Where to start?? February 24, 2014

February 24, 2014

Wow. This week has sure been a crazy one, I can definitely say that. Saying goodbyes, cramming stuff into suitcases, riding about 4ish hours. Getting to the appartment and immediately leaving again to go teach. Street contacting, getting offered weed, everything you can ever think of...it has probably happened to me this week haha. It is awesome here in the downtown with Elder Young from Pennsylvania. All the areas I have had, (ONLY 3, I KNOW) are so unique and present their own sort of challenges. This area, we have absolutely no problem staying busy really, we have to just walk out our door and just start talking with people. And we talk to all sorts of people. The other day, some guy came up to me, while Elder Young and I were talking with some people and was telling me to leave the church and had all kinds of crazy reasons why. I Love IT! Haha...walking up to groups of people and just seeing the looks on their faces when you start talking to them. Classic. For real though, once I get this area down...Time is going to fly. It sure has taken some adjustment. I am now trying to have a love for being busy ALL THE TIME. I like to have my rest and relaxation time, and there really isn't that much of it here in Reno. It is always go, go, go. So that is kinda my goal this transfer, to work on the Christlike attribute of diligence. Working hard even when I am tired. I think so far, so good though. I am enjoying the city lifestyle again :)

Anyways, like I was saying, this area, even though we are busy, it presents a whole lot of different challenges. The challenge is to actually keep investigators. We get quite a few new ones, but it is somewhat tough to keep them. So..I guess that is one of our focusses. I also noticed yesterday that church, it is kinda tough to get the investigators to come to church, so hopefully we can make some improvement in that category.

I have already had some amazing experiences though. I couldn't tell you all the names of the people, but there have been multiple spiritual experiences that I have had just praying with people on the busy downtown streets of Reno. Multiple times, people will say I feel something so warm with you guys. One specific experience comes to mind, and it was an experience we had with a man by the name of Thomas. We were headed home after a few fallen through appointments and a night of street contacting, and we were walking by a house and Thomas walks out to smoke. Elder Young had spoken with him before, but we get to talking to him again. Eventually it turns to the gospel. We have a good conversation and we ask if it is alright if we leave with a prayer. I was asked to say the prayer, and so I did. After that prayer, Thomas looked me in the eyes and said something like, "Wow. You know, I have had a lot of people pray with me before...but the Holy Spirit is so strong with you guys.". That was so comforting to me. My eyes got a little wet as we were walking away.

Another cool experience happened as Elder Young and I were walking past a park and saw like three guys playing basketball. We started talking to them, and the next thing I knew, Elder Young was volunteering me to play one of the kids 1-on-1. First to 5. If I won, the three of them had to come to church. I dunno what the other end of the deal was, but it wasn't looking like they were gonna be coming to church. I was down like..3-1 I think. None of my shots were falling. Then I had a comeback and won. All while wearing a white shirt and tie. I have to say that the final shot was...Sweet. Best game winning shot I have ever hit :) So cool experience right? Well the kid that I played isn't allowed to come, which is a bummer. However, I think the seed was planted and the two other friends are definitely potentials. It was just a really cool experience all in all though :)

Other than that...I dunno. We have a few pretty great Investigators. Mario,Jenny, Jennifer, Glen, Nancy. Then we have tons of potentials. I am staying busy just trying to learn everyone and trying to get used to the area. I am loving it though.

Dad- Well, I think and I hope I answered just about all your questions in that. It sounds to me like you are doing pretty well. I really hope that the workout stuff starts working again. You need that, it is so good for you. Just keep trying. :) Once again, you are always in my prayers. I love and miss ya Dad. Have an awesome week! Especially with the temple dedication. Enjoy that for me and let me know how it goes :) I love and miss ya Dad. Like...a lot.

Mom- Well it sounds like you had both a good week, and a somewhat sad week. I will have to tell you that mine has been the same though. It seems like you are doing well altogether though. Mom, you are always in my prayers. I love and miss you. Tons!

Jeri Lin- Thanks for the updates as always :) I dunno what else to add other than the fact that I hope those connections that Tony made develop some good fruit. That is something I always specifically pray for for you two. I love and miss ya Sis! Have another grand week! :)

Pictures will be there shortly!

Love you all!

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle :)

Rollin' Into a Roller Coaster February 17, 2014

Well as you already know, the breaking news is that I am headed back to the West side of the mission to spend my time in downtown Reno. Now I will get to all the details of why this week has been a Roller Coaster.

It started off great. We found another new investigator tracting. Dache. She is a single mother, her husband passed away at the first of the year. She has two little girls. One that is about 7 and another that is about... little. I can not even explain how it happens, but my love for people comes so quickly these days. And that love was shown even more when I was able to baptize Brother Urenda...on Valentines day. It was a neat experience. At the baptism, his non-member son in law was there...he was supposed to stay out in the truck because he was drunk and had been smoking on the doobies. But...he came in and after his son Lorenzo gave the talk on baptism, he asked if he could get up and say a few things. I didn't know who it was that said it at first, but he got up anyways. And then he was just up there expressing his love for his father in law. You could definitely smell him and I think everyone was a little nervous. It ended up not being too bad...but it wasn't normal, that is for sure. He also stayed for the actual baptism as well, which is good. :) As Brother Urenda and I were walking into the font, he turned to me, and said "Well this will be a baptism no one will forget". Haha you got that right :) He had such a good attitude about it all though. I don't think I have seen that man without a smile on his face. Then yesterday he was confirmed. He stressed me out a bit though. We were sitting there as sacrament meeting was starting and he still wasn't there. He showed up just as Bishop announced it. Talk about heart attack. Haha. So...that was a loopty loop in this Roller Coaster week you could say.

So Saturday Morning...Elder Anderson and I are finishing up companion study, and our phone starts ringing with President Heramansen's ring tone. Oh Shoot. Leadership calls. This one was for Elder Anderson. He is going to Hawthorne to be District Leader over his companion. I was expecting one for me, but nothing. So then I figured that I was just gonna stay here and get a new companion. Then the transfer calls came last night and everything hit me so hard. They are only going to have one companionship of missionaries here in the ward again. We came here to open the area and now it is getting "Closed". Why? Things were going so well and now the missionaries here are gonna be jam packed of things to do. All those people we have met and built a relationship with. Gone. It is a tough pill to swallow for sure. I am trying to "come what may and love it", right?? There is a bright side to all of this though. I am leaving this ward and people to one of my very best friends who I have incredible trust in. Elder Chris Stevens. Things will all work out for the best. And I have come to know that everything does happen for a reason and that this is truly the Lord's work and I am going to where I am supposed to be. I am going to miss Spring Creek. A ton. These people here have become family. But like Brenda told me, there are ways to stay in touch and there are more people's lives I now need to go and touch. Everything will be alright :)

That's a Roller Coaster if you have ever seen one, right?

The good things are there though. I will now be able to attend the temple with Juan when he goes through for his endowments. That is probably one of the biggest things I am looking forward to. I am also looking forward to being in the city again. I am a city boy. I am also looking forward to being around those friends that I made there in Sparks. So like I said things will be well. I am sure I will send you plenty of pictures next week with families from here in Spring Creek. :)

Dad- Well I think I answered just about all your questions in that email. You will have to send me that picture next week. I want you to know that you are always in my prayers Dad. I want to thank you for the letter and advice you gave me 14 months ago. It has helped me a lot this week as I reflected on the things that you have said in that letter and just throughout my life. So thank you for that. I love and miss you Dad. Have an awesome week!

Mom- Well Thanks for all those pictures! And thank you for the email today. It sounds like you have had a pretty good week and that you have a pretty good day planned out today as well. And one is better than none, as far as friends coming to the temple open house. You are planting seeds. No doubt. Just keep it up. You are an awesome example and the best Mom I have. Have a good week :) I love you mucho, and miss ya like crazy.

Jeri Lin- I love your little kiddo stories and I am glad to hear that things are continuing to move forward with Lindsay. And I am glad that the work thing is at least a little bit more figured out now. You guys are still in my prayers for sure. Let me know if there is anything else you all need. I love and miss ya Sis! Have another good week! :)


I love and miss ya all! Have an awesome week!

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle :)

Rollin February 10, 2014

That is what the work is doing here. You know what that means? There is probably a pretty good chance that Elder Anderson or I will be transferred next week. That is what usually tends to happen when the work really starts to get going. I guess we will find out this coming Sunday and I will have news for you all next Monday. The Bishop's wife was telling me yesterday that she doesn't think I will leave...but some others think I will. The Young Men don't want me to leave. But no one really knows after all, so I just have to finish this week strong and see what comes. "Come What May and Love It". :)

This week has gone really well though. As far as numbers go, it has probably been one of the best of my mission. Those numbers are people though. So let me elaborate on those people. :) So as of this week, we have two new families we are now teaching. I think I may have mentioned Carrie last week, but this week we were able to meet with the whole family. We taught The Restoration. It went pretty well after we declined the offer of a beer. It is always a challenge with little kids, but I love it. While I was giving Joseph Smith's account of the First vision, the 15 month year old baby managed to climb up onto the dining room chair...and then fell off. I felt so bad, but there really isn't much you can do in that situation. Anyways, we invited them to read and pray about The Book of Mormon and I left them with a copy of The Book of Mormon that John and Sherra sent to me for Christmas with their family picture and testimony on the inside. Carrie made the comment that she liked Sherra's hair. (Similar Hairstyles). She is awesome. I love her sense of humor and the family is great. I pray that their hearts and minds stay open to the Spirit and the message we share. :)

The Other family we started teaching is the Minter Family. We are meeting again with them on Tuesday. This past week we just left a blessing on their home and invited them to take the lessons to learn more and to see the blessing that it can bring into their families. They accepted. So we will be meeting with them again this week. I am super stoked. :)

Other than that, Brother Urenda is still on track for baptism this Friday. We just made sure that the building is reserved this Morning. So things are Rollin' with that. Kelly is still working on quitting smoking. She is also moving in the right direction. It may take us a little longer than we were expecting, but she has made amazing progress in the past months. We are continuing to work with the less actives of the ward as well as the part member families. We are also working with the Wilkies still. Love them. 

This place of Spring Creek is quite amazing. I will miss it quite a bit if my time is coming to leave. If not, I am sure my love for it will continue to increase. The people here are great. We are teaching. I just love it. I feel I have had the absolute two best wards in Nevada to serve in. I am loving the mission life and I have 10 months left of it. Now that I seem to be figuring it out, I hope to make the most of it. Thank you for all your support and all you guys have done for me. :)

Dad- Well it is kind of a bummer to hear that you haven't been working out as much. It is a hard habit to kind of keep up, so get back into it as soon as ya can. Sister Knudsen showed me the picture of you and your friend that was posted on Facebook. I am glad you had a good time :) Other than that, it sounds like things are going well. I wish I could be there for the cultural celebration and what not, but you are right, I will be able to go when I get back. Maybe with a special girl someday :) Thank you for your prayers Dad. I love and miss you. Have an awesome week!

Mom- Thank you for sharing that experience with the pool with me. Cool thing I just though of. It wouldn't have worked if you didn't have faith though. And obviously faith without works is dead, and that is apparent as you had to work and try just about anything and everything, Kind of reminds me of the story of Nephi going to get the plates. :) The Lord will always provide a way. :) Thank you for being my Mom. And for your support and Love. I love and miss you. Have a great week!

Jeri Lin- Mas amor from you and your little family! Thank you.  Well it is good to hear that you are all still doing so well. As far as the job goes, you are always in my prayers. I think I already answered the question of  when the next transfers are. I am doing well. I love and miss ya sis. Have an awesome week! :)

I love and miss you all. Tons. Thanks again for all you do for this missionary here is Spring Creek. :)

Have an awesome week.

Love,

Your Son

Your Brother

Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle :)

Good is the Enemy of the Great February 3, 2014

February 3, 2014

Well the quote came from our special training that we had this past week on Wednesday. I am happy to report on a great week. We beat good this week. The Seahawks won the Super Bowl and Elder Anderson and I had a winning week.

The special training this week was on applying the fundamentals from Preach My Gospel. It was an amazing help. They gave us a booklet that gave us ideas for application in our everyday work. So fast forward to Thursday morning, study time. I decide to take a quick gander at the pages and what they have to say. Move forward a couple hours...Elder Anderson are doing our weekly planning and we decide to give a call to a less active family and try to set something up for this week. Elder Anderson is talking to him...blah blah...and then he hangs up? What did he say?? "Come over today or don't come at all". Then he hung up. Kinda rude...but I guess we gotta head over there. So we move our plans for the day a little bit. Come to find out, he is not feeling well. That is why he is rude on the phone. We met with her though. Shared a scripture, then scheduled a time to come again. Before we left I asked her if she knew anyone that would be willing to listen to a brief message. She then gave us the names of two of her neighbors. So we stopped by. The first one, Carrie and her family. Pretty cool. We gave a blessing on her home and I bore testimony of families and the gospel. Now we have another appointment set with her and her whole family on Saturday. It was an amazing experience and it really helped me realize something. I applied as many of those fundamentals I could when we met Carrie, and...they worked! That's when the realizations came. This truly is the Lord's work and I know I have been called by him and that President Hermansen is called by him as well and he receives the needed revelation for exactly what we need. That was just the start of Thursday. We then had a lesson with Brother Urenda that night. We were planning on teaching him the Gospel of Jesus Christ and tying in the word of wisdom. As we started our discussion, he told us that he no longer even has the desire to drink. Woah. Talk about miracles. He is still on track for being baptized on the 14th of this month. Which will be the Friday before transfers. I definitely hold this place of Spring Creek in a very special place in my heart. I feel like I have done so much growth here and seen so many miraculous things. There have been slow times, but it always seems to pick itself back up again. I love it. :)

Other news. Well Kelly came to church yesterday. That was great. :) Nancy emailed me today. Also great. We also committed Brother Brown to come to church at least once a month. Definitely an improvement from three times a year. Love that man. :) And then! We walk into gospel principles, just a little late. And then the door opens and we get called out. There is a young man, sitting in the chapel and he just came from the gym and some members of the ward want us to talk to him. So, we go into the chapel and introduce ourselves to Joe. Get to know him a little bit. Come to find out that he prayed and promised Heavenly Father that if he passed his test for nutrition, he would go to church every week, and he felt like that was the church he was supposed to be at. Super cool. Explained what we do as missionaries and briefly taught The Restoration with Tyler Knudsen. Right there in the chapel. One of the most spiritual lessons I have taught. At least it felt that way. Maybe because we were in the church?? I dunno. I do know that it was an awesome experience. Joe will be in the singles ward, so we gave the referral to those missionaries. The opportunities we had to teach though this week were great and we will are looking forward to another great week :)

I also just have to say thank you for the testimony that I received from you two (Mom and Dad) this morning. I got a package from my Hagler family. I just have to say that the power of a sincere, simple testimony is incredible. So thank you for sharing that with me in the form of a letter through my valentines day package :)

I have some pictures to send, so stay tuned :)

Dad- Well I was telling everyone here that Defense wins championships. No one believed me though. What happens? The Seattle defense does work, and wins a championship. Granted, football is a team sport and it takes everyone. But it sure helps a lot when a defense creates four turnovers. I had some bragging rights as well :) I have seen some pictures of the temple and it truly is amazing. I am glad you have been able to have those opportunities. I think that temple is in my top four favorites now :) Good job on your workouts. You are in better shape than me, that is for dang sure. Keep it up :) I am also glad that Grandma is doing better. Thanks for keeping me in the know on how you are doing. I love and miss ya Dad. Have an awesome week :)

Mom- I missed you again this week. I did get your letter last Monday though. So thank you for that. You probably have already got the one from me. I just want you to know that I love and miss you. Let me know if there is anything you need me to help you with. Thank you for your testimony. :)

Jeri Lin- Well first of all, it is exciting to hear of your missionary opportunities. I guess you could call me a professional missionary, but there are days I still feel like a rookie though. My advice for that situation though. One, just remember that no effort is wasted. Don't get frustrated. The only thing we can do as missionaries is invite. Others have to make the choice, and we have to remember that it is all part of the plan. Another thing we do as missionaries is to try and figure out what peoples concerns are. Figure out what is holding him back, if he will open up to Lindsay, that would be good. But like you said, you have to have those prayers, fasting, etc. Just love him. As a missionary, I do my best to build friendships first and foremost. One, because I like friends. Two, because friends trust each other. So...trust and then open up to figure out the concern. Lindsay is probably best for that. That is all I can think of though. Besides the things you already mentioned. Other than that, it seems like you are doing well. You and Tony and your kiddos are always in my prayers. Let me know if there is anything else I can do for ya. I love ya Sis. Have an awesome week! :)

I love and miss you all! Have a great week.

Love,
Your Son
Your Brother
Elder Bryton Dane Shinkle

Mattress Forts

Gotta throw some fun in somewhere! ;)