That's the sound of the men workin' on the chain gang!

As much as I enjoy being new to the mission, not having the responsibilities expected of those District Leaders and Zone Leaders, or the office Elders/Sisters, or the Assistants to the President, etc., it does kinda stink to go from college senior to missionary greenie... oddly enough, that has not really happened to any real degree. The Elders I live with are awesome. They are all so close to being done with their two years, and they change everyday. Sometimes they are super excited about going home, then afraid, talk about college, then talk about how they are going to miss tracting, mention jobs they have back home, then wish they could just stay out in the field for the rest of their lives. Almost every one, though, talks about the increase in fat that they have very lovingly developed over the last 18 to 23 months, and the desire they have to separate themselves from it.

So, I set them working. We yo-yo'd between attempts at dieting, but now they are starting to crack down a little more. We run 3 to 4 times a week, and are upping that to 5 times for this week. We are eating eggs like they are going out of style (which they might very well be. The price of 5 dozen eggs was 5.99 two weeks ago, and 7.98 today). We are turning down seconds (or maybe turning down thirds and fourths and fifths in my case) and desserts. Collectively, we lost 20 pounds in a week. That is an average of 5 pounds a person. BOOM!!! Elder Leavitt is the most serious about it, though. He came out in great shape and at 175. Now, he is a bit flabby and was over 190 two weeks ago. I'm back under 180 consistently. My companion... he just does whatever. Elder Holmes goes home in 10 days, so he did a special work out with me this morning.

I have not been on a nice long run in over two months. I could feel myself getting antsy, my legs ached a little bit, and I was foggy minded and distracted. I went around the apartment last night and asked the other Elders if they wanted to go biking this morning. Elder Holmes agreed, and after a light amount of rice and a small taco, I laced up, and walked outside. Elder Holmes biked alongside me as I ran, and ran. It was one of the better runs I have been on. I felt good, I felt strong. I didn't feel 180 pounds. I felt like I was a frosh again; 165 pounds and fast. We left the apartment just after 7, and got back just before 9. We ran around a nature trail at Lodi Lake, and I finally saw an Eastern Gray Squirrel, the first one I have seen in 2 months, as well as a doe, a young 3 point buck, and a strapping 6 point buck who leapt across the moss covered creek. I love deer. They are so graceful, so majestic.

Well, anyway, total running time; 1:39:39.56. Total distance, 13 miles (according to my ruler measurements), 12.6 miles (according to map directions with guesstimations for the park I ran around) or 14.2 miles (according to my mile pace at mile 12ish spaced out for the whole run). So lets just say a half marathon in 100 minutes. And I was still feeling pretty good! The balls of my feet hurt a bit, my knees ached a little bit, and there was a slight tightness in my neck, but my legs were good, my calves felt fine, my hammies were strong, and I was talking with Elder Holmes for much of the time.

Speaking of Elder Holmes, I will miss him. He has been such fun over these last 5 weeks. He is a good guy, fun, and I will miss his presence in our apartment. He goes back to Utah next week, and I may not see him again on this earthly realm. Great luck to you Elder! Hurrah for Israel!!!*

The Work in the mission field has been going great as well. We are teaching a number of investigators, people very interested in learning, growing in the Gospel, increasing their faith and testimony, and feeling the Spirit work within them. It is AWESOME to share the love that I feel from Christ with these wonderful people. I can feel my love for them growing. I love the people of California, and waved and said hi to everyone that I saw this morning.

I read the Book of Mormon yesterday (meaning the book Mormon wrote within the Book of Mormon, a total of 9 chapters), and I love it. It is heart wrenching to read of the loss of faith these people had, and the sorrows and fall that they have. I have been so richly blessed, and if I every become swallowed up in the pride of my own heart, will any one of you please follow the example of Katherine Heigel's friend in 27 Dresses, and just step up and slap me... not too hard, though, if you please.

Love to all, take care, please write!

Elder Strawn

8267 Deseret Ave

Fair Oaks, CA, 95628

*Watch 'The Other Side of Heaven'. I cry every time.

The Best Seven Days

What a week. In the last seven days, I have had tons of fun, lost weight, served in 3 areas, and seen miracles. I have grown and changed so much in the last week, and received more letters from home than the previous 40 days. I was having a trying time, and this week I have been lifted up with joy and love.

My work week began last Monday evening. We progressed through our list of appointments and had minimal success. It did little to raise my spirits, which had begun to sink a little as of late. The following day, we lost a good deal of time because we stopped over at the hospital so that my companion could get his shoulder checked out. It had popped out of place before and it was giving him pain, and a 2 hour doctors appointment later we were told he would be taking physical therapy twice a week for 4 weeks. Another block of time was taken away from us. We checked in with a few more investigators, but due to work induced fatigue and overly-protective-and-other-religion-fearing spouses, we were unable to teach anyone in our afternoon schedule. We went to dinner with a bit of a heavy heart, but left with a full stomach (which does wonders for one's optimism, though tends to have a negative effect on enthusiasm to work). We hopped on our bikes and headed home to call anyone we could, and were eventually able to acquire a member to attend a lesson with us.

We arrived at our lesson to meet two new individuals in addition to the two we were planning on teaching. We began by teaching the less active member, but as the lesson drew on, the others began to migrate into the living room, and we ended by teaching all four of them. One was very touched by the spirit and, at the end of the lesson, and with sadness and reverence evidence in his manner and speech, told us about his recent family plights, and asked us to pray with him. We did so, and he quickly set a time for us to come back. I spent the next day in another area (Galt, 15 or so miles north), and met so many friendly and wonderful people. I was encouraged by the work we did, and returned to Lodi with an uplifted heart.

We taught the family again, and by the end of the lesson, we challenged the two non-members to baptism, and they eagerly accepted. It was wonderful to see the joy in their eyes, to see the evidence of the Spirit working with them. I was overjoyed at the anticipation on their faces as they set another appointment for the very next day. 

The next day, I was again on exchanges, this time with my Zone Leader. Though we had gotten no opportunities to teach all morning (we did weekly planning until lunch, then we to therapy for my companion), Elder Leavitt and I quickly transitioned into work mode. We stopped by and visited four investigators, and did a quick service project for one, and taught a lesson, then again provided a service for the last investigator. They were all so happy. We headed out to dinner at a member's house, and had a quick birthday celebration with the son before the party started, then headed back into town to teach the Restoration to a non-member family. The woman had read a pamphlet on the restoration, and had numerous questions. We were able to teach what she needed to hear, spoke to her worries, and enlightened her mind to the teachings of Christ. She was so filled with joy, and when Elder Leavitt asked if she wanted a ride to church on Sunday, she said they would need five seats, because she was bringing her two kids, her dad, and her fiance. It was a wonderful day.

On Saturday, Elder Busselberg and I were back together, and we were able to see one of our investigators, who had been out of town for a week. We watched Prophet of the Restoration with him, and invited him to church the next day. I love that movie. It is so stirring, so inspiring. I cry every time I watch the movie. Elder Busselberg and I also had a sit down to discuss the direction of the companionship, and we progressed quite a bit in our understanding of each other. It was a good day. On Sunday, 7 non members showed up to our ward (as well as 5 for our Zone Leaders). It was the first time that an investigator had been to church in the last month and a half. It was such a blessing for us, and gave us a boost to work harder this week to keep up that success.

I love this church. I love teaching the Gospel to those that I meet. I love the class at church that we teach to the Young Single Adults group. So many of them are going through mission prep, or college. It is wonderful to see them working hard in a good cause. I have seen such a change in me since I have been set apart as a missionary, and I am happier and healthier in so many ways. I love this time that I have to give back to the Lord. I thank those that have extended their help, their assistance, their time, their letters, their emails, and any other way that they encourage this great, noble, marvelous work. I love you!!!

Elder Strawn

8267 Deseret Avenue

Fair Oaks, CA 95628

gavin.strawn@myldsmail.net

The Younger Older Elder

It is a day that many men have looked forward to since they were old enough to think. You are now 19, and that large, white envelope from Utah arrives in the mail. Your family gathers around you, you call everyone you know, and 14 cell phones are on speaker as you announce that you are going to...

That isn't my story. Or my brother's. He didn't prepare from a mission until after his sophmore year of college. He went to Samara, Russia at nearly 21. I waited until after my Junior year to prepare for a mission. I am nearly 23 years old - old enough to have served two missions. I am one of the older guys out here. I am older than many of the sister missionaries (they serve at 21). When I opened my call, I had one sibling on the line, and three family members around. I had not wanted to serve when I was younger... But I am so glad I decided to serve.

The last week has been pretty fun. We have been playing basketball on our P-Day, as well as a form of 'skinny football', a version where no one wears pads, no one hits... okay, it's basically where I run and the quarterback throws me the ball. It's a ton of fun though. Elder Leavitt has a good arm, and I am greatly enjoying running routes.

Speaking of football, I found out that Austin Collie is in my mission boundries. For those of you who do not know, Austin Collie is a wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts. He had a fabulous career at BYU, left a year early, and became a go-to guy for Peyton Manning. He had 15 TDs and 1300 yards in his first 25 or so games. He's good. His family sounds awesome. His dad runs a receiving camp every year. Eagles Coach Andy Reid said something along the lines of him being the best coach not on a payroll. I can't remember the details. I read the articles about his family nearly 6 months ago, but his little brother just got recruited by BYU, as well. I really want to meet them.

Now, to music. I love music. There is a acapella group named Noteworthy. Oh my goodness, I highly suggest anyone who likes acapella sound look into this group. They sound great.  Also, we have been listening to a lot of Elder Archeletta. I like him as well. I have been trying to sing solely hymns while biking, but it is a little hard.

This area is wonderful. We have a handful of people we are teaching. They are all challenging in their own ways, but I am growing to love them. I enjoy teaching so much. It is something that is dear to me, and grows more dear every time I study. I love this work.

Elder Gavin Strawn

8267 Deseret Ave

Fair Oaks CA 95628

gavin.strawn@myldsmail.net

What you mean they don't eat no meat?!?!?!... that's okay, I make lamb.

I shall tell a tale. This tale is not for the faint of heart. It is a story of struggle, of mauled flesh and red stained foliage. It is a story... of the first time I ate at In-N-Out burger. I was with Elder Lawrence, a spindly man of 19 and a half years with a narrow face an pointed nose. He is a worker of steel, and an accomplished wrestler. He was my temporary companion and my Leader, Elder Busselberg, traveled to the land of Sacramento to be taught by the sages of the mission. Lawrence and I walked mile after mile, trudging our way through heat and noise across the (not so) vast expanse of Lodi. for hours we toiled along winding roads, talking to all who we passed. We found ourselves at the corner of Lower Sacramento and Kettleman, and looked up to see an In-N-Out restaurant. Looking at our watches, we found that the time had eclipsed midday, so we eagerly walked into the vaulted chamber, and stepped up the the serving girl, and placed an order of 3 by 3 burgers with cheese, pickles, onions, and Animal styles on the side. We slathered our food with ketchup, sinking our teeth into the warm meat and devouring the fries with fork in hand. Afterward, Lawrence and I turned to one another, and I said "Johnsonville Brats are better." Now don't get me wrong, it was good. But I desire a feast of flesh still steaming from the Palenske's grill.

Lodi is still doing well. The temps are going over a hundred, so I keep finding my tongue lolling out and covering my tie. My companion has even stopped wearing his hair piece, it's so hot. There are a number of places to stop for drinks, though. The members are nice and supportive, so we are well watered, though they tend to just put a bowl outside for us to lap from... actually, come to think of it, those bowls may be for their dogs...

I have been yo-yoing on my dieting. We have eggs every day for breakfast, and I tend to have refried beans and salsa with eggs for lunch. Dinners we tend to go to member's houses where they very graciously set us a spot at their tables. On Friday, we have pizza and cookie dough for lunch and dinner... not very healthy. Although they do have a Chili's deal that we employ for lunch were it is unlimited Soup & Salad for $7. Not to bad for someone who generally eats $16 worth of soup and $9 worth of salads.

Everyone in my apartment looks to me to get them in shape, but then they don't want to run in the morning (to be honest, though, I don't really want to either). This morning, I went running with Elder Holmes, who is a month away from going home. I think I almost sent him home early. He was bent over double heaving and huffing half way into our run. I don't think having him go through wind sprints with me was a great idea for his first workout in 2 months. Tomorrow, I'm making the rest of the apartment work out with me.

I'm getting a pretty nice farmer's tan. My forearms are the reddish brown color of burnt clay, and my shoulder is a pasty white of white guy skin. I started wearing my watch dangling from my backpack strap instead of on my wrist simply so that I don't get that tan line. 

I'm thinking about buying two nerf guns...

Anyway, look forward to hearing from people (gavin.strawn@myldsmail.net or the mailing address below), and I shall respond ASAP. Take care, and Stay Classy!!!

Elder Strawn

8267 Deseret Ave

Fair Oaks, CA, 95628

It's a brand new day!

I am currently living in Lodi, CA. It is a smallish city, and it takes but half an hour for me to bike around my entire proselyiting area, but there is an In-N-Out burger, and I am pretty sure my burger and fries was 2000 calories alone. It was tasty though. I am coupled with an Elder Busselberg, a missionary who is twenty years old, and twenty months into his mission. He is from Milwaukee, WI, has a toupe (not really, it's just a really bad haircut), and is a goof... lightly annoying, but in a fun way.
My final days in the MTC were hectic. New Mission Presidents were being trained, so they ended up cancelling one of our classes and sticking us into the gym where we watched "The Other Side of Heaven".
I love that movie. Our District at the MTC was great. We were from West Jordan, UT (two), Provo (two), Nashville, Las Vegas, Star Valley, WY, Fulton, MO, and Toronto. We would re-enact Potter Puppet Pals all the time. I was Ron. Our District Leader, Elder Strickland (Nashville) was Dumbledore. He was very convincing. Six of us ended up coming to Sacramento, and 4 were scheduled for Jamaica, but Strickland had Visa problems, so he is in Pheonix, AZ. I told him to hit up Briana and sal while he is out there. We had a great last few nights of sleepovers (sort of), pictures, and vending machine/microwavable burrito induced gas. It was not pretty at times, and my companion got pretty angry at one point (not with me!), but all in all, our group was very sad to be disbanding. Our last Sunday, we were about to head over to the Provo temple to walk the grounds, and I was feeling a little hot in my suit.
I thought it was probably a little over 80. Our Branch President comes up to us and tells us the we don't have to wear our jackets because it was over a hundred degrees. I must say, i love dry heat!!!
10 missionaries flew out of Salt Lake at 11:26 MST, and landed at the Sacramento Airport at 12:10, but there was a problem with the mechanics of the door and we were locked in the plane for an additional hour. We finally got off the plane and were greeted by our Mission President, H. Benson Lewis. He and his wife skipped the handshakes to give us hugs. We got a group photo, and headed off to do a Temple tour of the Sacramento Temple. It was gorgeous. It is on a rise, and the temple has these Gondorion arched walk ways. There is a small garden, and a lovely tree off to the side. So lovely. After Subway and some introductions, we headed off to the Presidents home where we had a wonderful dinner and met some more Elders and Senior Missionaries. They were playing Josh Groban (YES!!!). The next day, I was set up with Elder Busselberg, and found out I was headed to a biking mission. I quickly talked to a departing missionary, and bought his wheels for a dollar. He told me his bike was a legend in the mission named Old Blue. We swung over to Rancho Cordova and picked it up. The missionaries there told me that Old Blue had been passed around quite a bit, and I was lucky to have him. It had shoddy brakes, a bent wheel, and an hour into my first day, the front tire blew.
Luckily, an Elder Lawrence and I spent all yesterday together while our companions went to a leadership thingy, and he is pretty good with his hands. The only thing wrong with Blue now is the wobbily rear wheel. I'll get it fixed soon.
Speaking of swithces, I have already been a part of 5 different companionships. Usually, 2 "exchanges" occur each 6 weeks; I have had five in my first week. It's been strange. There are 4 missionaries that live in our appartment, and one of them leaves in 5 weeks, one in
3 months, and then my companion leaves in less than 6 months. They all thought I was lying when I say I'm almost 23, because only one of them is over 21. They are a little bit on the dirty side; dishes tend to pile up in the sink, the garbage over flows, and there are always random tid bits of clithing in random places. By the way, when I say dishes, I mean one of the 3 plates we have, the one pan, and all 6 of our utensils. I do not know what the missionaries were eating on/with before us, but I am really thinking about getting a pan, plate, bowl, and utensils to just keep with me as I move around.
My first Sunday as a missionary was so much fun. Being the first Sunday of the month, we had a testimony meeting were the entire time is open to the congregation to come up to the pulpit and bear their testimony. 6 kids went up pretty fast, bearing the typical testimony; "I'd like to bear my testimony, I know this Church is true, i love my mommy and daddy, inthenameofJesuschristamen!"It is so cute with their goofy, shy voices. I went next, and while staring at the podium itself very quietly began "I'd like to bear my testimony...... I know this Church is true....... I love my- I'm just messing with you. Hi, I'm Elder Strawn" I looked up and everyone was staring at me like I was super strange, or overly simple, but then they all laughed. It was alot of fun. We teach a Sunday School class, too, so I am getting to know the ward a little better. On the walk home, a member pulled up next to us and offered us a ride. He was Don Van Noy, who is the grandfather of Kyle van Noy, Linebacker for the BYU Cougars!!!
I'm really starting to like it out here. There haven't been any earthquakes for a while (18-24 months, or so), the weather is nice, and the people are great.I have found so much more joy in my life in the last month, and I am so grateful to be here. I have been reading the Book of Mormon (In Spanish!!!), praying, and feeling the Spirit of God. I miss you all!!!!