12/14/2009

Tings here are are going really well as of this past week. We found 3 new investigators...one is the mother of a less active named Glen (one n...and he is from New Hampshire...who knew)...we taught her the first lesson on thursday night. She didn't want to accept the baptismal invitation...but she said we could come back and continue teaching her.Are tracting efforts on wednesday yeilded 2 new investigators...The guy is an oral surgon and he knows our bishop who is a dentist. We taught them a lesson on the atonement and following the commandments...left them with 2N31 to read.One of our investigators Lori Krauss is getting baptized this saturday. YESSSSS!!!!!!2 of the people in our teaching pool are very promissing...they're both investigators from a part member family. One of them is Dan Nelson...because he came to church this Sunday his wife came to church for the first time in years. YESSSS!!!So tings are going well here in FO.CO....by the way I'm in Fort Collins...at one point it was ranked like 10th in the nation for best city/town....
Transfers are coming up here pretty soon...No Idea whats gonna happen.
TATE IS HUGE...by the time I get home he'll probably be hitting baseballs and throwing lacrosse balls around.
I'm glad you've secured a job! I'm glad you guys had such an awesome thanksgiving.

Story. Small World.

I got a call last night from a woman in Fort Collins, Colorado. "Hello, I am a divorced member of the Church living here in Fort Collins. I approached my Bishop about the possibility of housing missionaries. He said that there was a list. Two days ago he called and said that the new missionaries' housing had fallen through, and could I take them in? So last night I welcomed two young men, one of whom is an Elder Makechnie. As I tried to orient the young men to their new living arrangement, I found Elder Makechnie to be distracted. He was playing with a toy that had belonged to my father, and couldn't seem to focus on what I was saying. So to get his attention, I asked him where he is from, and he enthusiastically said, "New Hampshire!" and hauled out a map. I protested that I didn't need to see a map to know about New Hampshire, but he proceeded to point out Andover anyway. I said, 'Elder, follow me.' I took him upstairs to the study and pointed to an oil painting. 'Where do you suppose that farmhouse is?' I asked him. 'Well, it sure looks like New England,' he answered. 'And what lake do you think that is in the background?' 'Well, it sure looks like Lake Winnipesaukee,' he answered sheepishly. "And do you know, I attended the Laconia Branch of the Church?' 'Wow! Really? Did you know an old lady there that was..... like.... the first Mormon in New Hampshire?' he asked. "Do you refer to Rhea Guild, Elder?' I asked. "Yeah! I was at her funeral!' he exalted. I went over to the computer and pushed a few keys and up popped a slide show of her funeral. 'Hey, there's Brother Tom Morrison!' he shouted. 'And Brother Stephenson, and there's my Mom... and there's ME!'Pretty sure I had his attention now, I pointed to myself on the screen and said, 'I spoke a the funeral. Rhea Guild was my mother, I am Marsha Guild Gibbs."
It's a small world, after all.Sister Gibbs also told me that Elder Makechnie's new companion is from American Samoa, and that they spent the better part of the day yesterday trying to get news off the internet, after the awful tsunami. So far, it seems that the news is good.

Transfer

We're on timed computers today... That conference was awesome!!! I always love it when Uchtdorf talks but this time is was Geoffrey R Holland's talk that hit the hardest. He is so powerful!!! Uchtdorf;s talk on work and learning was very good as well...and I also really appreciated the new apostle's talk....repentence and remembering sin really stuck out to me.The new area is beautiful but I've got to watch out for the pre tty women here...it near a college campus..... Did Sis Gibbs tell you who her mom is?Thank you for your post card.I love you

And the Newest

Hey Ma!... I'm getting tranferred to Fort Collins. I've been in Buckley ward here in Aurora for 6 months now and I guess The Lord and Mission President feel it’s time to move on.My time here ended very well! This week was a lot of fun.Norm and Edy were baptized and confirmed!!!I'm going to really miss them. They are like family! I'm going to miss my companion as well. I learned a lot from being with him. We have planted seeds in this area together that will be harvested soon.We met with Kelly (soon to be) Gott. They still need to be married. She's still ready for baptism.We also met with Erin. We taught a lesson with Sister Jen that went very well. She has some questions about the Doctrine and Covenents.We also met with Al for the first time in a while. He is always happy to see us. If he takes all the lessons and really prays, then he will be a very strong member.The O'Briens came to church. They are an awesome family!!! They have a lot to offer this ward. He's from Australia... I want that accent! This week was a little different because we had Elder Escobar with us for the most of it... Being with two other missionaries all the time is kinda fun, actually. 6 months went by fast!!! Work was fun...I hope I did enough in this ward. What do I want for Halloween... PICTURES OF THE FAMILY... pictures of the fall...a letter...Edna's cookies...Updates on how the Patriots are doing...How the Red Sox are doing...Maybe some money so that I can buy new garments. I love you! Pray for the people in my new area to be receptive.

Pics

Several new posts from Mom

March 16, 2009
I love you!...I don’t have much time to write but I have a letter coming to you soon.
I'm in the Arvada zone...Huron District...Elder Cazier and I are in the Savory Ponds ward.
I love you...Can't wait to here more from you!!!!

July 16, 2009
Dear Mom and Dad,
Is it really July 13th?...I can remember July 4th 2008 like it was yesterday...
My mother is 59...by the way I don't think I ever wished you happy birthday!!! HAPPY 59th Ma! Dad's 72 WOW...that young man is still cruisin’ huh?
The nieces and nephews are growing faster and faster. Grace is already 1?
I'm almost 6 months into this mission!!! I feel like I've been here for maybe a month?
I think I'm set on ties for now. I could use some socks... and a short sleeved white shirt if it’s possible. Some church music would be very nice as well...MO-TAB or not.
Gregor finally got a dog? That’s great!
Elder Leafa is awesome!...He has a very strong testimony and he loves to bear it whenever we talk to anyone. Things are going very well...we're moving in an awesome direction. In a typical week we might get one or two potential
investigators... This first week with Elder Leafa we were able to get 9.
I'm gonna try to get a letter written today for you...it takes me soooo long...I'm terrible.
I love you!

March 30, 2009
How goes it for the Clan Makechnie?
Yes indeed...I received the package with the bike stuff while I was in the MTC. I have also received the package with the ties...4 of the so far THANK YOU!!! I LIKE! Ties are good and so are cookies! (You sent me my wrangler jeans and they don't fit...they were tight a year ago... I tried to put them on the other day and they bearly fit without even buttoning them hahahahaha...my GAP jeans do fit) I do enjoy receiving packages...but not as much as receiving letters.
I'm sorry I haven't been able to write that much. I thought it was going to be a lot easier writing home. It takes me so long to write letters...very little time to do it! I'll try to do better in that department. So the work has been fun. We found some potential investigators this week.

May 26, 2009
Dear Mom and Dad,
Elder Taylor and I are moving about 15 houses down the road. We're moving in with an older couple. Their story is very interesting. Some of it is kinda "classified info" so I can't talk much about it. I hope that having missionaries in their home will be helpful. They're AWESOME people and we love spending time with them! This is the beginning of transfer 3.
Whats your favorite scripture?
Talk to you next week
I love you!

6/1/09
Dear Mom and Dad,
We love the Davis's. I think that they are one of the major reasons that I'm in this area...so that I can learn from them and that I and my companion can do some good in their lives.
We're getting farmers’ tans. On our last tracting experience we had the opportunity to place 2 copies of the Book of Mormon. Both people said that we could come back. I had an experience that proved to me that some people can be taught many times by many different people...and that will be a good thing and it will most surely make a difference in their life...but some times the right person/missionary will come along and reach them on a different level....and maybe that missionary/person will present something in a new way that will have a greater
effect on them. Some people just need a lesson put into a different perspective. Also never underestimate doing good. Sometimes you won't see the effect till much later down the road...sometimes you won't ever see the difference...but it is there!!!
I love you!
Thank you for the prayers!

Dear Sister Makechnie,
Here are some pictures we took on Sunday of your son. Thought that you might enjoy having them. We are Elder Makechnie's host family and want you to know that we thoroughly enjoy having him in our home. You can be very proud of your son. We are leaving for a couple of weeks and won't be here for his birthday, so we celebrated it on Sunday. I know he misses his family very much, but is working very hard at doing the Lord's work. I'm sure we don't have to tell you what a nice young man you raised. Enjoy and be very, very proud of the work he is doing.
May God Bless you,
Norm and Edie Davis




9/8/09
Dear Dad,
Eldow Pond with G and B's family!!! You guys are lucky! B sent me the clip. The kids are really growing up huh! Dad, Mom has been and always will be great with children. You are too!... When the kids come to the kitchen they always want to see Grampa! You are a great example to them! Does Gregor like the job? I'm glad the working environment around you is more hospitable. This was a good change for me. Work is great. We are accomplishing a lot. We're learning along the way. We're not perfect but we're slowly finding and teaching. I think that we are working as diligently as 2 weeks ago. Hope Proctor has a good feel to it still... Growing up there was great. I hope you are getting the chance to enjoy the green! And soon the foliage!
I hope that one of these days you can watch one of the football games....is Gregor still coaching that?
I love you Dad!

9/14/09
Dear Mom and Dad,
This week went well. We've been able to gain a friendship with one of our new investigators named Colleen. She is still undergoing Chemo. (She’s 37 with 2 kids and divorced) Her family is very supportive and aren't against having missionaries come over to their daughter’s home. She has agreed to come to church on Sunday and to eat with us and a member on Thursday evening.
We weren't able to see as many of our investigators this week as we would have liked but that wasn't due to lack of effort. We have been working diligently.
We were able to establish 2 new investigators this week (Kevin and Lyndsey) They want to hear all that we have to say...so we will soon be teaching them more lessons. I have been self-reflecting lately. I don't feel as though I'm the best missionary I could be. This is a great ward...a lot can be accomplished here. Thus far on the mission I've been a part of 1 baptism. I know that numbers don't mean a whole lot. I know it’s about loving people and helping them progress...but 1 is a pretty big indicator to me that I'm doing something wrong. I've been out now for about 7 months... Yes I've learned a lot... Yes I feel like I've helped people and I'm serving the Lord... but I feel like I could be doing a lot more.
Elder Escobar (Zone Leader) and I had a chat after exchanges...I told him that I feel like I need to be more sincere. I need to teach with more conviction. I need to be more bold.
I know I think too much and I just need to DO...But I feel as though when I stop worrying then I stop caring.
I know that I've made personal progress on the mission...but I want to help other make personal progress.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

9/27/09
From new converts Norm and Edie to Art and Heather Makechnie
Thought you might enjoy these pictures of your son. You have a very special spirit as a son and we are going to miss having him here in our home. We have come to love him very much. It was very meaningful and special having him as part of our baptism and confirmation as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The pictures of him in the kitchen is his baking cookies for the baptism. He said he was using the secret Makechnie family recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies. Everyone enjoyed them and they were all the more special because Elder Makechnie baked them.
Just as a side note, your son needs more mail from home. Everyday when he comes in he will ask if there is any mail for him and when we tell him no he is very disappointed.
You did a great job of raising him. You can be proud.
Blessing to you both,
Norm and Edie Davis

September 29, 2009
From Barbara Muggelston, a former Nashua Ward member, now of Aurora, Colorado,
Heather,
How are you doing? I got a phone call from one Elder Makechnie this noon-time asking me to come to a baptism this afternoon at 4pm. Apparently, the couple that the boys are living with got baptized and your son baptized Norm, and Elder Leafa baptized Edith. It was a nice baptism and i was honored that he would ask us to go!!!
I didn't realize that it was Elder M's 1st baptism, which is so cool because I also found out that he is being transferred to Ft. Collins which is about an hour and a half from Aurora. He made, from scratch, last nite, choc. chip cookies for the refreshments today. He was pretty pleased with himself and the cookies were quite tasty!!
Anyway, you should be proud of him, he is doing great. All of the elders looked so nice, they must've all got hair cuts on their p-day this week!! I have the mission office address so will try to keep in touch with him. I'm sure he will do great, his ward will miss him and so will my family!
My mom comes home from N.H. on Monday and she has had a great time. She did spend some time in Nashua last week and was amazed at how different it is now.
Well, you take care, thought you'd like to know about Elder Makechnie's day.

9/28/09
From Barbara Muggelston, a former Nashua Ward member, now of Aurora, Colorado,
Hi Heather,
So, I snuck into the Buckley Ward to hear the boys do the confirmations from last night’s baptisms. He did great! He is an awesome missionary, I hope that you will one day be able to see and feel all the good he has done so far. We will miss him,
I wrote him a good-bye letter and will keep in touch via the mail and I will of course send him some goodies from time to time.
I love all these wonderful boys and am so appreciative of the fact that they have been brought up righteously to serve missions for the Lord. I want you to know that I love your son and have been grateful to be a little part of his life!!!
One day, hopefully, we can meet. Til then I hope that we can stay in touch!
Thank you for raising a righteous young man . He is, in my eyes, a giant in the Gospel!!
With love,
Barbara

Several Posts... I'm a slacker!

Sorry.... I have neglected my posting duties! Here are several emails from everyone's favorite Elder.

-Glenn (The slacker)

7/06/2009

The 4th went well then huh? Thats great that you were able to spend time with
Glenn, Kim and Tate. Good job on the town flag too!

I'm getting a new companion from Samoa named Elder Laofa. He comes here tonight.

Elder Taylor is getting transferred up to Loveland. He'll be a District Leader
and he'll be training a missionary straight from the MTC.






7/20/2009

HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY!!!
This week went by in a blink of an eye!
Lots of awesome things happened!
The highlights for the week (investigator wise) are Fred, Robert and
Oscar!...All three are African American...I don't know why but a lot of black
people really like talking with us and we feel like we can relate to them. We
mostly fellowshiped with Fred. He's a cop. He's from Cincinati...I have no idea
how to spell that...and he can really talk!...next time we'll try our best to
get the first lesson in.
Robert...yesterday we taught most of lesson 2 to him because he seemd to have a
bunch of questions that related to this lesson..it went really well. One thing
that Elder Leafa (Lay-off-uh) is really good at is testifying. He does it a lot
and with power and you know it really makes a difference...I've been doing
better at this because of him. People really know that we care about and meen
what we're saying.
Oscar and Cassandra...They had an experience with the mission
aries about 20
years ago when she needed a place to stay and other help. They really gave her
help without hesitation and she never forgot about them and what they did for
her. He has never forgoten it either. Now 20 years down the road here we come.
Elder Taylor was the one who tracted into them...they said come back later. Now
on friday we went to his house while he was painting and offered to help. He
didn't want us to help because we were dressed well. But it turns out the next
day he would need a latter and we were able to get it to him. When we delivered
the later we stayed and talked with him for about 2 hours (your not supposed to
do that)...but he was really attentive and asked a lot of questions. We gave him
a copy of the Book of Mormon and bore witness of it. We talked about topics from
the 1st, 2nd and 3rd lesson. He said he'd read. I beleive him! Next time we go
though well keep it to an hour.

Elder Leafa and I both gave talks on Sunday about member missionary work. My
talk was geared toward conversion and testimony and being an example. I talked
about Enos and how after he had recieved a remission of his sins he was
concerned about his bretheren the Nephites. We need to gain our own testimonies
each and every one of us. We need to let out lights shine and it says in 3Nephi
12:14-16. You cannot convert someone past your own conversion.

7/27/2009

HEHEY!
We have established a new investigator this week. We have to open/close with
prayer and have a return appointment to establish a new investigator. ...He's
really searching for the truth...he is eager to talk with us again. Yesterday
the things that we presented him filled in a lot of blank spaces for him...I
feel that as we go along in the lessons more and more blank spaces will be
filled up and he will gain a desire to be baptized.
We have another whom we are seeing tonight.

Things went very well this week. I love setting return appointments with people.
Members/Investigators/new investigators and so on.
We have recently been leaving members with the commitment to place a book of
mormon in the upcomming weeks. Ward involvment is key. New refferals will come.

8/03/2009

This week went really well...We were able to find 4 new investigators.
I'm not one to focus too much on numbers, but we taight 21 lessons...maybe I'm just not a steller Elder, but thats a pretty good number atleast from what I've seen thus far in the Mission.

Two of the six new investigators that have developed here in the Buckley ward this Transfer are very promising. They really like it when we come and teach lessons. Oscar has told us that a lot of the things that he's learning are filling in the blanks. The questions that he's had all of his life are being answered.
Son Mason is the other man who seems to really enjoy us being in his home. Last night he said that some of the cob-webbs were being swept away. He said that he could feel something different about Elder Leafa and I. That was awesome.
Both of these investigators have said that they will pray to know if Joseph Smith is a Prophet, and if the Book of Mormon is true.
I'ts awesome to see when the message is really having an effect with people!
I think it's awesome when we extend that commitment to people. "Will you pray with real intent to know if what we have told you is true? If Joseph Smith is a prophet and if the Book of Mormon is true." Then we bare our testimony and tell them that we know that its true. Then we say... "Don't take our word for it. Pray for yourself to find out. Heavenly Father loves you and he well give you an answer if you ask in faith".
I think that when we present it in this way its very effective. They know that we're not forcing anything on them. They know that we know its true. They also know that because we know its true we know that Heavely Father will tell them that it is.

We've been getting into the rhythem.

This week was a lot of fun.

06/2/2009

We were able to go to the Temple on Saturday. That was refreshing! This week was full of missionary experiences. We we able to go tracting with two members (at different times)...We were invited into 1 house with each of the members we went with. It's awesome to get member support.
Yesterdays Sacrament meetnig was very cool. There was a woman who was speaking on forgiveness. I'm currently reading about the story in Genisis when Joseph was sold into Egypt. She used this story in her talk. She also included a few things that I had been thinking about. I know that we all need to work on forgiveness. It's amazing much the atonement effects our lives. It can and should be applied to every aspect of our lives.
There are so many people here... members and non-members that I've grown to really appreciate! I hope I never forget them.
I love you! have fun with Mom and Dad!

06/22/2009

Hows it going?How's Kim...How's Tate?How's the summer in Texas?
On your mission did you always feel like you were doing well with helping others and with your own personal progress?
Lots of lessons learned and still in the prosses of learning in these last few weeks...I'm trying to stay positive and think of others...my companion is going through a rough time...I don't know if I've been helping him...I don't know if I'm capable of helping him.

These of from past weeks...I don't know if you got them?
Our top progressing investigator came to church this week. She is soooo ready to be baptized! They just need to get married and she needs to come to church 2 more times. She already has a testimony of the Book of Mormon. She knows the Church is true. She even said that she was "Mormon" in her class in college. We spoke about baptizm and the Eternal Marriage on Monday...and on Thursday we spoke about the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Something REALLY cool happened on Saturday night. On our weekly planning list we wrote down that we would talk to a part member family about Eternal Marriage and Family A Proclaimation to the World. Then we completely forgot about that when we taught them. What we were teaching them was still pretty cool. We were talking about enduring to the end and Eternal Life, and sharing scriptures. Then the husband brought up Eternal Marriage and why it was important. Elder Taylor just happend to have a copy of the Proclaimation to the World as well that we gave them. Things just worked out! I can tell that this husband really wants to go to the Temple with his wife!
This week was pretty fun. Sometimes challenging...but fun!
p.s. there was a Tornado yesterday! F1 we missed it!

06/15/2009

How's home?
The mission is training for life.I've heard it said that the way you serve your mission will almost mirror theway you'll live you're life.Right now I think I need to do better... Better in helping those around me...andbeing prepared to do so... Better in the way that I need to progress personallyas well. I realize that the mission is giving me experience that will help me tobe a better husband and father in the future. It is giving me the tools neededto incease the quality and caleber of my charactor. The kind of relationshipthat my wife and I will have...and the kind of atmosphere that we will raise ourchildren in is being effected my this mission.
anyways
This week was interesting. We found out Monday night that our investigator whois ready for baptism doesn't want to be married for another year. She says thatin about a year is when everything is going to cool down agenda wise...and thatthats when all of her family will be availible to come. She is completely readyto be baptized! Soooo...we'll keep working with her because she really is makingprogress.We were able to have a fellowshipping activity on tuesday night.Wednesday we got to meet with a woman who isn't on the ward records but is stilla member. She was baptized in the Philipines...but when she came here she gotmarried to a Catholic man who basically told her she wouldn't be Mormon anymore. He's a nice man though. He opened his door for us and let us teach he andhis wife and young child a lesson on having faith in Jesus Christ.Thursday we went on exchanges. I was companions for the day with Elder Nonu fromSamoa. We tracted into a Catholic woman who at first told us that she wasn't inthe mood for sails or religeon. Then we told her that we were willing to do anytype of service project for her. She didn't believe us at first...but then whenshe realized that we were not kidding she oppened up to us. She didn't give us ajob to do but she talked with us for about 30 minutes. She accepted 3 pamphletsand a Book of Mormon. She shared a lot with us and we did the same. By the endwe were all smiling.The weekend was a mixture of teaching lessons, giving service, and givingadvice.
We're now half way through this transfer. WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN?I've made a goal to read through the Bible cover to cover. I've been reading achapter or two almost every day from the Book of Mormon and Genisis right now.
I love you!

Last Week

Elder Taylor and I are both staying in the Buckley ward. We're moving to a different house with the Davis's, a really cool older couple.This last tranfer sure did fly.oh this past week we tracted into a woman who thought we weren't Christian. She told us she was concerned for our souls...she believed in the Trinity. It was really funny to hear her contradict herself and basically prove us right. I only wish she could take a step back and realize what she was saying. We weren't Bible bashing...we were politely listening to what she believed and then asking her friendly questions in a nice manner.
the work is rolling forward slowly.
Love you!

THE BIG ONE

Elder Taylor and I had the privilage (how do you spell that) of teaching a girl our age who was baptized this saturday. She had dropped off the map...then she came back and wanted to be taught about 3 weeks ago. The lessons went very well. She put forth effort and asked when she could be baptized...and about eight days later BOOM..."oh happy day".I had the opportunity of speeking at the baptism.Elder Taylor Confirmed her on yesterday in Church.I think my favorite scriptures on the Atonement are Alma 7:11-13
It's getting green...as green as Colorado gets...which is nothing compared to New England but whatever it's better than the brown I've been seeing for the past 2 months.
This is the last week of this transfer. I have a feeling I'll stay here because everyone that comes to this area stays atleast 2 or 3 transfers.Time is already speeding up it feels like.

Finally some MEAT. 05/04/2009

I'm so bad I know!!!You're right though it's so hard to write on P-days.okay.So I've been in Aurora for 3 weeks now in the Buckley Ward. We have a really good ward with a melting pot of people. Some are converts of many years some have been in the Church their whole lives and some are very recent converts. We have a lot of Military related people here and if its not that they're either in Medical or Dental...(lots of Dental) So people are always coming and going into the Ward apparently. They're all really good people.We need to help the ward contact their friends about the church "Every Member a Missionary"...I think this is true in every ward really!...Conference for me had a very big emphisis on -showing faith in the future - dealing with hardships/economy-and DOING Missionary work in your every day life. Like B was telling me you don't have to set time apart during your day and say "at I this time during the day I'll be a missionary"...thats not the case at all...you just need to pray to have missionary a experience and then be open to them! Tell people why the church makes you happy! Or do me a favor and set an example for people and prove to them how we're not weird (this was my sentence for venting).We have two people who are very close to being ready to be set for Baptism...I guess I'm not supposed to share names?Tracting is fun. Whenever I get a door slamed in my face I usually laugh. I look at it as a faith exercise.The most effective way to get through to people is to give them some kind of service. Shoveling has been really good. (by the way it snows here mostly in March and April)...Refferals are very effective. Don't be affraid to give them!The work is slow but steady. My companion and I have a lot of fun! Elder Taylor and I get along very well. He's from South Cali. He's really laid back but he likes to get work done. Our District is pretty cool...it's nice to have Elders you fit in with. OOOOH. By the way, my comp. and I drive a dodge mini-van BAHAHAHA.I have pateller tendanitus however you spell that. My knee was acting up before the mission. I got it looked at in the MTC. The Doc. told me not to run or jump or do anything active and that it could take 2 months to heal. Then mission president asked me if I could ride bike and I told him I'd try. That was a bad idea. I didn't really believe the Doctor at first...and I figured that just like everything else this would heal quick...it hasn't. Apparently it can take 6 months to heal.Ummm...The food pretty good and the members feed us well..Sice I can't really run or do any exercises I can't work it off. I think I'm at 200 even. Our members that we stay with are very nice and very young. Sam just turned 25 and Jen is 24. They have a 6 month old kid named Camron.I'm glad to hear that your going to be fine and healthy! I'm glad to know thay you can still do your internship.Thanks for catching me up with Sports. It's refreshing.Since this is being posted.Thank you for your prayers.Thank you for your support...I know that I wanted to come on a mission...but It's comforting to know that I have loving family back home who support me! I love you
p.s. Don't Pray For Patience! hahaha I learned the hard way!

Letter From The Landlord

April 3, 2009

Dear Brother and Sister Makechnie,

   We are very fond of Elder Makechnie. Thank you for sending him on a mission. He is doing good work. He and Elder Cazier are living in our downstairs. 

   Last week I was allowed to drive two sets of Elders to the Temple to witness the sealing of a family some of the Elders had worked with in the past. It is always a bit odd to see , all dressed in white, the same people you see in their grubby clothes, washing floors and weeding gardens! Sitting in the Celestial room on the sofa with a slightly pensive Elder Makechnie, we shared some comfortable quiet time watching the other patrons.

   Sunday, Elder Makechnie bore his tesimony. It was mostly about what a great family he has, and how incredibly happy, satisfied, fulfilled .... he was to be sealed to his most wonderful family. 

   One of the Sisters thought he might be homesick. No, he has just gotten to one of those moments when Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost give you one of those "tender mercies" and you KNOW his love for you by giving you special, unique and wonderfully crazy family, and you know you are blessed to be part of the family jumble.

   We have several families in the Ward who show their love by food. Elder Makechnie may come home a rounder missionary, but that's only because he's loved here, too. But so far, so good because those snow storms we've finally been getting give lots of opportunity for snow shoveling, and I very much appreciate the work Elder Makechnie has done.

   For me, personally, I enjoy his head popping in at the kitchen door at night when they come back. "How was your day?" I ask, and his "Whoop!"

   Time is going quickly - another week or so and he will be off on another assignment. Well, you can be proud of him, his testimony, his willingness to serve, and the good, honest solid spirit and personality he brings with him.

Sincerely,

Renate Serr

Recent Photos

Mom received these from Ian this last week. Our Elder looks happy!

Two Posts

Letter of March 16th

Dear Mom and Pops,

When our temple date approached - when you and Dad were sealed for eternity and Gregor, Brendaen, Glenn and I were sealed to you forever as a family) I knew that what you/we were doing was important and necessary. I don't think, however, that I really grasped what this meant. (I knew that it was a good thing and I was excited, but I didn't really KNOW). It was only there in the temple that I started to understand. It has become more and more important to me now that I've been able to think about it. I still don't think that I can fully understand the weight/importance of that day at the Boston temple. But they say that when you testify of something, your faith and testimony grow as well. I am finding that to be true. I have been able to testify both in the Mission Training Center and now here in the mission field about eternal marriage and how families can be together forever. (I don't like crying, but the Spirit has been very strong and I have to admit I've shed a few.) 

Letter of March 21st

I know that the Lord has blessed me with wonderful parents and a wonderful family. I don't know what I did to deserve the privilege of being raised in a family with members of such CHARACTER. I know that you, my parents, and the rest of my family without a doubt impacted me and my decision to serve the Lord in His mission field. To know that you SUPPORT me and my decision is a great comfort to me! I know that this is where the Lord wants me to be, and I know that you are happy that I'm here. I love you, and I am eternally greatful and endebted to you.

March 9, 2009

This week was the first full week in the mission field. Our group left the MTC at 5 AM. It was weird to say good-bye to everyone in my branch ….they were great. We arrived in Denver in the late morning. Elder Hobbins and I were able to teach on the flight to Denver. The flight attendant was sitting right next to us and we struck up a conversation with her. We learned that she is Lutheran and believes that everyone should be able to read the scriptures. We explained that we share that belief, and proceeded to teach her about the restoration of the Gospel – Joseph Smith and the book of Mormon. We committed her to pray about the things we taught and also to read 3 Nephi 11. Her friend had given her a Book of Mormon, but she had not read it. It was such a cool experience to be able to teach a real person before we even got to our mission field. I feel like she really listened to us.
We spent our first day at the mission president’s home. President and Sister Ely are very cool. They shared with us their conversion story, which was very touching. Also at tthe mission home we were given a brief orientation on how the mission is run and the things we need (or need not) be doing.
So I’ve been in the Colorado Denver North Mission since March 3rd. My trainer’s name is Elder Cazier. I’m pretty sure we have the two hardest names to pronounce in the mission. He’s very cool! He actually lived in Vermont for a few years, so he loves New England (obviously!) and is a BIG RED SOX FAN!!! He lives in Arizona now, but I look at him as a New Englander. Everyone here loves him. He’s been a trainer for five times!!!
We are serving in the Savory Pond Ward. There are tons of hills here, and we have a constant view of the Rockies to the west. They’re a lot further away than they look.
Oh yeah – my knee (hee-hee) apparently I have patellar tendonitis. No fun.
I’m pretty comfortable with teaching. I never thought I was a teacher. The people here are friendly for the most part, and it is easy to love them. We’ve been teaching mostly members and less-active members, which is fun. But we did set a woman for Baptism on Easter. We’ve placed two Books of Mormon and given out I-don’t-know-how-many pass along cards.. Talking to people on the street is still kinda awkward, but is getting more comfortable. Getting shot down by people stinks,
I love you all.

03/15/2009

AHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA... yeah.. Glenn and Kim are parents!!!
Tate's a big little man huh!
I already love him!
What does it feel like being a mommy Kim? and a daddy Glenn?

The MTC was great. The food was not. My companion and my distict were great and I really learned a lot. I think it would be reaaaally hard for someone to go there and not gain a stronger testimony. (we got to see M. Russul Ballard...it's a really powerful feeling to be in the same room as an Apostle of the Lord..I hope I spelled his name right)

The MTC flew by and now I'm finishing up the 2nd week in the mission field. My Companion/trainers name is Elder Cazier. He lived in Vermont for a few years at some point and still claims to be a New Englander...he's also an avid Red Sox fan. He's taught me a lot so far...mostly that I shoudln't second guess myself or be too hard on myself. He has an answer for almost all my questions. He's way chill.
Another thing I had to get through my stupid little Ian brain is that we're not going to be able to convert everyone...infact we'll be rejected at least 75% of the time. Our job isn't to convert it's to invite and then help them learn and grow. I knew before this that I coudn't teach a single soul if the Spirit wasn't present...but the rejection factor I had to get used to.
I'm trying not to be such a "me monster"...to start thinking for other people and studying so that I might be able to teach others...I know that I like people and I like being around them and relating to them, but I need to work on loving them right from the get go...I want them to feel comfortable around me and I know that I really care.
We'll thats about all the time I have. Thank you for the advise. It's motivational.
Keep me posted on Tate...I'm dying to here more about the little guy.
I love you!

Ian's Last Meal

The night before Ian left, we had one last family gathering.  Just dessert, and plenty of advice.  It was a special night.  Ian and Nelson got one last air hockey game in and one last romp.

Let's all sing..."We owe it all to you...Heather...Arthur"

The Boys, I mean, "The Men of the Family"

"Cheese"

Paige still walks around the house saying, "Iah, wheh awe you?"

Paige is just sad Ian is leaving!

Write soon!

02/29/2009

The Missionary Training Center is pretty amazing. I keep thinking that I wouldn't be able to learn or teach this way in any other location. My ward/branch is really cool. I love the elders and sisters here. But I need to learn how to deal with some personalities. I do like them a lot, though. We've now taught the 1st and 2nd lessons. I love teaching with my companion Elder Green. He has a very strong testimony and when we teach together it flows nicely. Listening is KEY. You can easily lose track of time here. You learn so much and it sometimes seems slow, but then when you look back you wonder where the week went. I love being here, but I can't wait to be out in the mission field. I ran into Elder Tidd. We went to Sunday School together back in the Wolfeboro Branch when we were working at William Lawrence Camp. He's in the classroom next to mine! Weird, huh? Elder M.Russell Ballard spoke at Devotional. It was amazing!!!!! So powerful. Ask me about it when I get back!!! Everything is going well. I'm seeing things clearer and clearer. I can't wait to learn more as time goes on. Please send me a pair of jeans for P Day and service. PLEASE TELL ME WHEN MY NEPHEW IS BORN! I love you all very much and I am preaying for you. Love,Elder MakechnieP.S. thank you for all the letters!

02/25/2009

Our District is really cool! I really feel like I've known them forever. Elder Jensen is our District Leader. He has a quiet humor, but he manages a leadership persona. His companion actually left the first day because of an anxiety attack, so Elder Jensen is now in a threesome companionship with Elders Artiburn and Barber, both of whom are pretty quiet but have strong testimonies. We also have two sister missionaries in the District, Sisters Long and Wilson. There are now seven of us. 

   We just went to the temple this morning. It was a cool experience just being in the Provo Temple, doing work for the dead, but also cool to see my District companions in temple clothing. 

   I know that if I hadn't been set apart to be a missionary, and if I weren't in the Missionary Training Center, I would not be able to teach. But my companion and I teach so well together it surprises me. Our lessons go smoothly, especially for having been out only two weeks. 

It also surprises me and the others in the District, how incredibly fast time seems to go. Now, the first few days did seem lengthy, I admit. But since this past Sunday time seems to be speeding up. 

   I have found that looking up and then incorporating scriptures into lessons has been quite fun. We are learning how to teach INDIVIDUALS, and meet their specific needs. 

   I love you and miss you all. I know that YOU know that what I am doing is right.

Please tell me when my little nephew is born.

Love,

Elder Makechnie

Elder Makechnie's first letter home.

Mom has received and email...

The MTC is great!!! My companions name is Elder Green. He's real cool...he's from North Carolina and  he's got a killer accent! My District is also amazing. I feel like I've known  these Elders and Sisters for SOOOOOOOO long! The food is okay (not like home  food). Sleep has not been a problem. I usually get to sleep on time and we usually get  up around 6:15-6:30. We're all tired...but we manage. By the way I highly recommend the movie Mountain of The Lord. I challenge you to  watch that movie, and if you don't feel abslolutely amazing afterwards I'll be  surprised. My companion and I have taught the first lesson 3 times so far. One of the times  was with mock investigators and it went really well. Elder Green was the one who  recited the first vision and when he did the Spirit was SOOOO strong. One of the  mock sister invesigaters was welling up. We actually think that one of them was  a real investigator, maybe, maybe not. Real men (Elders) cry. As much as I get embaressed when I do, I have found  myself in tears on many occasion. Also, I know that I don't need to be nervous  when my companion and I teach. This is not my work it is the Lords! If we are  teaching with the Spirit He WILL take care of the rest.

Elder Makechnie has been spotted!

These are the first images from the MTC compliments of Lance via Brendaen and Mom.  He is looking good!

Gotta have on of these...

Our Ian is on a mission.

Hello one and all!

We have created this Blog for Elder Ian George Makechnie.  He reported to the Provo MTC on the 11th of February, 2009, and will be serving his two year, full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Denver North Mission.

Elder Makechnie is a kind, loving, intensely loyal, fun, easy-going individual who will be able to use his talents in the Lords service to help many people.  We are proud of his decision to serve.

This forum will be used for his family members to post letters, e-mails, pictures and other artifacts of Elder Makechnie's life and church missionary service.  Any family member who wishes will be granted administrative privileges to this site.  Friends are welcome to comment on posts, or to submit any letters they may receive from Elder Makechnie to one of his family members to post here.

This Blog will be professionally printed and bound for Elder Makechnie as a gift upon completion of his missionary service.

Elder Makechnie; return with honor, and we love you.