Hey everyone!
How are you all doing this week? I know I say this a lot, but it
really was great to be able to read your emails and see that you are
all doing well and are happy. It sounds like you all had a great week
and that Grandpa's funeral went well. It is so great to hear that our
family came together the way that they did and that everyone was able
to pitch in and be a part of it. That is what it is all about. I'm
sure the love could be felt and was seen by others. I'm so thankful to
be a Fairclough! And that is so cool that President Monson came and
spoke at Grandpa's funeral. I was really touched by that. As a Prophet
I can only imagine what his days are like and what his schedule is,
but he took the time to go to Grandpa's funeral. What a great example
of love and service. I know that President Monson is God's Prophet on
the earth today and I'm sure that you were all able to feel that on
Saturday.
Things are all going really well here. Again, no complaints! I really
can't believe that I'm back at this computer writing you all again. It
does not feel like another week has come and gone. The work is going
well here. Elder Peterson and I are enjoying the work and trying to
keep things moving along and even pick up a little more. We are
working hard and giving it our best and we've seen a lot of good
blessings come from that this last week. We were able to pick up a few
new investigators and we are hoping to add even more to our teaching
pool this next week. We picked up a woman named Angin, which in
Armenian means priceless haha. I thought that was pretty cool. But she
is a great woman, with a really sad story. Something happened with her
legs to the point that they are so big that she can't walk. She hasn't
walked for 8 years and as we sat down with her for the first time we
were able to see the toll it has taken on her. She cried as she
explained her situation. It is always sad to see how some people are
placed in such difficult situations, yet keep such great faith. It is
a great reminder to me. Since being in Armenian I've seen so many
people in such difficult situations, yet there faith in Christ is
solid and sure. How can I look at the problems I have and even think
about complaining or thinking why they've come my way? It really has
been a great life lesson for me. I know that the gospel can help this
lady and heal up the pains and sorrows that she has. That is the best
part about being a missionary, even though we see people in all kinds
of different situations, we have what will make them truly happy.
Abraham was like that. He has had a really rough past and he was
telling me that he has had many friends that have helped him with
money or clothes, but we've given him the greatest gift that there is,
this gospel. It is kind of like the analogy of giving a man a fish and
he eats for a day, but teach him how to fish and he eats for a
lifetime. We also picked up a woman named Greta. We have taught her
before and had to part ways with her but she called me yesterday
before church and said she wanted to come. We watched conference in
church yesterday and she stayed the entire time. I was really
disappointed to see that 3/4 of our members left after the first
session. But her and Abraham stayed for it all. I thought that was
pretty cool. Watching conference in Armenian was pretty crazy. Let's
just say it was a humbling experience...haha. The words they used were
really proper and the translation was really fast cause everyone is
trying to fit their talk into a time slot. I'm just glad that we were
able to watch it in English. It was a good experience as well cause
last conference I watched a few minutes from the Armenian translation
and I didn't understand anything. So I was able to see how far I have
come.
Watching conference in English went well also. I've only seen Saturday
and half of Sunday though. This last week when we were watching
Sunday's session after District Meeting, the bathrooms in the church
started to flood and we all ended up spending the next hour or two
trying to clean it up and keep it from spreading haha. It was quite
the event. I'm really excited to see the rest of Sunday and Priesthood
session. I'm hoping it will be this next week but we'll have to wait
and see. I love President Eyring's and Elder Holland's talks from
Saturday. I always love it when the both of them speak. I know that
President Monson is our Prophet on the earth today and that we have
twelve apostles who all hold the Priesthood authority of God. I'm so
thankful for conference, that we can gather together as saints and
here the things that God wants us to hear at this time in our lives.
Abraham wanted me to tell you all hi and that he is thankful that you
sent me so that I could help him find the true path. That is exactly
what he wanted me to tell you haha. I love you all and am so thankful
for our family and for the blessings that come from the temple. I know
that this church is true and I am thankful for the happiness that that
fact brings to me in my life. I love you all so much and hope that you
have a great week! I can't wait to hear from you all next week!
Love,
Elder Fairclough
Thursday, April 19, 2012
April 9, 2012
Hey everyone!
It was great to hear from you all this week and to read the great
emails that you sent me. I appreciate all of your support more than
words can say and I'm thankful that you all do such a good job at
writing me! Things are going great here in Erebuni. This week was full
of its ups and downs, but I am so thankful for it all. There is
nowhere I would rather be or anything else I would rather be doing,
than being here in Armenia serving these people and the Lord. With
that being said, I'll go ahead and tell you all a little bit about my
week.
First of all, Abraham got baptized this last week! You all already
know but I figured I'd go ahead and tell you myself haha. We actually
weren't planning on him being baptized this last week but with
Conference being this next week we decided it would be better to do it
this last weekend. It was such an amazing experience. Serving here in
Erebuni has definitely had its difficulties, but it was so great to
really feel like I helped someone get on the path back to our Father
in Heaven. Abraham is such a stud and it was showing on Saturday haha.
He was there in a suit and tie and was smiling from ear to ear. He
invited all of his family too so that they could see what path he is
going on. His family loved the baptism and their all asking us when we
can meet now! I'm going to send some pictures home but he really was
SO happy. It was great to see. He really understood that he was making
a covenant with God and it showed in his countenance. After being
baptized he got up and bore an amazing testimony. He shared
experiences of how he came to know that the Book of Mormon is true and
how we aren't just his friends, but that we are his brothers. After
bearing his testimony, President Carter got up and had all the
missionaries who were there come up to the front and stand so that
Abraham could see us all. Abraham has already voiced that he wants to
serve a mission and so President Carter got up and spoke to him about
how he'll be serving in Armenia for another year and a half and that
he has to wait a year before he can serve a mission, but that he wants
to be the one to send him off. Abraham was beaming when he said that.
It was so great. Then yesterday he received the Holy Ghost. Abraham
had asked me to baptize him and for Elder Rackham to give him the Holy
Ghost. Elder Rackham was really nervous but he did an amazing job. I
was so proud of him. And again, Abraham had the biggest smile on his
face. After he church he talked to Branch President about the
Priesthood and he told us that he wants to start talking to Branch
President about serving a mission. He also told us that he wants to
come to meetings with us and street contact with us too. I have a
really great feeling about Abraham and I have since we met him. I
think he is going to be a great strength to the church here and that
he is going to bring a lot of people to the church. I'm excited to see
him grow!
This last week we were able to pick up Abraham's brother as an
investigator and we are hoping to pick up the rest of his family as
well. They are all calling us and asking us when we can meet which has
been really cool for us. We are looking forward to involving Abraham
in the process of teaching his family and we are hoping that he can
put the Priesthood to use and baptize them! It really is a fun
experience for us. I'll be sure to let you all know how it comes
along.
In other news, I was able to go to Charentsavan for a few minutes this
last week. Charentsavan is in our zone and we had to go there for a
baptismal interview for the elders that are serving there. I'm not
sure if you all remember Silva or not, but Elder Steglich and I taught
and baptized here when we were serving there. But the interviews were
for her daughter and grandson! I was so happy when I found that out.
Silva has been such a good missionary and has done such a good job at
sharing the gospel with her family. It is so great to see her not only
active, but also helping her loved ones find the happiness that she
has found. That is what it's all about right?!
I hope you all had a great Easter Sunday yesterday! It was definitely
a good one here. We ended up going over to Abraham's grandma's house
last night and apparently it is a tradition in Armenia to eat a boiled
egg on Easter. Everyone was so amazed that I had never eaten a boiled
egg haha. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. They then turned
on some Armenian music and made us dance for a few minutes. It is
ridiculous how much they make me dance! I don't even care anymore
haha. I learned very early that my normal excuses that were regularly
used at stake dances do not cut it here with Armenians haha. I love
Armenia and the culture here. It really is extremely different from
home but it has all become so normal for me by now haha. I hope Claire
and Bexley had a fun Easter egg hunt!
I hope you all know that I am doing well and am happy here. It is such
a comfort and blessing to know that you are all well. I'll miss
Grandpa Jack, but he's done everything he was sent here to do and I
know he is happy and with Grandma. I've thought a lot about the Plan
of Salvation this last week and it's importance to me in my life. It
truly is a plan of happiness and brings great comfort and meaning to
life. I'm thankful for the opportunity that I have to share Heavenly
Father's plan for us and for families with these Armenian people. Our
family has brought me more happiness in my life than anything else and
gives me purpose to my life and it is the greatest blessing to know
that that will continue on after this life. Not only continue on, but
become something even grander than I think any of us can imagine. I'm
thankful for that knowledge and that that was taught to me by loving
parents and sisters. I love you all and hope that you are all doing
well and know that you are in my prayers. I hope you all have a great
week and I can't wait to hear from you next week.
Love,
Elder Fairclough
It was great to hear from you all this week and to read the great
emails that you sent me. I appreciate all of your support more than
words can say and I'm thankful that you all do such a good job at
writing me! Things are going great here in Erebuni. This week was full
of its ups and downs, but I am so thankful for it all. There is
nowhere I would rather be or anything else I would rather be doing,
than being here in Armenia serving these people and the Lord. With
that being said, I'll go ahead and tell you all a little bit about my
week.
First of all, Abraham got baptized this last week! You all already
know but I figured I'd go ahead and tell you myself haha. We actually
weren't planning on him being baptized this last week but with
Conference being this next week we decided it would be better to do it
this last weekend. It was such an amazing experience. Serving here in
Erebuni has definitely had its difficulties, but it was so great to
really feel like I helped someone get on the path back to our Father
in Heaven. Abraham is such a stud and it was showing on Saturday haha.
He was there in a suit and tie and was smiling from ear to ear. He
invited all of his family too so that they could see what path he is
going on. His family loved the baptism and their all asking us when we
can meet now! I'm going to send some pictures home but he really was
SO happy. It was great to see. He really understood that he was making
a covenant with God and it showed in his countenance. After being
baptized he got up and bore an amazing testimony. He shared
experiences of how he came to know that the Book of Mormon is true and
how we aren't just his friends, but that we are his brothers. After
bearing his testimony, President Carter got up and had all the
missionaries who were there come up to the front and stand so that
Abraham could see us all. Abraham has already voiced that he wants to
serve a mission and so President Carter got up and spoke to him about
how he'll be serving in Armenia for another year and a half and that
he has to wait a year before he can serve a mission, but that he wants
to be the one to send him off. Abraham was beaming when he said that.
It was so great. Then yesterday he received the Holy Ghost. Abraham
had asked me to baptize him and for Elder Rackham to give him the Holy
Ghost. Elder Rackham was really nervous but he did an amazing job. I
was so proud of him. And again, Abraham had the biggest smile on his
face. After he church he talked to Branch President about the
Priesthood and he told us that he wants to start talking to Branch
President about serving a mission. He also told us that he wants to
come to meetings with us and street contact with us too. I have a
really great feeling about Abraham and I have since we met him. I
think he is going to be a great strength to the church here and that
he is going to bring a lot of people to the church. I'm excited to see
him grow!
This last week we were able to pick up Abraham's brother as an
investigator and we are hoping to pick up the rest of his family as
well. They are all calling us and asking us when we can meet which has
been really cool for us. We are looking forward to involving Abraham
in the process of teaching his family and we are hoping that he can
put the Priesthood to use and baptize them! It really is a fun
experience for us. I'll be sure to let you all know how it comes
along.
In other news, I was able to go to Charentsavan for a few minutes this
last week. Charentsavan is in our zone and we had to go there for a
baptismal interview for the elders that are serving there. I'm not
sure if you all remember Silva or not, but Elder Steglich and I taught
and baptized here when we were serving there. But the interviews were
for her daughter and grandson! I was so happy when I found that out.
Silva has been such a good missionary and has done such a good job at
sharing the gospel with her family. It is so great to see her not only
active, but also helping her loved ones find the happiness that she
has found. That is what it's all about right?!
I hope you all had a great Easter Sunday yesterday! It was definitely
a good one here. We ended up going over to Abraham's grandma's house
last night and apparently it is a tradition in Armenia to eat a boiled
egg on Easter. Everyone was so amazed that I had never eaten a boiled
egg haha. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. They then turned
on some Armenian music and made us dance for a few minutes. It is
ridiculous how much they make me dance! I don't even care anymore
haha. I learned very early that my normal excuses that were regularly
used at stake dances do not cut it here with Armenians haha. I love
Armenia and the culture here. It really is extremely different from
home but it has all become so normal for me by now haha. I hope Claire
and Bexley had a fun Easter egg hunt!
I hope you all know that I am doing well and am happy here. It is such
a comfort and blessing to know that you are all well. I'll miss
Grandpa Jack, but he's done everything he was sent here to do and I
know he is happy and with Grandma. I've thought a lot about the Plan
of Salvation this last week and it's importance to me in my life. It
truly is a plan of happiness and brings great comfort and meaning to
life. I'm thankful for the opportunity that I have to share Heavenly
Father's plan for us and for families with these Armenian people. Our
family has brought me more happiness in my life than anything else and
gives me purpose to my life and it is the greatest blessing to know
that that will continue on after this life. Not only continue on, but
become something even grander than I think any of us can imagine. I'm
thankful for that knowledge and that that was taught to me by loving
parents and sisters. I love you all and hope that you are all doing
well and know that you are in my prayers. I hope you all have a great
week and I can't wait to hear from you next week.
Love,
Elder Fairclough
April 2, 2012
Hey everyone!
How are you all doing this week?! I'm happy to say that I do again
have a voice. I'm not really sure what happened, but thankfully it
came back. This last week was another great one here in Armenia. We
had some changes take place. They surprise attacked me with a transfer
call haha. I'm no longer training Elder Rackham, which I was really
sad about. But I've been called as a Zone Leader again and I'm serving
with Elder Peterson. They moved the Zone Leader area to Erebuni, so
I'm staying in the same area. And Elder Rackham went to the city right
next to Erebuni so we are still in the same branch! We actually had
Zone Leader Council today, which is where all the Zone Leader's and
the Assistants to the President get together with President Carter and
we talk about the mission. It was really good and is always a very
spiritual experience. Due to the meeting though, we don't have a lot
of time to email today. I'm going to do my best to send you all a
little note but know that I will definitely have more time come next
week.
So, this last week has really just been a lot of getting used to the
changes. It is always interesting getting a new companion, and a
little awkward until you get to know the person. But I really like
Elder Peterson. He is from Leighton, Utah and is just a super happy go
lucky guy haha. It has been fun serving with him so far. He is from
the group that was in the MTC right before I was, so it has been
really interesting serving with someone older than me again. There
isn't quite as much stress with the language, which has been nice.
It's also been nice cause it has made me realize that I still have a
long way to go with the language myself. I guess a little bit more
about him, he is really good at singing and was in a lot of plays
before his mission. Not a whole lot in common, but we get a long well
and I really feel like we are going to get a lot of good work done
here. I'm excited!
The work is also going really well. Abraham is going to be having his
baptismal interview this week, which we are pumped about. It has been
really hard getting things going here in Erebuni, but I finally feel
like the hard work is starting to come around. Abraham is such a good
guy and keeps telling us how he is inviting EVERYONE to his baptism so
that they can see the path that he is going down. What a good guy. He
asked us the other day if he could video his baptism so that he could
put it on the internet for other people to see haha. We are still in
the process of explaining that one to him. To say the least, he is
really excited and we are too! We are also working on picking up some
new investigators. Last week with the transfer and some other stuff we
weren't really left with a whole lot of time to find. So we are really
focusing on that for this week. I love missionary work and the
continuous cycle of it all. There is always someone else out there,
ready to receive the gospel. It is just up to us to be worthy and to
work for it. I know that God is preparing people here in Armenia, as
well as all around the world. It just takes faith, a lot of hard work,
and a smile to get it all done :).
Here is some other good news...I bought my first pair of Armenian
dress shoes today. Haha I couldn't resist any longer. Armenian shoes
are pretty funny. A lot of times they are super pointy, but the ones I
got aren't. Not the most comfortable things, so I'm not going to be
tracting a ton in them but I figure I can wear them when it is time to
bring out the swagger. It is funny, Armenians are either wearing dress
shoes, or slippers haha. I mean sometimes they wear normal shoes, but
most the time they just wear European dress shoes with even jeans.
Gotta love Armenians. Anyways, my street cred here in Armenia just
went up today so I thought I'd let you all know.
I'm glad you all had such great experiences with Conference this
weekend! We actually are going to be able to watch Saturday's session
tomorrow after District Meeting, which I am way excited about. We'll
have to wait until the next Tuesday to watch Sunday's session and
Priesthood session but it is worth the wait. Then the 13 and 14 of
April we are going to watch it in Armenian with all of our members.
Normally we don't do that. In the past we have just gone in another
room and watched it in English while the members watched it in
Armenian. But the leaders here in Armenia asked President Carter if we
could watch it with the members cause apparently the members think if
the missionaries aren't there then they don't have to come. We're
still in the early stages here haha. So, we will be watching it in
English and Armenian which I am really looking forward to. They use
crazy words for the Conference talks but I'm interested to see how
much I understand. I'll be sure to let you all know in a couple weeks
after we watch it!
To close this letter I want to add a thought that Sister Carter
actually shared with us all. She was talking to us all about the
importance of Conference. She then asked us all a question. She said,
"If Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father were coming to earth this next
weekend to speak to us about the things that would help us the most at
this time, how many of you would go and watch?" She then shared D&C
1:38, that whether it is by His voice or the voice of His servants, it
is the same. I know that there is absolutely nothing better that we
could be doing at this time than to be listening to the servants of
God. I know that we have a Prophet, Apostles, and General Authorities
that speak for God today. I can't tell you all how excited I am to
watch Conference and hear what counsel they have to give. It is such a
blessing to be able to gather together and learn the things that are
the most important to us right now, at this time. Conference has
become such a special thing to me since I have been on my mission and
I'm thankful for the strength and guidance that it always brings.
I love you all and hope and pray that all is well back home! Thank you
for all that you do and I can't wait to hear from you all next week!
Love,
Elder Fairclough
How are you all doing this week?! I'm happy to say that I do again
have a voice. I'm not really sure what happened, but thankfully it
came back. This last week was another great one here in Armenia. We
had some changes take place. They surprise attacked me with a transfer
call haha. I'm no longer training Elder Rackham, which I was really
sad about. But I've been called as a Zone Leader again and I'm serving
with Elder Peterson. They moved the Zone Leader area to Erebuni, so
I'm staying in the same area. And Elder Rackham went to the city right
next to Erebuni so we are still in the same branch! We actually had
Zone Leader Council today, which is where all the Zone Leader's and
the Assistants to the President get together with President Carter and
we talk about the mission. It was really good and is always a very
spiritual experience. Due to the meeting though, we don't have a lot
of time to email today. I'm going to do my best to send you all a
little note but know that I will definitely have more time come next
week.
So, this last week has really just been a lot of getting used to the
changes. It is always interesting getting a new companion, and a
little awkward until you get to know the person. But I really like
Elder Peterson. He is from Leighton, Utah and is just a super happy go
lucky guy haha. It has been fun serving with him so far. He is from
the group that was in the MTC right before I was, so it has been
really interesting serving with someone older than me again. There
isn't quite as much stress with the language, which has been nice.
It's also been nice cause it has made me realize that I still have a
long way to go with the language myself. I guess a little bit more
about him, he is really good at singing and was in a lot of plays
before his mission. Not a whole lot in common, but we get a long well
and I really feel like we are going to get a lot of good work done
here. I'm excited!
The work is also going really well. Abraham is going to be having his
baptismal interview this week, which we are pumped about. It has been
really hard getting things going here in Erebuni, but I finally feel
like the hard work is starting to come around. Abraham is such a good
guy and keeps telling us how he is inviting EVERYONE to his baptism so
that they can see the path that he is going down. What a good guy. He
asked us the other day if he could video his baptism so that he could
put it on the internet for other people to see haha. We are still in
the process of explaining that one to him. To say the least, he is
really excited and we are too! We are also working on picking up some
new investigators. Last week with the transfer and some other stuff we
weren't really left with a whole lot of time to find. So we are really
focusing on that for this week. I love missionary work and the
continuous cycle of it all. There is always someone else out there,
ready to receive the gospel. It is just up to us to be worthy and to
work for it. I know that God is preparing people here in Armenia, as
well as all around the world. It just takes faith, a lot of hard work,
and a smile to get it all done :).
Here is some other good news...I bought my first pair of Armenian
dress shoes today. Haha I couldn't resist any longer. Armenian shoes
are pretty funny. A lot of times they are super pointy, but the ones I
got aren't. Not the most comfortable things, so I'm not going to be
tracting a ton in them but I figure I can wear them when it is time to
bring out the swagger. It is funny, Armenians are either wearing dress
shoes, or slippers haha. I mean sometimes they wear normal shoes, but
most the time they just wear European dress shoes with even jeans.
Gotta love Armenians. Anyways, my street cred here in Armenia just
went up today so I thought I'd let you all know.
I'm glad you all had such great experiences with Conference this
weekend! We actually are going to be able to watch Saturday's session
tomorrow after District Meeting, which I am way excited about. We'll
have to wait until the next Tuesday to watch Sunday's session and
Priesthood session but it is worth the wait. Then the 13 and 14 of
April we are going to watch it in Armenian with all of our members.
Normally we don't do that. In the past we have just gone in another
room and watched it in English while the members watched it in
Armenian. But the leaders here in Armenia asked President Carter if we
could watch it with the members cause apparently the members think if
the missionaries aren't there then they don't have to come. We're
still in the early stages here haha. So, we will be watching it in
English and Armenian which I am really looking forward to. They use
crazy words for the Conference talks but I'm interested to see how
much I understand. I'll be sure to let you all know in a couple weeks
after we watch it!
To close this letter I want to add a thought that Sister Carter
actually shared with us all. She was talking to us all about the
importance of Conference. She then asked us all a question. She said,
"If Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father were coming to earth this next
weekend to speak to us about the things that would help us the most at
this time, how many of you would go and watch?" She then shared D&C
1:38, that whether it is by His voice or the voice of His servants, it
is the same. I know that there is absolutely nothing better that we
could be doing at this time than to be listening to the servants of
God. I know that we have a Prophet, Apostles, and General Authorities
that speak for God today. I can't tell you all how excited I am to
watch Conference and hear what counsel they have to give. It is such a
blessing to be able to gather together and learn the things that are
the most important to us right now, at this time. Conference has
become such a special thing to me since I have been on my mission and
I'm thankful for the strength and guidance that it always brings.
I love you all and hope and pray that all is well back home! Thank you
for all that you do and I can't wait to hear from you all next week!
Love,
Elder Fairclough
March 26, 2012
Hey everyone!
How are you all doing this week?! It was great to hear from all of
you, as it always is. I had to laugh that you were all trying to read
between the lines of my email last week haha. Everything really was
good, just limited for time. I tried to type up the best letter I
could as fast as possible haha. But to make sure that doesn't happen
again, know that I am doing well this week and am as happy as can be!
Sounds like you all had a great week together. I loved the pictures!
Haha I do have to say, I have the two cutest nieces ever. Just
sayin...haha. But I'll go ahead and tell you a little bit about my
week.
Our investigators are doing really well! We had a cool experience with
Abraham this last week. We took him to a young single adult fireside
this last week where the CES director over the Eastern Europe areas
was speaking. He was a German guy but he spoke perfect English and
Russian as well. He actually just got called as a Mission President in
Germany and when he met Abraham he started asking him questions about
his baptism and what not. And then he told Abraham that after he is
baptized he should come serve as a missionary in Germany. We haven't
explained the missionary process to Abraham yet about how our Prophets
call us where to serve. So Abraham took it seriously and for the past
4 days all he has talked about is saving up his money to go to Germany
and serve God. Haha I thought that was pretty cool. He really enjoyed
the fireside though and is moving his way towards baptism! He's doing
great. We taught him the Word of Wisdom this last week and he accepted
it somewhat at first. He already doesn't smoke or drink alcohol, which
is extremely rare for males here. He doesn't even drink coffee, but he
did drink tea. As we explained it he agreed with it all but didn't see
anything wrong with tea. We explained the teas that he could drink,
but he still just didn't see why. So we asked him to pray about it.
Well, after church yesterday he said that the day before he was alone
at home and was hungry. He said the only thing he had in his house was
tea (the kind we can't drink) and he said he made it and when he went
to drink it he just got a really disgusted feeling. He was so
disgusted that he poured it out and said he will live the Word of
Wisdom. Pretty cool huh?! That was a real answer to our prayers. Aram
is doing well also. What a good guy. He was so close to making it to
church on time yesterday! He got there with about 10 minutes of
sacrament meeting left. We're hoping that we'll find some sort of
solution this next week. He is doing way good though. We taught him
the ten commandments this past week and we focused on keeping the
Sabbath Day holy. We had him write on the board the things that we can
and can't do on Sunday. On the things that we can do he wrote going to
the park and going to the zoo and some other stuff. We then taught
about how we don't buy things on Sundays and he got up, walked
straight to the board, and erased go to the zoo hahaha. It was pretty
funny. But he is determined to keep the Sabbath Day holy now. I think
that is about it as far as investigators goes for right now.
Something interesting happened this past week. So I woke up the other
day and my voice was a little scratchy and I kept joking to Elder
Rackham that I was going to lose my voice and that he was going to
have to do all the talking. I didn't actually think I would though.
Well, long story short, I haven't had a voice for the past three days.
And it is driving me NUTS. I never realized how much I actually do
talk. I'm sure these past few days have been pure bliss for Elder
Rackham haha. Poor guy. He's had to do all the phone calls and all the
talking. I think it has been really good for him so far though. It has
made him stretch and push himself a little more. I'm ready to have my
voice back though. Church was pretty funny yesterday. The members kept
trying to take care of me and tell me what I need to do to get better
haha. Armenians are such nice people. I'm not sure I trust a lot of
their remedies, but that's okay. I'm hoping by tomorrow I'll have my
voice again. I guess we'll just have to wait and see!
I can't believe General Conference is already here again! I'm so
excited. I'm really disappointed in myself for all the Conferences I
missed and for not taking it as seriously as I should have until I was
at college. Even more so since I've been on my mission. It really is
an amazing blessing to have Prophets and Apostles on the earth today
that lead and guide us. I'm still trying to make my way through last
Conference's talks. We won't see conference here in Armenia until the
following weekend so I have a little bit more time to get through it.
But I hope you all know that I know that we have a living Prophet
today, President Monson. And that through him I have been called here
to serve the people of Armenia. I know this church is true and I love
the spirit and comfort that I feel as I listen to our modern day
Prophets speak. I can't wait to hear all of your thoughts about
conference and your favorite talks and what not. Know that I love you
all and am so grateful for all that you do for me! Have a great week!
Love,
Elder Fairclough
How are you all doing this week?! It was great to hear from all of
you, as it always is. I had to laugh that you were all trying to read
between the lines of my email last week haha. Everything really was
good, just limited for time. I tried to type up the best letter I
could as fast as possible haha. But to make sure that doesn't happen
again, know that I am doing well this week and am as happy as can be!
Sounds like you all had a great week together. I loved the pictures!
Haha I do have to say, I have the two cutest nieces ever. Just
sayin...haha. But I'll go ahead and tell you a little bit about my
week.
Our investigators are doing really well! We had a cool experience with
Abraham this last week. We took him to a young single adult fireside
this last week where the CES director over the Eastern Europe areas
was speaking. He was a German guy but he spoke perfect English and
Russian as well. He actually just got called as a Mission President in
Germany and when he met Abraham he started asking him questions about
his baptism and what not. And then he told Abraham that after he is
baptized he should come serve as a missionary in Germany. We haven't
explained the missionary process to Abraham yet about how our Prophets
call us where to serve. So Abraham took it seriously and for the past
4 days all he has talked about is saving up his money to go to Germany
and serve God. Haha I thought that was pretty cool. He really enjoyed
the fireside though and is moving his way towards baptism! He's doing
great. We taught him the Word of Wisdom this last week and he accepted
it somewhat at first. He already doesn't smoke or drink alcohol, which
is extremely rare for males here. He doesn't even drink coffee, but he
did drink tea. As we explained it he agreed with it all but didn't see
anything wrong with tea. We explained the teas that he could drink,
but he still just didn't see why. So we asked him to pray about it.
Well, after church yesterday he said that the day before he was alone
at home and was hungry. He said the only thing he had in his house was
tea (the kind we can't drink) and he said he made it and when he went
to drink it he just got a really disgusted feeling. He was so
disgusted that he poured it out and said he will live the Word of
Wisdom. Pretty cool huh?! That was a real answer to our prayers. Aram
is doing well also. What a good guy. He was so close to making it to
church on time yesterday! He got there with about 10 minutes of
sacrament meeting left. We're hoping that we'll find some sort of
solution this next week. He is doing way good though. We taught him
the ten commandments this past week and we focused on keeping the
Sabbath Day holy. We had him write on the board the things that we can
and can't do on Sunday. On the things that we can do he wrote going to
the park and going to the zoo and some other stuff. We then taught
about how we don't buy things on Sundays and he got up, walked
straight to the board, and erased go to the zoo hahaha. It was pretty
funny. But he is determined to keep the Sabbath Day holy now. I think
that is about it as far as investigators goes for right now.
Something interesting happened this past week. So I woke up the other
day and my voice was a little scratchy and I kept joking to Elder
Rackham that I was going to lose my voice and that he was going to
have to do all the talking. I didn't actually think I would though.
Well, long story short, I haven't had a voice for the past three days.
And it is driving me NUTS. I never realized how much I actually do
talk. I'm sure these past few days have been pure bliss for Elder
Rackham haha. Poor guy. He's had to do all the phone calls and all the
talking. I think it has been really good for him so far though. It has
made him stretch and push himself a little more. I'm ready to have my
voice back though. Church was pretty funny yesterday. The members kept
trying to take care of me and tell me what I need to do to get better
haha. Armenians are such nice people. I'm not sure I trust a lot of
their remedies, but that's okay. I'm hoping by tomorrow I'll have my
voice again. I guess we'll just have to wait and see!
I can't believe General Conference is already here again! I'm so
excited. I'm really disappointed in myself for all the Conferences I
missed and for not taking it as seriously as I should have until I was
at college. Even more so since I've been on my mission. It really is
an amazing blessing to have Prophets and Apostles on the earth today
that lead and guide us. I'm still trying to make my way through last
Conference's talks. We won't see conference here in Armenia until the
following weekend so I have a little bit more time to get through it.
But I hope you all know that I know that we have a living Prophet
today, President Monson. And that through him I have been called here
to serve the people of Armenia. I know this church is true and I love
the spirit and comfort that I feel as I listen to our modern day
Prophets speak. I can't wait to hear all of your thoughts about
conference and your favorite talks and what not. Know that I love you
all and am so grateful for all that you do for me! Have a great week!
Love,
Elder Fairclough
March 12, 2012
Bari Louis!
I'd like to start off this email by telling all of the women Happy
Women's Day! Haha. So, apparently they have a holiday here in Armenia
called Women's Day and it is one of the biggest holidays here. They
celebrate it big on March 8 and then they pretty much consider the
next month dedicated to women until April 6 or 7, which is Mother's
day here. Interesting huh? That is what I love about holidays here.
They don't just celebrate for a day, they celebrate for weeks and
months. I like to call it "the dad birthday week effect" since he
always tries to make his birthday a week long instead of just one day
haha. I spent most the day telling the women I saw Happy Women's Day
so I wanted to go ahead and tell the most special women in my life the
same thing. Happy Women's Day!
So, this last week went really well. The work is really starting to
pick up here and we've finally got a really solid teaching pool that
we are working with. For the last little bit it has been a little
frustrating cause we've been picking up investigators but then they
haven't been going anywhere. But the Lord is really blessing us and
we've got some investigators that are sticking really well! First,
I'll fill you all in on how they are doing.
Aram is doing really well. Still the same old Aram haha. But he is
progressing really well and is set to be baptized April 7. The only
thing really holding him back right now is church attendance. He comes
to church every week but he never gets there in time for sacrament.
Which we aren't going to baptize him unless he can get to the most
important part of church every week. So we have just been working with
him on that. It is kind of hard because where he lives the
transportation doesn't go by his house that early so he gets there as
soon as he can. We've been trying to find a way to help him get there
but I think it is just going to take a lot of effort and devotion on
his part to get there in time. Kind of a tough situation but he feels
confident that he can get it to work and he really wants to make it
work. So we'll see. It is so strange teaching in English though. I
think I've just gotten into the rhythm of teaching in Armenian. It is
just different cause you learn to say only the essential stuff in
Armenia and then you go to English and all of a sudden you can say
absolutely anything you want haha. But it has been a good experience
for us all. It has been tough doing the Arnold Schwarzenegger quotes
to him without Elder Seegmiller though haha. I'm just not that good at
it. I guess with some practice it will come. GET TO THE CHOPPER!
Abraham has also been doing really well. We've been meeting with him
almost everyday. He has a really great, questioning soul. Usually our
commitments to our investigators is for them to pray to know if the
things we teach are true, if the Book of Mormon is true, if Joseph
Smith was a true prophet, etc. But he just tells us that he already
prays after every meeting to know if what we are teaching is true
cause we should all know from God what is true and what isn't. Which
makes our job just teaching everything simply and clearly and give him
the best chance to get an answer. He says that he believes everything
that we have taught up to this point is true! He also told us a really
cool experience this last week that he had. He hasn't been able to pay
his phone bill for the past few months and hear they give you court
papers if you miss paying your bills. The bill was for 36,000 dram,
which he had no way of paying. But he hasn't had a job and hasn't been
able to pay it. Well, the deadline was coming up and he was really
worried about it. He had an impression that he should try putting his
debit card in and pulling money out, even though he knew there was no
money on there. He said he decided to just follow it and he put the
debit card in and miraculously he was able to pull out 39,000 dram. He
said he had absolutely no idea where the money came from, but he knew
it was a miracle from God. And he said that was just one of three
miracles that have happened to him since we've met him. He has been in
a really tough situation and it was really cool to see how Heavenly
Father provided for him. It just goes to show that we are all children
of Heavenly Father and that He is looking out for us all. But he is
doing great and we are really excited to continue to work with him.
We also found an investigator named Anahit this last week. She is
doing so well. We were only able to meet with her once this last week
but she accepted everything really well. Apparently we spoke to her on
the street a few weeks ago and gave her a pamphlet with our names and
number on it (for some reason I do not remember talking to her at all
haha) and just last week she called us out of no where and told us
that she read our pamphlet and that she wants to come to our church
and be baptized. I was extremely confused cause I didn't know who in
the world this lady was. I had written her name in my planner but I
couldn't remember her face to save my life. But we were able to plan
up and meet with her and it went really well. She came to church
yesterday and stayed for all three hours and said that she loved it!
Like I said, the Lord is really blessing us.
Unfortunately, we weren't able to meet with the new family this last
week. The dad got really sick and they said that this next week would
be better. So, I'll be sure to let you know how things with them go
this next week.
This last week, on Women's Day, our branch had an activity and we
brought our investigator Abraham to it. It was a really interesting
experience, to say the least haha. At the activity they did a thing
where we went around and talked about the importance of women and then
we made them lunch, which was really good. But the interesting part
was they had a karaoke type thing and one of the members who sings at
restaurants here sang for everyone and they played Armenian music. And
I'm sure you all haven't seen how Armenian's dance but it is really
sweet. I'm sure they've got videos on the internet if you wanted to
look. You could just type in Armenian dancing or Armenian wedding
dancing or something. But they all start dancing. And all the members
here are fairly new, within the last 10 years or so, so they consider
us all to be there own. Which is really great cause they all love
missionaries so much. But they would not let us stay sitting down. And
you all know how I am with dancing. But I figured when in Armenia
right? So they taught me how to do the dance. It will take some time
and I'm sure I looked like an idiot haha but it was really fun. Just
thought you would all get a good laugh out of that.
Also, we are getting a missionary from Ukraine this next week. Because
Armenia has one of the biggest Embassies over in this part of the
world, the missionaries in neighboring missions are going to start
coming here to renew their visas. But long story short we are going to
be getting a missionary that is from Georgia! He actually is a friend
with one of the sisters in our district who is from North Carolina.
Small world. But I thought it was cool that we are going to have
another Georgian with us for a few days this weekend.
Other than that, everything is going great! I love this work and am so
thankful for this opportunity to serve a mission and to serve the
people of Armenia. Even more so, to serve my Heavenly Father. I know
that this Church is true! I love you all so very much and am so
grateful for your examples and support! Have a great week and know
that you are all in my prayers!
Love,
Elder Fairclough
I'd like to start off this email by telling all of the women Happy
Women's Day! Haha. So, apparently they have a holiday here in Armenia
called Women's Day and it is one of the biggest holidays here. They
celebrate it big on March 8 and then they pretty much consider the
next month dedicated to women until April 6 or 7, which is Mother's
day here. Interesting huh? That is what I love about holidays here.
They don't just celebrate for a day, they celebrate for weeks and
months. I like to call it "the dad birthday week effect" since he
always tries to make his birthday a week long instead of just one day
haha. I spent most the day telling the women I saw Happy Women's Day
so I wanted to go ahead and tell the most special women in my life the
same thing. Happy Women's Day!
So, this last week went really well. The work is really starting to
pick up here and we've finally got a really solid teaching pool that
we are working with. For the last little bit it has been a little
frustrating cause we've been picking up investigators but then they
haven't been going anywhere. But the Lord is really blessing us and
we've got some investigators that are sticking really well! First,
I'll fill you all in on how they are doing.
Aram is doing really well. Still the same old Aram haha. But he is
progressing really well and is set to be baptized April 7. The only
thing really holding him back right now is church attendance. He comes
to church every week but he never gets there in time for sacrament.
Which we aren't going to baptize him unless he can get to the most
important part of church every week. So we have just been working with
him on that. It is kind of hard because where he lives the
transportation doesn't go by his house that early so he gets there as
soon as he can. We've been trying to find a way to help him get there
but I think it is just going to take a lot of effort and devotion on
his part to get there in time. Kind of a tough situation but he feels
confident that he can get it to work and he really wants to make it
work. So we'll see. It is so strange teaching in English though. I
think I've just gotten into the rhythm of teaching in Armenian. It is
just different cause you learn to say only the essential stuff in
Armenia and then you go to English and all of a sudden you can say
absolutely anything you want haha. But it has been a good experience
for us all. It has been tough doing the Arnold Schwarzenegger quotes
to him without Elder Seegmiller though haha. I'm just not that good at
it. I guess with some practice it will come. GET TO THE CHOPPER!
Abraham has also been doing really well. We've been meeting with him
almost everyday. He has a really great, questioning soul. Usually our
commitments to our investigators is for them to pray to know if the
things we teach are true, if the Book of Mormon is true, if Joseph
Smith was a true prophet, etc. But he just tells us that he already
prays after every meeting to know if what we are teaching is true
cause we should all know from God what is true and what isn't. Which
makes our job just teaching everything simply and clearly and give him
the best chance to get an answer. He says that he believes everything
that we have taught up to this point is true! He also told us a really
cool experience this last week that he had. He hasn't been able to pay
his phone bill for the past few months and hear they give you court
papers if you miss paying your bills. The bill was for 36,000 dram,
which he had no way of paying. But he hasn't had a job and hasn't been
able to pay it. Well, the deadline was coming up and he was really
worried about it. He had an impression that he should try putting his
debit card in and pulling money out, even though he knew there was no
money on there. He said he decided to just follow it and he put the
debit card in and miraculously he was able to pull out 39,000 dram. He
said he had absolutely no idea where the money came from, but he knew
it was a miracle from God. And he said that was just one of three
miracles that have happened to him since we've met him. He has been in
a really tough situation and it was really cool to see how Heavenly
Father provided for him. It just goes to show that we are all children
of Heavenly Father and that He is looking out for us all. But he is
doing great and we are really excited to continue to work with him.
We also found an investigator named Anahit this last week. She is
doing so well. We were only able to meet with her once this last week
but she accepted everything really well. Apparently we spoke to her on
the street a few weeks ago and gave her a pamphlet with our names and
number on it (for some reason I do not remember talking to her at all
haha) and just last week she called us out of no where and told us
that she read our pamphlet and that she wants to come to our church
and be baptized. I was extremely confused cause I didn't know who in
the world this lady was. I had written her name in my planner but I
couldn't remember her face to save my life. But we were able to plan
up and meet with her and it went really well. She came to church
yesterday and stayed for all three hours and said that she loved it!
Like I said, the Lord is really blessing us.
Unfortunately, we weren't able to meet with the new family this last
week. The dad got really sick and they said that this next week would
be better. So, I'll be sure to let you know how things with them go
this next week.
This last week, on Women's Day, our branch had an activity and we
brought our investigator Abraham to it. It was a really interesting
experience, to say the least haha. At the activity they did a thing
where we went around and talked about the importance of women and then
we made them lunch, which was really good. But the interesting part
was they had a karaoke type thing and one of the members who sings at
restaurants here sang for everyone and they played Armenian music. And
I'm sure you all haven't seen how Armenian's dance but it is really
sweet. I'm sure they've got videos on the internet if you wanted to
look. You could just type in Armenian dancing or Armenian wedding
dancing or something. But they all start dancing. And all the members
here are fairly new, within the last 10 years or so, so they consider
us all to be there own. Which is really great cause they all love
missionaries so much. But they would not let us stay sitting down. And
you all know how I am with dancing. But I figured when in Armenia
right? So they taught me how to do the dance. It will take some time
and I'm sure I looked like an idiot haha but it was really fun. Just
thought you would all get a good laugh out of that.
Also, we are getting a missionary from Ukraine this next week. Because
Armenia has one of the biggest Embassies over in this part of the
world, the missionaries in neighboring missions are going to start
coming here to renew their visas. But long story short we are going to
be getting a missionary that is from Georgia! He actually is a friend
with one of the sisters in our district who is from North Carolina.
Small world. But I thought it was cool that we are going to have
another Georgian with us for a few days this weekend.
Other than that, everything is going great! I love this work and am so
thankful for this opportunity to serve a mission and to serve the
people of Armenia. Even more so, to serve my Heavenly Father. I know
that this Church is true! I love you all so very much and am so
grateful for your examples and support! Have a great week and know
that you are all in my prayers!
Love,
Elder Fairclough
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