again to be apart of a companionship that is getting a long so well.

Some cool things to update you on....some members gave us the names of four of their neighbors to go and see and so obviously we went to see them...one of them Mike Martin let us in Friday night and gave us some dinner and talked to us for about an hour, invited us over the next morning to help him with some stuff around the house. Really awesome time there really great guy. 

Elders doing service

Service or Mountain Biking!

I am riding the bike more and have decided I am going to turn it into a even better all-mountain mountain bike when I get home and get into mountain biking. I was talking to a guy at a bike shop while my companion bought a bike and he was telling me how good of a state for mountain biking Washington is and I decided I want to use the bike I have for what it is really 

meant for when i get home so stay tuned on that, yet another one of "Amric's Ideas" he gets hahaha!!!

So this is the Raver Family that I taught while in Dana Point. I love serving missions because this is what happens...HAPPY FAMILIES!!! :)

Oh Max is in the Hospital because he got into a nasty Surfing Accident but he is all okay...    Max wanted you to see the awesome shot he took in the barrel last week

inside the barrel

That is really all for me, The Ha!e family in the ward are HUGE Seahawks fans, so we went over there last Sat to share a message with the family and get a little update on the game :) hahaha!!! The dad lived in Seattle he works for Boeing and was saying "I have been waiting 30 years for this day to come!!!" hahaha!!! so funny!   SO that is nice, Also, the Dunham Family they are awesome and by far one of the favorite families in the ward, they have a 14 year old son who is awesome and keeps me updated hahaha!!!  Happy for Dad and Austin!  --that they got to go to the game LIVE!  

Anyways, that is all from for the week, the church is great and true, the gospel is perfect. My goal for this transfer is to read Jesus The Christ so that is fun and exciting to read, such a good book with lots to learn from it.

START STRONG FINISH WELL

That is all from me for the week. Keep up all of the good work and stay safe. Love you all so much!!!

Challenges brought with Miracles

So this week has been full of weird stories and miracles. 

Lets start with the weird stories and then we will move into the miracles that happened this week...

So weird story number one: 

We got a call Wednesday morning from the elders in Cardiff with this conversation happening
Elder Ouimette: You Elder are not going to get the car today
Elder Neal: What happened?
Elder Ouimette: Actually nobody is getting the car for a long time.
Elder Neal: ...What happened??
Elder Ouimette: Elder Moon rear ended a car in the Vons parking lot...the car is getting towed to the shop...
Yep your son has just been put on full time bike in Carmel Valley. At least the weather is perfect. The lame thing is that we had killed ourselves on the bike Tuesday and Monday, biking around 40-50 miles expecting the car to take a break, nope no break for us. So that has been fun to adjust to. 

Weird Story number two: 

We did a service moving some people ;)  they had no idea what they wanted or where things needed to go. Person is putting a wood floor upstairs so we had to move all the furniture out of the way. We would move it and they would be like no no not there, move it again, actually put it back! Or no no do not lift that its to heavy (nothing more than 100 pounds) And again thursday for the same amount of time. Moving everything back! 

Weird story three: 

This challenge came in a phone call at 5:00pm asking for a lesson at 7:30 so we grabbed Brother B. Went and showed up and started talking to her and she just unloads ... we ended up giving her a blessing of protection, comfort, counsel and more protection.  Super crazy time. Thats what the mission is for. We let her home teacher know (and that's what home teachers are for). 

Weird story number four: 

A lady we met with on friday I think it was saw us on the side of the road at 8:50 pm at night and started talking to us about how her husband  -- we she said he is high on prescription drugs and her daughter is taking a friend to planned parenthood and she was freaking out. She just kept saying pray for me and help me. We prayed with her on the side of the road at 9:00 at night and she asked us to go bless her home. So at 9:15 pm we stood outside her home and blessed it. Again another weird experince that makes a mission full of stories. 

Miracle: 

Short and to the point: #1 Sister Thanos (bless her <3),  this week she had a difficult time to get member meals to us, so she brought us food for thursday and friday! She made philly steak, onions mashed piotatoes, vegetables and gravy with hoggie rolls, she also brought homemade chicken alfredo like 3 or 4 pounds with homemade apple crisp and vanilla ice cream. So awesome!! it was so awesome to see there are those poeple out there :) #2 Oh and Brother Wilcox saw us walking on the street the day we found out we lost the car and took us out to lunch. So your son is getting taken car of.  #3 Met with Troy Small who is the most solid recent convert ever. Has a rock foundation Testimony.

The work out here is going super well, I am changing physically and spiritually. I know this Gospel and Church is true without a doubt in my mind. 

Hey Hey Look at you guys!  The house looks amazing, you guys are st
uds and hope all works out for you. Stay awesome stay classy and Remember I love you so very much.

Deep thought: 

Do we have the faith Nephi showed in 1st Nephi 17:8-9

http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/17?lang=eng

Do you think Mormon Pioneers had what is
introduced in 1st Nephi 16:10?
http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/16?lang=eng

Love you so much...Transfer calls are this saturday, a week early so next week we will know for final and certain if I am leaving or staying. Love you lots and that is all. Have a great week.

-- 

"Fourth Floor Last Door"

"That's What's Up"

Elder Amric Zane Sobczak

California, Carlsbad, USA

January 2013-January 2015

The Lord Does and Will help us Help Others...

It's really true I am A full time missionary!

It's never too late!

So yet again another week has gone down in the books of missionary life.
What to reprt on this week? 

We have picked up a new investigator, although he might die soon. He is a 91 years old! HE is a man who loves to tell everyone he cant see and is deaf in one ear. So you know that looks great for us as missionaries. Looks like we only find old people who cant object to us. He is super awesome and loves to talk, if only he loved to hear as well (selective hearing!). "Examine your armor. Is there an unguarded or unprotected place? Determine now to add whatever part is missing. No matter how antiquated or lacking in parts your armor may be, always remember that it is within your power to make the necessary adjustments to complete your armor."  N. Eldon Tanner 1979

Ephesians 6: 13 - 20  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins ^agirt about with ^btruth, and having on the ^cbreastplate of ^drighteousness;  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of^apeace;  Above all, taking the shield of ^afaith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery ^bdarts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of ^asalvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  ^aPraying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all ^bperseverance and supplication for all saints;  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the ^amystery of the gospel,   For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak ^aboldly, as I ought to speak.

Elder Neal and I met up with a Less-
Active member of the church which ended up being really inspiring for some reason. He is a member who served his mission in Nogala Japan, and when he came home he was an EQ President, and Sunday School President. He fell away from the church when he had to make the decision of if he wanted to get married in the temple or not. He said he did not take the decision to leave the church lightly and has gone through physical, mental, and spiritual pain since making the decision. At the start of our conversation he said he was a lost cause, but by the end though he had softened his heart just a little bit and seemed open to talking more to us. It is interesting when someone who has seen so much and they can say "I dont know if I will ever be able to believe the doctrine the way I did before I fell away ever again." That is a profound sad statement if it is true. I have felt a strong prompting that the Lord has or will provide me with a way to help this man return to the fold. 

As far as teaching people that is about it. 

I got the box, Thank YOU SO MUCH!!! GPS is Awesome food is great and I love the pictures, pins and CD's. Really appreciate how much you all have done for me since I have gone out.  Another pair of pants split out!!!

for some reason I think dad needs to watch this ... its my favorite video ever.  Maybe someone else will appreciate it too... can you put it on my facebook page??

http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=1839005837001

or here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr8xvw0cgw0

Glad we moved to Nebraska, and that we seem to be staying put! I love the house and would hate to say goodbye. It will be a place we can set down roots and help each other grow.  A place we can all come home to.  Also, it will be nice being able to come home to the same home and ward that I left from. Everything will work out and the Lord wil provide a way for us to be truly and perfectly happy as long as we strive to follow His will as best as we can.  hang in there :) 

Deep thought for the week...

The dilemma this week is ... My companion understands or believes that The Garden of Eden didnt really happen the way we invision it. He believes that we just needed something to visualize the story. He says that God is all powerful and so the Big Bang could be possible, God just made it happen. So the thoughts, just give me your thoughts and beliefs about the story of how we started In the Beginning - I know Apryl will have input for me (I hope you get that I strive to raise discussion and send you all out searching for your own answers with my Deep ThougHts!!!. This is the 3rd or 4th case of discussing it with people and it just brings up questions.

I am super tan. My hair got messed up because I thought I was cutting with a 5/8 but it was actually a 3/8. but hey I love it!

We went mountain biking today. Good ole' 16 mile bike ride!!!

Hope all is going well and that Zion is doing well. The Gospel is perfect - 5 months has flown by, It is already June 11th!! How crazy is that??!!  Please,  Tell the Sorensons hello from me and that they are awesome. Keep the faith and keep doing what you are doing. The Lord loves and knows all of us and thats all we can ask for. Do temple work for the family and lets get that rolling (more for me than you). Love you so much and again I really do hope all is well.

I have gots to go. I do not know if I will be able to get a letter in the mail this week to you or Ayris because I might not have enough time. :/ Sorry again for that. Love you lots tell Dad happy fathers day and that he is awesome and should have a pound stake some mashed potatoes gravy and cake for fathers day. Also, yes the tool box and I have learned great organizational skills out here I will teach him when i get home!!! Love you so much and appreciate all you do for me. Stay classy and stay safe.  By the way I do know more and more of the truthfulness of the Gospel. 

Later

-- 

"Fourth Floor Last Door"

"That's What's Up"

Elder Amric Zane Sobczak

California, Carlsbad, USA

January 2013-January 2015

Be obedient. Keep the Commandments!

Hey there family and friends of My Blog world,

So I just wanted to stop in and say hello and give you an update on some impressions that have come to me over this past week...

So let me start off with saying that this area is pretty amazing. The members out here take awesome care of us and are always willing to help us out with rides, going to lessons, splits amnd loads of other things. They really love us! So having good Elders in the ward  - they love it and want to help us out as much as they can. Elder Armstrong and I had to go and make the announcement that the area would be split for proselyting and so we would need to have two dinner calendars because we cannot leave our areas to go eat especially since we get referrals from members and we cant teach someone from another area. So we said this in Relief Society and oh man you would have thought we were telling these women the ward boundary was changing and they were switching wards. These women freaked out that we were not going to be there missionaries anymore and they werent going to get to feed us! It was pretty funny, made me want to sit in on Relief Society, probably would be a bad idea though because I would just get a kick out of everything that happens, to many tears for me thats for sure!  Ward Members - DO YOUR MISSIONARY WORK!!!!

the armoire at home!

So oh man, Friday and Saturday were some crazy days. Friday Elder Armstrong and I had to go and help this sister in the ward pick up some furniture to bring it back to her new place that she got. Okay so no big deal!  But we were the only two people who showed up to help. We had to load up this Armoire - I am talking 8 feet tall rounded top flat back nothing to grab onto (think that huge one that we have drug around)! That thing maybe weighed 150 but with 70% of that weight being in the top half and only being able to lift straight up from the bottom it made for a fun time!  Especially having to go down two flights of stairs. It was ridiculous! But hey we got it down all in one piece and loaded into the bed of a truck.

Well, it wasn't as bad as this!
but you see my point!

   Dad you'll love this part, the whole load in the bed of the truck, the big cabinet thing, queen sized head board and dresser the length of a F-150 Small Box and about 2 feet wide were all strapped down with what???? BUNGEE CORDS!  oh man I almost died looking at it. We had to drive back down the highway at 70 MPH with all this stuff with an open tailgate with bungy cords securing it down. Needless to say I stayed my distance from the back of the truck, actually once we left I was never behind the truck for fear of it falling on our little Corolla. Then Saturday we got up and at 8AM go to finish the move. 4 storage units!  So that was an easier move because the Elders Quorum showed up to help with that one. Halfway through our move - so at about 930/10 in the morning we get a call to let us know we have to go help another family move into apartment!  Yes, 2 moves back to back with what we did on Friday, It was a long couple days. Good thing I have experience at this since we've moved so much!!! 

Elder Strong at the MTC

 But hey the second lady we moved in on Saturday moved in from Laguna Hills 2nd ward and knows Elder Strong because thats the ward he is serving in and she is an active ward missionary!  :) So she said he said "hello, and that he wanted to see how I was doing".  It's always nice when stuff like that happens.

Although it would have been nice to have your truck here and follow behind in my own car!!!

Quick update on some of the souls that I am responsible for :)

K and her family are doing well. They are set - they know baptism is the right thing for them to do.  Couple of changes have to be made, pray for them to have the courage and strength to make them.   She and the girls love studying the scriptures and coming to church. A the younger one actually read the 3rd article of faith and prayed in primary this past week. So proud of her.  So they are going to get baptized before the end of May (that's the goal).

M Is again doing awesome. He has found a love for Gospel Principles and it has been helping him develop a better understanding of the Gospel and the Scriptures. He has started having experiences with the Book of Mormon and is moving closer and closer to Baptism. Again just like K he will be baptized in May, hopefully more towards the end of April. He loves the Gospel so muich and he can see how much it is helping him in his life.

E has her questions and concerns about this whole "religion thing". Its super weird, she beleives in Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father but she also believes in Evolutionism. She has questions and concerns which when answered will help her move forward and become more converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She is courious, one interesting thing that I have noticed is the difference between her(Mid/late 20's), M & K(Late 40's/Early 50's). The older have had more life experiences and trials and they can see the Gospel truly changing thier lives. But E has not gone through those yet so she doesn't quite see the need for "religion".

Spiritually preparing - Had a super spiritual happen this week?? We had a mind blowing companionship study on 2nd Nephi 31:7 which was absolutely amazing.  From dictionary questions and other church materials are the KEY to a deeper understanding of why everything happens in this world. Challenge is: study for yourself and we can discuss, feel free to write me what you think that the scripture is saying.  Very Cool Stuff!

7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be ^aobedient unto him in keeping his commandments.

Cool experience at the bike shop where I got my bike fixed:

The owner knew we were missionaries and that we need our bikes a lot to travel around and get all of our work done. He had a friend, actually it was his bestfriend when he was growing up who was a member and they grew really close which gave him a deep love for the Mormon people and religion. He talked with us a little about all his experiences in the church and then when he handed me the final amount for the bike "fix" he told me they knocked about 20 dollars off and did some extra work that needed to get done but did not charge for it.  All because he had a great experience with the church while growing up. There are good people out there, you just have to wear a suit, nametag and tie to find them :) 

Tender mercies that help really go a long way, especially in missionary work.

side note:

All the Biking and running every morning really keep me awake, help maintain weight and I really feel good all around.  

All is moving well out here in Dana Point California.  Can you believe that they are making a law banning plastic bags from the stores?  Starting April 1st Dana Point is issuing an ordinance that prohibits retailers from using ...Plastic bags!!!!?!

 I am  Glad the weather is not as bad here, as it is in Omaha but I do miss home everyday.   Thank you for all the support and prayers and the help that you give me. It really does mean a lot to know that there are lots of people out there who are always thinking and praying about us as missionaries. Just keep praying I need those prayers!  Thanks for the "Green" box Mom, it took me a couple says to click! "Oh Pistachios are green, green box, leprechaun stickers! -- OH!!! This week is St. Patricks Day" 

Stay Classy and know that I love all of you and all that you do. The Gospel is true and I know that through a deep undertstanding of the gospel your whole life will be able to be turned into a even better one. 

Stay Safe Godspeed

"Fourth Floor Last Door"

"That's What's Up"

Elder Amric Zane Sobczak

California, Carlsbad, USA

January 2013-January 2015

Well that's one more down! The Spirit and Miracles Abound

So my oh my this week has been a crazy one...

  Ill start with some interesting news
A couple days ago I my bike had a really flat tire, so we left it at a members house because he gave us a ride home and
we had the car next day. turns out i had a leak in my tire, we go back like 3-4 days later to pick it up and we take it back after I go and buy a patch kit for the tube. Well...here's the fun part...I took my back tire off and well excuse my French...all hell broke loose. Ball bearings were everywhere the pieces were not hooking back up and well I didnt find the leak...So i just decide I am going to take it to the bike shop in San Juan to get it fixed. 
The guy looks at my pieces and he says "Oh man, you broke your axle in three places"   So yeah they had to get me  a new axle, fix my tire, and fix my gears. So thats been the adventure with my bike for this week. Hopefully once i get it back today or tomorrow It will be in perfect working order and I wont have to worry about it for the rest of the mission. I was really irritated about it. Just snaped my axle in three places which made my wheel crooked and when i took it apart the tension holding it together was gone and so everything fell everyewhere...But hey its fixed and I should be getting it back...Mom knows I really always took things apart, now I've really done it!

Okay, On another note this week has been pretty okay one. There was a baptism of an ex-communicated member of the church which was actually really cool to see. Cool to see the changes and realizations that he made in his life to bring him back to where he was at this point in time. He is preparing to receive the Melchizedek priesthood and go to temple. Really cool to see, I'm blessed to be part of it. He gave us a stackable washer/dryer which it sounds funny but is truly a blessing.

 We no longer have to worry about hauling laundry all over the place taking up preparation-day time and then worrying about going to pick it up later in the week. Its the little things you really come to appreciate while out here on a mission. Its so cool to see people change their lives while they go through the process of learning and
accepting the Gospel. There trully is a physical change as well as a mental and especially spiritual change. The spirit it totally helps people out when they need it to. People feeling comfort or gaining answers to their prayers is so cool to see. 

Yesterday we went to Move some people it was crazy. People getting kicked on... cops called... we were all brought into it and made involved... drugs, alcohol, yelling, squatting, cursing...and this is a civilized state and country!  

The Mission President just sent a email saying I can email Family and Friends officially. So here is my email address so email me. It will be a lot easier to do that I am realizing than trying to write 5 or 6 letters in one P-Day.  so... amric.sobczak@myldsmail.net   also, I won't know about transfers until April 6th.

Also this Less-Active lady who has been away from the church for about 20 years has had a huge change brought about in her life.  She left the church when she was about 13 (Mom died Dad exed) and she has now returned. She is slowly coming to the realization
of what she is capable of through the Gospel and the other day in the lesson she just started bawling because she realized all the things she had done her life that were against Gods will and she didnt know if she could be forgiven. We taught her repentance its true meaning and how God is perfectly understanding of how much we know and wont judge us for more than what we know. That helped her a lot. I was super happy for her and could clearly see that the atonement is at work in her life. She just loves the church and wants to do all she can to make Him happy again. 

K and her girls are continuing to progress. A Family meeting
with us Tuesday night, Tuesday is always a good day, Preparation Day and 2 awesome progressing investigators.

I will write more in letters, hopefully i get some written today. Dont have much time on the email and I dont know what else to say. Thank you for the prayers and thoughts. Life is going great out here in the OC and everyday seems to go by faster. Its weird I love the work and everything and I love watching the spirit work miracles in these peoples lives but still everyday I just think..."well thats one day down!" In my mind its not selfish its just a logical thought to have I guess. I dont know, the work is good I am good I am loving this mission experience and the lessons I am being taught by the spirit and all those lessons around me.


Did you here about the Stake center the church built in the UAE?
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/united-arab-emirates-is-location-of-newest-mormon-house-of-worship        It's pretty exciting, (better let Matthew know!hahaha! he always said let him know stuff like this!).
It seems like the second coming is happening super quick I mean come on newly reopened mission in Istanbul Turkey and now a stake center in the UAE. 

Life is getting good and hard at the same for those of us who know, keep on keeping on - ENDURE TO THE END!  I love you all so much 
 Stay Safe and keep the Gospel in your life. Love you again until next time :)

-- 
"Fourth Floor Last Door"
"That's What's Up"
Elder Amric Zane Sobczak
California, Carlsbad, USA
January 2013-January 2015

Dana Point California!

Okay now to update you on my first week in Dana Point California...

Tuesday was a blur...Got up at about oh 345 in the morning to finish packing and get to the MTC Bus station by 5 in the morning.  The flight sucked I got the very back of the plane couldn't lean back the  Elder in front of me leaned back all they way...I was jammed in!  Dad would have freaked out in there.

Got to the mission home in Vista had some breakfast burritos (Best Ever) then laid around listened to the AP's and around 3 we went to the mission office still in vista. We listened to the people about cars, caring for the apartment and again our appearance. We then went to transfer meeting where we sat in front of everyone so they could all see us. I get my assignment for Elder Armstrong to serve in the Dana Point Area. I got my bike and on I went. That night I went to teach a lesson to a family of four and have dinner. Very chill family it was a great first experience.  It was really cool to see them understand and listen to what we were saying. We then went back and unpacked and got set up.

Okay got the first day I will give a brief overview now of alll the days no particular order.

I was really sick for a couple days...  I think the Tap water or I'm my Mother's son with nerves, IDK it made me real sick. Had the cold shakes, fever felt like i was going to throw up, and of course a headache!. But I worked through it for three days and eventually got over it. Our stake center Is BEAUTIFUL. It is on a bluff that overlooks the city and the ocean. Its amazing. Its been raining the past couple days but yesterday the weather finally cleaned up and we had blue skies but I am sure you already knew the weather - right Dad?  :) 

The members here are super awesome, they are awesome missionaries and the reason appearance is so pushed is because these people are not going to let you go to thier friends homes and preach the good word if you look like you are not a professional grown up person. So I have learned that its not a bad thing what was put in the letter, its the only way to get to the members, which here is the only way to get contacts. Tracting does not work in the Area of Southern Orange Country that I am in. Mission leader for the ward is an awesome guy Brother Rubalcava. He is the most down to earth person I have met.

I am getting fed...someone is signed up to feed us every night this new month. The members love helpign out.

Dad - How are the young men? You need to immerse them in Preach My Gospel...They need to know the PMG Doctrine like the back of their hand before they get out here I did a lot and I am still playing catch up.

Mom- Oh sweet mom, I love you so much. Keep reading the Book of mormon as it is a great tool. Read the bottom Two paragraphs of the Intro and think about what it is saying. It really helps to do that.

Oh I got another suit. The Elders before me were moving someone out and they gave them a suit and it was to big for everyone but not for -it fit me just right!  A really nice wool medium gray suit. Its awesome that I have little miracles like that happened to me this week. Everyday I am becoming more converted to the Gospel and the Church. I know without doing that I can in nowise expect these investigatorsI teach to become converted unto the gospel of Jesus Christ, how can I teach something I don't know and teach it with the spirit without being converted myself?

Just think tomorrow I'll have been out for almost one month and it doesnt seem like it has been that long already!  I love you all so much thank you for the time and the letters and packages and the prayers you say for me. Be safe and remember who you are.

I love you all so much...Write you again next week.

--

"Fourth Floor Last Door"

"That's What's Up"

Elder Amric Zane Sobczak

California, Carlsbad, USA

January 2013-January 2015