Hello people of the Sun!
Elder Padraic Farney
Idaho Pocatello Mission January 2016 - 2018
Monday, February 29, 2016
29 February 2016
29 February 2016
I
saw that Arizona is hot already (I honestly kinda miss it). It is still
around 50 degrees here if it even gets that high. But it is nice to
walk around and "tract" in haha.
The reason why that is funny
to me is because you can't really tract in Idaho, too many members. We
rely a lot on the members and what referrals they give us.
So
anyways... about my week. I have nothing interesting to write about and
no pictures to send because I have been in my house all week. I am not
going APO [ from mom - I have no clue what this means.... as soon as I figure it out, I will post] !! haha
Last Monday, I got a concussion. About 3
hours after I sent my emails out haha. I was playing a game called
"Gator Ball" basically all it is, is Rugby and Soccer mixed together.
But no tackling or hitting or anything like that. I was being the goalie
(habit) and an Elder went to shoot a goal and threw the ball too high.
He hit a spot on my head that has taken damage before and he had a cannon for an
arm. So it did some damage. By the time 8PM came around I had difficulty sleeping
and my heart was racing (120bpm). So I called the nurse and in turn was
locked in my house for a week. I wasn't allowed to do anything,
including READ! (Little hard to study when you can't read). Today is my
first day out in the world and it feels wonderful! I will continue
trying to teach people and visit with them this week now that I can be
active! I don't even have pictures so I hope you all don't mind that
this email is short and boring. But it reflects well on my week (Except my
week was LONG!)
I do know that this gospel is true and that
Heavenly Father loves me. This injury was for my growth and not my
hindering. Heavenly Father loves every single one of us and wants us to
return home to Him. If any of you have questions of comments for me I
would love to hear them!
my email is padraic.farney@myldsmail.net
I Love You all!
Elder Farney
Friday, February 26, 2016
22 February 2016
22 February 2016
Its Psalms 37: 3-7
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgement as the noonday.
7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself
because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who
bringeth to pass wicked devices.
I know that I need to
trust the Lord and the plan that he has for me. And I know that I have
been called here for a reason and that not only is there someone here
that needs me, but there is someone here that I need as well. We don't
always need to know the why or how to everything. Have faith, take the
step. Pull an Indian Jones. For that is the way to trust in the Lord!
And, I leave that testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
NOW for my week! haha
So
this week has still been a struggle, but a lot of good has come from it
too! We have been able to clear out a lot of our lists finding those
who are not prepared enough to listen to our wonderful message. But even
using those that aren't interested we can find those that are. Also I
learned that too many people keep to themselves! PEOPLE! GET TO KNOW
YOUR NEIGHBORS!!! It will not only help you, them, and the community.
But it can really help with Missionary Work and giving the Missionary's
referrals! We really can't do this on our own! We need the help of the
members and just people in the community. Don't be afraid to talk about
the gospel and see if someone is interested in it. The worst that can
happen is that they will say no. If they don't want to be friends
anymore because of it, then really think about how much you meant to
that person in the first place.
(I'm not sure why, but I
keep going off on tangents... guess Calculus has helped me on my
mission... XD.... I'm so punny!.. anyways....)
So for this
next week we are gonna start focusing on new names we have been given
and the new lists that we received from our awesome Stake President,
President Dye. We now have new ideas on who needs the Savior in their
lives right now (we all do, but aren't all ready) and we have found
families that want us over to just help with any issues they are having
or want a better understanding on what the savior has taught us to do.
These next couple weeks should be awesome!!
So with the
struggle this week, we really haven't gotten inside a lot of homes. We
did some families this week and those were nice lessons. AND some super
exciting news! We committed a young man to be baptized! The family is
less active, but all of their oldest kids are baptized and so when we
brought it up to their next one (He's 10) he was like "Oh yeah I've been
wanting to get baptized" it actually kinda stunned us. Even funnier he
has a little sister who is 8 and she says "I don't want to get baptized
because they are gonna hold me down there for too long and kill me".....
so we are trying to teach her how baptism works and we will take the
whole family to see a baptism so that all the younger kids have a better
idea! The baptismal date is set for March 26th, and we will see how
that plays out!
I don't really have any other news this
week. But a word of advise that we seem to just... forget about...
BEFRIEND EVERYONE. When people are new to the church or even just new to
an area, it can be hard to try and be comfortable. Talk to them,
welcome them, invite them to activities either through the church or
just as a regular one. It will really help the whole family. Don't judge
on looks (of any kinds) stereotypes destroy lives and friendships. Love
everyone for who they are, remember innocent until proven guilty. It
works.
I love each of you and I can't wait to talk to you! I
love getting random emails from people so if you have anything you want
to say to me or ask me just email me padraic.farney@myldsmail.net
Have a great week!!
Hello Everyone!!
So
I have figured out that not only do I need to take each week as a new
week, BUT I also need to take each day as a new day. Feelings and
experiences from the day before can cloud your judgement and decisions
for today. Remember to go each day being guided by the spirit and not by
your own desires! Everything is in the Lord's time and not ours. I
found an awesome scripture that explains this.
This is Elder Farney, Elder Witbeck, Sister Archer, and Sister Williams!
These are the two sisters in my District,
they have super happy
personalities and bring the Spirit in everything they do!
So this is a before Picture of a treat a family made for us on Valentine's Day.
Dad, you're gonna love this next one!
IT'S A RICE CRISPY TREAT!!!! It was super yummy!
15 February 2016
15 February 2016
Okay so not gonna lie, this past week has been a bit of a bummer too. But it was much better than the week before!
Okay so not gonna lie, this past week has been a bit of a bummer too. But it was much better than the week before!
So
we found a family that had recently moved in. And we started getting in
contact and trying to set up an appointment with her and her kids. And
one day this week she said "I'm too busy to meet right now, sorry"...
So we got dropped like a rock. Sadness, but that is part of the reality
of a Mission. A young man that we have been trying to teach named Jett,
he has been wrestling and going to state tournaments so he hasn't been
able to meet with us, but we will see him soon.
But
we have done a lot of good this week too. We took some time to go
through and clean up our Area Books and find new people to reject us
haha. We found a couple people who are interested in having us come back
and teach though. And last night President Dye (Stake President)
invited us over to his house to see how he could help us. So when we
told him about our issues with old records and not up to date
information. He gave us access to ALL of the stake's information on all
families and everything we need to know! So things should go well for us
this next week as we use our new information to meet new families. It
is a really great blessing to have so much support from auxiliaries and
leadership in the church.
The weather has been
interesting, it has been getting warm. like anywhere from 35-45 degrees!
(That's burning here! For all you folks back home that think that is
wicked cold) And it has felt really warm. BUT the wind has been
absolutely ridiculous! It creates like a -20 wind chill and drops the
temperature really far. Its been at like 30mph for a long time. It makes
it difficult to walk around and I have long hair right now so I look
like trash all the time. So to combat that problem I am getting a hair
cut this week. Well probably more than just one hair though. I'm gonna
try and get them all cut. XD hahaha!
I have
found a scripture this week that inspires me to work hard and to remain
strong every day. That scripture is Numbers 23:22 (Old Testament). It
says: "God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an Unicorn"
So I will work with the strength of an Unicorn and help to deliver people from "Egypt" (Apostasy).
I love you all so much and I love getting all of your emails!
The Ward Mission Leader of one of our wards is building this
to take up
into the mountains with him and his family. It is almost done!
We got to eat breakfast with a Member of the stake presidency
and they
had a bunch of dogs and chickens trying to kill each other over some
food haha.
So This is a picture that was drawn by a kid who was 14 and he is from
Arizona.
He has a lot of artwork like this. His name is Jordan O'Dare (I
think)
and I just thought it was really cool.
8 February 2016
8 February 2016
Everything is going by so fast! On this next Saturday I will have been out for a MONTH! It is really exciting.
So
this past week has been interesting. It has actually been a very
challenging week. Things were not going our way at all. We had an
appointment fall through because WE scrubbed up. We forgot to bring a
member with us, the family is a Single Mother, a Youth that is 9 and his
sisters. So we couldn't go in and teach. We are planning on returning
this week and teaching a lesson and see if he is interested in being
baptized.
And we have been teaching
what we thought was two nonmembers. TURNS OUT the boyfriend/fiance was
baptized when he was 8 and just never became active in the church. SO
totally changing our approach and our paperwork because we have been
counting them both as Nonmembers. It was really funny how he told us.
Elder Witbeck has been visiting with them since before I got here, and
it was after he and I had gone it 3 times and right after I said
something about it being late and us needing to go and he said something
along the lines of "Oh well yeah since I was baptized when I was 8 I do
know a bit about the church." And you could feel the confusion in the
room until he clarified that he was Baptized into the LDS church. Good
to know before we try to extend a baptismal date to them haha.
Other
things just have not been going our way, people not wanting to talk to
us and others deciding that they aren't interested in the church at the
moment. I know that is is part of the missionary life, but I can't help
feel bad for them. I am so happy because I have the knowledge and
understanding of where I came from, why I'm here, where I'm going, and
how it is all possible. I really want everyone else to feel this as
well. But everything works in its own time and the Lord will prepare
those that need me here in Idaho.
I
love working with the Members and the Ward Mission Leaders. Everyone is
so welcoming and inviting. One thing I have noticed though is that
everyone thinks that since I am from Arizona, I am dying out in the
cold. Yes I will admit that I am still getting used to it. But I'm
thick, lots of insulation haha. I'm surviving.
There
really isn't a ton to report on this week. We do have a new rule
though. We must wear our suits when we are out proselyting. Unless it is
70 degrees or above. It will be an adjustment but I will live haha.
I love all of you and I love receiving emails during the week!
Just before I left, my mom and I ran into a friend of hers.
She told us her nephew was serving in the same mission!!
Guess who I ran into?! Elder McMurdie
Elder Witbeck and Elder Farney
A picture that a Less Active family had hanging in their home!
I thought
it was so cool. Their whole wall was dedicated to America.
This is JUST after it snowed for a whole night.
The car didn't even
want to drive. And! I could see my breath inside the car.
It fascinated
me haha!--
Monday, February 8, 2016
First Email From The Mission Field
1 February 2016
Well I have had a very interesting week!
Leaving the MTC was a party all by itself. Getting to the airport was lots of fun! (Sarcasm haha)
I have had so much going on that I can't really break it down by day. So it will just be all mashed together.
So since I have been in Idaho:
I arrived in Idaho and met my Companion/Trainer Elder Witbeck (Said how it is spelled). He is a really cool Missionary. He is from South Carolina and has been out for 7 months. BUT he was born in Charlotte, North Carolina haha. Thought that that was pretty cool. We have had a very productive week checking in on some Less Active members and finding 5 possible New Investigators! All in less than a week!!
Elder Witbeck and I are over 6 wards. That isn't even the whole stake! There are 10 wards in the stake, but the Zone Leaders cover the other 4 wards.
We cover:
Chubbuck 3rd,5th,6th,7th,9th, and 11th Wards
I have had dinner with several different families in the 11th Ward this week, but one family that is just SO cool and tons of fun is the Call family. We went over and had dinner and we spent hours just talking. For those of you that know Noah Clark, Brother Call is his dad's cousin! It was a cool connection to make. We played some games and gave a lesson, best night in Idaho so far.
This past Saturday the coolest thing happened!
Okay so my companion and I had just finished Companion study and we were about to go make our lunch when the phone rang and it was a number that we didn't recognize. He answered the phone and it ended up being a Missionary that had just gotten back the same day I got to Idaho! It was cool, he asked if he could treat us to lunch and we were like Heck Yes! So while Elder Witbeck and the returned missionary (Brother Anderson) were deciding on where to go eat I said "Why don't we go to Panda Express?" (One of my favorite places to eat) and they both decided that sounded good. So Brother Anderson showed up just a few minutes before we did and he ran into a guy that looked a little confused. Brother Anderson stopped to help him and found out that the Man was looking to expand his company out there. The man offered Brother Anderson a Job! Right There! He was so excited. It really proves that Heavenly Father guides and protects his children. We had lunch and he told us about his mission and it really showed us how much a mission can change someone if they let it.
This past Sunday we went to the 11th,3rd, and 6th ward. The 6th ward was where Brother Anderson was giving his Homecoming talk! And after sacrament, for the 3rd Ward, when I was sitting, a man came up to me and said "You're brand new on your mission aren't you?" I was mind blown because everyone else has told me that would have believed me if I had said I'd been out for a year! But i realized that I kinda recognized him, not sure why though. As we continue to talk I discover that it was a man that I had talked to on the Train to the Airport from the MTC!!! He was visiting his grandparents ward in Idaho this weekend, and I don't believe in Coincidences. It was such a cool moment and he told me that I look like I am handling the Mission well.
We have met many new people and my past as a wrestler and soccer player, and as wanting to join the military when I get home has opened so many doors and peoples interest sparks as they listen to my testimony about prayer and being guided to go on a mission.
I don't really have much else to say this week because it has only been a couple days. But I cant wait to have more to send next week.
If anyone every has questions, comments, concerns, or conundrums. Just send me an email and I will do my best to answer and reply.
ALSO I love getting pictures or people so if you can include emails of pictures!
I Love you all!!
--
-Elder Farney
Well I have had a very interesting week!
Leaving the MTC was a party all by itself. Getting to the airport was lots of fun! (Sarcasm haha)
I have had so much going on that I can't really break it down by day. So it will just be all mashed together.
So since I have been in Idaho:
I arrived in Idaho and met my Companion/Trainer Elder Witbeck (Said how it is spelled). He is a really cool Missionary. He is from South Carolina and has been out for 7 months. BUT he was born in Charlotte, North Carolina haha. Thought that that was pretty cool. We have had a very productive week checking in on some Less Active members and finding 5 possible New Investigators! All in less than a week!!
Elder Witbeck and I are over 6 wards. That isn't even the whole stake! There are 10 wards in the stake, but the Zone Leaders cover the other 4 wards.
We cover:
Chubbuck 3rd,5th,6th,7th,9th, and 11th Wards
I have had dinner with several different families in the 11th Ward this week, but one family that is just SO cool and tons of fun is the Call family. We went over and had dinner and we spent hours just talking. For those of you that know Noah Clark, Brother Call is his dad's cousin! It was a cool connection to make. We played some games and gave a lesson, best night in Idaho so far.
This past Saturday the coolest thing happened!
Okay so my companion and I had just finished Companion study and we were about to go make our lunch when the phone rang and it was a number that we didn't recognize. He answered the phone and it ended up being a Missionary that had just gotten back the same day I got to Idaho! It was cool, he asked if he could treat us to lunch and we were like Heck Yes! So while Elder Witbeck and the returned missionary (Brother Anderson) were deciding on where to go eat I said "Why don't we go to Panda Express?" (One of my favorite places to eat) and they both decided that sounded good. So Brother Anderson showed up just a few minutes before we did and he ran into a guy that looked a little confused. Brother Anderson stopped to help him and found out that the Man was looking to expand his company out there. The man offered Brother Anderson a Job! Right There! He was so excited. It really proves that Heavenly Father guides and protects his children. We had lunch and he told us about his mission and it really showed us how much a mission can change someone if they let it.
This past Sunday we went to the 11th,3rd, and 6th ward. The 6th ward was where Brother Anderson was giving his Homecoming talk! And after sacrament, for the 3rd Ward, when I was sitting, a man came up to me and said "You're brand new on your mission aren't you?" I was mind blown because everyone else has told me that would have believed me if I had said I'd been out for a year! But i realized that I kinda recognized him, not sure why though. As we continue to talk I discover that it was a man that I had talked to on the Train to the Airport from the MTC!!! He was visiting his grandparents ward in Idaho this weekend, and I don't believe in Coincidences. It was such a cool moment and he told me that I look like I am handling the Mission well.
We have met many new people and my past as a wrestler and soccer player, and as wanting to join the military when I get home has opened so many doors and peoples interest sparks as they listen to my testimony about prayer and being guided to go on a mission.
I don't really have much else to say this week because it has only been a couple days. But I cant wait to have more to send next week.
If anyone every has questions, comments, concerns, or conundrums. Just send me an email and I will do my best to answer and reply.
ALSO I love getting pictures or people so if you can include emails of pictures!
I Love you all!!
--
-Elder Farney
A Plaque In The Mission Office
ELDER WITBECK (South Carolina)
My First Companion
Elder Allbright
A service missionary in our area that joins us every now and then!
All the missionaries from our Zone that were from Arizona.
Except the
one on the end
(She had to be in it because her companion
couldn't be
alone in a pic with the Elders haha)
My District at the MTC and Sister Smyth (One of our Teachers)
A chain that we found outside a house
that people use to help the ice
down off the roof.
It is totally enclosed in ice! (I'm cold up here
haha)
Reporting To The Mission Home!!
23 January 2016
Elder Farney was able to call me from the airport - as he waited for his flight to Idaho. Spoke for almost an hour!! It was SO wonderful to hear his voice! There were fifteen of them flying to Pocatello. And a complete stranger treated them all to lunch!
As we were chatting - he would ask me to wait just a minute as he helped multiple people figure out how to use the calling cards and the pay phone! What an exceptional young man!
The best part of the conversation - other than him repeatedly telling me how much he loved and missed me - was when he asked if I would take the phone to Little Man's preschool so he could talk to him. Of course, I did! When Little Man was on the phone, he said, "Mommy I think Bubba's crying." I said, "He is." He says, "Why?" I said, "Because he loves you and misses you so much." He then spoke back into the phone and said, "Oh bubba.... I love you too." Sweetest heartbreaking words ever!
I had been in touch with a wonderful fellow Missionary Momma for a few days via Facebook - I found out she was going to be serving dinner to my missionary when he arrived in Pocatello. What an amazing woman! She not only served him dinner - but took pictures and wrote me the BEST message!
"He is doing great. He was so excited. He loved the food.... especially the potatoes! He said, "My mom is a wizard in the kitchen." He has a really funny personality. A great sense of humor. He said, "Oh, my mom is on that missionary momma's facebook thing too." LOL I gave him a nice pat on the shoulder for ya. Hugs mom. You have a great missionary." ~ Marcy Lyn Kestner
LOVE WHAT A SMALL WORLD THE CHURCH IS - AND HOW TECHNOLOGY HAS MADE THIS KIND OF CONTACT POSSIBLE!!
Elder Farney was able to call me from the airport - as he waited for his flight to Idaho. Spoke for almost an hour!! It was SO wonderful to hear his voice! There were fifteen of them flying to Pocatello. And a complete stranger treated them all to lunch!
As we were chatting - he would ask me to wait just a minute as he helped multiple people figure out how to use the calling cards and the pay phone! What an exceptional young man!
The best part of the conversation - other than him repeatedly telling me how much he loved and missed me - was when he asked if I would take the phone to Little Man's preschool so he could talk to him. Of course, I did! When Little Man was on the phone, he said, "Mommy I think Bubba's crying." I said, "He is." He says, "Why?" I said, "Because he loves you and misses you so much." He then spoke back into the phone and said, "Oh bubba.... I love you too." Sweetest heartbreaking words ever!
I had been in touch with a wonderful fellow Missionary Momma for a few days via Facebook - I found out she was going to be serving dinner to my missionary when he arrived in Pocatello. What an amazing woman! She not only served him dinner - but took pictures and wrote me the BEST message!
"He is doing great. He was so excited. He loved the food.... especially the potatoes! He said, "My mom is a wizard in the kitchen." He has a really funny personality. A great sense of humor. He said, "Oh, my mom is on that missionary momma's facebook thing too." LOL I gave him a nice pat on the shoulder for ya. Hugs mom. You have a great missionary." ~ Marcy Lyn Kestner
LOVE WHAT A SMALL WORLD THE CHURCH IS - AND HOW TECHNOLOGY HAS MADE THIS KIND OF CONTACT POSSIBLE!!
THE MISSIONARIES WHO REPORTED TO
POCATELLO WITH ELDER FARNEY!!
22 January 2016
22 January 2016
Hey Everyone!!
Hey Everyone!!
It's been a very fun and adventure filled week for me. Let me break it down.
FRIDAY
So
last friday was P-Day for me so I guess thats where my week starts.
That's when I need to do my laundry, ironing, emailing, and anything
else to prep for the week. We get to go to the temple EVERY FRIDAY that
we are here. I was able to do one session and Initiatory for three
names! It felt so good to be able to take time out of all the studying
and learning to do that. After the temple we go back to class and
studying haha.
SATURDAY
So
on Saturday we had slightly longer classes and we began out learning of
the Teaching Resource Center (TRC). What that basically is, is that we
meet with either real investigators or recent converts that are amazing
actors and teach them the discussions. It has been a great help in
seeing what Investigators are like in the real world.
SUNDAY
So
just like back home my Sunday consists of Sacrament and meetings haha.
I've already helped pass the Sacrament and this week I'm going to Bless
haha. We then learn more about ordinances and opportunities we have to
serve as Missionaries. But other than that Sunday is a day to work on
assessments and study. We had a devotional tonight by Sister Kemp Perry
who is the woman that wrote and arranged several hymns and children's
songs for the church. We got to sing along with some of the songs she
wrote and also she shared with us her Family song that was absolutely
AMAZING!! I really wish everyone had a family song. Also every Sunday
night there is a Sunday night Movie and I got to watch the Character of
Christ which is a MTC devotional given by Elder Bednar a few years ago
at Christmas time. It really taught me the importance of thinking about
others and not myself.
MONDAY
On
Monday our week begins again and we started our TRC meetings. Elder
Mau'u and I have been teaching a 75 year old man that loves to talk
named Arnold. And a Early 20's Man named Andrew. They are polar
opposites so it is fun to have to change mindsets. Really all we do
during the day though is go to class and personal study. We have started
getting Exercise time every day for an hour, so I have been running and
playing volleyball to try and burn off some of my gut haha.
TUESDAY
So
for tuesday we didn't have TRC so our classes were a bit more extensive
as we pull apart the verses in the Book of Mormon and Role Play with
our Teachers. We really have a bit of the same schedule every day, but
the lesson material changes. Also they have a choir here that practices
every Tuesday and Sunday and that perform in the Tuesday night
devotionals. This Tuesday night devotional was by Elder Falabella of the
Seventy. He gave great insight into how to approach Missionary work and
the Importance of speaking to everyone.
WEDNESDAY
So
for this Wednesday it was a special one. There was a world wide
missionary broadcast. Every missionary in the MTC and out in the fields
watched it. It was showing us the importance of working with the members
in our area and why both Elders need to be in tune with the spirit and
each other. It was really inspiring and made me realize to not be afraid
to speak to people. It was a great help in boosting my confidence.
THURSDAY
So
this is the last day of my week. Things have been going really well
with Arnold and he feels that our church is the only one that really
makes sense. I am thinking that today (Friday) we will ask him to be
BAPTIZED!! And I have a very strong feeling that he will say yes. But
for Thursday we had what is called "In-Field Orientation" and that was
when we went over all the behind the scene work for Missionaries. The
making goals and planning, working with members to get referrals, and
about why we need to be balanced in our teachings and about why it is
important that you and your companion have great communication with each
other.
Well Friends and Family that was my week. I can't wait to email you from Idaho next week.
I
just want to leave you with some scriptures that I have been studying.
If you will read 2 Nephi 31 it will tell you why I am on my mission and
what it is that I need to be doing.
I Love all of You so much,
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