October 3, 2011 Final Email!

Dearest Familia and Friends,

This last week has been amazing! We had some great lessons in Wyoming throughout the week and of course ended by going to General Conference! What a spiritual feast! I am down in Salt Lake for good now. I'm in the mission home till I leave on Wednesday. I'm with Elder Green and Elder Byrd till then. It's crazy different in the shoes of an Assistant. It's fun for the last few days; I don't have to worry about trying to stay busy for sure. They have a ton on their plate all the time.

Yesterday after conference I got dropped off at the mission office to be with the AP's and I told the other four Elders how to get back to the mission home and off to Wyoming a couple of times and thought they were set. I told them to drive into Evanston and call the Zone Leaders and meet up with them. Somehow they ended up deciding to go to Kemmerer and then didn't call in or anything. It was funny on my end b/c we ended up calling a Bishop in Kemmerer at about a quarter to 11:00 at night to go check on them to see if they were there. So he went and said that the truck was there and asked if we wanted him to wake them up. We all said yes and the bishop was a great sport about it. He said "Elder! Elders! Your Mission President wants to talk to you." haha of course they were asleep and they get on the phone and said "oh, we forgot to call in." It was a good one. But you see what happens, I leave for four hours and everything goes to chaos! jk lol. But seriously.

Also last night, I got the opportunity to be with Elder Green for a couple of hours working on getting a couple of lessons with a member while Elder Byrd went with a member to get it done too so they could get the Standard of Excellence. Divide and conquer. It worked out awesome. After visiting a referral and having no one there I mentioned that we should say a quick prayer asking Heavenly Father where we should go right then. As I finished the prayer we walked down the street as a couple turned the corner. As we got closer Elder Green told me he knew them, that they were less active and were working on coming back to church. We had a good chat with them and they said it was weird that we can never get ahold of the referral across the street b/c they are almost always home. As we were leaving Elder Green told me that every time they've gone to check that referral, they've prayed to know where they should be, and every time they run into the couple we talked to. So they need to talk with that couple for some reason.

At 8:00 we had a baptism for a Spanish brother they were teaching. It went great and I was able to speak a good bit of Spanish last night. It was amazing. Nuff said.

Now I've been running around with them all day doing more fun AP duties and it's only going to get better tonight working on transfer info.

The Lord prepares us throughout our lives to accomplish what is needed. We simply need to be prepared in our minds and hearts to accept whatever He calls us to do. Like a clock, each gear of different size has been designed for a specific purpose. We too are used in the hands of the Lord to perform different tasks to accomplish His same great work! We can't all be big gears and we can't all be little gears, but it takes gears of all sizes to get it done.

Similarly with a football team. Not all of us will be prepared and called to be the "Receivers" and "Quarterbacks" on the Lord's team; some of us will be linemen or kickers who aren't in the lime light. But without these roles filled, the game couldn't be won.

Like President Monson shared with us in Conference, if we think our part is small in the Gospel plan, we must remember that these purposes are important to God.

God Lives and loves us. We can gain an appreciation for that personal love through prayer, thus gaining a relationship with a loving Heavenly Father. He will guide our lives as we have the faith to act by trusting in His judgement and follow the promptings we receive. It will make a great difference in the way we view ourselves, God, and the world.

Love,
Elder Partridge

ps-see you soon!!!

September 26, 2011 Email

Hi!

Get ready for the list of answers. We were reading one day in the Missionary Handbook of rules, regulations, and instructions and it talked about having an interview with your Mission President before your temple recommend expires. Then I remembered my recommend expired on the last day of August and it was then the third of September. So I called (or as they say in Canada I phoned) President Winn and asked what the procedure should be. He said he is just going to issue me a new recommend when we have my departing interview which will be some time before Trunky Temple Tuesday.

We have tickets for conference waiting for us with one of the members of the stake presidency. We don't know which sessions, but they hooked us up, so we should be pretty set. I haven't gotten the tickets from the church yet, but I should be getting them. I hope.

One of the families here (the J Family) said that they'd love to meet you and go out to lunch between sessions on Saturday and visit. So if you're ok with that, that'd be fun. But if you could bring something for Sunday, that would be much appreciated. Thanks a ton.

I was thinking it would be fun to go to the BYU game in my Missionary clothes and you could bring my BYU tie. Maybe they'd even let me say the opening prayer. haha. IDK whatever you want to bring for me would be grand!

The camera charger definitely did work! I'm getting pics for you.

Good job, Lauren, on everything. I did remember that yesterday was my 3 year anniversary of surgery. Which was interesting because there was a kid who we talked to who had a couple of strokes and is going through similar things I had to and he has a very similar attitude when people tell him how amazing it is when they see tiny things that are different; not depressed, just frustrated. But I shared with their family how it went for me and by trusting Heavenly Father I got through it. It helped him to have more hope and hopefully helped him realize where he needs to turn to recover.

Love everyone tons! Got to go b 4 I get kicked off! Talk to ya next week for the last time!

Love Elder Partridge

**Look for Elder Partridge at General Conference by the reflection pool to the east of the Temple. :)

September 19, 2011 Email

Hi,

It is way beautiful up here right now! The leaves are starting to turn colors and the weather is pretty perfect; just a little on the chilly side. That's the only thing I'm anxious about...will I be done before the frost hits. Here's hoping!

I am going by the M Family's tonight to get the camera charger and I'll charge it tonight. I hope it works. I realized how disappointed you'd be in me, mom, for not taking pictures. I will take tons just for you, and try not to look like a tourist at the same time. Wish me luck.

We had a lesson with the V Family on Tuesday and I wasn't there for it because of the leadership meeting in Salt Lake. Elder R is still working on how to explain things so I think what happened was that they want the girls' mom and that side of the family involved with the baptism. So we're gonna set the program and everything up tomorrow. Still no specific date for them to be baptized, but hopefully we can pinpoint a day when we meet with them tomorrow. It was kinda cool though because Elder R was with Elder G all day that day and they were companions in the MTC. So there were 2 greenies taking care of things. It made me think back to my MTC days, what if I served with Elder G...we'd either have too much fun or get everything done. Probably the second, but we'd have a blast doing it all anyway.

We have a lesson with the K Family tomorrow because I neglected to set up a time last week when we talked to them. But they said they wanted us to help them get baptized fast, so we'll get it done.

We met with Sis. L on Friday (the person Bro. C referred us to) and it went really well. We spent a lot of time talking about how she has felt comfort in her life from the teachings of Jesus Christ at different times in her life. And Bro. C shared some from his life, too. It was a pretty great lesson and she is very open.

Ya, when was my surgery? the 23rd or...? I can't even remember. *(It's been 3 years on the 25th! Hard to believe!)

I don't even know what would be best for housing and all that. Helaman would be nice I guess IDK? I'd like to room with one of the boys or something, but that would be hard to drive from Puerto Rico or Peru every day to school. But if I could drive...haha jk.

Ya, Sister Hunt gave me a nice big handshake from you! We have a great office staff.

I'm not planning on burning a suit, but IDK. By the way, my black suit is pretty tattered and worn. We'll figure that kinda stuff out later.

Dang it! I would have gone with Dad to the BYU game, even though they did get slapped around. 3 weeks.

So we'll get back about a day or two after the Riggs' do. That'll be fun.

Ahhh...Homecoming! So cute! I do remember L's date. I'm pretty sure he came over to E's one time when we were chillin.

I'll be praying for L. Sounds like she's got a lot on her plate. I remember when I was going to be the show and tell that one time, but than I went on a mission. Cool!

We are seeing many miracles from the Lord right now, we just need to continue to show our faith and love for those who are seeking for truth and we will be blessed! I love you all and will see you soon. Too soon!

Love
Elder Partridge.

**Elder Partridge's release date is October 6. He will be home late on the 9th and his homecoming talk will be October 16. :)

September 12, 2011 Email

Como Estas caballeros?

I have been having a great morning; a little golf practice, a trip through the mountains on private ranch land, and now e-mail-what more could a guy ask for?

So Megan, Taylor, and Dennis are doing great! Megan-8, and Taylor-12, were at church these last 2 weeks and all 3 are praying to know if these things are true. We have a lesson with them tomorrow and we will see where they are at. But it stinks because I won't even be there, I'll be in Salt Lake for meetings. Dang it!

We had a couple of amazing miracles yesterday. Elder R and I spoke in the second ward and when we were done we talked with the Bishop who was excited how dedicated we seemed and what hard workers we were. Then he took us into the congregation and introduced us to the K family. They have a son and daughter that are baptismal age and are wanting to be baptized. They were meeting with missionaries before, but the missionaries dogged them on an appointment, so they didn't want to do it any more. But now they are willing and anxious to meet and get them baptized.

Later last night we were winding down getting ready for bed when we got a phone call from Bro. C (The brother of Bro. C who took us around his ranch today). He told us about someone he knows who would like to talk with us and we have an appointment with them on Friday at 7:00.

The Lord is truly blessing us. He will continue to do so as we continue along the path of discipleship, working towards becoming like Him. It's a long road with lots of stumbling blocks, but there are so many blessings waiting for us along the way.

Thank you for all your love and prayers.

Love,
Elder Partridge

September 6, 2011 Email

Hey hey hey,

Happy post-Labor Day! I'm glad the Cabin misses me because I miss the cabin! That's the birth place of amazing pepper jack grilled cheese with Pastrami! And tons of other great memories!

I remember I was pretty quiet as a greenie, but I always tried everything I was supposed to; even if I did fail epically at first or was nervous as heck to do it! I did it!

I think some restaurants might buy your salsa! I'm so happy it got here and I'm enjoying it! Elder R doesn't like salsa or sauces at all, of any kind so I'm ok with that; more for me! I think that if you sold it, you'd have some pretty famous salsa! I think I'm a bigger fan of the green just because of how different it is from any other Salsa Verde. And I like the red when it's totally ground up, but not everyone else does!

I did know it was Sis. M's birthday on Sunday! You'd be so proud of me, I was thinking of what we could do for her because of everything she does for us and I couldn't figure out what to do especially since by the time I realized it was her birthday, it was Sunday. So I wondered what we could do that she would appreciate. I remembered a yard project she has going on in her back yard with river rock and yesterday we went to the side of the road somewhere and loaded a whole truck load of river rock and brought it to her to get a little more done! She appreciated it!

I will 100% be at General Conference. I will be getting tickets from the church and hopefully I'll have the opportunity to sit next to you during a session or two. That's the plan at least. I should get the tickets right up front, but we'll see. And hopefully I get them to every session, but we'll see.

I don't know if you know about the Tuesday Temple session that we're going to, but I want you to be there. That will be cool! I have to let the mission office know. Thanks!

I hope L has a great time with Homecoming! I know I had a great senior year Homecoming...kinda! ha (This was when he had just had his brain surgery and his date, Ashlyn, and friends Stanton and Clint, came to rehab and they brought a fancy dinner before the dance. Unfortunately, due to complications, he wasn't able to go to the actual dance, but he was sure grateful for good friends who made sure he didn't miss out completely on the excitement!) (Did I really not blog about this?! Note to self...do it!)

Congrats to Jackson and Talia again! Wow! Crazy how much can happen in two short years! Loco!

So we went to the Rendezvous this week along with thousands of other people! There were some interesting people there. It was pretty legit! I only heard of one person in a loin cloth though, and thank goodness I didn't see it! I was excited to go for the home made root beer and funnel cake! It was delicious! We were able to help with the Rendezvous sacrament fast and testimony meeting. Around 1,200 people spread out on blankets and lawn chairs with tee pees all around. We helped pass the sacrament. There were about 12 people passing and about 12 that broke bread and than joined in passing! It was freezing that morning though! I was being a big baby! But it was a cold one! I saw Arian there, too! I was so excited. It's been forever it seems like since she moved from here to Stansbury!

We taught Megan, Taylor, and Dennis last week and invited them to be baptized and they are all praying and looking for the feelings of the Holy Ghost! After the lesson we went outside and they roped the fire hydrant. They're awesome!

We had NMT (New Missionary Training) last Tuesday and it was pretty weird to look back at when I was the greenie and now I'm about to finish. Very weird!

Elder R is getting better at talking more, but still has work to do. Then again, so do I. I feel like a jerk some times letting him learn things on his own, but it's the only way he'll learn how to do things himself!

Anywho, that's a little bit about what happened this week. If you have any questions give me an e-mail!

I have to go do work! But I will talk to you next week! Hey it's not even going to be a full week, just 6 more days!

Love you a lot lot lot!

Love,
Elder Partridge

It Made This Mama's Heart Smile

Doesn't it just make your heart smile when you hear good news about your children? That happened last night as I received a little note on Facebook from Sister Winn.

"Just spent the day yesterday with your son at New Missionary Training. He is devoted to his new missionary, doing a fabulous job, a spiritual giant, and absolutely adorable. Of course, being his mission mom, I am very biased. But I think you will agree! I sure do love that boy!"

Thank you, Mama Winn!

August 29, 2011 Email

Hey guys!

I just had a surprise baby! My new comp is Elder Rasmussen-right out of the MTC and into the best area in the world! He doesn't talk much at all, but we're breaking him of that. He's starting to warm up to me especially; which is pretty key since we are going to be together all day every day! He's "most recently from Texas" but has lived in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Utah before that. And he loves the cold so he'll love Wyoming in a few months! I won't!

I think I'm even more immature now as a 21 year old! IDK We'll see how it goes! I made about 5 different balloon animals the other night! I'll have to get pics to you. I can't find my camera charger and it's officially dead so they'll be from Elder Rasmussen's camera. Mama Madsen already got pics printed out and I'm sending them in today along with my essay stuff, since I didn't get that off last week.

It was a fun party! Pretty much the best birthday ever! We played flour baseball and I never hit the ball! Stupid double vision and depth perception! But I did just chuck them at people. (They're nylon stockings with flour in them.) So theoretically you hit them and they poof with flour. Awesome. And we soaked the girls with water when they got there from volleyball practice, and Elder Hancock and I did the cinnamon challenge (aka the "dragon breath" challenge). I'll tell you about that later though. Thanks for telling me about the "happy birthday's" on Facebook. I'm so grateful people love me!

The work is going well! Everyone in the area is just super busy though, plus school is just starting. So besides never getting ahold of everyone we are good! OK, so we have gotten ahold of some people, I'm just exaggerating a bit; but it's been a tough couple days. Lots of walking because it's the end of the month. aka no more miles. We officially ran out yesterday.

Elder Rasmussen gave a talk in church yesterday. I popped that one on him Saturday night. Bishop Brady asked last week if one of us would speak. So since he's new I let him do it. I get to speak in that ward in 2 weeks though so I'm excited I get an opportunity, too.

Cool! I'm in BYU! Can we try to work on any scholarships still or what's the process for that? Btw, I decided that I'm going to go to BYU in Provo. Hawaii would be a dream, but I think I'll have more opportunity and possibilities in Provo. We'll just have to make a trip to Hawaii instead some time!

Fun stuff with my friends going back to school and everything! It'll be exciting being thrown back into the real world! Trying not to think about it, but everyone keeps reminding me, so I'll just have to deal with it I guess! haha

I'm counting down the days for the salsa! 2 left!

That's awesome about David Gephart! I want to go to Mexico! Elder Hancock is going to take me when he gets done with the mish, but till then, maybe Bishop "cowboy" Riggs will take me down! That'd be fun!

There are so many people who are ready to receive the gospel, we just need to catch them at home! haha Sabre is one of those who is totally ready. Her mom is getting active again. She is moving in with her mom and we are trying to get ahold of them so we can set a day for baptism. Another one in the same situation is Hadley. We are just figuring out a time to go teach her, her mom, and her grandma so that they can be more active at living the gospel and so Hadley can be baptized.

There was a talk yesterday about how committed we are to the gospel. It's such a true principle; the more committed we are and the better we follow through the easier and less painful it is.

I love you guys a ton! Have a good one! Billions of hugs and kisses!

Love Elder Partridge