Reality starting to hit.....

This week Elder Anderson shared many wonderful experiences with us so I have decided to post most of his email......
"This week for me was a really good one with a lot of miracles and success and fun :) We had a great start to the week by setting a date with that guy Chris who was my birthday miracle from last week and we set his date for the 21st of September so that is this week!! We have been meeting with him a lot just to make sure he is ready. The faith this guy has and the trust he has in the lord is incredible because he has been smoking and so we told him he has to quit now if he wants to get to that date and he stopped no questions asked. He really understands how important this is going to be for him in his life and he's ready to make that step we just have to be on him like a hawk this week to make sure he doesn't smoke. I got to give him a blessing for it and he said he could feel the difference so that was way cool for me. On the 10th,Joshs birthday, I had my fake birthday party at Mama Sheps house :) It was great we had fried chicken, mac and cheese, mash potatoes, corn bread, greens it was soo good :) then for desert we had peach pie! it was great! The Sister Missionaries got me a card and it was by far the best card I have ever received. It was Sister Huppi in a card and it said "Huppi Birthday" it was funny you can hopefully see what I mean from the picture. But it was cool because we had a miracle for that dinner as well. The sisters before coming into dinner contacted this young black guy on his way home and I ran out to meet the guy and then invited him to my birthday dinner. He ended up coming and we had a great time. Then after we got to teach him and it was a super powerful lesson and you could tell he was understanding it too. As I talked about the first vision he started to tear up, the spirit in the room was just so powerful and I gained an even stronger testimony of the first vision and the power that comes with it.
Oh by the way I had a great spiritual boost this week that was really inspired from our Father in Heaven. I was asked to give a talk in sacrament meeting this week, which was wierd because I have already spoken twice in this branch and I thought they would have had E. Fracncis speak because he is still new to the branch but they asked me to talk on the things on my mission that I have gained that would bless and help me spiritually when I get home. When I first started thinking about it I was thinking about a lot of different experiences that I could use but there was no direction to it. Then after praying for some guidance I was looking through one of my folders and saw those clip outs that you sent me in the pioneer day package about "10 things that a missionary should take home" by Gordon B Hinckley and it was perfect!! It was exactly what the branch needed to hear because they wanted me to remind the RMs in the room of things they could do to maintain their spirituality and things like that. But other than that it boosted my testimony and relieved some fears of going home. I then realized that I had gained all the things on the list and really applied them to myself, and it gave me comfort about going home. It still freaks me out a lot about going home because I'm afraid of I guess losing all the things I have gained from my mission but because of this talk and the preparation for it I have realized things I can do to maintain the things I gained and to bless me in the continued progression I'm going to go through when I get home :) But ya It was great and im thankful for Gods continual guidance in my life :"

"Huppi Birthday" Elder Anderson!

Miracles happening!!

Elder Anderson and his companion have been blessed with many little miracles in the past month.  They have truly felt the tender mercies sent from above.  Here are some of his experiences in his own words....."So this week we saw another little miracle that we weren't expecting. It was Tuesday and late at night which usually means on campus its hard to get anyone to listen to us because since this is a party school people are off to places and such so its hard to grab attention and its a little awkward talking to two guys in shirts and ties at 8 at night and its dark, But we were walking and I saw a girl and felt the need to really talk to her, well her name is Shianne and she was looking to find a church and religion because she didn't grow up with it so she wanted to learn more about the church and said she would bring her friend as well. Well we had a great lesson with Shianne and her friend Crystol and they seem to be really prepared :) so we are really excited about both of them."

"My other way cool experience that happened this week :) I got a call on Tuesday from Andrew Smith, do you remember him he was that 12 year old that was my first baptism in the mission. Well he called me and I was way stoked to hear from him and to know he was doing good and it was cool because he asked me if on Sunday of this week I could ordain him to be a Teacher :) talk about being filled with joy in every fiber of my being!!! 

Elder Anderson and Andrew Smith

  "On Sunday it was a miracle that I was getting around because from Friday till now I have been sick. I had a bunch of sinus pressure headaches and such then Friday to Sunday I was throwing up so it hasn't been good. But I refuse to lay down on a sick bed! So I worked but Sunday I did not know how I was going to function but we went to go see Andrew so I could ordain him to be a Teacher. And after I ordained him I literally felt like 10 times better! It was nutz! But the spirit was way strong in that moment. To be a big part in this kids life is just so cool."

 "I did have a birthday miracle, because all of our appointments that we had for that day dropped so it was way unfortunate.. But we got contacted by a guy who was being taught in the past by missionaries and basically heard all the discussions and had to stop meeting with the missionaries because of sickness but was finally on the up and up from his illness and other things he needed to work out and wants to be baptized! So my jaw dropped at that statement because nothing like that has ever really happened for me where someone just calls and says hey I want to be baptized :) it was a definite blessing."

Celebrating the big "21"!

Showing off the Birthday Banner from home

Being taken care of by a "Mission Momma"

Motivating a Zone.....

Elder Anderson has been through some changes in the past few months.  He received a new companion in August and also had to say "goodbye" to many Elders whom he has grown very close to, including his trainer.  It has brought reality to the fact that his time is growing short and he still feels like there is sooo much work to be done.  Recently he said this about his Zone... "my zone right now has 15 companionships and 8 of those areas are training  so I've got all the greenies, but its exactly what i needed to keep myself in a focused mentality because all these greenies want to do is work hard and be obedient so its been great! Its crazy to see the difference in missionaries now than from when I came out, It just seems like they have such better testimonies and are in such a better position than when I first came out.  The lord is really hastening his work!" 
Elder Anderson also recently oversaw a Zone meeting of which he had this to say......We also had zone conference this week, it was my first one as a zone leader that I had to set up and plan because we haven't had any for forever. But it went super good, our theme was "lift where you stand" from the talk given by Elder Uchtdorf and we really focused on about doing your own part and in a companionship and being diligent but also being unified as a zone and as we do that we will see success. But it went really smooth and the spirit was definitely was there, we even got a personal thank you from Pres. Morgan who said it was the best one he had been too in the zone so far, But it was all the spirit really we just got to participate. I love this zone, In the talk it talks about the stripling warriors and how as individuals they were not recognized and no one knew there names. but as a whole they accomplished what they couldn't do alone and are very well known. And I feel that is the unity we have in this zone currently we have a lot of young missionaries who just want to do their part.  And now that we have a main focus and purpose and we are all focused on it we can all "lift where we stand" and move the work along here in the Champaign Zone.

Saying "Goodbye to his Trainer...Elder Marshall

The Mighty Champaign Zone!

...and the work moves forward....or stands still.

Elder Anderson and his companion have been struggling a little with the summer break at the University of Illinois.  Due to most of the students being gone the work has gotten a little slow.  And, to make it worse, because they are in a singles ward dinner invites are not easy to come by.  But is has been good as they are using this time to work on their cooking skills.  They are keeping busy with a lot of Zone meetings with other missionaries as well as welcoming in a new Mission President.  Elder Anderson included this testimony in his last letter about the studying he had been doing...... " I will leave I guess just with a testimony of what I have been learning about this week and that is "becoming as a little child" as talked about in Mosiah 3:19, I have learned that in life we strive to become as the father, and we are given certain things to be able to do so. We are given the gospel, faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the holy ghost and enduring to the end, and we are also given a Savior to follow his example and learn from him. The qualities it talks about in that verse are being humble, patient, full of love, submissive, meek, and having a willingness to submit to the Lord in all things. I realized how these attributes can be acquired through all that the father has given us. And that as we gain these attributes we come closer to our Father, and we become his righteous children that he wants us to be. And as we do that we can be effective tools to be used in his hands and that's what I want, to be the one He can always call on when he has a job that he needs to get done."

Goodbye Springfield......Hello Champaign!

Elder Anderson is on the move again!  He got word this week that he is being transferred back to the Champaign, Il area.  He is very excited as he has so many fond memories there as well as people that he loves.  His assignment is a little different this time.  He is serving in a singles ward at the University of Illinois.  He has loved being in Springfield and has seen a lot of growth and success, especially lately.  They are finding people that are truly in search of the truth and have been blessed with a couple of baptisms.  They have really worked with the members in helping them with their investigators.  He has gained a testimony of member missionary work and knows that it is so important to help those in search of the truth.  He has also experienced some wild weather while in Springfield.  They lived through a couple of tornadoes and a LOT of rain!  He is grateful for all the missionaries he has had the opportunity to work with and his least favorite thing in saying "goodbye" to those that are heading home.  It won't be long now and he will be one of those leaving.  He is looking forward to these next few months and the experiences and work he has to do in Champaign.

Livin' Life in Springfield

Givin' out Books of Mormon any way he can!

A P-day Zone Barbeque

Elders Christensen and Anderson

Nothing better than a Baptism!!

Runnin' in the "Color Blaze 5k"

Always searching.......

Candy Crown and the "Heart Stopper"

Springfield, Illinois

Elder Anderson is lovin' life and the mission field in Springfield, IL.  He is currently serving as a Zone Leader and is learning a lot about his new leadership responsibilities.  He is spending a lot of time traveling to other areas and training other elders.  He has loved serving with his companion Elder Green.  They have a lot in common musically and recently had the opportunity to perform in an area concert that James O'Neil Miner headlined.  He was honored to also play with Brother Miner.  He said, "The thing I realized this week is how music truly brings the spirit into a room and how it can bring people together."  He is also continuing to gain an appreciation and love of the Book of Mormon. He recently wrote, "The Book of Mormon is so great, and I realized it so much this week, just reflecting on how I came to know it was true and then telling people that they would be able to feel the same and know just as well as I know that it is truly the word of God.  I am so thankful for this tool God has given us to be able to know him better."

He is sad to have to say goodbye to Elder Green this week, who is on his way home.  But, he is very excited that his new companion is Elder Christensen from Layton.  He and Elder Christensen knew each other their Sophmore year at Layton High School and played on the basketball team.  They both are great missionaries.  Watch out Springfield! 

Springfield Adventures

Zip-lining in his own backyard!

Home Sweet Home - Guest house of some members

Elder Anderson's Zone

Elders in the Zone

Questions of a child

P-day fun

Elder Anderson didn't stay in Decatur very long.  It has only been 5 short weeks and he is being transferred to Springfield IL, but will be serving as a Zone Leader!  He is very excited for this new opportunity and looks forward to also training again.  He enjoyed the short time he was in Decatur and the people there.  He said the members were great and very supportive.  He felt strongly that one of the reasons he was sent to that area was because of his testimony of the priesthood and being able to hold it, being part African-American.  They had some investigators that really struggled with why the Black people weren't able to hold the priesthood and some believed it was still that way.  He was able to boldly testify that all worthy men are able to hold the priesthood and even showed pictures of his dad and grandpa.  He was even able to get a commitment for baptism.  Elder Anderson is looking forward to his new adventure in Springfiled!

Elder Anderson and the City!

Back in September Elder Anderson was transferred to the Carondolet 2 area in South St Louis.  He has LOVED serving in the city.  In his words...."so much hype and things are just moving quickly and there are a bunch of crazy people, it's sooo great!"  He loves being able to take the bus everywhere, especially because it gives him the opportunity to talk to so many people and as he says, "its the perfect situation cause they are stuck there on the bus with you and are somewhat forced to listen to what you have to say."  He has been able to serve with Elder Vaka and Elder London, who are both from California.  Elder Anderson has really been able to see this area grow.  When he first got there, the teaching pool was down to 2.  They have really worked hard and have increased the pool week by week.  They have seen a lot of success and blessings.  There have been a lot of baptismal dates set and a few actual baptisms.  In regards to one baptism, he writes, "The baptism went so well and it was such a spiritual experience.  They both have been waiting a year to get baptized due to some complications but after that long year, they finally made it, and they diligently attended church every week for that whole year. They truly were a miracle.  And it was amazing because Assiata, the daughter was terrified of water, but after some prayers and seeing mom do it first she was ready!  She looked right at me when her mom was done and said, 'ready', and I could truly see the spirit of the Lord in her giving her strength and it helped me to know that God truly does strengthen us and help us when we are scared, that as long as we are striving to do what is right and do it for Him, that He will give us that needed boost."  He has also been able to see blessings here at home as his good friend finally received his mission call and his other friend entered the waters of baptism.  "It's just been a blessing to see all this happen because it's truly been an answer to many of my prayers and my patriarchal blessing.  I read it almost everyday and it truly talked about this but I never knew how much joy it would bring me.  It's something I really have never felt before and it's just amazing.  I am so thankful I came out on this mission.  I would not trade one moment for anything in the world."

Elder Anderson has also been made a District Leader in his area.  He has been humbled by this opportunity and has loved the opportunity to get to know and love each of the Elders in his district.  He is learning that with this knew opportunity comes responsibility and leadership (and lot's of phone calls and paperwork).  Recently they had a district meeting on finding and how they need to be talking to everyone they see on a day to day basis.  Afterwards they all went out and talked with as many people as they could and were able to give out many Books of Mormon and set appointments.  

Elder Anderson has also been able to attend the temple while in St Louis.  He writes, "I think it's amazing how you can go to the temple and get all the questions answered that you needed answered.  Being in that Celestial room is just amazing.  I feel so close to my Father in Heaven and it always tears me apart when I have to leave, but one day we will all be there with Him so it makes me want to do better so I can feel that later.  That's the big think I have learned this week, it's not living in my past but having faith in my future and doing things that will benefit me in the long run.  

He has had many wonderful experiences in the city, but one was with a lady that they had met at a bus stop.  She agreed to come to church with them and as the sacrament was being passed she said, 'I don't partake of the Sacrament yet, cause I'm not apart of the church.' As he handed the tray back to the deacon, she tapped him on the leg and said, 'yet'.  This brought a lot of joy to Elder Anderson as he realized that she could feel the spirit and wanted to be a part of the church.  They are currently teaching this sweet sister and have hopes for baptism soon.  

Elder Anderson was notified this past week that he will be transferred to Decatur, IL.  He is headed back to the county.  He will continue serving as a District Leader and looking forward to the new opportunities that the Lord has to bring him.  He is so glad that he made the decision to serve the Lord on his mission and for the things he is discovering about the gospel and himself.

Elder Vaka and Elder Anderson

California and Utah, comin' together

Elder Anderson's favorite people..........kids!

The district.....pondering their many blessings on Thanksgiving

Elder London and Elder Anderson.....Merry Christmas!!

Hump Day!   Burning a tie!

The Brotherhood!

This is what it's all about

Something to think about.......

Thanksgiving day Breakfast with the District

Homemade Mac & Cheese!

Fried Chicken for Martin Luther King day

The Elders of St Louis

View from the Arch

Loving the city and the people he gets to meet