Dinner with Cousins

This Evening Angela (Strickland) Jones fed dinner to Elder Shumway who was on splits. She sent the following note to us:

Wendy and Scott,

It was an honor to feed your son tonight!  He is a wonderful missionary, we feed the missionaries often in our little ward here that is more like a branch.  After feeding all types of missionaries you know when you have a solid one with a solid testimony, Elder Shumway fits the bill.  He is working hard and is tired from it.  You should be so proud of your son.  

When I asked him if he knew how we were related he said, "I think through some aunt on my Mother's side."  It made me chuckle,... he had no clue who I was.  I tried to explain it in terms of his Great Grandmother Donna and my Grandmother Nellie and he just looked at me and said "OK" So I pulled out the Blue Johanson Book, and then a light bulb went on.  He said, " Hey, I have seen some of these pictures in my Grandma's house."  As we talked a little more about our relation, I could tell there was still some doubt about how close my  family "really" was to the Clark family.  So I finally looked at him and said," Hey you know your sister Sheralyn; MY sister is Sharilyn!"  Finally a REAL  connection and all the light bulbs turned on.  He knew about the kids in the wheel chairs, and especially about Madeline, the feisty one in the wheel chair.  He also knew about the tough girl cousins, "the 5 girls who play street hockey." (Michelle's girls). We  had a wonderful visit, We didn't get the chance to exchange any stories about my Grandma, but we just had a wonderful visit.  

It didn't hit me until he left, but I am so thankful for all the the Johanson Reunions and for how close the Johanson cousins have been.  I really started to reflect on how excited Nellie and Donna must have been  to see us sitting there together, family, although we had never met, talking about the work of the Lord and Family; the two most important things in this life and the life to come.  It made me realize what a strong legacy of Faith our Grandmothers left for us and I only pray that I can do the same for my children. So thank you for raising a great son who came on mission and gave our family the chance to feel his spirit and allow his spirit and testimony influence  my young boys.  

Love,

Angela, Tann, Samantha (7) Payton (6) Landon (4) Jacquelyn (1 and asleep in her crib)

Good News, Bad News

Scott wrote:  Elder Shumway, I will be speaking in the Singles Ward Sunday about Missionary work. Do you have any suggestions for me?

  That is cool that you are speaking in the singles ward.  When Elder Bowen of the Seventy came to our mission, he made a good point. Everyone talks about the "full time missionaries"  when they refer to the full two-year or 18 month missionaries.   But Elder Bowen  helped us notice that these missionaries don't serve for more than two years at a time. Two years is a very short amount of time.  Plus,  each missionary is transferred in and out of different areas throughout their mission.  I have personally averaged 3 months in every area I have served in. 

So, who are the REAL full time missionaries??     The members in each ward are usually going to stay in the ward they are in for way more than three months. Even in singles wards.  THEY are the full time missionaries in their wards because they will be there full time. THEY should be considered the full time missionaries.
  
     Today I found out that A_____, the investigator we had in Moore, is getting baptized on Sunday.  I have permission to drive up to Midwest City (where the YSA building is)  and attend her baptism. 
I'm super excited!  She will be the best member ever!!!   

      We had a great week this week. Sundays are our hardest working days in this area. My companion went to teach the soldiers on Fort Sill with the other two elders and I went to both Lawton wards with another missionary. When my assigned ward started, we had 7 non-members come to church. it was hectic!  I love the members who take the time to stop and talk to the investigators and invite them to dinner and things like that.   That is where the real missionary work happens.   We found some solid investigators this week too.  It was great.

   Now that I've shared the good news, let me share some BAD news that you will not like.   On Wed  Jan 2, 2013  we were on our way up to the city for ZLC.  As we passed Fort Sill I was pulled over by a state trooper.
 ( The not very nice cops).  I was speeding but I didn't even realize it.  He gave me a pretty big ticket for  $226.50.   I was going 72 in a 60 mph zone.  But it was right before the speed went back up to 70 mph!   SO  Dad. I need your help, because I am broke.   I promise I will re-pay you when I get home.  .....and get a job.....  

Hopefully,... your broke son.....Elder Shumway