Siloam Springs



He does look a bit bigger!



No more Tornadoes unfortunately although we are officially in tornado season. The siren sounds like what you imagine when a nuclear bomb is coming down its loud and it plays at the community building which is only like a quarter mile away from our apartment. It sounded like someone just put an air horn to my ear while I was sleeping, but instead of being angry I ran straight to the window to see if I could see it. I didn't bummer.

Well to be honest this week went by a little slow we got see our important people but all the others we just could not find them home at all. The one guy that I was telling you about a couple weeks ago is making some progress it will be a little bit but I feel like he is really changing and turning his life around. So that was pretty good. Everyone else is still kind of stuck in Bible fantasy land, and we are just desperately trying to get them to read the Book of Mormon. It sounds easy but it is like trying to wrastle a gator n his favrite feedin' pond.

Random note I hope you get the pictures that I sent from Sister Hubler (see below) only in Arkansas would you find a true redneck weddin unfortunately we were on our way to an appointment so we could not attend.

Well, like I said the beginning of the week was slow. The end of the week we were able to volunteer at the Dogwood Festival here in town. The Dogwood festival is the Houston Carnival, Arizona State Fair, and the Alleys in the space of a square 1/4 mile. It is pretty small but everybody knows everybody and it is just a get together in the town. I thoroughly enjoyed it because we just went around picked up trash and talked with every vendor and person that was attending the festival. The only downside is that Friday and Saturday the days we attended it was raining but the festival does not cancel for rain it just means that a lot of people will not show up. The biggest disappointment was that they held bed races but they were canceled because of rain. Bed races is where you put a bed frame and mattress on bicycle wheels and you basically do the push cart race from cool runnings except somebody sleeps on the bed while the others push I was looking forward to seeing this event but it was canceled. But I made contact with every single vendor and we are pretty much best buds I got free kettle corn and pork rinds because these people are my buds. The Festival was fun and I enjoyed myself for two days.

The Spanish elders also came down for one day to help and that was good they keep me sane. The deal is because we don't have a lot of Spanish elders in the mission they cover a large area so they still cover Siloam they just live in Springdale so I get to see them once a week and I am grateful for this.



Elders Duclos, Heywood (with his spicy pork rinds), Freeman and Bush at the Dogwood Festival



Yesterday we went to the Pritchett's for dinner, its the 15 year old that made the chili that I told you about. Sister Pritechett is a very good cook and Woody the kid even though he outweighs me by like a hundred pounds is the iron chef I can't believe it he is truly talented at cooking. So they make us dinner and I just get fat it is so good. Yesterday they made spicy taco salad with Doritos and finger chicken quesadillas, with their famous homemade guacamole I about died from eating so much.

Well that is it I am doing good and things are pretty good. Problems happen everyday but whatever they are not that big just something that I have to go through. see ya.

joke: How do you know that the toothbrush was invented in Arkansas?

If it was invented anywhere else it would have been a teethbrush. Not really that funny but whatev.

Peace

Elder Heywood

Siloam Springs

Well this week was better. Yesterday was actually pretty cool the whole mission was invited to Tulsa to hear an address from Bishop Dean M. Davies second counselor in the presiding bishopric of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Bro. Migliori rented a big Van and took us and 11 other missionaries from the zone. It was a fun trip and it was an awesome talk he talked a lot about sacrifice and not getting discouraged and being obedient and praying for the love of the people that we are serving it was muy bien.

The rest of the week was pretty good we visited a lot of people and we are just basically helping them understand that we are the true church with the authority of God. They have a hard time understanding that. The guy that was closest to Baptism, he was pretty close but he moved to Claremore so that sucked. We are officially teaching a JW she is a nice lady who is a JW I hope it goes well we won't know until Friday that is when we set up the appointment.  The other guy who was a JW is not a baptized member he just believes in some of their stuff he is fun. .

I heard Parker went shooting with Ralph why wasn't I invited; come on that was like my dream.

Another thing is that Saturday the elders in the ward were in charge of cleaning the church. Me and Elder Bunch were the only ones that showed up hooray we spent a long time cleaning than after that Bro. Migliori called us to the Williams who are related to the Gilbert's vice principal Mcdowell and we moved some furniture than we went to Migliori's and helped him fix the transmission on his truck I enjoyed it. I love Bro. Migliori when he works on cars he wears a doo-rag (not sure if that is how you spell it) but he looks awesome. Well it has been an intersting this week and fun.

There are no Elders in our area, we would have to call and arrange something to go to Springdale to hang out with the Marshalese, Spanish, and English elders. So basically it is just the two of us. I know about HUHOT I was talking with some other elders and they mentioned it I told our zone leaders for a zone outing to HUHOT and they liked it so I am making this happen.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures. We actually have a truck now a Nissan frontier the only Nissan truck in the mission I am excited about that it means I can haul butt on the dirt roads I think it makes elder bunch nervous but its all good.

Oh and one more thing, a tornado hit Tuesday at like 2 a.m.  The siren went off which is like a nuclearn attack siren and my head popped off the pillow in excitement and I ran to every window looking for it with my caera out but I couldn't see it.  Later from members I found out it was in the country somewhere.  I was kind of bummed.

Thanks mom and familia. Much love. Nelson will be officially in Bolivia by next week I think he is excited. Well peace

Siloam Springs

Well my week started out good. For P day last week we went to a local lake and screwed around with the Spanish elders one last time. So what is happening is that it is just me and Elder Bunch over all Siloam. No missionaries are coming, no Spanish, no nothing. So it will be interesting. Spanish Elders left Thursday and previous to that day we were all sick. Tuesday and Wednesday I think it was food poisoning, but yeah it sucked. The next two days since our apartment lease was up we had to move in to the Spanish elders apartment. They left and the next days we finally got everything done and were able to work; so though we are busy, but not really with important things. We only cover one ward, but our ward is like Siloam and six neighboring towns.

So long to the Spanish Speaking Elders

Spring is almost upon us everything is really green and looking pretty nice. I guess this week we are supposed to have some good thunderstorms. I am hoping for hail the size of golf balls and micro bursts and stuff like that.

Siloam Springs...spring is coming....

Well about the work at the end of the week when we finally got to go out we went around and tried to visit all the people that we didn't visit the week before. The most interesting thing about this week is that we met a J dub that was insane. He had a thick accent so you couldn't understand a word he said, he had congestive heart failure and broken back so he couldn't kill us, and yeah he was a pretty cool guy. He swore like a sailor like everybody swears back here, but he was extraordinarily bad, and he was talking about how many times he was thrown in jail and how many people he almost killed and that he drove trucks without brakes when he was 11 and just all the hillbilly tall tales, but I like these people the best so it is fun. As far as are people who were progressing, because of this last week we kind of lost contact so this week we have to get back on track and make some magic happen. We are really close with three people, but they have issues with church and already being fully involved in the church they belong now or something or other.
Everybody down here is a religious nut and it makes it rough.

I did get a bike it is from Wal Mart and I hope it lasts. We'll see I guess. I am glad to hear about Colton coming by. He just needs to get on his mission asap so, I hope it happens soon. He is going to Japan I know it.  Oh by the way, I don't know if you know but Logan is going to Mexico City South mission. He reports September 4th.

 One more thing. I had dinner with the Pritchetts last night their son Woody is famous throughout the ward for his chili. He has won the chili cookoff in the ward. It was very good, he is fifteen and he knows how to make some celestial chili.

 Well I think that is it see ya.

Siloam Springs

Don't worry about the mission president thing I enjoy talking to him anyway and he is a nice guy and he understood. I am learning a lot out here and everything is going pretty swell. I wanted to tell you I have had spaghetti so many times already and I told the other Elders about me hating spaghetti so they always make fun when the family says we're having spaghetti because that means I just have to muster up some juevos and eat it. Blahhhh, I don't like spaghetti.

Well, our normal Library is hopefully back to normal at least right now it is, So hopefully the email goes regular from now on. This last week went by a little slow; seemed like nothing went right, investigators weren't home and we couldn't reach them and everything seemed just chaotic and a mess. Wednesday, I went on an exchange to Tahlequah which is in Oklahoma about an hour from Siloam Springs and rumor has it that "Where the Red Fern Grows" location is between here and Tahlequah and that Grandpa's shop is based in Tahlequah. I thought that was pretty cool since it was one of my favorite books. Conference was good Saturday we went to Springdale and watched it with the zone and then ate Golden Dragon Chinese Buffet afterwards which was a mistake. Whatever comes out of my body from that stupid buffet is punishment for overeating I guess.

Sunday was nice we went to a family's house (the Wheelers) that are one of those normal families in the ward and watched with them. Both brother and Sister Wheeler have big families and the house had quite a few people in it so it was fun. Yes, I did do a puzzle, I helped Lizzie a 6 year old girl (niece) do a princess puzzle and a puppy puzzle so I had my puzzle time. Actually the Wheelers do a puzzle every Christmas and they had a really cool one of George Washington crossing the Delaware, it was like three thousand pieces and when they showed me it I instantly fell in love...I need to find one like that when I get home it was awesome.

Well sad news the Spanish Elders are moving out to Springdale. I will be with Elder Bunch for another transfer. This next six weeks will be interesting but we are close with a few people so cross your fingers it’s about to get hot. Well that is basically it thanks for the package it was like Christmas; me and the other elders all screamed when we saw the Hobbit and Prince of Egypt soundtracks we listened to the misty mountain song like twenty times it was great. Thanks again.

I would like to tell you much thanks in raising me right. Out here in Siloam I see a lot of interesting people who all have challenges and problems and I would like to thank you for teaching me to make right choices. Even if you favorite meal to make me is spaghetti. Also thanks for being so diligent in your emails. They make me smile every week. I was a little bummed hearing about the lake but it is all good and I am happy here in Siloam and I hope I stay here for a year because there is a lot to do, and it is just awesome.
When I get home I hope to have a motorcycle waiting so I can grow a beard and ride back to my mission. That is my dream and if anyone else wants to get a motorcycle and join in, I'll be more than happy to give them a tour of Siloam and wherever else I serve. I just love this place, the only thing missing is a temple but I hope that will change eventually.

I don't remember if you remember but a long time ago when I was like six or seven I asked you what the greatest event in history was in your opinion, and what you said was the atonement and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was a long time ago but I have remembered it ever since and every time it gets around Easter time I always ponder what you said when I asked you that question. I realized that it wasn't opinion it was a fact and I am glad that you shared that with me at a young age because I didn't understand it then but I sure understand it now and I am forever grateful. You are the best, I know it, you know it and Heavenly Father knows it because he put you as a mother to the greatest family in the world. Thank you for everything.
Love, Elder Heywood

Siloam Springs

Okay first of all I am so sorry about the missing letters. What happened is that our library in town had staff training and was closed on monday, tuesday, wednesday, then the internet was down for the rest of the week and stillnis this week. It was a joke they didn't even try to fix it. The only way you can get anyone to fix anything is if it is their truck or you offer them pain pills. Well so much happened in the last two weeks I don't even know where to start. I am in a different library today and they have a time limit on the computer so I am sorry if the letter is short. Sounds like everything is good. Dana seems busy and Chris is just being Chris with whatever he does. Tell him to keep on practicing. Well tell Jared good luck and that he needs to buy a deer rifle before he goes up there. Everybody here has a deer rifle I am so jealous. Another Investigator we had accepted to be baptized he is a good guy works at the Wal-Mart Pharmacy and is just nice. His wife doesn't like us and his kids don't care and the family is involved at their non-denominational church and that is hard for him. He knows its right believes the Book of Mormon is true but he is just not comfortable leaving everything else behind we invited him to ask his family to join us, but he is just not sure about his wife. I am praying for him and I hope it goes well. Another problem with him that he might be moving which sucks because I don't know if he'll continue to take the lessons in Oklahoma. Transfers are next week I hope I don't get transferred I love it here. Well sorry I'll write more next week. Thanks Mom sorry and I love you and the family

Siloam Springs

Okay I got quite a few emails to get out; so this one is for you and Dad. Well it seems like everything is going well for you guys except for sickness and crashing the bug.  That is a bummer but the philosophy out here is that cars were meant to crash. Everybody's car is missing a door, or their engine only fires on one cylinder or something crazy like that. So just ship the bug out here and it will be right at home. I haven't picked up a bike yet but we are going pawn shopping today to see if we can just meet some people and look around for junk. I will try to find one.

Man, Nelson left that is so crazy I am sending him an email next. Logan and Colton said that his farewell and stuff was really good, they also said that Bro. Morris made burritos and they were so good. Colton just got his papers in they are being reviewed by Pres. Bluth.  Wyatt! wearing a suit I won't believe it until I see it.

I think about the lake a lot; I didn't think you guys would get out there until April or so, but it sounds like fun. Over here the weather is kind of off and on it will be rainy and cold like in fifties one day and the next will be like seventy and just awesome. Also things are starting to green and in the next month it should be beautiful can't wait. Chris better be able to do something when I get back like Connor says he needs to get on my level haha. You said Parker and Jared wimped out but did you or dad get in hmmmm? I don't think so. President Holland said if you want your investigators to read then you read if you want them to pray then you pray. If you want Parker and Jared to get in then you must get in.

Well, a little bit about my week the one guy comes to church and FHE but he just doesn't seem to grasp the Gospel and what it is really about. Soo who knows on that one. Another Investigator and his Wife or girlfriend are kind of progressing and just started to read so we went over Saturday to meet them and just check up on them and they were throwing a birthday party for their friend's daughter and they had nine kids running around half naked with cake all over them.  The adults were all drunk. He had a question about the Book of Mormon so we did our best to explain but he just didn't understand because he was out of his mind. I guess next time it is the Word of Wisdom lesson.  It was pretty funny he was saying, "God knows I drink, they don't care that I drink what's the big deal I got a good argument for these guys and you are trying to tell me that I burnt the food." That is what he said to his wife, he burnt probably like forty bucks of ribs it was classic.

The Cabbits haven't happened yet but the Cat is going into heat again so we are all crossing our fingers.

Saturday we went and did some service for Bro. M at his ranch we put up fence posts it was good and after we hypnotized his chickens, and Elder Freeman picked a really mean one so Bro. M  was like if you let that thing go I will never catch it so he got some electrical tape and taped it up so we didn't accidentally let it go. When we tried to get the tape off it took off a good thing of feathers it was pretty funny.

I have already faced the fact that I am going to get fat. I have been eating pretty well. Saturday after service I ate five hamburgers and two Buffalo burgers. I was more tired from eating then actually working. It is funny that you tried to have a green dinner, because since I am a greenie I had a green dinner from the Williams everything on my plate was green or died green I thought you would like to hear that.

Hey one more thing can you save all these emails I would like to read them when I get home and stuff like that. I have been writing in my journal everyday since I have been out that is the best I have done ever.

Dana says you laugh when I said "bout dat".  My recommendation is to not come to Arkansas because you would be laughing at everyone and you would offend the whole state.

"lets cha cha"; What movie?  Part of that movie was filmed only like an hour from where I live in Fort Smith.

Oh I don't know if I told you this but if you need a young women's lesson there is a Mormon message called Mountains to Climb it is very good and I would suggest it. Also President Shumway is a big fan of music and he is pretty lax on what we listen too so I can listen to Josh Groban and stuff like that so I was wondering you would like to send me the Hobbit soundtrack?   I live at 250 North Madison Street, Siloam Springs, Apartment D. Not sure of the zip code, but yeah we live in apartments English and Spanish it is fun especially when we get together and re-enact Prince of Egypt songs. If you have a Prince of Egypt soundtrack that one is alright too. See ya family and enjoy your time without me.

Tell Dad Happy Birthday and make sure you have some family bike trips maybe as a family you should go back down to Mexico and do that one race. Well all is good I think that concludes this letter.

Again I love you and make sure your chickens don't die and tape one up they freak out and it is funny, it is not cruel it is just fun.

Elder Heywood

Siloam Springs

This week was good now that I am kind of used to everything. I did a lot better and I feel like I am getting the hang of things. Siloam Springs is an awesome place.  We haven't had too many storms just a light drizzle on Saturday which in Arizona would have been a "good rain".  No snow which I am happy about and in Dad's words outside feels just a little nippy. I can't wait for spring, all the members have been telling me how good everything looks when spring and summer come around. I am excited bout dat. (I am learning Arkansasian pretty well cant ya tell hehaheha).

My favorite thing so far about the area is the ward members there is not a whole lot so it is all kind of like one big family and there are three families that occupy like 80% of the ward. They are all so funny and extraordinary.

This week we taught a lot of people, people who shared no interest in what we had to say except for a couple. Like you said there are a lot of churches here and no matter who you are or your status you belong to a church it just the culture out here. The guy  who I told you about last week is kind of our main priority because he shares the most interest, but as well as investigating our church he goes to the seventh day adventist church, J dubbs, Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian, and a lot of non-denominational churches. So I am not sure what is going through his head maybe he just has the holy spirit in his bones. I think he'll come around he just needs to sincerely read the Book of Mormon and stop wondering about who's father was who and what state they are in at what period of time, and just feel the power of the book and pray about it once he figures that out for himself then he will be baptized so keep your fingers crossed.

Also everybody here reads the Holy Bible and they don't understand "y we nid 2 of dem" so that takes up most of our conversations. Everybody also has the most ridiculous stories. We talked to a guy yesterday who was in the army at 15, and stole an airplane which sixty years later he is still paying for, and he got a tank stuck in quicksand and he lost it. Also throughout his educational career which spans to college he has never scored lower than a 97% on a test. Yet he lives in a trailer with a narcoleptic wife and has five chihuahuas (don't know if I spelled that right). His wife is truly narcoleptic once she sits down she is out like a light quite funny. Interesting people.

I'll send you a picture of the cabbits when they work out should be fun right?

Interesting fact; we are in the top twenty small towns in the U.S. according to some magazine.

This week a lady in our ward who is a recent convert, well her cousin's house caught on fire and burned down and one of her cousins was injured moderately and the other one passed away in the fire so we spent a lot of time at her house just sharing messages and comforting her and stuff.

see ya,
Elder Heywood