I don't want to say good bye to you.. So I'll just say good night

Welp. “B,” “J,” and “K” “M” are now members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. See you in a little bit. I'm excited but don't want to come home. Make sure we stop on the way home to get me some Beats. And we'll get my iPhone soon according to Hailey. I love you. It's been real. It's been fun. It's been the best 2 years of my freaking life. Introducing the new me. Peace.
Elder JR Thorne

Start strong, finish strong!!

Yeah. So have I talked about “TB” at all? He's a recent convert that was baptized about a week before I got here. He's a super cool guy. When the missionaries first started teaching him, his wife “N” was super busy with work. She worked every day of the week until late. She got a promotion lately and was able to switch around her schedule which gives her Sunday's and Monday's off. In the last week of August, we went to go see her and invite her to be baptized. (She's had a ton of contact with the church and already has some really good friends in the ward) She told us she was going to be out of town for a couple weeks for her brother's wedding in Chicago, so we set her to be baptized on the 15th of September, 6 days after getting home. Time passed and we were excited for it, then the weekend before, last Sunday, I totally forgot that we had her for the upcoming week. On Monday, we texted her a scripture, and set up to go by and see her on Tuesday. Well we saw her, and at the beginning, just mentioned the word baptism, and she's like, "Yeah I'm excited for this Sunday!"  And so we made all the necessary arrangements, taught her everything, she committed to it all, and she was baptized yesterday! And confirmed because next week is stake conference. Man it was so good. We had dinner with her, her 3 kids and a part member family afterwards. So much fun.

Much a great experience. I bet you're all thinking, it couldn't get any better than that.. right? Well here's a story for ya. 

Tuesday night. Exchange with Elder “T.” We're in my area. We had an ok day. We had a lesson at a member's home with the >M” family, “B,” “J,” “K,” “K” and “M.” We were at the “G” and “E” “C’s” home (he played in the NFL). We talked about the priesthood. We gave them the big picture of having the priesthood in their home with Bill and them being sealed as a family in the holy temple. I go 

"And you know the first step.." 

And they were like yeah yeah.. haha. “B” was like, "I'll let you know my answer soon". 

And I'm like, "Ok you gotta let me know before the 26th". 

"Ok". 

"Actually, before the 22nd, because after that things get really crazy." 

"Come on man I give you an inch and you're trying to take a mile!" haha.

 He was kidding of course. He's really funny. Anyway. We leave the lesson with no commitment. That night, Elder “T” and I are planning out the next day. We finish up and I hop in the shower because I have to change my pump. About 3 minutes in, I hear somebody banging on the bathroom door, 

"Elder Thorne!" 

I'm thinking to myself, 'What does he want?' "What?" 

"Uh.. “B” just called. He wants to talk to you"

......

......

PSH! Shower off. Towel on. Run out. Grab the phone. Call “B” back.

"Hello?"

"Hey “B,” It's Elder Thorne. How's it going?"

"Did you even have time to dry off? Come on!"

haha

"Ha nah I just wanted to talk to you! What's up?"
"I just got a question for you."

Ah..

"Yeah?"

"What's your favorite color?"

.......-__-....

I'm thinking like 'Are they gonna like knit something for me before I go home?'

"Um.. Purple"

"Hmm.. I saw you more as a blue guy.. So, do you want me to tell you my answer now? Or do you still want me to wait until the 22nd?"

"Tell me as soon as possible. RIGHT NOW."

"Ok. Ok. One more quick question. Do you only do baptisms on Sunday, or can you do them any day?"

"WE DO BAPTISMS ANY DAY"

"Alright. Well I have a pretty booked weekend, so I'll figure out my schedule and I'll let you know and we'll be baptized sometime next week."

 :O

.....NO WAY..... 

YEAH!!!!!!! I didn't know whether to cry or to scream, but I didn't want to sound like a girl in front of “B.” I was jumbling over my words I was so freaking excited. I didn't sleep that night. THIS IS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT.

Love you.

Start Strong. Finish Strong.

Training with Elder Ulisses Soares

Hello fam
This week was good. Super good actually. We had interviews with President on Wednesday, then we had a leadership council where all the district and zone leaders got together at the mission home on Friday, then we had mission conference on Saturday. It was a lot of fun. Sister “B” and Elder “B” were there on Friday (Sister “B” is a sister trainer leader) and Saturday, so I loved seeing them. I also got to see everyone at mission conference. Elder Soares was awesome. He's really cool and taught us a lot of good stuff. He talked about our commission as Representatives of Jesus Christ. How we stand in His place at all times. It was really really nice. 
Man. I don't even know what to say. We didn't have a ton of success this past week. We still have “J,” but she went to a friend's church yesterday.. “N B,” who is the wife of a recent convert “T.” is set to be baptized next Sunday! We set her with a date a while ago, but she's been out of town until tonight. So.. Yeah. I don't know what else to say. We can just talk about it soon.. I love you guys like crazy. K bye. 
I'm good by the way. Really happy, just totally sick of emailing..... hahaha love you!
Elder JR Thorne

Miracles

We went fishing today! I caught a Jack something..

Man I can't even remember this past week.. Elder Soares of the Presidency of the 70 is coming here on Saturday for a mission conference! Super excited for that. 

We've been teaching a lady named “J,” who we met last Sunday. She has progressed super God's hand in her life in some way. She has really wanted to give it all to God, but didn't really know how. She had prayed for someone to help, and we showed up! She loves when we come by and teach her ways that she can have more peace in her life and have more of God's help. She is hesitant at first, saying she loved tea too much. But luckily we had a sweet member there who also had to give up coffee and tea for her baptism. “J” committed and she gave us her coffee filters and her box of tea right there! It was awesome to see how much faith she has! We went over a couple days later (She had to miss church because she opened at work), and she said that she was tempted to drink tea but she didn't! And she said she felt so good because of it. 
It's been crazy to see all these miracles every day. I love it. It's coming to a close but I'm not. I'm going to keep fighting till the end. Even though I'm super exhausted haha. I can't wait to go to General Conference! Ah it's the best. That Sunday is actually Sister “B's” birthday. Random fact. I love you all!

"Did God send you here?"

Hi family.

   Kind of a crazy week.

    We went down to Fort Laud this week and the best thing about going down to Fort Lauderdale is going to BBQ King. The BEST pulled pork sandwich you'll ever have. With fries and a drink for $6.89. Ah. Love it. A must go when we come back to Fort Laud. But that was fun. I absolutely love Fort Lauderdale so so much.
     Yesterday was full of miracles. The rest of the week was ok. On Friday, we went on exchange with the other Jupiter elders. I stayed in South with Elder “T” (I mentioned him in my last email because he asked if I told you that he's from Roy. As a joke. So I did haha). We started out the day by going and eating lunch at Sister “G's!” She's the best. She's 75 and has read the BoM 79 times! She makes the best food too. Ah man, her cole slaw is to die for. I got the recipe :) I'll try to send it home today. (Also, side note. I'm going to start sending stuff home today, so if I could get some money to do that.. :) thanks). Sister “G” has us over every week we have the car because she lives super far away from us. I love her a lot. We eat out on her back patio since she's a widow. It's so good. After that, we went and picked up “MJ.” He's an awesome old guy in the ward. He loves coming out with the missionaries. I had no idea since no one told me, but it was a great experience. Nobody was home.. But it was a lot of fun. We stopped off at Wendy's to end our exchange with him. The day wasn't over however. We went down to the apt complex where a recent convert lives, and started harvesting. We walked over to the building that we were going to start off with. We knocked on one door, no one was home. We looked around, and I see a building all the way across the complex, and point to it saying, "We need to go there". It wasn't some crazy manifestation of the Spirit or some compelling force leading us over there, it just felt good. It looked cool. So we head over there, walk around the lake in the middle of the complex. As we are getting up to the building, a man was walking out of the building. Elder “T” thought to himself (he told me later), "We need to talk to this guy". He said he thought that right as I started speeding up to talk to him. We introduce ourselves and ask if we can leave a blessing with him. He says of course. Elder “T” asks if we can do it in his home with his whole family and he agrees and walks us up two flights of stairs to his apartment. There was “T” (the guy), then his mom and 4 other little kids. Elder “T” leaves the blessing and before saying 'amen', he blessed them, "..to know that we were sent by Jesus Christ.." After the amen, we look up and the mother said, with tears in her eyes, "Did God send you here?"    Yes He did “J,” Yes He did. They accepted baptism right off the bat, and are super excited to have these blessings in their life!
    So yesterday, we got a new ward mission leader. Bro “M” got released and is now the 2nd counselor in the bishopric! Super cool. And Brother “C” is the new Ward Mission Leader. He and his wife recently returned from a mission in Russia. He's pretty cool. We had a meeting with him and Sister “C” (who got called as a ward missionary) after church. We got home and ate, and afterwards, I got a huge headache. Like one of the worst I've ever had. We talked a little bit about what we wanted to teach our investigators later that day (I was laying on the couch). It's bike week (UGH) so we thought we might as well use the new guy and have him take us out so my head wouldn't be rattling around all night. He said yes and came and got us. We first went and saw this teenage girl “N”who has been coming to church for forever. Just hasn't agreed to be baptized. It was a good lesson and we made some head way with her. She prayed about Thomas S. Monson and for help to decide to be baptized. Then we saw and taught a super awesome lady that has a date for the 8th. As we came out of her apt (same complex as before), we saw a big couch on the side walk with a guy and 3 ladies standing by. We offered to help them take it up to their place. Took it all the way up to the 3rd floor. We then offered a blessing, which they readily accepted. After the blessing, Trelaine (the guy) was so happy. You could just tell he felt the Spirit super strong. His response to baptism, church and a return appt "Anything to feel like this all the time!"
     Super cool. Love you. K bye. 
Elder JR Thorne   

Week of August 19

So we're teaching this way awesome girl named “H.” She's the girlfriend of “A,” I don’t know if I've mentioned him yet. Elder “S,” had served in Jupiter South and he was on exchanges here a couple weeks ago. He wanted to stop by someone he taught while he was here, “A.” “A” was going through a very rough point in his life at that point, and didn't really want to meet with the missionaries.. Last Friday, we were on exchanges again, I was here with Elder “B,” we went to go see them. “H” was there and we went in and taught her about the Savior and had such a powerful spiritual experience with her. She doesn't really have a huge belief in God, but she started crying because of how good she felt. We constantly expressed our love and how we were there to help. She totally loved that, actually gave me a big hug before we left.. haha. Now she's pretty solid. It's just been kinda hard to meet with her since though.. We have had good contact through phone :)

     There's an awesome Venezuelan family in the ward named the “C” family. They just moved from Utah, and the dad was baptized at the beginning of the transfer by the other elders. And oh man do they make some amazing food. She used to work at Cafe Rio actually. Anyway, they have a chubby little boy named “F.” This is him:

Little cutie right there. He just came and plopped himself down right next to me and took my tag haha. 

     Welp, I'm staying in Jupiter South for my dying transfer.. Elder “M” is leaving though. So I get to go to transfer meeting :) I don’t know what else to say.. That's about it. We went bowling again last week :) I got a 198. I was so mad I didn't break 200, but it was all good. It's surprising since I haven't been in so long. We're going to the lighthouse today. And maybe bowling again. I love you! Bye!

Remember!!

Biggest news from the mission world is that back packs are now forbidden, and we must wear shoulder bags. Elder “M” and I found some good satchels at TJ Maxx. We first went to the mall; we actually had to bike because we were out of miles and the other elders didn't have enough to come down to pick us up.. So we biked to the mall (it's a really nice mall over here), and went all over trying to find good shoulder bags. Well no one had any that were good, and the good ones were all at least $150.. Every time we'd ask an employee if they had shoulder bags for men, they would give us a weird look and then tell us no. Ha. It was kind of funny. We were at the mall for like 2 hours trying to find these flippin’ bags. Finally we asked someone if they knew of a place that would have them. The guy told us that TJ Maxx or Ross should, and that they are just down PGA Blvd. So we left the mall and headed east on PGA. We found the TJ Maxx, started in the purse section (I was so ready to just buy a woman's purse at this point), then we headed to the men's and they had small shoulder bags over there! So we got us some pretty sweet satchels. Elder “T” and Elder “B” got some bigger bags. But I know, I look pretty good.
    The “M's” are doing well. We saw them a couple times this past week, mainly just stop by's and answering questions or dropping something off. We feel like as much contact as possible will help them progress more. Man, they are so cool. They know everything, it's just a matter of them making the choice to be baptized. Sometimes people reach a point where they don't really see the importance of  or how many blessings will come to their lives as they are baptized. They just need to take the step of faith and do it. Actually dad, remember the article you sent me about BYU's athletic director? I gave that to them, I hope it will help. We're pulling out all the stops. We even gave her a copy of "Jesus the Christ"! I mean, come on! How prepared can you be?..

     I've been reflecting a lot this past 8 months, and especially this past couple weeks, on "Remembering". I don't think there's any more caring and repeated counsel throughout the scriptures, especially in the Book of Mormon, than that to "remember". 'Have ye retained in remembrance..?' Alma asks frequently in Alma 5. Helaman counsels his sons to remember, remember in Helaman 5. Nephi remembers who he had trusted and who had delivered him from his enemies in his poetic psalm in 2nd Nephi 4. And King Benjamin, in his "angelically delivered sermon", calls us to 'remember and perish not'. If you don't remember, you forget. Sometimes remembering the good is the only thing you have when times are tough. Sometimes a good memory is an answer to a prayer. When God has given you an answer to a prayer, and we ask again and again, it's kinda like when He talks to Oliver Cowdery, (in essence, of course) "I already told you. You already felt the Spirit confirm to you that it's true. Remember?" If we're not willing to remember the good, and if we just forget how good something is and we let ourselves forget, then we show God that important things don't matter. We let the little unimportant things take up most of our time. Remembering is a vital part of our growth and a huge part of God's plan for each and every one of us. For me, it's remembering everything that I've gained on my mission because of the struggles. It's remembering my sacred experience of having God's love given to me by an angel. Most of the time, that is the thing that gets me through my trials and troubles even to this day. It's been amazing to study these things out and especially apply "remembering" to my life. There's a talk by Elder Marlin K. Jensen that I printed and am going to read later on, I exhort that you all do the same. 
    I wish I had more to report on. Like always, we have some people that we're working with. We're struggling finding but I know it will happen. 
     Welp.. I miss you all like crazy. I can't believe the time is coming up. I love you all so much! Oh, and I told Hailey that I might not get an iPhone. So if you're planning to surprise me with those things (especially that Camaro.. :) haha), don't get the iPhone yet. And maybe not a laptop. I'm having a RC hook me up with some programs like AutoCad and Photoshop (Thank you for South Florida ;)), but it might just be for desktops. I love you guys! Bye!
Elder JR Thorne

A little progress, but some work to do

Hey hey.

Man. I have been doing this for too long. I just don't know what to say anymore.. I'm good. I've been SO so tired this past like month. They say you just get used to getting up at 6:30, I'm still waiting to get used to it...

Well.. Hmm.. So the “M's” are doing good. “K,” the 10 year old daughter, is so down to get baptized. She's just got to talk to her parents about it. We told them that it would be much better if they all did it together, but if “K” wants to go ahead and do it, then we will. Maybe the next lesson will be on becoming as little children... Haha but they're so great. 

Anyway, we're at the library today, so I have a time limit. I don't have a whole lot of time left. Um.. We were able to find some sweet people this last week. Unfortunately, none were able to make it to church. It could be because it's so far away, but I don’t know. I'm going to study out some sweet doctrine on church and the sacrament to help boost their desires to come. 

But yeah.. Love you all. I'll try to come up with more next week. 

"Sunrising" and act, don't be acted upon!

What's up what's up.

We went sunrising again today. It was pretty good. Other than the fact of waking up at 5 in the morning.. Oh well, it was WELL worth it. We saw, about 100 yards away from the pier we were at, some dirt that was looking like it was being kicked out of a large hole. Elder “T” noticed first and said it was probably a turtle digging holes for its eggs. We kept looking over but couldn't see anything other than just the dirt flying out of the hole. Right as we're about to leave, Elder “M” goes, 'Look, the turtles coming out!" And there she was, a huge sea turtle coming back out to go to the ocean.. And it was big! I'd say about 4 feet wide and 5 feet long. It was so cool! We got to see it scoot back into the ocean.
Hmm.. This past week was just one of those weeks.. This was one of the hardest working weeks ever. I was super exhausted at the end of the night, I was sweating all day, doing my best, but nothing really happened. “B,” “K1,” “K2,” “K3” and now “D” moved up somewhere else, still in our area but farther away. We managed to catch “K1” and “D” at home last Saturday. That was good. Man.. I don't even know. 

I can't believe Tyler Tempest is home! That's crazy.. OMG I can't believe the Celtics!... That is insane. Man what are they gonna do...

Not much news on progress of investigators. We're going to go see the “M” family tonight. They are so cool. They need to get baptized. They're right there. There are so many blessings waiting for them. I'm not totally sure what to do..

But yeah.. Honestly I don’t know what else to say. I'm glad I'm here. Even though it's a little bit tougher, I will do my best never to take the easy way out anymore. That's not the way God wants it. People are so stupid to think that just because something is right there in front of their face, that's what they need. There's such a thing as too much reliance on God. To sit there and to wait for Him to pick you up and take you somewhere and make you do something. You don't ACT, but wait to be acted upon. And eventually you'll be trodden down and cast out for you foolishness and weakness. You'll never survive. You'll never make it. I don't need to waste my time being around such useless people. I am harder, better, faster, stronger because I want to be. And I know that God will strengthen me more because He can trust me. Because I've set my hand to the plough, and I will NEVER look back.  

"You show your trust in Him when you listen with the intent to learn and repent and then you go and do whatever He asks. If you trust God enough to listen for His message in every sermon, song, and prayer in this conference, you will find it. And if you then go and do what He would have you do, your power to trust Him will grow, and in time you will be overwhelmed with gratitude to find that He has come to trust you."

And the Celestial Kingdom is reserved only for those who God can Trust.

Love you all.

Peace.

Elder JR Thorne

Alma's parable of Faith

Dear Thorne's and such,

Thiss week was goood. I feel like nothing happened out of the ordinary. Just kind of the same old. We got a few new investigators, but not like any awesome super prepared people. Oh, I guess there's a couple. So “K1” and “K2” live in a halfway house (honestly if you just met them on the street, you'd have no idea). The first time we went, we blessed “K1.” We went back to teach, we met “K2” too. Then the 3rd time, we met “B.” Then the 4th time we went over, we met “K3.” haha. All way solid, open, humble guys. “B” is super amazing. We've actually taught him the most. When we first met him, he had a couple questions about like who we are and what we do and such. As we were leaving, “K2” told us that he accidentally took out the book mark that we had left in the chapter we left him to read and asked where he was to put it. I honestly had totally forgot what chapter we left (Elder “M” left a random one). I remember we had talked about faith, so I just took it and placed it in Alma 32... 

So.. We came back the Next day and “B” was outside chillin'. He invited us in and he walks back to his room and he goes 'Yeah I really loved that reading you guys left'. And we were just like.. Um.. Ok. We never left anything with him. haha. But he had read the whole chapter and absolutely loved it. He was like, 'Do you want to read the whole thing, or do you want me to just talk about what stood out to me and what I liked?' OMG. So awesome. He told us about some verses that he loved and things that really hit home for him. He said it was perfect for him. Inspiration from God? I think yes. He's been super solid. His dad is a member, married a Catholic girl; so he grew up in a split home where they kinda just gave up on religion. So we're trying to find out if he's actually been baptized already haha. He doesn't remember. 

Hmm.. Oh yeah so the “M” family.. “B” and “J.” I don’t know if I've told you about them yet. But they are the typical, white investigator family that every Mormon expects us to teach. When we go over, it's the mom and dad and all the kids in the living room listening to the missionaries asking questions such as, "Where did we come from?" "What happens after I die?" and "How can we know if something is true or not?" You know, all those people that are being taught in the Mormon movies. Haha. k that's a little bit of an exaggeration, but just a little.. It's super strange; I kinda don't like it. haha. Nah but I love this family so much. They're great. Missionaries have been teaching them for about 5 months or so. They are 100% totally and completely are qualified for baptism. “J” is so solid, she studies the gospel more than some members I know haha. Pray for them for sure. 

Welp.. Other than that. Life is good. I like it. TLund looks (good) :) hahaha tell him to write me. I love him. Huge example to me. Can't wait to see him again. I miss you. I love you. K bye.

 

Elder JR Thorne

Habiendo sido comisionado por Jesucristo...

Dear family and friends.

“K” got baptized! Ah man it was so so good. She was all set. We didn't have to make sure she was good or boost her desire, she was just prepared from the beginning. She invited her family (her mom and dad) and they are from Peru. They speak really good English, but pretty much everyone at the service (her family and her bf “A's” family) are Latin, so we decided to do the service in Spanish. Which is fine. Except.. I was the one to do the baptizing... So yeah. I did it in Spanish. It was pretty sweet. I was way nervous at first, but once we stepped in the water I was fine. I had memorized it, but we did tape up a little help on the wall. I looked at it just right before, then did it with no problem. It was pretty sweet. The whole thing was very spiritual. “A” was even crying at the end, and he's a big tough guy haha. So good. 

Other than that.. We seem to be struggling to find new people. So that's what we're working on. Actually, we did find a couple pretty sweet guys. Oh wait. First of all I'll tell you about my new comp. His name is Elder “M.”  He's actually Elder “B's” cousin! (Who I actually received a wedding invitation from!) Anyway.. He's from Rexburg, ID. He's even more quiet than I am; or used to be. He's been out for about 6 months (I keep getting newbies..). We don't have like anything in common, but we get along fine. I get along with just about anyone anyway.. But yeah. He's cool. I love him.

Ok so back to the guys. On Wednesday, the first day with Elder “M,” we ran into this cool guy named “K.” He's about 23 and he actually had just walked out of his door to light up a cigarette. We blessed his home and invited him to be baptized, and he said maybe. We set up to come back the next day (we didn't realize that it was 4th of July). We were late going over there because of a flat tire -__-.. and we caught him right as he was leaving to watch the fireworks in downtown West Palm Beach. We were disappointed, but I had a really good feeling about him. We tried a couple more times the next couple of days with no luck, but then on Saturday in the early afternoon, we stopped by and were able to meet with him. His roommate, “K2,” answered the door and invited us in. “K” came out and we invited “K2” to sit in with us, which he did. We had a powerful lesson about God being our loving Father in Heaven and prayer. They felt it so strong and “K2” prayed at the end. He had said that he does pray often, but he didn't know who or what he was praying to. We taught them the steps of prayer, and he said such a good, humble prayer to end us off. After the 'amen', his face just shone. It was so amazing. I loved it. 

Def the highlights of the week. Other than that, we just need some more people to teach. haha.

But yeah. Life's good. I like it. I don't want to come home. But I do. Nah I just want music and movies. Haha. So things I want when I get home: 1 Beats (those are a must) 2 iPhone 3 Camaro SS 4 new laptop 5 actually i think that's about it. haha. I'm not trunky.. Those are just things I miss most other than fam :) I miss you guys the Most and I love you so so much!

Elder JR Thorne

FFLM Testimony of Jesus Christ Part 1

FFLM Testimony of Jesus Christ Part 2

Florida Storm

Sweet fam. 

This week was ok. Not a whole bunch happened. Just seemed like the same old. Good news is, “K” has a date for next Sunday! We're very excited for that. Oh. Except for Elder “W.” Because he's transferring. And I'm staying. So.. Yeah. The craziest things from this week:

I don’t know if you watch or discuss the weather much, but if you do, and you saw or discussed Florida weather, then OMG. You saw or discussed the crazy rain we've had the past few days. The first real bad one was on Friday. We were riding along, and there were tons of dark clouds in the sky. We figured it was going to start raining bad, so we decided to go into Target to go to the bathroom. We came out, looked out the glass doors, and saw that it still wasn't raining. Elder “W” was like, 'Well looks like we're still good'. And me, having been through situations like this, was like, 'hold on'. In literally 10 seconds... Floods and lightning and thunder were all around Target. It was Insane. People came running in and they were drenched. So we hung out in Target. We walked around and looked at the toys. The lights kept flickering on and off. Then the power went out, but the generators kept the lights on. All the cash registers turned off, so they had to start back up again which took forever. So we were in the toy section, and we hear this HUGE crack of thunder, then all of a sudden, the generators died. I don’t know if you've ever been in a windowless super store with the power out, but it is PITCH BLACK. It was black for about ten seconds before the power came back on. It was crazy. Finally it lightened up after about 45 min, I bought a camera case and we left to go see “T,” a recent convert. We were at his house from like 6:50 to 7:30, headed out and right as we leave his apartment complex, same thing. Except now we were outside, on bike, riding to our car. We decided to just keep going since we had a meeting at 8 at the church. We got obliterated by water.. I haven't been that wet in forever. We were waiting at an intersection right by the car, and I look down the street, and about 150 yards up, I see a bright white light above the street. I'm thinking, ah man is that pole going to get struck by lightning? Then all of a sudden, BOOM! A power box exploded and the whole street went dark! I started freaking out and just booked it to the car. Haha. Ah wow. It was insane. I love Florida :) We had to stay in the apartment on Sunday for like 5 hours because of the storm. We were in the other elders apt and played some games. It was ok. Ha. Days like that are pretty annoying. 

But.. Anyway.. That's about it. “D” is still awesome. “W” is still awesome. Our investigator's are doing alright. “K” is the story of the week. Look for pics/update next week :)
K love you all! Have a good week! Miss you!

 Elder JR Thorne

"I can't stop smiling!"

Welp. This week was fan-freaking-tastic. “W” did get baptized! We taught him everything this week, he felt the Spirit super strong, he committed to live all the commandments, and he was baptized! So amazing how the Lord has prepared people so much. Ah and the baptism was SO amazing. The Spirit was way strong during the ordinance, then “W” came in happy as can be, smiling from ear to ear. I was sitting next to him and asked, "How do you feel ‘W?’" "I can't stop smiling" .. Aw. Loved it. We went over to his house after church and his 2 year old daughter was there visiting him. And I thought he was happy at the baptism, but you should have seen him with his daughter. OMG. He was like, "This is the best day of my life". Ooh. I love him so much. That was for sure the highlight of the week. 

We met with “K,”  she's progressing well. We tried to get her baptized as well, but she was with her dad on Sunday and wasn't able to make it to church. Hmm.. Oh. We also have a girl named “J.” There's a recent convert, “M,” who got baptized in Feb, but hadn't been confirmed yet since after her baptism, her work started making her work on Sundays. So we've tried to stop by her a few times but never made contact. Finally we did, about a week and a half ago, and she's living with a friend, “J.” They're both about 25. Really cool. We got both of them to church yesterday and “M” confirmed! :) And “J” is gonna get baptized this Sunday! We just gotta teach her everything :) haha it's hard to meet with them. But it will happen. Yup..

It's all good. Happy Father's Day dad. Hope it was as fun as it sounds. The card I sent is a stand up card so you can put it on your desk at work, only if you want to ;) That'd be sweet. I love you all family and friends! Stay safe and be good!

Oh. And another thing. The prayers were 'by invitation' at the baptism, so Bro “G” (who was conducting) got up and asked if there would be a volunteer for the closing prayer, and “W” goes ahead and bows his head where he's sitting, and starts saying the closing prayer!! (that happened in all our lessons and even in gospel principles) Ah. SO awesome! haha. He thanked God for being baptized twice in the prayer, and told God how happy he was. AMAZING.

Elder JR Thorne

A revisit of "The News Story!"

Great week in Jupiter!

“D” got baptized! Ah SO SO awesome! I'm so happy for him. On Saturday, I was in Stuart on exchanges with the zone leader's, and Elder “W” went over to see “D.” We had the zone leader's from the Palm Beach zone come interview him since they speak Creole. “D” was super hesitant before the interview about baptism, because he wanted to know more. I don’t know who did the interview, but they had an amazingly super spiritual experience and “D” agreed to be baptized! His only concern was that he felt uncomfortable at the Jupiter ward, since 1) he's the only black person there and 2) he can't understand what's being taught. After some counsel and discussion, we decided it would be best if we passed him to the Palm Beach ward and get him baptized there. There's a lot of Haitians in that ward (it's like the Boynton Beach ward), so we knew that in order to help “D” most, we'd pass him. He lives pretty close to the border anyway, so we figured it'd be fine. So we lost the baptism for our personal area, BUT. He got baptized down there yesterday! Which is all that matters! Man it was awesome. He's still in our area so we'll still be able to go see him :)

That was definitely the highlight of the week. We're also teaching a girl named “K” she's the girlfriend of a member, “A.” He's 20 and she's 18. Super cool and super willing. She's progressing well. She should be all set for this Sunday.

Also, a miracle from yesterday: A lady in the ward brought a friend to church. I guess they're in the same AA class or something. This guy's name is “W.” We saw him at church and I kept wondering if he was maybe one of the other missionaries' investigator or if it's just a LA person coming back. At the end of church, Bro “M” (WML) came up to us and asked about him. He told us that he wasn't a member and that it was his first time at church. So we rushed over and talked to him. We asked how he liked church and he said he liked it, we identified the Spirit that he felt, then I invited him to be baptized next Sunday, and he said yes! We set up to go see him later on that day. SO.. When we were teaching him, he told us that he met with missionaries before down in Miami about 10 or 11 years ago, but he told us he never got baptized. He lost contact with the missionaries and moved up here. He said that he's known the member for a while, and that when he got to church with her yesterday, he was so excited to see that it was the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. During the lesson, we solidified his date for next Sunday. And during the closing prayer, he says " And Lord, Thank you for giving me a second chance to be baptized in your church". SO COOL. Spirit was so strong.

Life is good as you can see. I'm loving it. I don't want it to end. I'm definitely a new man. I've been changed through the Atonement of Christ. I am so grateful for it. And even though people try to go against me, I am TOO STRONG. They have their reward. 

I love you guys so much. Thank you for your help and guidance. See you soon.

Feeling good in Jupiter

Yeah so remember the awesome lady that we were lead to down in Fort Laud? She got baptized last Sunday! Ah it's so so awesome. I'm so excited.

Anyway.. This week has been good. I'm starting to like it more here. The only problem is that church is SO far away. Ugh it's annoying. We are teaching this Haitian guy, “D.”  I honestly don't know if I've ever loved an investigator like I love this guy. 2 lessons ago, he told us that he's really sad because he doesn't have a job. He pretty much begged us to pray for him to get one. I really almost started crying when he was telling us these things. Oh, the thing is, his English is super super limited. He speaks Creole and French. He doesn't understand us a lot of the time. I think that's why the love is so important because if he can just feel our love, he'll feel the Spirit. He has come to church once; not this past Sunday, but the last one in May, my first in Jupiter. Then yesterday we went over, and we were trying to commit him to be baptized this Sunday. There is a member in the ward, Sister “N,” who speaks French who has come with us to some lessons. So we called her last night during the lesson because we didn't think he was getting what we were trying to get across haha. But he said he wants to learn more. He doesn't want to fall back after being baptized. He told us that his wife (who has a job) does voodoo back in Haiti, and will send money to her family back there to do it. She won't give any money to him to send to his baby in Haiti. Sometimes when they're arguing or fighting, she'll take away his food. He feels alone because he's the only one in his family in the states, while she's got tons of family here. He knows he has to follow God to show how much he appreciates Him. “D” also told us that today actually, it's been a year since he got in a horrible car accident. The other 3 people in “D's” car died. He broke some bones, but he said that he knew that God protected him for a reason. He's just scared about what will happen with the family situation if he gets baptized. He needs a job to support himself in that home, or what he really wants to do is move out. It's a pretty crazy situation. I love him.

Other than that.. haha. The ward is cool. We have 2 meals this week. Not bad. I got the package. Me and Elder “W” are having a great time. The work is moving along. We're gonna see tons of miracles this week. I''m excited. We're in a library right now and I only have 12 min left. So I gotta go email President :) So I love you!

Elder JR Thorne

Jupiter South

Hey family.

Sorry I didn't write a full letter last week. We were all at the church and I wanted to spend as much time as I could with my friends, especially Sister “B.” Man It was a rough couple of days over there. I miss them all so much. That was the best district ever. 

Being in the trio was SO awesome. We had such an amazing week. Quick story from Fort Laud last week: One day (I think Friday), we were up by North Federal (20th East) and Sunrise (10th North). We were about to go harvest, so we prayed and asked where we should go. Elder “V”goes, "..by Bro. “B's” house." Which is about Broward (the 0 line) and 15th Ave (15th West). So we head over there. We drive right past Bro. “B's” on 5th, and Elder “V” goes, "Tell me left or right". I say, "Just keep going." We drive all the way to the end where it's a dead end, either left or right, I go "Go left". So we turn, go down the street to the end, park, and start knocking. We found an AWESOME lady named “T.” She is so prepared. We arranged to go to her house on Sunday morning at 8:30 so she could follow us to church. So me and Elder “V” go over, her van's not there. We knock, nothing. I give her a call, rings twice, IGNORED. I was thinking ah crap. We were super worried. I had a really strong feeling to call again. So I did. She answered and said that she didn't want to be late so she had left already to find it on her own and she was already there! Miracles baby. God is good. 

  Anywayyyy.... I'm in Jupiter South. With Elder “W.” We live just the 2 of us down in Palm Beach Gardens. It's super weird since I haven't been in a 2 man since the first time in Wellington. It's whatevs. There's us, Jupiter North and Stuart North (sisters) in the district. I went from 10 to 6. Which is ok I guess. Everyone is just so far away! It's so weird. It's an interesting area. Jupiter has always gotten a bad rap. But me and my companion are trying to figure out a way to change that. The ward is pretty cool.  Nothing super cool happening here. We've got a couple cool people we're teaching and finding. We were able to go to a BBQ yesterday with some members which was pretty sweet. Umm.. idk that's about it for now. No one currently preparing for baptism. We have some peeps that potentially can. We just need to get them more solid. 

  Life's good. I'm good. I can't believe I only have 3 transfers left. It's crazy. It's been awesome. Thanks for being the best family ever. I have no regrets and I'm grateful for everything that has happened to me. I miss you all like crazy. I love you a ton!

Elder JR Thorne

A week in pictures

A good week

Dear Family

This week was a good week. A lot better than last. Unfortunately, “D” was not baptized. We were only able to meet with her once this week. We're going to try really hard to see her at least twice this week to resolve any concerns that she has. She was able to come to church though. On Saturday, I went on exchange with Elder “M.” He's Elder “B's” comp. He's like the nicest person in the whole world. We had a lot of fun. Most of my exchanges are just full of crazy situations and a whole lot of hard laughter haha. That was on Saturday. At like 8:30, the sisters called (Elder Thorne’s Companion) Elder “B”  and said that they had just met a less-active lady who really wanted to come to church and bring a nonmember friend. So the sisters told them that we would get them a ride... (-__- .. I know right?) We called a few people that night but had no success. In the morning, luckily we were able to get Bro “P” to go get them. They came and we met them and the LA lady's name is “G” and her friend/roommate is “P.” The sisters had talked to “P” about being baptized and she had said yes. “P” loved church and we went over last night with Bro “A” and had a really good lesson and she's preparing for this Sunday! We're super excited for that. We have found some good people this last week, I'll let you know how they're progressing next week if they turn into anything.. Ha. 

So Elder “T,” the creole missionary, has been having some health issues. He's had to stay home for most of the week. We're able to take their car when they're not using it, and sometimes we rotate where Elder “V “will go with either me or Elder “B.” It works out pretty well. 

This morning we went to go check out the temple! It was way sweet! I'm trying to upload pics, but it's taking forever...

Well.. that's about it for this week. Idk what else to say. I can't wait till I can talk to you guys next Sunday! Love you!

Minor(?) concussion

Hey family
This week was ok... So.. Last Monday, after emailing, we were playing some basketball with the sisters.. And.. Sister Chavous and I both went for the ball.... And her elbow went straight into my head. Like right under the chin, where you try to hit someone while boxing to knock them out. I didn't get knocked out, but I got a minor concussion :) From Monday to Thursday I was down and out. Ha. I'm fine now. Everything's all good. It just made for a boring week ha. But here's a crazy story. “D” was all set to be baptized Sunday. We had a super good FHE on Friday with a member family at their home. And she was all set to be baptized after church. Saturday at about 6, we went over to review the interview questions. Right when she answers the door, after greeting she goes, 'I was thinking we should push the baptism to next Sunday. I have finals this week and I need to study and being at church for 5 hours will mess that up.' So I go into Jaren mode (I'm super good at being under control during intense emergencies) So I'm like, no. You'll do tons better on your finals with the Holy Ghost. We'll do the baptism right after sacrament meeting. You'll be home before 11. She said ok. But: problem. Now I have to coordinate that with Bishop and WML. I call Brother “A” and tell him what's up. He said he'll coordinate it with the ward, and I said I'll do the mission stuff. I called the AP's and told them the situation and asked if they could do the interview that night at 8 (we were going to do it during church Sunday). They said probably and that I needed to talk to President. People have to come to church at least 2 times before they can get baptized in this mission. She'd only been once. So I called him. He didn't answer so I left a message. Bro “A” and I are texting back and forth trying to figure out how we'll get the room because the nursery is the baptism room. “D” had told us that she wanted someone of 'high rank' to baptize her, so we had Bro “A” ask him as well. President calls back and I explain the situation and he gives the ok. Then I had to call the RS president and other members to invite them. Then I had to call the senior couple, the “S's” if they could go get “D” at 7:30 instead of 8:30. Then we had to ride our bikes to “D's.” And she lives CLEAR in the heck out there. (We had gotten a ride from Creole earlier). We met the AP's there at 8 and they were still trying to figure out rides and getting people to church for their own area. Elder “G” stayed with Elder “B” at the interview and I went with Elder “S” to do an interview for them. We left and drove out to their area and the guy wasn't home, so we stopped by a couple people. By the time we left there, it was 9, so the other 2 AP's (there's 4) had to go get Elders “G” and “B.” Elder “S” and I got to our apt at about 9:15. Then we waited there until 9:45 for the other elders to get back! They get there and I give Elder “G” a hug and he goes, "She needs a little bit more time. Call me if you have any question."  ....................................... What. Freak. So I had to call Everyone back and tell them it was cancelled. Ugh. Dang. Oh well. Next week :)
LOVE YOU!

Really good week

Hey family!
Once again.. Not a whole lot of time today. This week was actually really good. I don't think I mentioned her before, but we have a sick investigator named “D.” The Spanish sisters, Sister “C” and Sister “S,” found her and passed her to us. She lives clear on Oakland Park and Dixie Highway, but she's totally worth it. Well, we've taught her twice and both times we've been on exchange, so I actually haven't taught her yet haha. But.. She came to church yesterday and absolutely loved it! She has the cutest little 4 year old daughter named “K.” She's preparing to be baptized this Sunday, “D” of course. We're super excited. Our other investigator's all fell through on Sunday morning :( On Saturday night they were all set, and we even had rides set up for those who needed them, but they all bailed! :( There is one guy, “S,” who is SO cool. He wanted to come, and he was so set. We taught him on Saturday night at like 8, and he's like 'I gotta go pick up my kids in the morning at 9:30, then come to service. What time does it start again?' "9" 'Oh, well then I'll go get my kids at 7:30. No problem'. But then he didn't show up :( We called him in the morning but no answer.. Idk. We're going over today. 
Other than that, not a whole lot. Well, that's kinda a lot haha. but nothing personal. I'm excited for the clothes and toiletries.
 I love you all!!
Elder J Thorne

An "okay" week

How is everyone doing? I'm doing pretty well. This week was ok. Like, I feel like we worked super hard and were very diligent. Our numbers just didn't show it.. It's way annoying. But whatever. I know we can't control what people do. Man.

Anyway. We met a few good people this week. A couple people who straightway said yes to baptism and were pretty solid. One guy who works at the draw bridge right by the church. We also met a way awesome young woman who apparently is super solid. I went on exchanges both Friday and Saturday into the other missionaries’ area, so I didn't get to teach her. But she seems pretty sweet. This week we're going to try super hard to get “K” baptized. No more putting it aside and delaying it. It's got to happen now. And if she doesn't see or realize that, then we're going to have to wait until she's ready. 

Me and Elder “B” are doing well. We mesh well together. He's progressing really well. He's grown a lot.

I love you guys alot. Sorry for such a short email. Not much new around here. We've always got lots of potential, we’ve just got to get it done. I miss you all, but love you a ton more!

"The exciting mission!"

Hey fam!

Man, General Conference was SO so good. I loved it a lot. At the end while we were all talking (there were 14 missionaries there!), I realized that it’s my last one in the mission! Wow. It's so crazy now fast time has flown. Saturday was really really good. I loved President Uchtdorf's talk in Priesthood, probably my favorite. And both the Saturday sessions before that we're really inspiring and revelatory. Sunday was really good too, a little bit harder to focus, but for what I got out of it, 'twas really good. 

Being a district leader is alright.. I'm just so busy all the time haha. Like usually from 9:30-10:30 I can just relax and write in my journal or go hang out with the sisters in our complex, or just chill, but now I have to call people or the zone leaders are calling me. It's crazy. So I'm way behind on my journal now :( I'm thinking I can just use the recorder as a voice journal. I'm sure that's not what you want to hear haha but I can't think of anything else haha. I told sister “B” that she has to write in it from now on, and I've only gotten a couple weird random notes out of that haha. So to record my mission it will now be with my thoughts and voice. But yeah being a dl is cool.

Being a dl and all, I now go on exchanges with all the elders in the district. On Friday, I was with elder “A” (he knows the “M's” too) and we went to go see this lady that me and Elder “B” blessed a few days before. Herr name is “S.” When we got there, she wanted us to come in but her husband wasn't home, so I was thinking, "bro “B” lives just up the street". So I told “S” that we'd be right back haha. We hurried and called bro “B” and he said he'll hurry and throw on a shirt and tie and he'll be ready. We went and picked him up and headed on back. Our lesson with “S” was one of, if not the, best lesson ever. The spirit was so strong from the beginning and she is so prepared and so willing. When we blessed her home and invited her to be baptized, she told us about how in the past couple of months, random people would come up to her and tell her that she needed to accept Jesus and that she should get saved. So she told us that this must've been a sign from God. So I told her that He did send us there so that you can follow Jesus Christ and get baptized. During the lesson we kept testifying and she had a lot of good questions. She accepted everything we said. She really wanted to come to conference but she had to work. She is a general manager at burger king so she said she can just change her schedule for next week. She's now preparing to be baptized on the 21st. It was awesome. And thanks to bro “B” and God, we were able to see her and help her prepare.

Bad news time.. We're probably gonna lose the car.. I had a feeling we would. Since it was just an extra this transfer because of an area shutting down, I figured at transfers when everything got sorted out, they'd give it to someone else :( well it was good while it lasted... We don't know for sure, but I'm guessing it.

That meeting with President Anderson was one of the best trainings/meetings I've ever had. I learned a ton and am a better missionary because of it. It was so cool.

Aright I love you guys! Thanks for everything, I miss you all. We get to talk soon! Love you!

 As an additional note, Elder Thorne shared the following from the weekly President’s email, “A returned missionary last week wrote me about her father introducing her to Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve:“When my dad introduced me to Elder Christofferson, he mentioned that I had just returned from serving a mission. Elder Christofferson asked which one and when I responded that I served in Ft. Lauderdale he said, ‘Oh, the exciting one!’ Isn't that awesome?! I knew our mission was amazing, but a member of the Twelve Apostles thinks so, too!  I had never been so proud to be a part of the FFLM!”

 

 

Another successful month in the FT Lauderdale Mission!

Yeah I'm the district leader.. Of the biggest district in the mission! 11 people! Can you believe that? That's unheard of over here. The most I've had was 8, which was once. So it's been way crazy. Especially with 5 sisters. All living together... haha. but I really liked it. So they gave me the calling last Monday, just throughout the day, then later on when P-day was over, I had to do my first interview! haha. It was just an 8 yo kid luckily, super easy. But then I did a couple for the AP's at church. Which went well. I liked them a lot. Have I told you that we're in the same ward as the AP's? There's 9 missionaries in the ward. It's pretty sweet. 

Man, so remember “J”and “K?” “K” could get baptized! “J2” has 2 jobs, so it'll be super hard to get her to church. But “K” is down. We were SO close yesterday. She was actually all set. We went over on Wednesday night and had a super powerful lesson. Committed her to be baptized on Sunday. Had the interview on Saturday. But then on Sunday, she just got cold feet.. But she said this weekend should be good. She's like our most solid investigator, everyone else is kind of dwindling..

I'm so excited for Conference! I love conference. It's my last one... Crazy..
The specialized training on Friday was a ton of fun. It was so so good. Mainly about humility and diligence, thankfulness, teaching the Restoration early, and helping investigators pray. Super inspired.

It's pretty rough trying to get our area going with so many DL responsibilities haha, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it. We should really start coming along soon.

From President Anderson’s email this week, “Missionaries, we have not only achieved our goal of 155 baptisms in March, but we have destroyed it with 168. How happy the Lord must be this Easter week to know that we worked so hard to bring these precious souls to Him. I am so proud of you, the Lord is so proud of you. We have another great week ahead of us as we Prepare for the Prophets and get ready to have an amazing revelatory experience at General Conference. Let us prepare ourselves and our investigators for this tremendously inspired teachings.”

I miss you guys a lot. Thanks for everything! I LOVE YOU!!

 

Elder J Thorne 

Doctrine/Principle/Application

Our investigators are doing well. None made it to church :( Things came up... But we already committed them for next Sunday so it's in their plans now. We met an older guy on Saturday, “G.” He wasn't able to make it to church because his car's not registered. We told him we could get him a ride but he's like No I'll come next Sunday. I was like, eh he's not that solid. But he wanted us back the next day, so we saw him yesterday. 
We walked up and he was in the same spot he was when we first met him, sitting on a chair on his porch with his music playing right next to him. We sat next to him and asked if we could turn off the radio. He stood up, and just said we could go inside. Which was sweet, it's hard to actually get inside homes. Well we went in and taught him. So you know that I'm a pretty loving person, and I try to do what President Monson said, "see others as they may become". I really loved “G” from the beginning. So he was telling us that he really likes his home; he had just moved there 3 months earlier. But the street is pretty bad (it is). There's always loud music and loud cars and people out there causing a ruckus. And he's like "I'm unhappy". That phrase like almost made me cry. It was weird but really spiritual. And I think because of that, we had one of the best first lessons I've ever been a part of. He's preparing for baptism on the 31st! It was awesome. 
Our other investigators are doing well. “A” is still cool, just slept in yesterday. We've just got to get them to church and they'll be all set. We have a method of teaching here called why/what/how (doctrine/principle/application). And we're really starting to apply it. Like, it's been in the mission for a while, but no one really understood it. But the past couple of weeks, we've had trainings and talked to the AP's and I'm really starting to get it. And now, our teaching is so much more powerful. It was introduced by President, and now I see why. I could go into detail, but it took a 5 hour comp study with the AP's for them to explain it to me. haha. But basically:

A Doctrine is an eternal truth.

A Principle is also a truth.

The Application is to take those to action.

So example (the doctrine should be desire boosting)

 D- Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be cleansed and forgiven of all our sins, and we can receive a strength and power to press forward.

P- The way we access that power in our lives is to have faith in Jesus Christ by keeping His commandments.

A- Will you show your faith and (keep a specific commandment)

That's just an example. But it's super powerful in real life. 

I"M SO EXCITED FOR MY NEW BIKE!!!! I don’t know if you should get more insurance. I'm still around the place where it was almost stolen. So probably.

Kkkkkk. well I love you all. My mission has been the best. I love it. Elder “B” is still cool. Still a greenie, but cool :) haha I miss you guys. LOVE YOU ALL!!

Elder J Thorne

Doing good

Dear family,

Well..  I'm doing good. How is everyone at home? Did you know that my birthday will be my 6-months-left mark? Crazy.... Question. Is the series House over? I saw that it might be. I hope not. I love that show. I need to catch up on it when I get home. So you know how we're going to celebrate my birthday when I get home? Well I want you to save all that money, don't spend it on anything yet. Because I want a Chevy Camaro. haha. Seriously. I've literally fallen in love with that car since I've been out. I know I won't get one... but I love them. But still save the money so we can decide what to do with it. 

Anyway.. “J's” back! haha. Well... kind of. We went back last Monday and like Friday. Had good lessons with them. They still want to progress and work towards baptism. And so we went back last night and talked to “K” and “J2,” and they said he hadn't been home since Saturday morning. So we're a little worried for that. Hope he's ok. 

“A” and “H” are still about the same. We're kind of in the rut that we just go over and share a word and just hang out. They even refer to us as family haha. And like, most missionaries have the misconception of becoming friends with people, then baptizing their friends. Which, yes, is really good. But it doesn't work that way. Our purpose is to baptize people, and one of the applications is to be their friend. So we need to do kind of a reversal of roles with them. Which is kind of hard but we'll do it. Like last time we went over, they were watching a movie and she made us super good fried shrimp and fries. Ah. It was awesome. haha. We did talk about the restoration a little, but there were too many distractions. We'll do it though :)

We also blessed a super cool guy named “A” (2 of his little daughters were there too). When we ended the prayer, he pretty much invited himself to be baptized. We asked how he felt and he was like "oh I feel so good. You know in those church shows when the preacher touches someone and they catch the Holy Ghost? (which is totally false.. but oh well) I feel that. Man I wish I could have that all the time." Haha I know right? Perfect lead in to a baptism invite. He couldn't make it to church because he slept in. He forgot about the time change.. But he's preparing for the 24th. We're seeing him tonight. 

Which reminds me. It was stake conference yesterday. It was really really good. President Anderson spoke first. He did good. After the meeting, all the baptisms in the zone (which is the stake) got baptized. There were 13. It was a really cool experience. 

I still need to call CTR bikes back. I sort of tinkered with my brakes so that they sort of stop. haha. I ride slower and safer now. I'll call them when I'm done with this. I haven't received any cards yet..

Welp... I can't believe I'm on the down slope. Happened just like that didn't it? Crazy..     What am I talking about? I've got tons of time left :) haha i miss you all. I Love you so much!!

Love, Elder Thorne

A new companion

Dear Home,

This past week was really good. My new companion is Elder “J.” He's from Mesa, AZ. He’s a pretty cool guy. We get along well. He loves basketball and the NBA so we talk a lot of basketball. Everything is going well with him. We had a really good last half of the week, since with “R” it was pretty much just saying bye to people. But we got out and got a lot done. Elders “J” and “V” stayed in the apartment with us. And Elder “B” and “A” stayed in Ft Lauderdale South. We're all becoming pretty good friends. The Plantation elders actually moved out of the other apartment (the one I used to stay at), and they moved to Plantation. I think that was last Friday.

This past few days have been freezing again! OMG it's so annoying. Especially when you're riding bike all the time. Ugh I hate being cold....

So the story with “J” and “K.” They can't get baptized just yet.  But they've actually been on my mind the last couple of days, so we're going over to see them tonight. “A” and “H” are still way awesome. “H” and her 2 sons came to church!! “A” had to work, but it was so sweet to see her sitting back there. She got there a little bit late, but “F,” the 8 year old, came and tapped us on the shoulder to tell us they made it haha. They only came to Sacrament Meeting but that's alright. Hopefully they'll get baptized on the 17th. That's what we're shooting for. 

I've been so exhausted all week. I was nervous about transfers, so I got barely any sleep Monday and Tuesday night. And of course there isn't any time to make it up during the week. So it's kind of hard to focus right now. haha. Did I tell you that I got stung by a bee last week? First time in my life. I was actually riding my bike, and it hit me in the forehead, then it got stuck in between my head and my helmet so it started freaking out. I hurried and hit it away and stopped, but not before it stung me haha. Also, some punk kids tried to steal my bike! haha. We take the front tires off and lock up the tires and the frame with a U-lock. Apparently (some little girl saw it and told us) they just had a hammer and were nailing my u-lock. Luckily it stayed strong and nothing was stolen, but they bent the frame and now the back brakes don't work. haha. so I don’t know what to do. I talked to the bike guy and he's not sure. I called CTR bikes and they were supposed to call back but they haven't yet. haha. But I've been fine so far. 

Thanks a lot family for everything. I couldn't do this without you guys. I love you all!

Elder J Thorne

Staying in "Fort Laud"

Hey everyone!

How is everything going? Things over here in Fort Laud are going pretty good. We’re finding a lot of people, but it's hard to get them to keep commitments. But I LOVE this area a lot. There are some really really good people, which I'll talk about in a second.. But now for what you all want to hear... Elder “R”- transfers. Elder Thorne- stays. Which is a pretty big relief for me. I'm super happy I'm staying. This will be the longest I've been in an area. I was in Boynton for 3 transfers. But anyway. Life at home sounds good. Cold though. Man I am not excited to come home to that ha. It's pretty hot over here, especially on bike, but I hate being cold..

So investigator wise.. Sorry I haven't talked a lot about mission stuff. We're teaching a guy named “R.” He's a big big guy who likes a lot of the stuff we teach. About 11 years ago he was struggling, but he turned his life around and started going to church for 10 years straight. Then he fell away and he says he's been spiritually weak. Then we came knocking on his door. He wants to come visit, but he feels like he needs to go back to his church at least once before visiting someone else. That kind of scares me.. Ha jeez... But he's really cool. He has a 15 year old daughter who he's really worried for. So we say that him coming to church and getting baptized will be a huge example to her. 

Then we have “J.”. A cool younger guy who really wants a better life. We testify a lot about Jesus Christ and the atonement and baptism and he understands it, I just don't think it's really clicked, ya know? So I gotta figure out how to help him get to church and keep commitments to help him build his faith and repent.

We harvested into a super awesome couple like a week ago, “A” and “H.” They're way cool. We taught them once, and they're pretty open. They're super nice and friendly and love us a lot, so after our lesson (which included soda and cookies), they fed us fried chicken and coleslaw!! They have the cutest little boy ever, “Z.” Yesterday, they just had us over for dinner. We had a spiritual thought afterward, but it was just me and elder “R” at the table eating while they kind of did their own thing ha. We're going back on Thursday, I'm sure the new guy will love that.

Those are our cool investigators. We have a couple more “eh” ones. Like “A.”. He said he played football for the U of Missouri. He's a sweet guy. Totally closed to the BoM though.... 

Oh yeah so the conference with Elder Haleck. I guess you guys already heard about the promise and blessing.. Ha. But yeah it's super awesome. That was like the coolest experience ever. I'm so blessed and proud to have been able to sign my name on that paper to show that nothing else in this world matters right now than sharing the gospel (All the missionaries in the mission signed a paper which will be placed in the cornerstone of the FT Lauderdale Temple). Being there with Elder Haleck was cool. He talked a lot about the BoM and gathering of Israel. It was neat.

Other than that I think that's about it. I'm at the “P’s” typing on their iPad :) I like it a lot.

Ok, well, these next transfers will be very interesting... The end is coming up fast.. Ha it's crazy. We'll see how it goes. I miss you guys. I love you a ton!!

 

Elder J Thorne 

Baptism

Dear family,

This week was way good. First off, Ms “J” was baptized yesterday! It was awesome. We had a way good lesson on Wednesday, just testifying of faith in Jesus Christ and the blessings that will come because of baptism. We said that she could be baptized on Sunday, and she was like, "Yeah, I want to do it".  So we made all the necessary plans to have the service yesterday after church. It was awesome. She was also blessed with a car on Thursday, so she was able to drive herself to church. In the morning, we went over to see if she was still good, and she was getting ready. At the beginning of Sacrament Meeting, we hadn't seen her. We went and sat in the opposite foyer than we usually do. We never saw her walk in but I peeked in after the Sacrament and she was in there thankfully! But the service was good. She liked it a lot. 

Other than that, this week was boring haha. I told mom about my exchange with Elder “S,” he lives down the street from the “M's.” He got hit by a car on his bike! But nothing bad at all.
Sorry I didn't send the sim card last week, I wasn't able to back up my pics so I'm sending it today :)

Thanks for everything you guys do. You guys are my strength right now. I miss you guys a ton. I love you all so much!

Elder J Thorne

Freezing cold at 60 degrees!

Dear family,

This week was ok. Pretty rough work wise. It seems like all the people we knock into have desires to be baptized right at first, but then one by one seem to dwindle off. Ugh... Thanks for all the support from over there. It really really helps. So last night, I was FREEZING. We were walking back to our aptartment at about 10 (we were home way late because Elder “R” lost his wallet at an investigator's house and we went back to find it), and it was probably around 60 degrees, and I was shivering and dying!! haha My blood has thinned a ton. I have no idea what I'm going do when I get home. haha. I literally might die of coldness.
Man so craziest thing... So remember “J?” The great guy who loves talking to us and loves and respects us a ton. Well we tried to go see him on Saturday night with a member, and we pulled up and he was outside and came up to our car and was like, "I'm just leaving to see a show at the Hard Rock. Sorry" And we were like ok. And he's like "What time is service tomorrow?" "9" "Ok I should be able to find it. Call me at 8." "Alright we will “J.” Thanks!"  So... we give him a call at 8 on Sunday morning to make sure he's still good. Elder “R” was the one calling. And I guess he says something like he doesn't want us coming over so much anymore. He's creeped out and feels like he's being stalked........ Way weird. He did like a total 180 on us. And the thing is, we've stopped by like 3 times in the past two weeks. It blew my mind. Like I didn't believe Elder “R” for a minute. Ugh... Dang it. 
And “G” has like vanished off the face of the earth. Man.... Missionary work... haha. Very frustrating at times....
But we have some alright people we're teaching. Ms. “J” and “D” are still progressing. They weren't able to make it to church because they had a ton of family come in for a funeral. But we'll see them I think tomorrow. Hopefully be baptized this Sunday. Also, a guy we met this past week named “M.” He's pretty old but he wants the Spirit more in his life. He's really connected with his church, but he did come to ours yesterday! It was a total surprise. We were waiting by the door people usually come in and NO one showed (out of the like 10 people we had committed to come on Saturday), and Sacrament starts and we're still out there just talking to the other missionaries and I glance in to the chapel and I see “M” sitting in the back row! He smiled and gave me a thumbs up. haha. 

K sorry I don't have any more time. I love you all! Thanks for everything!

Elder J Thorne