The story of the "Spirit Kid"

Guten Tag

Hey!

I had a super-awesome week. But first, I didn't send out the ticket stuff yet. I forgot. Sorry. I'll do it tomorrow. I won't forget.

The IPod. All that stuff is ok. There can be singing, you know, just appropriate singing. Beethoven and Hans Zimmer and all that is good. The Church music is good, too. Stuff that drives away the Spirit is the only stuff that isn't allowed.

I'm glad Jeff and Ellen had a good time. Who was Ellen's COW [crush of the week]? That story about Ben was scary. Whoa. I'm glad he's gonna be ok and Kristen, too--that little terrorist. haha.

So now, my awesome week. I have 3 great stories to tell. A funny one, a kinda bummer one and an awesome Spiritual one.

Wednesday was President interviews. The interviews are held at the Stake Center, which is at the other end of the area--like 5 miles away. We had to bike there. So we left the Toblers with plenty of time to get there but then right before we get to highway 215 to cross it (it's really tiring biking over that everyday because it's like a hill), we realized we forgot our President's letters at home. So we had to bike back fast and get them. By the time we did that we were running really late. So we had to bike fast to the Stake Center.
Well, the thing about riding in Vegas is that the wind blows crazy hard. But today the wind was blowing VERY hard against us. geez. Plus, it was 116 that day and we have to wear our suit jackets to the interview. We had to bike really fast because the wind was blowing against us and we were late. Well during that time I was sipping on my camel bak but I wasn't getting enough.
So when we finally got there about 7 mins late, we went in and we started stumbling around like drunk men. I was all lightheaded and was about to pass out. Then President McCracken came over shook my hand and pulled me into a hug. I almost puked on him. I was so close. I was dripping in sweat and just totally dehydrated. Then he looked at me and was like "Whoa sit down and get some water." oh man. I drained my camel bak and sat down and felt much better.
Elder Scott was like "Man, you almost puked on the President. That would have gone down in history. Everyone would know your name". haha. wow.

Another funny thing, I have Elder Scott convinced that I have Tourette's Syndrome. I haven't been cussing or anything. He was wondering why I was taking that medication. I told him it was for my Tourette's and that if I don't take it, I go crazy. He didn't believe me. Well, after we went out Bro Tobler got the name of my medication and went on the computer and printed an article off about Tourette's Syndrome. He copy and pasted it and added the name of my prescription into the article. hahahaha. So now Elder Scott is 100% convinced that I have it. I'm not telling him till he gets transferred. haha. But even then he probably still wouldn't believe that I DON'T have it. hahaha.

Next is the story of the "Spirit Kid", that's what I call him.
Elder Scott and I went to the drugstore down the street to get stuff. He ran and I biked along side him. He is a fitness freak that has to run everyday. Anyway, after we were done and we were walking out of the store, a blond-haired kid about 14 years old held the door open for us to leave. I thought "nice guy". Then I felt the Spirit prompting me just only slightly. Well, Elder Scott started running so I let it go. Then about halfway home, the same kid zoomed past us on his bike. Then the Spirit hit me strong. I wanted to talk to him and get to know him. I wanted to be his friend. I felt the Spirit telling me. I loved him even though I didn't know him. Well, Elder Scott kept running so i just watched what street the "Spirit Kid" went down. I regretted that I didn't talk to him. The next day I told my companion that we needed to tract that street, so we did. No luck. bummer.
I regret not listening to the Spirit at that moment. I knew that I needed to. But I'm praying that I can find him again. I'm confident that the Lord will provide. I have faith that I will meet the "Spirit Kid" again.

Next comes the Spiritual story.
Our investigator, Peter, is doing so well. He loves us and is excited to learn more. He fasted for 24 hrs so that he could receive an answer to know that what we are teaching is true. wow. It's just amazing the faith that he has. We fasted with him and I'm sure he will receive an answer.
So yesterday we taught the 3rd lesson and set him with a baptismal goal for August 22. He said that he wants to be sure,though, before he completely commits to it. I'm confident that he will receive that answer before we meet with him next time.
So after the lesson we went to a Missionary Fireside. It was fantastic. It was just what he needed. And, it was life changing for me. The spirit was so strong. President McCracken spoke and his counselors on faith, hope and charity. The musical numbers in between were incredible. 3 Samoan guys did this like barbershop trio thing with I Am a Child of God. Then a violin solo. oh wow.
Then some recent converts went up and bore their testimonies. It was awesome because some of the stuff they talked about was stuff that Peter is going through, the same struggles he had before he started investigating the Church. It was amazing and powerful.

Like I said before,that fireside was a turning point for me. My testimony has grown so much because of it. I know that this Church is true, that God lives, that He loves us. He sent his only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to atone for the sins of the world. I am so grateful for his selfless act of love. I'm so grateful for the knowledge I have of the Gospel, and for the scriptures. I love reading the scriptures. I learn so much everyday. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to share that knowledge with the people of Las Vegas. I love the people. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith is a prophet and he restored the fullness of the Gospel here on earth, that he restored the Priesthood; the authority to act in God's name. I know it is true with all of my heart.

Thank you so much for your prayers, love and support. I love you all.

Love,
Elder Richards

I'm soo pumped

This letter was sent to Beth this week as she wrote instead of me. Elder Richards put the subject line of "England is lame. Vegas is much better."

Yo,

Thanks for the sisterly wisdom. It really helps. Especially now.

I found the flight stuff. I'll send it to her today or tomorrow. The flight number is DL1192. Could you guys put some Beethoven and some John Williams on the Ipod? I have been wanting to listen to some classical music for awhile now. I can only take so much of Mo Tab. thanks.

We got a investigator! I'm soo pumped. I might have told you this before but I'm excited. We have a lesson with him tonight. I hope and pray that it goes well. We are gonna try and set him with a baptismal date too. I told you that I would have a baptism before Harry Potter comes out. :P

I know that if he truly prays to know if the things we teach are true that he will recieve an answer. We have been focusing a lot on the Book of Mormon this transfer. We have been challenged by the ZL's to make that a focus of our teaching--or one of the focuses.

Thats pretty much it. My emails are getting more and more lame now. Sorry. Stay cool.

love
Elder Richards

We have an investigator! Booyah

Hey!
OK first thing. That letter is from my English teacher Ms. Miller. Senior year we wrote letters to ourselves. I knew it was coming soon. I should have told you it would. Thanks for sending it to me.

My tooth feels fine now. But my teeth are weird. I think it's just gone into remission. That's what that tooth does. It hurts really bad for like a week. Then goes away just as quickly as it came. I'm fine, don't worry. I think the amoxicilon (cant spell) worked. It's all good now.

I did send that stuff in for my plaque. The scripture is Matt 28: 19-20.

I'm fine those bike wrecks weren't really like huge bike wrecks. But i have to bleach my shirts now.

Tell Ellen to suck it up haha. I'm tired all the time. It's 107 degrees outside.

OK so what is the problem with the Ipod?

Jeff is going to love EFY. I can't believe I'm saying this but he is a stud. lol. Beware of pride, though. Just because all the girls are gonna be over you doesn't mean you are better than anyone. haha.

I heard Micheal Jackson died. And the Oxyclean guy (he had a cool beard) and one of Charlies Angels. Isn't that weird that well known people usually die around the same time? Like Gordon B Hinckley and the Greek Priest (or something). Weird.

I also heard Robert Pattinson got hit by a taxi in NY while trying to run away from fans. hahahaha. Sorry but it proves he isn't a real vampire. He has spray on abs in the new movie. I saw in a magazine while chillin at the dentist's. haha.

The ceiling fan in our room broke. The good news is that I won't hit my face on it when I wake up anymore. Bad news... it's sooo hot I can barely sleep at night.

Sorry, I keep forgetting to get the flight ticket. I know it's in my suitcase somewhere. But I keep forgetting because we have been busy recently. We have a investigator! He is solid too. Booyah. Finally after much prayer fasting and searching, Heavenly Father provides us with a precious soul to teach. I'm not gonna lie. I was at my breaking point. I was feeling a little discouraged. I knew that this was going to be hard. But I also knew that if we had faith in the Lord that he would bless us for our dedication and efforts.

We have been working with a part member family. Jason and Brittney. Jason says that he would go to church if his wife would. He wants to but he doesn't want too go without her. He is gonna help us try to get her to Church and feel the spirit.

Howey (the huge Samoan) is doing really well. His bro Mark is still going to Church and now we are going to work with his other bro, Star and get him active. We can do it. As long as we have faith and trust in the Lord.

That's it for this week. We are still looking for more people. Just a lot of tracting and praying. Thank you for your prayers.

Love,
Elder Richards

Deuce

Hello

Ok, first thing--sorry, but I keep forgetting to look for the airline stuff. And please get that mini PMG. It would help out soo much. Are you going to send the Ipod or no?

It's 108 today. :) yay.

It rained a couple of days ago (weird). Anyway, when it rains in Vegas all the oil on the street comes out or something and it gets VERY slick. So we were biking home and it started to rain, just over us. And it followed us. Maybe Heavenly Father is trying to tell us something. Yeah, so we were biking home fast to get out from under the cloud. We were almost home when I hear (yes, I can hear even with my one ear) Elder Scott bailed and almost started crying. So I looked back and slammed on my brakes (not smart) and then I go flying too. Elder Scott got it worse but I ruined my shirt. My second bike wreck in a month. Maybe God is trying to tell me to step it up.

Glad to hear that Jeff and Brian are getting their Scout stuff done. Oh, man, I remember wilderness survival. That's a fun merit badge. I remember when I did the camp out requirement. It was super cold so I got up in the middle of the night and built a fire. Then I slept good.

haha Scout camp food was awesome at Friedlander. haha.

Well, thanks for the support. Hope Grandma's OK.

Love Elder Richards.

Apple juice and biking do not mix.

Hola,

Thanks for the email addresses. And yes,I did get the stamps, thank you. I hope your back is doing better.

We are still looking for people to teach. We have been working with this one less-active who is doing really well. His name is Howey. He is a huge Somoan who just started boxing. He won his first fight a couple days ago. Knockout 3rd round. Man, I wouldn't want to fight this guy. We taught him and his brothers the first lesson and it was awesome. His brothers, who are less active too, sat in and they really felt the Spirit. Oh, man, it was intense. We got one of them crying. Howey's brother Mark went to Church for the first time in 3 years. That makes me so happy. I have really learned to love the people here. Even the ones who yell cuss words at us while they drive by. haha.
It's just amazing what the Spirit can do to people.

Missionaries get free Slurpies at this one 7 eleven. It's cool.

By the way, apple juice and biking do not mix.

Jeff, Brian and Luke better get their Eagles. Hopefully before I get home. If they don't, I will beat them.

You can try sending pictures through email. Send a picture of phat Eric. My trainer would love that haha.

Oh, so my root canal starting hurting so I went to the dentist. Dont worry, it didn't cost anything because Sister Tobler's dad checked it. Missionaries get it free. My root canal might be failing so I'm taking antibiotics and praying that it works.

I had In N Out burger for the first time. Holy cow, it's amazing. They have a secret menu thing. Don't ever order a Flying Dutchman. It's a joke. It's $4 for two buns. Just fyi.

It's been cloudy and humid. It finally rained a little bit. So now it's super hot. geez.

I have a question. Is Ellen using my Ipod? Could you send me her other one and put like Mo Tab, Beethoven, and like John Williams and stuff on it? I already have speakers. If you won't send it, that's cool. I don't really care but it would be nice to have.

I will try to get the airport stuff. The only thing I know is that I flew out on May 18. So I'll look for that stuff.

That's pretty much it. Thanks for the support.

Love,
Elder Richards

I get macked in the face--thrice

Hello
I told you Cole looked like Brian. Weird. I kinda freaked out the first time I met him. I was like "I came on a mission to get away from my family (not completely true) and I am serving with someone named Elder Scott who acts like Scott? And I'm working with a recent convert who looks exactly like Brian?" Weird.

The pyramid is the Luxlor. It's this huge pyramid hotel thing that I will never be able to see the inside because I'm not allowed on the strip. There is a huge light on top of it that points straight into the sky and it's on all day and night. They say it gets soo hot that it will burn up anything over it. Kris Angel did some stupid thing where he levitates over it. Pshaw. So fake. You can look it up on youtube.

My farmer's tan is even more amazing now.

We got bunkbeds now. I sleep on top but it's cool. The ceiling fan is right above my head. I can't stretch out too far on my bed, though or I get macked in the face. I already have. Twice. Thrice.

We only go to the temple once every 3 months. I will probably still be here for the next one so you can send them. Well, send them later because I dont want to lose them.

I did get Ellen's letter. It was short and sweet, thank you. Man, mail is really important to a missionary. It's kinda lame, though, because Sister Tobler is the only one who gets the mail, but she doesn't check it everyday! She gets mad sometimes when we ask her if we got any mail. Haha, she can be scary. Brother Tobler can be scarier though.

I got my first popped tire on Saturday. But we fixed it. We got these slime innertube things where they are supposed to fill punctures in if it happens. I think its balderdash, but they were the only kind at Walmart.

Oh my gosh, Transformers 2 is coming out and some of the members just cant stop reminding us. I really don't care a whole lot but still. I hear Star Trek was awesome--even for people who don't like Star Trek. I don't know, I've never seen it. And I won't be seeing it for awhile. Bummer.

By the way could you get me the Jarett Weddle's email address? and the Steffens? and Keith? and other friends email addresses. Please. It's not a rule here that only family members can email.

I need some more stamps too.

Oh, Im forwarding an email from this person who sells mini Preach My Gospel. I need one because my big one doesnt fit in my bag. It would help out a lot. They are only $20. She sends it straight here to me. But she only takes Paypal and I know we have a account right? Anyway, could you just do that for me? Thanks.

Elder Scott's friend who served as a missionary where he lives (New York) came and took us out to lunch to a place called East Side Pizza, which is the closet to NY pizza that you can get here. They fly in their dough from NY. It's actually really really good.
Craig (Elder Scott's friend) lives here in Vegas. He is really cool. Oh, he knows the lead singer of Panic at the Disco because they went to high school together. The lead singer, Brendon, I think, is a member, just inactive. We might go meet him the next time Craig comes down. Make sure you tell Scott because he will be super jealous. Haha.

Thanks for everything.

love,
Elder Richards

Elder Scott was sooo jealous.

Hola

Ok, I just sent you a letter with pics. It should be there soon.

I don't know where the baggage receipts are. I know I have them somewhere but I thought you already fixed that. I think Dad told me in one of his letters that the airlines fixed it themselves. I don't know but I will look for the receipts if you still need them.

It is not a rule here that only family can send emails. But don't worry about giving my address to Alyssa. It's taken care of.

Those camel baks work out real well. That was a good idea for Scout Camp. I haven't been really using mine lately because it's not that hot. It's humid and windy here. It's weird. It just needs to rain. It has sprinkled a little bit but they say it really pours here. I can't wait.

Man, I really wanted to go to Palmyra someday, but you're right. Vegas is better!

It's good that Jeff will be busy. He would get along very well with the Tobler's son, Taft. He is always playing video games. Jeff is lucky, though, because whitewater rafting is super fun.

Can you get me Keith's email and stuff? I wanted to write him too.

My bike is in and it's awesome. The comfortable seat is phenomenal. Oh, man. You have no idea. Elder Scott was sooo jealous. I feel bad for him because he is constantly adjusting his bum. Ha,ha I just laugh at him.

Elder Scott had strep throat the last couple of days. It was torture. We had to stay inside all day. Ahhhhh. It's impossible to read scriptures all day. I wrote some letters and stuff but I wanted to go out and work soo bad. He's better now so we can finally go to work. Yay!

Yeah, so Cole (the recent convert who looks like Brian) got the Priesthood last week, yay, and he got to pass the Sacrament for the first time yesterday.

We moved a disabled war veteran last week too. It took us 7 hrs because it was just me, Elder Scott and one other companionship.
He showed us some of his bullet holes. It was wicked. He really appreciated us helping out. He's not a member and we were able to teach him a little bit on the drive over to his new place. But now he may be out of our area now. Bummer. He really liked the things we shared. The other elders will have to take over now.

That's been happening to us a lot. Like we got a call yesterday morning from a lady who had someone she wants us to teach. But she wanted him to go to the singles ward not our ward so we had to hand him off too. Bummer.

I'm sure that we will find someone to teach soon. We have to have faith that Heavenly Father will lead us to the people he has prepared for us. We must continue to do our best. Please continue to pray for us and all missionaries everywhere.

Love you all. Thank you for the support.

Elder Richards

P.S. I'll need more stamps soon. Sorry.