September 20, 2015 Melton

How ya goin? 

I have to get used to saying that cause people think I'm weird if I ask how they are doing. 

I got to see some kangaroos (or hoppers) yesterday! Sorry I couldn't get a picture. It was too dark. Tell Lilly and Audrey that I will make sure to take pictures of cute animals for them though! Maybe they'll think that this lizard is cute.. (see picture below.)

 

The work is going great! We have a guy named "J" on date for baptism on Oct 17th! Hopefully he doesn't put that off any longer. We are also teaching a part member family. The mom is a member, the dad and all 5 kids are not. But they came to church last week! "N"- (the dad) is super cool. Honestly, it's only a matter of time before he gets baptized, then the kids will follow! I'm excited for them.

 

So here it is about to turn into summer, but it is in the middle of the transition. Meaning that some times during the day are really hot, then some times are really cold. But Elder Sifuentes is always cold because he is from the Philippines. He wears a big coat everyday.

 

I love teaching people! We have been blessed with being able to teach heaps of lessons. I am still getting used to talking to people on the street and at door approaches, but getting a lot better!

 

Guess what??? People like my accent. I heard 4 times this week, "hey you've got a mean accent! Are you from America?" Yep. That's right. This guy has a mean accent. On that note, we had a funny experience where a couple of teenage girls were being dumb and trying to flirt with us. We were walking down the street and the yelled to us things like, "you're hot!" "how old are you?" and the like. I was keen to just keep walking but Elder Sifuentes is fearless and really talks to everyone. Long story short, we gave them each a Book of Mormon, committed them to read, and invited them to church. We got their numbers, but not for the reason they wanted us to! HA! BOOM BABY! (Emperor's New Groove. Brent, I expect that you got that.)

 

Anyway, it's halfway through September. Time to start listening to Christmas music right? Just kidding... sort of..

Love you all! 

Everyone who read this, send me an email and a picture k? I love seeing pictures of everyone.

 These stickers are on every door.  Yep, I stole one and put it on my planner.

 Cool sunset, and a weird bug.

 

September 13, 2015 Melton

Hey everybody! 

So yep, I'm in Australia. I'm sending this at about 11 A.M. on Monday here. Who knows what time it is on Sunday back home?

I flew here with about 10 other missionaries including Elder Bennion who I knew from the MTC.  A
random girl slept on my shoulder the whole flight... I was so scared but I couldn't do anything! AAAAAAAH!! That’s a funny story for later. We walk or ride the bus or train, no driving for us.  The food here is islander food, meaning tons of meat... mmmmmmmmmmm... tons of rice... mmmmmmmmm... heaps and heaps of food.

So I am serving in Melton! It's a suburb of Melbourne. I'm serving in the Melton south area. My companion is Elder Sifuentes from the Philippines. He is super awesome. I get to do language study with him in the mornings cause he is learning English! He speaks it really well, we are just working on some grammar and he wants to get rid of the accent. He wants to sound like an American instead of an Aussie
for some reason... We live with two other Elders. One of them is also Philippino, (the other is American) so that's pretty cool. We get along really well.

So you wanna hear about Australia?? It's sooooo different. Everything is different. Kilometers per hour, 30 degrees Celsius, etc. They have different ways of spelling some words, (colour, flavour, tyres), they
talk totally differently, and they even have different names for some things! I was so confused when I went to KFC and it said, Chicken and Chips. I was like, nah I don't want chips. Then I saw the picture and
realized that here is Australia, fries are called chips! And get this. What we call chips, they are still called chips... whaaaaa...aaaat? How do you know which one people are talking about??  Anyway, here's
some Aussie words for you;

jumper: sweater
chips: fries
Mackers: McDonalds
Heaps: lots
ages: a long time
cheers mate
I reckon
stuff this! stuff you!
that's crack-up!: that's funny!
mucking around: messing around
chin waggin': talking a lot
far out!
eh?
keen
Good as! sweet as! cool as! keen as! mean as! dirty as! small as! (that one sounds like they are swearing    to us Americans, but it's not swearing. "that's good as!" just means, "that's really good!"
How ya goin?

People don't pronounce their R's here so it would be like, "I'll go pahk the cah". So you can say those words, but don't use R's.

MIRACLE TIME!!!
We met this guy on the bus a few days back. We talked to him for a while, got his number, but he didn't seem too interested. We sent him a text on Saturday inviting him to church. He responded and said no
thanks, I'm catholic. We were disappointed, but then on Sunday he texted again and said I changed my mind, when and where is church? It was so awesome!! He came and stayed for the whole three hours! He's super cool.

This place is so diverse. There are people from everywhere. I reckon it's about 40% Aussie, 20% new Zealand, 20% Samoan/ other islander, 20% everything else. We have met people from India, Africa, Germany, China, Micronesia, Canada, Panama, Chile, Whales, England, America, Indonesia, etc. It's awesome. Our ward is about 80% Islander. They feed us until our stomachs burst, then the bring out the next course and make us eat it. I'm gonna get so fat! But I love them.

Anyway, I reckon we've been muckin around chin waggin quite enough.  There's heaps more I wanna tell you but that'll have to wait till next week! Elder Sifuentes is keen to go get some Mackers so we gotta  go!

Cheers mates.

Elder Chappell

Pictures:  Me and Elder Sifuentes, the view from a cool bridge--  they drive on the left side of the road!, Melbourne at night...it is so huge.

September 9, 2015 Melbourne

Well, I'm here. I made it safely. Loooooooooooong flights. total of
about 30 hours travel time. But holy cow Australia is amazing!! I just
have a little time for a quick email, so more details will be coming
on Monday, but yeah, everyone has awesome accents! My companion is
Elder Sifuentes. He's from the Philippines. He's super awesome! again,
more details comin next monday. Oh btw, this went back in time....
whaaaaaaaaaaaat mind explosion

Love Elder Chappell

September 7, 2015 Richland, WA (Flying to Australia today)

Goin' to the land down under!!

Well, as the subject line implies, I GOT MY VISA!!!!! GOING TO
AUSTRALIA BABY!!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!

Ok I'll be honest, I am really going to miss Washington. My actual first
response to the news of getting my visa was, "Oh man I wanted one more
transfer!" But now I'm just super excited. So yeah I'm actually flying
out today. Right after I email I am going to the mission home, then
flying out! I will be flying into the future. I will leave on the 7th
then land on the 9th... whoa. My jet lag is gonna be legendary. Elder
Thorn got transferred to Pasco and will be training a new missionary.
He was a great trainer for me and I am so glad he was my companion.

So I made some great friends here.  I never expected this to happen
but after the mission, I'm gonna go visit Richland Washington! I loved
that one transfer so much. I can't wait until the next transfers
though ‘cause I know I'll love them more!

Hey everyone, check out the videos that the church has just released.
They are called 12 steps to change. They are about twelve different
people with addictions and how they recovered by relying on Jesus
Christ. We have been able to show someone one of these videos and they
just bring the Spirit so strong. Also check out the Mormon message
"I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go". That one is more positive and also
super spiritual. We use it in lessons we teach members.

Shout out to my man Colin Taggart going to Portugal on his mission!
What a legend.

Pictures:  So one day We were going out to proselyte and I got all the way to the car by the time that I realized that I was wearing my flip flops still. So that's this picture!  And Me with Braydon, and me with Braydon, Kendyl, and Brandee.

I love all of you! I'll send pictures of Kangaroos and Wallabies next week!
Love, Elder Chappell (Captain Australia)

August 31, 2015 Richland, WA

So to start out, shout out to the other Elder Chappell, one year for Riley. That's crazy.

Anyway, we had zone conference last week! President Ware said we aren't allowed to wake up early to have more exercise time anymore, which is sad cause now we can't go play basketball and we can't go hike badger bump anymore. Oh well. Exact obedience brings miracles! He also said on the topic of music, if a song you used to listen to at home but aren't allowed to now comes on at a member or investigator's house and there's nothing you can do about it, don't feel guilty. All that is is a tender mercy. Since then I have had 5 tender mercies of classic rock songs. I loved it! 

Miracle of the week!!!! So there is this guy named Travis. He was under the list of former investigator, but in all honesty (according to Elder Thorn who was there for his previous teaching), he was never really interested. Anyway, he is about 40 years old, and has spent 20 of those years in prison. He made some really bad choices when he was young. But I have never met a nicer person. He always has kids at his house who he is helping out because they are in really bad situations. He lives across the street from some members and he hangs out with them all the time. Anyway, we stopped by recently, and when we did, he let us in and we talked about the Book of Mormon. He had read it in the past, but only to prove it wrong. He asked us, "What is the point of the Book of Mormon? Why do you need it? What does it add that the Bible doesn't have?" There are a lot of different answers to that question. But Elder Thorn followed the Spirit and answered the best possible way. He said, "The old testament prophesies of Christ. The New Testament tells of Christ's life and what He did, and the Atonement. The Book of Mormon shows us how we can use that Atonement and how we can come closer to Christ." Travis sat there for a minute, then he said, "Really? Why didn't you tell me that before?? I'm gonna read this again! This time, with that in mind! That's awesome!!" It was way cool. Then as we were about to try to set up a return appointment, he said, "You guys should come back tomorrow around 2". He is awesome and the Lord has been preparing him.

Miracle number 2! So we live in the basement of an older couple's house. They have a son who is about 50 years old, not a member, always (I mean ALWAYS) drunk, who is living in a trailer on their property. His name is Chuck. He is super nice and super funny and he loves us. I've been wondering since I got here if he has ever been taught by the missionaries. I asked Elder Thorn, He said that they tried but he doesn't want to hear it. That same day, he came to us and said he had skin cancer. He also said, "Hey guys.. my life is pretty rough right now. Maybe I could use a message sometime." That was awesome. So we've been trying to make it happen, he's still super hesitant about it, but it'll happen soon.

We had exchanges on Wednesday! So I went to a different area with Elder Clyde, my district leader, for a day. We had an awesome miracle. Long story short, a member came by in the morning and gave us tons of food. way more than two elders could eat before it rotted. We got a text later in the day from a mystery person saying that a man named Anthony who used to be an investigator is really struggling. They said he had no money for food for his three kids, he can't find a job, and he might be going to jail soon because he can't pay his bills. So we took all of that food over to his house and gave it to him. He was so grateful. Those kids needed it. It feels so good to be an answer to someone’s prayer, and feels even better to know that God is watching out for every single one of us.

One quick note, anyone who wants to be amazed, look up Kyle Thorn! He is Elder Thorn's brother. He is an awesome singer! He'll be on the voice next season. He has one song, "Closer" that's on an EFY album. He is in the process of releasing a single, "Move On", and it is so good! He's awesome.

Love everybody! Too bad y'all have to go to school!! hahahahaha guess who doesn't?? This Guy!!  

Elder Chappell

​Pictures:  Me and Elder Clyde for exchanges, and that's the view from the Dome! yep I'm a pro photographer

August 24, 2015 Richland, WA

Hello Everybody,

So Saturday was my first baptism! Kendyl!

#'tism#Dunk'em#getdipped

A little more about her and her family: Her mom is technically a member, but she hasn't gone to church since she was a kid and has problems with the church. Her dad is not a member. On her mom's side of the fam, they are all members and most of them live in Utah. On her dad's side, none of them are. They live in Arizona. Her parents (Tom and Brandi) Are super-duper supportive. They think Kendyl and Braydon should be able to make their own choices. The family is so cool. They love us and we love them. Honestly, we get more food from them than from the members! We go over there a lot. 

So the baptism was amazing. Her two aunts who are members gave the talks and they were super spiritual. Everyone was crying, even Tom and Brandi. Well, Braydon wasn't crying, but that’s just cause he's a fifteen year old boy so he was trying his hardest not to.  So then her uncle performed the baptism, Elder Thorn and I were witnesses. We also got to stand in on the confirmation. It was amazing. The entire family was there. Like her non-member family came from Arizona for this! Then they had a big barbeque afterwards. I know that whole family will be baptized at some point. Braydon is already so close to baptism. They will be amazing members when they decide to. They will bless so many lives.

The man formerly known as Elder Wilcox came back up for the baptism! He got three days at home then came back, haha. Now we have to call him Brantz... how weird is that. But it was awesome to see him. He was an awesome example to me. Weird to see him in a hat and shorts though!

So I don't know if I mentioned before but a couple weeks back there was a guy who pulled over and talked to us on the side of the road and gave us his info to meet with him. We finally worked out a day and time and met with him last night! His name is John. He is so cool. He is searching for the truth and he really really wants it and he's willing to do anything to follow Jesus Christ. He is willing to be baptized as soon as he knows the truth. He is reading and praying. So I know without a doubt that he is going to get that answer that he's looking for. Someone with real intent and willingness to do his part like that is exactly the kind of person God talks to. He is going to be baptized for sure. I just met him and I already love him!

I got a letter from my family with pictures. One of the pictures was of Tyler and I wrestling. Not gonna lie... that was the first time I have cried on my mission... miss you so much Ty! 

Riley's year mark is in 3 days... that's crazy. It doesn't seem like it's been that long to me. 

Early shout out to Spencer! Happy birthday on the 30th! You thought I'd forget didn't you? ;) Silly goose. An elephant never forgets. 

Well I love you all! Keep on keepin’ on. 

Peace and love mi bredren. Oh wait, is that my line? ;) 

Bye! 

Elder Chappell

Pictures:Me, Kendyl, Elder Thorn, and (formerly)Elder Wilcox

 This is the picture of Tyler and Calvin that he was talking about.

August 17, 2015 Richland, WA

Hey everyone!

So One month is gone! crazy right? I'm 1/24th done already... I think it's going by too fast. 

Anyway, Elder Wilcox goes home on Tuesday, into the mission home today, so by tonight, it'll just be me and Elder Thorn. Elder Wilcox has been an awesome example to me and he stayed focused and hardworking to the end. I am blessed to have served with him.

So, miracle of the week goes to...(drumroll)... George and Nancy! 

They are a couple we are teaching. They are so funny. George is a former convict and drug addict, but has been turning his life around for the last ten years. They have two children, George III and Oliah. But they call them Bam-Bam and Pie. (They are black so they can pull that off) It's so hilarious. We really love them and connect with them, and George totally loves us too. Anyway, they haven't been reading out of the Book of Mormon at all which is disappointing, so yesterday we went over with the intent to read with them. We read 3 Nephi 11. I love that chapter. The Spirit was very strong. They had a few questions, but we were able to answer with the Spirit and they totally accepted it. Then Elder Wilcox said to them that this was his very last lesson of his mission. Then he bore his testimony. It was simple but POWERFUL. The Spirit was so strong. Then Nancy opened up (which is rare). She said that since we've been coming she has felt a difference in their home. She said George is never ever open to churches at all. She was shocked when she came home and saw George talking with missionaries one day (a couple few days before I got here.). Then George said that there was just something about them, and Elder Wilcox specifically that made him feel comfortable and willing to talk with them. I told him that was no coincidence. God had His hand in that. God is leading George and Nancy to Him. I have no doubt. Then George surprised me and agreed. He said he believed that was true. It was so cool. I love to see how in one moment, God can be pouring blessings on so many at once, in one action. He is blessing George and Nancy by leading them closer to Him, blessing Elder Wilcox by letting him know that he had a positive impact in their lives and blessing me and Elder Thorn by letting us feel of that Spirit. I love it when I can see parts of God's plans for each of us in hindsight.

Anyway, I love teaching people. We have been blessed with lots of investigators. I don't remember if I mentioned, but we are having a baptism this Saturday, Kendyl!  She is 10 years old, and I swear, she is just like Amy. She and Amy would be best friends if they knew each other. I love her and her family! Braden is 15 and he's hilarious. We love him. Bro and Sis Hogg are so awesome too. She is inactive and he's not a member. They aren't open to the church at all, but totally supportive of their children joining if that's what they want. They want us to come over all the time and she makes us brownies and stuff. We all get along super well and laugh a lot. They have shown me that you don't have to be a family in the church to have the Spirit in your home. But I know that if they were all active members, they would have the Spirit as their constant companion, and it would just be magnified so much. So we will continue to work on them. 

Thanks Mom for the greenie package!  I won't be eating much of the candy because I'm trying to be healthy, but I loved the avengers coloring book ;) we are working on putting Books of Mormon into each picture. When they are finished we'll send pictures of them! Loved the socks too. Willy is jealous. 

We are working with the members in both wards a lot. It's awesome. There are a few families that are totally involved in the missionary work and we appreciate them so much. Sister Allen, who sent a picture of us to Mom is so awesome. She brings lunches for us on Sundays and puts them in the fridge because we are out from 8 till dinner on Sundays.

We have $138 to live off each month. We do have a mile limit, but because we have a HUGE area, we go over every month. But it's not a problem, they understand. We have mission goals, zone goals, district goals, and Companionship goals for the week and month. We mostly just focus on our comp goals and everything falls into place.

Something that made me smile this week was seeing the picture you gave me of me as a baby just smiling away like I'm the happiest kid in the world!  Wilcox put it up on the wall for everyone to see! Oh also there’s this little girl in the ward that looks like a mixture of Boo from Monsters Inc. and Matilda. She is so cute, and she comes up to us in church and shakes our hands and says "how's you week?" We shake her hand back and say "our week was great! How was yours?" she responds, "ok I guess" (she can't say her "c" or "g" sounds, so it sounds like, ok I dess.)  Then she says "bye bye missionawies!"  She was adorable.

Picture explanations:

Me and the comps in what they call "the cave" 

The sunrise from the Dome. Yep we are right on the river. Yep I took that Picture. Yep I'm a professional photographer. Yep I'm still saying yep. 

Us with Kendyl!!! She's gonna be my first baptism on the mission! 

Anyway, Love you all. Keep praying for Katie, and also pray for George and Nancy to continue to feel that Spirit to grow their testimonies, and pray for Beau and Sarah to gain an understanding.

Elder Calvin Chappell