Elder Falkner and "Dwight"

We received some new pictures from Elder Egan that we will be sharing from time to time.....ENJOY!!Here he is with his new "greenie" companion, Elder Falkner. This was just before Christmas and before all the freezing temperatures hit.
Apparently, the Elders have a friend named "Dwight" who they practice teaching to. Dwight is the "best" listener:) I like Jon's hair, though he's cut it since then:)

BRRRRRRR............

Its been another great week in Chesterfield!

Yes, its been really cold out here but we are staying warm (for the most part). When its this cold you don't care as much what it looks like you just want to be warm but hopefully the worst is over.

We went over to MacKenzie's last night and finalized the plans for the baptism. Everything is on track and we are really excited.

So we were at dinner the other night (it was delicious, Eggs benedict/sausage/waffles/etc.) and we were just finishing up before dessert and there is a knock at the door. The neighbors had just backed into our car. so I went outside looked at it and filled out the church's paper work for that kind of stuff (It made us miss one of our appointments with james and mackenzie). We called Elder Grossarth to make sure we did everything right, we had, and then finished up at dinner. So today we have to take it in and get an estimate. Its not really bad at all but since we already told Elder Grossarth we'd take it in, we will. The people that hit us were nice about it too.

Mom-its really funny you said that about the frostbite. we were at the distribution center the other day and that's exactly what the lady there said. The package was great. Thanks a lot!!

Dad-Yeah, I put our investigators names in the temple every time I go. More prayers never hurt.
Could you ask the Elders there about Elder Ballard Contacts (EBC's). If they know what they are could you ask them when Elder Ballard talked about it and get me a reference.
Then if you could write me this week and let me know (if you see them sometime this week that is, if not just email it to me).
mucho gracias,

Josh-Good luck in DECA. If Mrs. McMaster is still there, drop in and tell her hi for me (and tell her Mitt Romney is looking better every day, hehe).

Anyway love you all,
Elder Egan

Oh yeah, yes we get our new Mission President this week. Maybe even today.

The Warmth of then Gospel Can Warm Even the Coldest Heart

Its been another great week in Chesterfield! (Besides the fact that I'm probably the only missionary whose family forgets about them...haha)
We've been really busy this week. Lots of tracting and finding. We haven't found any one yet but we have been able to teach a lot of people.
With the new year the units that we cover all changed times. Last year the two wards met at the beginning and end of the day with the branch in the middle. Like that, we were able to go to both wards and the meetings in the branch. Now, the wards are at 9 and 11 with the branch at 1. So after our morning meetings, we have to split up to make sure that there are missionaries in each ward. I enjoyed being able to go to church twice last year and get to see everyone, but this years schedule is good too and we'll make it work.
We met with MacKenzie last night. I cant say it enough, but they have changed so much. The baptism is just about all planned out and ready to go on the 16th. It has been a long, long, long time coming but worth every minute of it. And on top of that we are going to try to teach one of their friends (They rent three rooms in their house and this friend is one of the renters). He has already sat in on some of the lessons and came to church once (it just happened to be one of the weeks that Elder Payne was sick, so we weren't there). But we're really excited for him.
I almost forgot. On Saturday we went over to an investigators house to do some service. In order to understand what we were doing I'll have to give some background. This lady raised four boys on her own after her husband left. Her youngest one killed him self and another one does heroine. She also has had just about every type of heart surgery just short of a transplant. She's had multiple bypasses, a pig valve put in, and multiple stints. As you can guess she was in the hospital for a couple months at a time. While she was in the hospital, her son that does drugs stole all her money and broke into her house destroying the basement. Now her son is in jail but the basement and everything is a mess. We went over on Sat. thinking that we were just going to replace a few light bulbs. We were wrong. We started cleaning up the basement. It is sad and hard to believe how people can live in such a place and why they would live like that. We took out a few mattresses that were filthy and threw out a bunch of old clothes. Next week we're going over to paint over all the filth that had been written on the walls. What is even harder to understand is that next to all this "filth" there is a shrine to the Lord and the Virgin Mary. I don't understand. We are excited to help her get her life back in order and clean this place up.
Mom-Yes it is freezing out here. the sooner you send out more thermals the better, and maybe some warm socks would be nice. Oh, and maybe another blanket. What's grandmas new address? We are going to do a bunch of much needed cleaning too. Maybe you'd get more pics if I wasn't forgotten...haha. And if your thinking I'm going to ever forgive you of this...maybe, haha.
Dad-Elder Falkner is doing great. Its almost like I'm not even training him. Our teaching pool is getting smaller and smaller but that's alright, we're doing all that we can. Yes, MacKenzie's baptism is in this transfer so I'll get to see it as long as I'm not emergency transferred out, I don't see that happening though. She asked us last night if we would say the prayers and be the witnesses. We are really excited!
Anyways, even in the cold, the warmth of the gospel can warm even the coldest heart.
I love you lots,
Elder Egan

Is it Ho Ho or Ha Ha??

Dear Family and Friends,
We had a great visit with Jon on Christmas Day, in spite of the fact that I accidently hung up on him as I was taking it off of loudspeaker. He told me I'm probably the only mom who hung up on her missionary! They were having a white Christmas, but nothing like the Arctic Blast 2008 which we had last Christmas here at home.
I was curious to know how many ties he has....for those of you who don't know.... Jon LOVES ties:) I sent him a tie hanger and he said his ties filled it up plus 2. That means he has 26 ties. I asked him if he burned a tie at his 6 month mark and he said no...but some Elders do. (he just didn't want to part with any)
He's gained about 15 pounds.....but he did fit into the pants we sent him for Christmas.

We woke up on Monday morning and realized right away that we had all forgotten to write him his weekly emails....We ran down to the computer and quickly pulled it up (it took FOREVER for the computer to boot up)...only to see that he had sent only a sad face for his weekly letter. Talk about being mortified!! I couldn't believe we had done that to our one and only missionary. I quickly sent off a reply on the chance he was still there....only to have another sad face pop up. We wrote him anyway...the fastest letters we have ever written on chance that he would check it one last time. This was his reply. You can imagine the relief we felt at knowing he KNEW we loved him and hadn't completely forgotten him!

Subject: haha
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:02:52 -0600

Its been another great week in chesterfield!
I was just getting off but decided to check one last time :)
On Christmas we went to Bishop Blair's in the Chesterfield ward and had breakfast and played games. Then we went to the Blacks. It was a lot of fun. Our appointment with MacKenzie went really well. We pushed back her baptism till the 16th. We feel much better about this and its their date, not ours. Its great.
Well, got to get headed out.
Love ya lots,
Elder Egan

Merry Christmas From St. Louis

Here is the Christmas card we recieved from Jon. It looks a bit funny because of the way it scanned....but you get the drift. We love it!!

SO....Story Time

Its been another great week in Chesterfield!
So...story time.

Elder Payne gets here on the evening of Nov. 28th. That night we only have a little time to stop by some people. Then the next day, sunday, our days are always busy, filled with church and appointments. Then Monday the 30th was P-Day, so we only got a few lessons in. On Tues, the 1st, we had a special zone conference at the temple. there were two zones there with the Turleys (the last time we would see them before they left on the 5th). It was awesome to be there with them! Then we come home and I run to the bathroom real quick before we head out again. I come out and Elder Payne is really pale and is taking off his tie. He looks at me and says "Elder, Im done." He then goes to sleep. I study and do whatever to keep me busy the rest of the day. He doesn't wake up for about 25 hours! So we know that he's pretty sick now. Luckily, Sis. McCord is an RN, so we had her keep her eye on him. Then on Sat it wasnt getting any better so we call a man in one of our wards who is a doc. He comes over and takes a look at him. Turns out he had the Swine Flu. Fun Stuff. So, thats where I've been for the past two weeks, in a basement with a sick comp. I was able to get by with out catching it. Elder Payne said that it felt like death. It knocked him out hard. So for the past two weeks we taught no more than 3 lessons. It felt great to be back out working the other day. The effects of the illness are still present though. Elder Payne still has a hard time breathing and tires easily, but we're out now.

Since I got so much study time I was able to read a bunch of the Book of Mormon, from Mosiah 1 to 3 Nephi 23. You learn so much more when you read it quickly, especially those parts. It reinforced to me the great love and mercy that the Lord has for us, even when we make mistakes.

Transfer calls came last night. I will be staying here and training again. I feel much more prepared this time about training a new missionary. I'm still really nervous and scared but not nearly as much as last time. I just know how much Elder Reese taught me and I want to give this Elder the same. I just have to keep remembering that whom the Lord calls He qualifies. It will be a huge first day in the field if everything goes according to plan. We will finally be seeing MacKenzie that night and setting a baptismal date! What a way to spend your first night! Im really excited for it. We've done alot of praying and she is ready.

Mom-I got one of the packages (the one with the little tree. Its great!) and if the other one is at the office I'll get it on Wed at transfers. The McCords let us put a fake tree up down stairs with lights. So we've got the big one in the corner by the door and the little one on my desk. It looks good.

Dad-there was a missionary that had extended his mission. Extentions are only for a month and once its up they kick you out. It just so happens that our transfers are a month and a half, so he was leaving mid transfer. Elder Ferrin went up there to be with his companion and so I got Elder Payne. This is Elder Paynes 3rd area this transfer!! He just keeps getting moved around. He didnt even unpack when he got here, good thing too. Thats really neat about Pres. Turleys cousin.

It snowed the other day. Nothing big just some flakes. People are saying its going to be a rough winter. We'll see.

Love you lots. Elder Egan

Crazy Week

Its been another great week in Chesterfield! "Great" could also be replaced with long, busy, crazy, etc...

We had Zone Conference on Tuesday. It was really good, Pres. Turley wasn't there though. After Sis. Turley's training she told us that President and her were being released. They go home this Sat. It took everyone by surprise. We were all shocked. Elder and Sis. Grossarth, a senior couple, have been called to fill in as Mission President for the month of December and then a new President will be coming on Jan. 11th. He will then fill out the rest of Pres. Turley's term till Jun and then we will get yet another Mission President. So, when all is said and done I will have had four mission presidents!!! I didn't think that I'd be able to see Pres. Turley again because he wasn't at zone conference and he wasn't sure if he'd be able to make it to the special zone conference tomorrow. BUT after our zone conference last week the Assistants pulled me and Elder Ferrin into a room to tell us something. Turns out that Elder Ferrin was being Emergency Transferred up to Columbia and I was getting yet another companion!!! So anyway, we finish out our day without much more excitement.

Then on Thanksgiving we played in the turkey bowl. it was freezing cold. I was wearing shorts and a short sleeve and it was 40 degrees! (if you could send out a sweatshirt for when I'm not in a shirt and tie, that'd be nice). But it was really fun. We had two dinner appointments and played some games with the members. Then we came home so Elder Ferrin could pack. the Assistants were coming to pick him up at 6:30 so we had to be up really early. Elder Ferrin didn't finish packing until about 1:30am so it was a long night and early morning. Then the Zone Leaders came and picked me up so I would be with them. We tried contacting at Wal Mart and other stores but there were so many police out that we couldn't. Then we went into the ZL's area and worked all day Thursday and Fri (it was great to serve with Elder Nelson again). After dinner we met up with the Assistants at the Mission Home where I got my new comp. Elder Payne. He's from Alberta Canada and has been out 14 months. I also got to see Pres. and Sis. Turley. He looks so tired and worn down, but it was great to see him. His been bored out of his mind just sitting in the mission home. He was glad to have company over, even for just a short time.

Then yesterday as you can imagine was really long. I spoke in Chesterfields Sacrament meeting but fell asleep during most of Parkways meetings. Then we were out doing stop bys and came home at 8 thinking it was 9. When we walked in Bro. McCord asked if we were taking a "half day." I had no idea what he was talking about until I saw the clock behind him and realized that we had come in an hour early. So we turned around and visited a few more people. It was really funny. We were both just so tired that neither one of us caught it.

Mom-I don't need a calling card. we just call from our cell phones (unless that counts as long distance, i don't think that it does) but if not you can send it out nonetheless. Sorry, no pics yet, its been a crazy week and I forgot.

Dad-Our festival of nativities is this weekend too. Its a great event to invite people out to and really easy. We're looking forward to it.

Josh-what the heck do you think your doing?!?! your getting way to tall and grown up. That's not alright. If you're not careful I'll be just as big around as you are tall, haha. not really.

Love you lots,
Elder Egan

Monday Moment

Its been another great week in Chesterfield!

The weather has been great the past few days. Sunny and warm in the days but then it gets pretty cold in the evening. It doesn't help that it get dark at five. Speaking of getting dark early, the ward got a letter from a retirement center. It said that some LDS missionaries had contacted a lady in the parking lot one evening. They didn't know who it was so they sent letters to the wards in the area and then to Salt Lake!

Other than that it was a slow week. Lots of things came up that were unexpected and kept us from working as much as we wanted, but yesterday was amazing and made up for it. We are planning on setting a baptismal date with MacKenzie this week and wanted her husband, James, to do it. He has only just recently been reactivated but hasn't taken the sacrament in about 15 years. And we have been working with him and the bishop, so that he would feel comfortable and worthy to do so. After I took the bread yesterday I looked back just in time to see him do the same. It was the greatest feeling in the world. They have both changed so much and confirmed our thoughts about setting the date with MacKenzie. I'll let you know when it is next week!

We have two dinner appointments for thanksgiving and we had to start declining invitations, otherwise I'd be huge(er), haha. But seriously, I could use some new black and blue pants, not for my suits but for normal use. My black ones got ripped up in St. Peters from my bike and the blue ones are tight (the brand must run small or something, haha).

This week is Zone Conference. I'm really looking forward to it. They are always great. Then next week the zone is going to the Temple with the Turleys. We can't wait, but I guess we'll have too.

Dad-Elder Ferrin and I get along great. I've been blessed with really good companions so far. The district is basically the same. We got a new sister and Elder Nelson took the place of one of the Zone Leaders, but other than that we're the same.

Love you,
Elder Egan

Open Our Mouths!!

It has been another great week in Chesterfield!

Not much happened this week, well nothing that really stands out. We've been tracting a lot and it doesn't help that it gets dark around 5. We've been threatened to have the police called on us numerous times since the time change. If people only knew the message that they were rejecting...oh well. maybe next time.

We had a really good day yesterday. It was the primary program in the Parkway ward. This week we've been focusing on the Plan of Salvation in our companion studies, trying to teach it simply. Then the primary sung a song about it. It hit us just how simple it really is. Then we had a really good lesson in Elders Quorum. Afterwards we went home teaching with bro. McCord and then had dinner with them after. We stopped by some recent converts, the Colombos. She is going in for surgery today and we gave her a blessing. It really helped them feel the spirit (which is really needed. they haven't been to church for a few months now). It was just really good. Then we went over to James and MacKenzie's. We read a little out of 3 Ne 11 and then watched the Testaments. That helped out way more than we ever imagined it would've. Elder Ferrin gained their trust and they were both hit with a spiritual hammer. And despite the rain, there couldn't have been more "sunshine in our souls" that night. It was great.

We lost our dinner calendar after the Chesterfield ward. Luckily, I, for some reason, wrote down all of our appointments for the rest of the month. We just won't have any additions till we find it. We think that someone accidentally took it home. Oh well.
The weather is starting to change. its cold and wet now, and we heard that there is supposed to be a rain/snow mix tomorrow, we'll see.

Mom-Setting an example is great. When we knock on someone's door and they know a member, it's automatically a good door and they are nice to us. HOWEVER, its not enough to only set a good example. If we don't OPEN OUR MOUTHS we will not receive the promised blessings that the Lord has promised us. It always gets me when we ask members what they are doing to further the work and all they say is "setting a good example." Once again, it is good to do that, but it shows the Lord that we are lazy and ashamed of the gospel of Christ. (now that I've finished my rant and have gotten off my soap box...)
Don't worry about the CD's. We don't have that rule, or at least I've never heard of it, so your OK. My contacts are good. You know me. I might change them twice out here, ha ha. Christmas? I don't know. Maybe some ties or something. Maybe some kind of tie hanger? Whatever though. Yeah, we had trunk or treat in both wards. We just visited with the members in Chesterfields but we decorated a room (it was raining outside so they did it in the church) for Parkways. It was a lot of fun.

Dad-Elder Ferrin is from Thousand Oaks, California. He's been out a transfer less then me. We were actually just talking about the temple this morning and how great it is and how much we'd like to go more often, but our time is needed elsewhere for the present time. President Turley is doing good. He's up and about. We talked to Sis. Turley last night and she said that he is really bored, ha ha. Our stake out here also does a nativity thing. I don't think its quite that big, but large nonetheless. Its a great thing for both members and nonmembers alike.

Remember that Christ will never forget us, we are on His hands and His feet. He will always look for opportunities to bless us. We can only receive these blessings though if we are obedient to His commandments.
Love you lots,
Elder Egan

Relieved!!

Its been another great week in Chesterfield!
So, i got a call Tuesday from the Assistants saying that when the new missionaries left Provo, there was one fewer than was supposed to come out. So I'm not training this transfer. it was a huge relief and now I can focus on other things. My companion is Elder Ferrin from southern California. He has been out a transfer less than me. Elder Nelson will be missed but the work will continue and hopefully pick up with Elder Ferrin.
We had DLZL (where all the district leaders and the Zone leaders get together and talk about the mission goals and the coming transfer) and this transfer we are focusing on the "Enabling" power of the Atonement. So often we think of the "Redeeming" power that we forget about the enabling part. Its going to be a great transfer and we are going to get a lot accomplished.
Other than that we've been tracting quite a bit. The investigators are doing really well. We are still plugging along with them. Anyday now and they'll be ready.
President Turley is doing good. He's been out of the hospital for a little bit now. He went into the office on Friday and worked for three hours. He is taking it really easy and slow now though.
Mom-my suit pants are doing great. I only have to wear them a couple times a week for a few hours. Mary wasn't there on Sat. It was partially our fault though. We were doing service for some people and lost track of time. We called, no answer, went over there and no answer. We'll try again later. Hopefully she wasnt offended. I havent heard that song. Must be new, but the lesson is so very true. He does know each one of us and our needs and desires.
Dad-you guys are getting all kinds of "new" toys now that I'm gone, haha. sounds like you've been busy though. I havent done any magic tricks yet, I should pull them out though.
Josh-Good job in band. You'll get'em next year, just keep going. When you start driving make sure you only go with dad, hehe. Especially if its a stick, 1) I dont know how good mom is at driving a stick and 2)...JOSH SLOW DOWN!!! YOUR GOING TO CRASH!!! haha.

Anyway, remember always who you are and what you stand for
Love,
Elder Egan

CRAZY WEEK!!

It has been another great week in Chesterfield!!
I'm not sure where to start this letter off. It has been the craziest week of my mission and i'm sure it will be the craziest.

First, on Thursday we were out tracting and everyone was really nice!! That never happens. Then we get invited into teach this lady. Again, this never happens. Turns out though that she has short term memory loss or something and kept telling the same story over and over again.

Then we got a call right after dinner that President Turley was in the ER and we were needed to help one of the Senior missionaries administer to him. We find him in the ER. Right as we got there they came to take him up to a normal room. He had had a heart attack, but didn't go in. Then on Wed he felt fine only to have another one on Thurs. He finally went to the hospital with the encouragement of Sis. Turley and the Lord. Anyway, the Assistants had gotten there too, and so one of them anointed and the Senior Elder, Elder Grossarth, sealed. It was just a really crazy day.

Then on Sat. we were lead to a street to tract and once again, everyone was nice and open. We found a way solid new investigator named Mary. We have a return apt for this Sat. Then as you mentioned, transfers were yesterday. Elder Nelson will be going to the Maryland Heights area to be one of the Zone Leaders (mine) and I will be the District Leader and I will also be training a new missionary fresh out of the MTC. Just what I needed to hear to wrap up the week. Luckily, the zone leaders are in my district so I'll still see Elder Nelson at least every week. Its going to be a great challenge on both fronts, DL and Trainer. I don't feel ready but I know that whom the Lord calls, he qualifies. I also made sure that both Pres. Turley and the Assistants were absolutely sure that that was what the Lord wanted. I will definitely miss serving with Elder Nelson. Not only is he a great missionary, but he is also a great friend. Hopefully this new missionary will be up to par :)

Other than that, our investigators are doing really well. Marge is making great strides in wanting to understand. She is asking many questions and really wants to know. We got back in contact with Kevin and will see him tomorrow morning. He's been reading a little bit out of the Book of Mormon. We went out to lunch with Chris and his friend/the Branch Mission leader on Sat. He pretty much dropped us, but we're not through with him yet. Vita is doing pretty well. She canceled our apt last week. She does a lot of volunteering and was working late. She is just really busy but luckily the Snow Cone place closed this past week so hopefully she'll be a little more free and be able to come to church. MacKenzie is on fire. She wants to get baptized but is just waiting for her husband to get cleared by the Bishop to do it.

Mom-yep, its really nice to only have to focus on what He wants me to do, but at the same time there is a lot of different things to focus on to do His work. Wouldn't have it any other way though. As for band, when in doubt blame everything on the judges. That's my philosophy (sp?!?). Tell'em to just keep going. Good job memorizing the Family Proclamation. The best way to always remember it is to say it a lot, everyday, multiple times a day even. otherwise you'll forget (yes i'm speaking from experience. I cant remember nearly as many scripture masteries as I wish I could). No, I haven't seen Sis. Loveland yet. She could have easily been at the special zone conference, and I missed her. Ill keep my eye out though. Thanks for the packages.

Dad-You guys are just buying new cars all over the place with me gone. Make sure Josh doesn't get to drive anything too fancy, haha. They were both good cars that served there purpose (bytheway, nothing ever happened like that when i drove them).
I may buy a GPS today so don't freak out if you see some money missing from my account. Not sure though.
Love you lots,
Elder Egan

Keep me in your prayers. They have definitely been answered this week :)

Another Great Week!!

It has been another great week here in Chesterfield!

We had a Special Zone conference on Thursday. Elder Walker came. It was really really good. He is the head over the temple committee, and had lots of knowledge about them. For the first training he gave, he gave us six tips on how to become better missionaries. I forgot my notes at home, otherwise I'd give them to you. They were really good. Then after lunch he role played with us a lot and then we had a Q and A session. We would've just loved to sit there and hear his answers to our questions, but all things must come to an end.

We had a really good week besides that too. We found two new investigators and we were actually let into a house last night!! It was the first one in about 8 weeks. We were a little taken back at first, only because it doesn't usually happen. We got in and taught a 1st discussion. She was hesitant about setting a return appointment, so we won't say she's "new" but she is a solid potential. I'm not going to lie though, it feels really good when you actually get into a house and people are nice. On Sat. we tracted all day. I think it came out to be seven hours of it. Then the Chesterfield Ward had their "Trunk or Treat." That was a lot of fun, and there were a lot of non members.

Our investigators are doing really well. Marge is doing better than she ever has. She is asking questions and really taking it seriously. Her biggest thing is not seeing how the restored gospel will change her life. We've been planning out a lesson of her for almost a week now and are really excited for it. MacKenzie said in our last appointment that she is going to be baptized but is just waiting for her husband to be worthy to do it and he is really close. It blind sided us when she said it and we were in shock. It was a really great time.

Vita is also doing really well. We had our appointment in a members home. In our meeting previous, she asked about how it was being a part member family. It just so happens that her biggest fellowshipper's husband was a member and so they were able to talk about it. It went perfect. We are hoping to set a date here in the near future, maybe this week, we'll see. The others will just take a little more time and elbow grease.

Transfer calls are coming this Sunday. Neither of us want to leave. It just seems like yesterday when we were worried about transfers. This transfer went way to quick. Elder Nelson thinks that he's going to leave. He's been here four and a half months which is normally the longest you stay, but its not unheard of to stay longer. We'll see.

Mom-I got the sweaters the other day. They are perfect! Thanks a lot.
Dad-the emails are in my inbox. it costs to print them out so I don't, but yes i save them there.
Josh-good job in scouts and in marching. Just keep at it and it'll all be worth it in the end. Don't get comfortable in band. Make sure you keep pushing yourself to be better. That's what happened my last year. the underclassmen forgot what it was like to lose until we were humbled.

Anyway, just keep going and remember to not only read the scriptures daily but to ponder them throughout the day. It helps a lot!

Love,
Elder Egan

Ahola,
Its been another great week in Chesterfield!! We were able to go to the Temple twice this week. One was with MacKenzie. We walked around it with her and James (a less active member). Then we went inside and just sat in the waiting room next to the recommend desk. It was great to see them inside the Temple, even if it wasn't the full thing. She is getting so close to baptism, the change that's come about in both of them is great. Then the next day we were able to go and do a session. I just love the temple. People don't realize how great it is until you cant go often. We treasure and look forward to the days that we are able to go. It brings so much joy and peace amidst the outside world.

Besides MacKenzie, our investigators are all over the place. Vita is doing great. We have taught her for two weeks in a row!! She is still scared of water but it seems like she is willing to do it anyway. She brought up a new concern though this last week. Her husband isn't interested and she asked if there were any "Part Members" in the church. We quickly told her that there was. The great thing is that her main fellowshipper (an old friend) is a part member family and Vita is really excited to ask her about it.

Another of our investigators, on the other hand, is reverting back to old ways. He's started drinking and swearing again. He wasn't at church this week either. His roommate said that he remembered how much fun he was having with his old friends. He still wants to keep meeting with us though. The hard thing is is that he's not willing to pray about it right now because he knows the answer he'll get and doesn't want to really change right now. It looks like it'll take much longer than we thought, but it'll happen. It will just be on the Lords time and not ours.

We also had a really good teaching week. We taught 49 lessons total! 15 came yesterday. We spent all day tracting and the Lord was smiling down on us. However, out of those 15 lessons we didn't get a single new investigator or return apt. We just keep going trusting in the Lord.

Mom-long sleeve would be great and I still have a bunch of meds and stuff. Get well soon!!

Just keep going and don't forget to open your mouths (D&C 33:8-10).

Love,
Elder Egan

Tuesday October 13

Sorry its late but the library had in service yesterday. Its been another great week in Chesterfield/Parkway though.

We were looking forward to dinner on Monday with the Shipps because we had heard that Sis. Shipp cooked on cruise's. We were definitely not disappointed. She made ribs and potatoes and deliciousness. You were able to eat the ribs with a fork, the meat just fell off. Then we had this delicious molten cake that she made. I won't eat that good probably ever again.

Then on Wed. we had an appointment with Vita. We found out that she has anxiety for water, heights, etc. She wouldn't even think about setting a baptismal date because it scared her. We then told her about priesthood blessings and then gave her one. Afterwards we again asked her to pray about a date and she said that she would! We also met with Chris. He said that he wasn't ready to be baptized this Sat. so we had to drop the date. Then he wasn't at church on Sunday and his roommate said that he was at Mass. it was a little discouraging but he said that Chris has a really hard time making up his mind. It might take a little longer than we thought with him. We also had an appointment with MacKenzie. It went really good. She is asking questions that tell us that she is thinking about baptism. We also got back in contact with Kevin last week and we actually just got done with our appointment with him. We taught him the Plan of Salvation. He soaked it up!

We went to follow up with some members that we had left a commitment with the week previous on Thursday, the Vinas'. Sis. Vinas opened the door and brought us into the kitchen. It turns out that Bro. Vinas' dad is Elder Vinas of the 1st Quorum of Seventy, who happened to be visiting. So we followed up with Bro and Sis Vinas and then taught a brief lesson to them and Elder Vinas. I'm pretty sure that's the only time I'll be able to teach a General Authority. It was really neat. He told us just to "keeping going" which Pres. Turley always tells us. It must be true.

I'm doing really good though. and yes it has been getting pretty chilly out here. the first night we didn't have any heaters and we were both pretty cold. The next day we found two heaters and they've been on ever since. If you come across any dress sweaters, that could help keep the chill off without wearing my big coat.

Mom-I've got plenty of cereal and just keep a bug in my ear about a picture of the McCords. Good job learning to burn CD's. We love listening to talks, we actually just finished listening to the April 2005 conference. I'll keep an eye out for Sis. Loveland and Elder Murdoch.
Dad-Of course I know Sis. Bunn. I haven't been gone for that long. Well its been a while but yeah we home taught her for a while before I left.
Josh-what is this nonsense! You can't be starting to drive yet!! That's just crazy. Don't kill your self now (just remember to only drive with dad, I don't know if mom could take it, ha-ha). Just stay in there with band. Its all worth it in the end.

Stay strong and don't take the little things for granted.
Love,
Elder Egan

WOW!!!

Its been another great week in Chesterfield!! This weekend was especially good. Conference was amazing!! Between Elder Holland and Elder Scott and Elder Hales, all I can say is wow. I couldn't even take notes on Elder Hales and Elder Holland's talk. They were just too good and moving to even write or do anything besides listen. I was a little disappointed though, it seemed to go way to quick and now we have to wait another six months to hear more, oh well.

Our investigators are doing well. We watched conference with two of them, MacKenzie and Marge, at their houses. We haven't been able to get a hold of Kevin this week, so we're going to stop by in the next few days. Vita is doing really well too. We finally got an appointment. The Snow Cone place closes at the end of the month so hopefully we'll be able to teach her more. We're probably going to set a baptismal date at this next appointment, she's ready. Chris is doing really well too. He wants to move his date a few weeks back, but we're going to talk to him on Wed. He has a solid testimony and the devil is just trying to stop it from happening.

We had a really neat opportunity this past week. One of the colleges had a "beliefs fair" They asked for reps from our church and the AP's asked if our district would man it. There were a lot of different beliefs and we were able to hand out a lot of pass along cards. It was a fairly small school and so it didn't go as good as we thought but it was still really good. There was a booth next to us for the schools outreach program and we gave the girl there a Book of Mormon and she just sat there reading it all day. It was really neat.

Mom-I got the package. THANK YOU!! It was much needed. We don't know if we'll get the flu shot yet. No one has said anything. They have a swine flu shot out here I think, but it seems to do more damage than good. No, my hair is normal now, I only did that once or twice, and probably only once or twice more, haha.

Dad-that's neat. Yeah, you'll have to get me that name. There are some people in our ward who know Elder Sitati. They lived in Kenya for a while working for the government and Elder Sitati was a family friend.

Josh-We never went to that one. Its fun going to new places though and throwing down like that. What are you talking about "beat Southridge for a change"? We have always beat them and the times that we didn't, we should've. haha. Keep it up. anyway make sure that you memorize all your scripture mastery and then REMEMBER them. I wish I would have.

I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and know it to be true. The Book of Mormon is the word of God and can bring us closer to Christ better than any other book. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and did and saw the things which he said.

Love,
Elder Egan

September 28

Well its been another great week in Chesterfield!! I just love this area. The weather has been celestial and its been great to work in.


Our investigators are doing really well. We had an appointment with Chris yesterday. This guy is just so solid. We was telling us that he wanted to move his baptismal date back because he didn't feel ready. Then when we asked him how his prayers were going he said that the Lord keeps telling him to keep his baptism on the 10th!!! He still isn't sure, but the fact that he is recognizing the Lords answers and knows what he NEEDS to do is great, so were still planning on the 10th between the two of us.



Vita is still thinking about baptism. We were on splits the other night and the member I was with asked her about it and she spoke really positively about it, the thing is is that she is scared of water (due to a near drowning experience when she was a kid). No worries though. There is this part member family that the elders have been working with for a while that is starting to show a lot of interest. She is going to have a baby in a few months and was asking questions about them all being sealed. We are trying to get her husband more active so that he can baptize her. We'll see.



We have a new investigator, Kevin, I'm not sure if I told you about. We found him tracting a few weeks ago and have since gone back twice. This last time we talked about authority and the Prophet and Apostles and told him how we have General Conference coming up. He immediately got up from the table and left. We were a little nervous, but he had gone to the TV and was setting it to record conference on the BYU station. Not only did he record that, but everything he saw that had to do with Joseph Smith or the Book of Mormon. It was a really neat experience. We hope that we'll get to teach his wife this week too. We'll call him today.


This week we are going to try and work a ton with the members and get some referrals. We've set some pretty high goals, with the help of the Spirit, and are going to use every tool available to us to accomplish them. Even with that said its going to stretch our faith a lot, but all things are possible to the Lord (1 Nephi 7:12).


Nonetheless its going to be a really good transfer. With General Conference, another special Zone conference with Elder Walker of the 1st Quorum of 70, and everything that's going to happen in our area, how could it not be.


Neat little story:
We were planning one night and were not sure where to go the next morning. We sat looking at the map for ever and nothing came. Then Elder Nelson had this great idea. We each looked at the map and picked five streets. then the other person would do the same. When we had each picked our five we came back together and saw which ones (if any) matched. One did!!! We tracted it that next morning and found a new investigator!!! It was really neat seeing how the Lord guides us when we exercise faith.


Mom-tell Kersie congrats. There was a girl from our ward that just got back from the Boston mission and just loves that area. it will be fun. A name would be nice for Sis. Plessingers niece, but I'll see what I can find out. Is she from our area? I've already got a really GOOD flower tie :) actually its really ugly but a member gave us a bunch and so i got it. You can only get so far with ultra conservative ties, haha. Its also starting to get kinda cold at night, do you think you could send me my BYUI blanket? That'd be great.


Dad-If you see Aunt Marilyn any time soon, let her know that Sis. Parks is in my ward, I said hi for her and she says hi back. I don't know when I'll have an opportunity to write them anytime soon. We are going to the arch today and iIdon't know how much time we'll have after. Get a picture of Mitt for me, everyone out here loves him!!


Anyway, keep us in your prayers (I know you do anyway),
Love,
Elder Egan

I Survived!!

It has been another amazing week in Chesterfield!! Transfers are on wed. and the phone calls were going out last night. We jumped every time that the phone made a noise, but the call never came. We are really excited to serve another transfer together.

So i must tell you about the wonderful food that St. Louis has. Since I've been here Elder Nelson has been going on about this dish that a family in the ward makes. I was skeptical until I had some. Its Chicken 'n Waffles and is literally what it says. You put a waffle down with some fried chicken on top of it and then you pour gravy and maple syrup on top of that. Its actually really good. Then a St. Louis dessert is even healthier, Gooey Butter Cake. All it is is a lot of butter and sugar made into a cake, and if your lucky they'll put chocolate chips in it. Its definitely an acquired taste, it was for me anyway, but it is delicious nonetheless.

Another thing that is big around here is Tropical Sno. It's a snow cone place that is really good. I'm pretty sure that they're back home too, you should look and see. anyway, one of our investigators, Vita, owns it down here and so we get free snow cones every time we go and visit her. That snow cone shack has been our best proselyting activity. Besides Vita, we found another lady that works for Vita that we're going to start teaching, Lisa, and another worker that is a potential investigator, Jessica. Lisa we found tracting but Jessica we see all the time when we get our snow cones. We both had the feeling that we needed to share the gospel with her but then she was never working when we went there. Then finally one night we went and not only was she working, but there weren't any other customers. Neither of us were sure how to bring up the gospel and were praying really hard so we could do it in a way that it needed to be done. But as we were just talking with her, she asked us what we do!! We were more than glad to answer her question and got her address and stuff. Lets just hope her parents are OK with it (She's a Senior this year and you know of our luck with teaching youth, haha). The Lords hand is definitely in this work.

Yesterday we took Vita on a quick tour of the font after sacrament (she couldn't stay the whole time because of work). She said that she would keep thinking about baptism. We're pretty sure that she'll go down this next transfer and are really excited for her.

We also met with Chris yesterday. He is so awesome. The lesson previous we talked about prayer and how we can make our prayers more meaningful. We told him that this is something that we were going to work on with him. So yesterday after we asked him how his prayers were, he followed up with us on how our prayers were!!! What investigator follows up with the missionaries?!? There are going to be choirs of angels singing at his baptism.

We've been tracting a lot these past few weeks and have found a lot of potential people to teach. We have high hope for a lot of them and are looking forward to once again having a large teaching pool.

The weather has been wonderful. Cool with a little rain. However, this week its supposed to rain all week, but we'll see. We may not be dry again till next monday, I'll let you know.
We got our new car last week. Its our baby now. I was going to send some pics today of it and a bunch of other things but I just realized that I left my camera in the car, too bad. They'll come next week. I also parted my hair last week. I never thought it would be possible but i did it!! My head was about 5 lbs. heavier because of all the gel but it worked. There are some pics of that too.

We had this really great experience with a man named Ed. He is some kind of born again preacher but not really a preacher or born again. hopefully that only confused you a little. Anyway we are talking with him and teaching him a little, then he would talk and tell us his ideas. He is an old southern guy that is really funny. at the end, he asked "do you guys hug in your church?" and we're like "of course we hug!!" and he gives us this big hug, and then asks if he can bless us. He grabs our hands and blesses us thanking the Lord for us and all that we do. It was awesome and really funny at the same time!!!! At times during our visit, Elder Nelson and I were just cracking up because of the things that he was saying. We meet all kinds of people and I love it!!

Mom-we eat out every once in a while but not too often, and no there isn't a Panda around here. actually there isn't much chinese around here at all. We keep our bikes. If we were ever to use up all of our miles before the month was over we would have to ride. We're pretty good about staying under though and haven't had to use them yet. Well if you are already sending some stuff out, silk ties are really bad in the rain and that's almost all I have. If you see any non-silk those would be nice. I also have a lot of dark ties. so if you see any bright non-silk ties that would be even better :)

Dad-its fun reading about the pioneers and what they went through especially when they are our family. I would like to know what happened after the Major and Mary Ann divorced. How did we end up in Idaho? Also I was reading and it said that the Major was in St. Louis a little bit getting supplies and what not. Do you know any more about that?

Josh-keep that melloline on track for me and don't let them slack off. When do you start driving? its weird thinking that its almost time for that.

Keep strong in the faith and the Lord will be on your right hand and on your left. He will go before your face and send His angels round about you.

Love
Elder Egan

P.S. can you believe I've been out for almost 5 months!!!!!! Crazy how fast time flies.

Ever Onward

This was in some pictures we recieved a few weeks ago......

Hi everyone!
We just got a phone call from the mission office telling us that we're getting a new car!! It was a good morning to begin with, we both just felt really good and cheerful, and then we got the call about the new car, which made it even better.

We set a baptismal date with one of our investigators and this time we don't have to worry about his parents. His name is Chris. I may have mentioned him in a pervious letter but I don't remember. He is a med. student at SLU and is roommates with a member and has lots of member friends. He went to a baptism Sat. afternoon that the Zone Leaders had and loved it. Then when we taught him yesterday we set the date for the 10th of Oct. He is really solid and we don't have any worries. The only thing that would keep him from getting dunked on the 10th would be if he decided to move it sooner, which is a possibility he was thinking about.

Other than that we still don't have any solid investigators in the Chesterfield ward and depending on the week we have about three in the Parkway ward with Chris being the only one in the Singles Branch. We have done TONS of tracting this past week and it looks like its going to pay off. We have about 12 potentials in Chesterfield and a few more in Parkway and a lot of members have told us that they have friends that they want us to start teaching soon, a lot of them youth again but we'll take 'em.

Mom-you're right. the weather has been wonderful here. No, we have our own music so yeah you can send some if you would like. ....and yes Elder Nelson has the conference cds. Our money carries over from month to month. You know my feelings on dance festival, however, it could be a great missionary opportunity. Speaking of missionary opportunities, have you invited your friend over for dinner yet? Don't let that slip through the cracks.

Dad-I looked through my stuff and couldn't find a pedigree chart. I have stuff about the Major and about Idaho but nothing in-between. I was a little confused about how we got up there and which family we were from (Tuttle maybe?).

Keep opening your mouths and let the Lord guide you in your words. I can't begin to tell you how much easier tracting is when people know members.
Love,
Elder Egan

Tuesday Sept. 8th

They say dogs are mans best friend.....here is a picture of the McCords dog in the basement apartment where Elders Egan and Nelson live:)

It's great that the missionaries are so loved!!

It has been another eventful week in Chesterfield. We had Zone conference this past Wed. It was really good and uplifting, like always. The transfer theme is "getting back to basics" and so all our trainings had something to do with that. We've been doing a lot of tracting this week. Almost all day every day. We're trying to find some new investigators. We were tracting one day and everything was going pretty good. Everyone was polite and rejected us nicely. We thought that it was too good to be true not to have any rude people on a street, then we came to this one house. It started off kind, but quickly went into bashing. Voices were harsh and the spirit quickly left. It took us a while to get it back but we're glad that we did. We came to our last house of the evening and knocked (we hate tracting at night because people are always asleep, but we do). We see this guy get up without his shirt and we just look at each other thinking "oh great." Turns out that he let us in to teach him a first lesson. Then he unexpectedly called his two kids in and started telling them how good we were to do what we do. Needless to say that we were both really embarrassed but it felt good to be praised a little bit. some how it was mentioned that his little daughter was learning the piano and he tried to get her to play, of course she wouldn't, so I offered to play. I played "We thank thee oh God for a Prophet" he really enjoyed it. We're going to go back tomorrow and he said that he'd feed us dinner, so we'll see what comes out of this.

Then on Thursday we taught one of our investigators, Mae, some of the commandments; obedience, pray often, study scriptures, and follow the prophet. The cool thing was though that we were teaching in Bishop Blairs house and Sis Blair is the granddaughter of Pres. Hinckley. It was an intense follow the prophet lesson.

On friday we tracted some section 9 housing. It was really fun. We met all kinds of people. Elder Nelson was a spanish missionary when he first came out, and so we were able to teach all the hispanics that we ran into. We also met an Egyptian Muslim that wanted a BoM in Arabic so he could read it. We also ran into a bunch of Hindu's. It is just a really diverse area out here. There is also a large Jewish population. It was really fun tracting that day though.

On Sat. it was pouring down rain. We were drenched from head to foot, and we were tracting. The only person that let us teach them didn't have a covering over their door so we just taught in the rain. Despite the rain, it was really fun, because who else would go door to door in the rain? no one.

Sunday was kind of disappointing but really awesome at the same time. Only two investigators came to any of our wards. But we are teaching this guy in the singles branch and he is really solid. We started the plan of salvation, then the branch had a bbq yesterday so afterwards we met at the church and finished the plan. He said that things just started to click. he could easily get baptized this transfer (only 3 weeks left). Then, on sunday evening there was a fireside for a RM. She just finished serving in Boston. It is always fun to go to missionaries homecomings. They have great stories and get us pumped for our own work. After it was over we pulled one of the recent converts aside and started teaching him the new member lessons, the restoration. It was really good and the Spirit was already there because of the fireside.

Yesterday. it started off really good. I wasn't tired and had a really good personal study. As we were finishing up our comp. study we got a phone call from Mae. She said that her mom wont let her take the lessons any more!! We were devastated. that's been the 3rd one whose parents wont let them learn. We'll keep working on her and her mom through the members though. So, we were a little down that morning. Then we came to the library to email, not thinking that it would be closed for the holiday, only to find it empty. then in the evening we had our really good appointment with Chris (the guy in the singles branch). Once again, before our greatest joys there is always deep sorrow. I've found that out alot since I've been out.

Anyway, that's how my week has been. Oh yeah. i found out from Elder Reese that Denise has dropped them and has stopped coming to church.

Mom-Yes i do know Elder Hinckley. he's in my zone. we talk when we see each other. We eat normal things but its all been really good. I haven't had anything that I haven't had multiple helpings. My pants are fine thank you very much :) My weight has been all over the place. I lost ten pounds in St. Peters but have put it all back on plus 5 or so pounds since I've been out here (hopefully not all fat either). We get 1000 miles a month on the car, which is fine. We were under last month and are doing really good so far this month. We get about 35 ish a day and we rarely use over 30. Yeah we listen to music/conference cd's/instumental.

Dad-I've read through all the family history stuff that you sent me with. Could you send a pedigree chart going back a ways? and maybe some more stories and things, its nice to read. interesting that the Major came to St. Louis a few times.

Josh-sounds like you've got a full schedule. Keep up in your homework and LEARN A LANGUAGE!! It will help you more than you know later on. I wish I would have worked harder at spanish. And of course you're in wind symphony. All you have to do now is make sure you don't make me look bad :)

Keep reading the scriptures/PMG and praying daily. its those small and simple things that keep you strong.

Love,
Elder Egan

August 31st

Hello,
It has been another great week in Chesterfield!! Lots and lots of tracting this week. The weather has been wonderful so we thought that we'd take advantage of it and find some new people to teach. We didn't find any new investigators from it, but we were able to teach a lot of door step lessons.

So this last Saturday was Adria's baptism in St. Peters. I wasn't able to go. Elder Nelson, who is also the DL, discouraged it and so I decided not to go. I called Elder Reese today to see how it went and he said that she was glowing afterwards. It was a long path for her but she finally made it!!

So we had an appointment with some investigators that Elder Nelson started teaching before i was here, and because of schedules and vacations i we didn't have the opportunity to teach them until this last week. I mentioned that this area is for the most part really rich, well this family exceeds everything i had seen so far. Elder Nelson warned me about it but when we pulled up to their "house" i was shocked. This thing was a gigantic castle. They had like two, four car garages with nice cars in each and our house could easily fit inside their kitchen. It was almost sick how big this thing was. With that in mind, he is in real estate (which isn't doing very well right now) and so they are having to move. The sad part is is that they'll be no longer in our ward. They are really solid too. The dad is a Jew and the mom is Christian, the daughter was kinda brought up in both faiths, and the son goes to a private christian school.

We also got one of our investigators, Vita, who the missionaries have been working with for a long time to come to church. She owns a Snow Cone stand and every time we go see her see gives us snow cones. They are the best snow cones I've ever had. She loves church and even came to a ward activity. We are planning on setting a date with her this coming week.

We have to push back Colleen's date because she hasn't been to church yet. But that's ok because we want to teach her son too and baptize them at the same time. We're meeting with her tonight and figure it all out.

We are still planning on Mitchell's baptism coming up. His mom is still against it, but we know that God is a God of miracles and have faith that it'll happen. If not, we know that Gods will be done.

Last Sunday we started teaching a way sweet new investigator. one of the young men, Sumner, referred his friend Natalie to us. We taught her the Restoration and she really felt the Spirit. We found out that she had been reading every night but when she told her mom that she wanted to meet with us again, she flat out refused. When she told this to Sumner she said that her mom can stop her from meeting with us but she cant stop her from reading the Book of Mormon!!!! We just felt so good after hearing that.

Mae is doing really well too. She is the girlfriend of one of the recent converts. We are trying to meet with her mom before we set a date. We don't see any real road blocks with her though. Her mom has alot of member friends and has even been to a baptism before.

Its just so great teaching the youth because their hearts aren't hardened yet like their parents and they are much more receptive to the Spirit.

Mom-yeah, obedience is a big thing out here. Most of the missionaries are really good but there are always a few who aren't. Pres. Turley is big on exact obedience and has given many trainings on it. Its true what Elder Nord said. You don't get the blessings otherwise. Thanks for the card. I didn't mean to sound so down in my last letter, the work has been going great, just a little slower week last week. The card was good none the less.

Dad- I still look for some of my things where they'd be in St Peters but other than that, i'm pretty well settled in. I still don't know the area very well yet but Elder Nelson has a GPS so we don't really get lost (every once in a while i'll take a wrong turn still ...but that'll always happen, just ask Rachel, ha-ha). Our members have a piano too, so i play every once in a while and sometimes Elder Nelson makes me play at District Meetings. There are only four of us in our district, the two of us and two sister missionaries. So for our meetings the Zone leaders have to come otherwise it'd pretty much be a double date, not good on a mission, ha-ha.

Well the beach trip sounds like it was a lot of fun. Don't spare any trouble having fun while I'm gone :)

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. We were tracting the other day and while we walk from house to house we always wave at people driving by. There was this old lady that we waved to that just got this sour face and violently shook a thumbs down at us. Elder Nelson and I couldn't stop laughing. It was too much.

The weather looks like it'll be in the 70's this next week, so its pretty much Zion out here......well almost.

Love you lots,
Elder Egan