Danner-
Hey hi hello. I think I'll shoot you a quick note just to say thank you again. You've helped a LOT. so you rock.
I think your job sounds kinda fun. I used to do that too. Only instead of a computer it was an xbox. And instead of trading I played video games. And instead of making a living I irritated my friends and family. So maybe it wasnt so similar after all, now that I think about it. In fact it wasn't similar at all. The point is... sounds like a cool job.
Anywho... life is good. Even though I've white-washed an area and neither of us have any clue whats going on lol. Ok we have some clue, but little. Life is good though. Thanks for your love and support. Love you tons!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Letter to Mom on September 22, 2008
Heida
I'm in the Takena Ward of Albany, Oregon. Ok wait, funny detail. Elder N. transferred from Takena ward in Albany to High Desert Ward in Bend to be my companion. Then I went from High Desert to Takena. How funny is that?? He had mail in our mailbox when we got here so I forwarded it straight to the High Desert Elders' apartment lol. He was really bitter about leaving Takena, so he'll be kinda miffed to see my handwriting on that envelope.
My new companion is Elder Simpson from Jacksonville Florida. He's totally cool. He and I are a lot alike and we get along very very well. Plus he's a super hard worker so we're getting a lot done. Its good stuff.
Man speaking of cool houses, you should see Albany, its mostly victorian houses. Some havent been kept well at all and are falling apart and all overgrown and stuff, but a lot of them are restored and really cool. Our old ward mission leader's house is a really cool old house that they restored. Its pretty awesome.
Everything is going really well. I'm loving life and workin hard. Thanks for being a great mom. I thought about you last night by the way, we were at an investigators house and they were watching Without a Trace. I was like "Aw... Momma..." lol. But anywho... you rock. You and Dad both. I'm full of love right now lol. Life is good. Dare I say great? I do. Life is great. Love you tons!
I'm in the Takena Ward of Albany, Oregon. Ok wait, funny detail. Elder N. transferred from Takena ward in Albany to High Desert Ward in Bend to be my companion. Then I went from High Desert to Takena. How funny is that?? He had mail in our mailbox when we got here so I forwarded it straight to the High Desert Elders' apartment lol. He was really bitter about leaving Takena, so he'll be kinda miffed to see my handwriting on that envelope.
My new companion is Elder Simpson from Jacksonville Florida. He's totally cool. He and I are a lot alike and we get along very very well. Plus he's a super hard worker so we're getting a lot done. Its good stuff.
Man speaking of cool houses, you should see Albany, its mostly victorian houses. Some havent been kept well at all and are falling apart and all overgrown and stuff, but a lot of them are restored and really cool. Our old ward mission leader's house is a really cool old house that they restored. Its pretty awesome.
Everything is going really well. I'm loving life and workin hard. Thanks for being a great mom. I thought about you last night by the way, we were at an investigators house and they were watching Without a Trace. I was like "Aw... Momma..." lol. But anywho... you rock. You and Dad both. I'm full of love right now lol. Life is good. Dare I say great? I do. Life is great. Love you tons!
Zach with President and Sister Fugal before they left.
Zach with the Heinrich family.
Zach on P-day with the Grows.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Letter to Jen August 7, 2008
I keep forgetting to mention!! TELL me who the sealer is for Jess and Chris! My mission presidents father-in-law is a sealer at that temple!! And my companion lives only a few blocks away from the Tanners! Is that NUTS??? Dont answer, yes it is!
Dude... Did I tell you we went to Brother P's ranch this week and bucked FIFTEEN TONS of hay?? We loaded and unloaded it! So thats handling like 30 tons! It was so nuts. It dang near killed all of us. Plunkett is so cool though, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Freak, Bishop Tsang, our Bishop fell through on getting me to a copy machine this week. So we're going to get the library key from him today to copy my journal. He always uses huge words. He's not like "Were they nice?" or "Were they friendly?" he asks "Were they very congenial?" lol. Or not "I'll be there soon" its "I will expedite my efforts." lol. He's way cool though. He's a crazy good bishop. He's a retired engineer, and all he does is drive around visiting people and looking for missionary or reactivation opportunities. Dinner at the Tsangs is always fun too. Its always like... a bunch of chinese food, and a bowl of beef stew. Or hot dogs. Like, one American dish on a table FULL of chinese food. Its fun.
Anywho... life is good. I'm happy and healthy. The work is starting to pick up a little too. Maybe thats cuz I have a not-trunky companion. Lol. That does help a lot. But anywho... sorry this was so short. the computers are a pain today (public library, yay). Love you tons!!!
Dude... Did I tell you we went to Brother P's ranch this week and bucked FIFTEEN TONS of hay?? We loaded and unloaded it! So thats handling like 30 tons! It was so nuts. It dang near killed all of us. Plunkett is so cool though, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Freak, Bishop Tsang, our Bishop fell through on getting me to a copy machine this week. So we're going to get the library key from him today to copy my journal. He always uses huge words. He's not like "Were they nice?" or "Were they friendly?" he asks "Were they very congenial?" lol. Or not "I'll be there soon" its "I will expedite my efforts." lol. He's way cool though. He's a crazy good bishop. He's a retired engineer, and all he does is drive around visiting people and looking for missionary or reactivation opportunities. Dinner at the Tsangs is always fun too. Its always like... a bunch of chinese food, and a bowl of beef stew. Or hot dogs. Like, one American dish on a table FULL of chinese food. Its fun.
Anywho... life is good. I'm happy and healthy. The work is starting to pick up a little too. Maybe thats cuz I have a not-trunky companion. Lol. That does help a lot. But anywho... sorry this was so short. the computers are a pain today (public library, yay). Love you tons!!!
Letter to Mom August 7, 2008
Hey,
I'm glad president Fugal said nice things about me. He called me out in front of the whole mission at the mission conference we had before they left. Sister Fugal was talking about one of her closest friends then related that she was talking about Elder Roberts grandma. Then A minute later President said "Now Elder Roberts, just cuz we know your grandma doesnt mean you'll get away with anything. It means we expect more from you!" it was nuts.
I have indeed had a lot of opportunity to see the Macdonalds. They stopped in on our combined district meeting on their way across Oregon to Eugene. We were the first zone to meet them. I was the first missionary to have met them. I know, way cool. Then we had interviews not much later, then the next week we had a zone conference. I've already gotten very close with them. They say I remind them of one of their sons.
Quick story about that son: In high school he walked around all day with a roll or toilet paper. He took it to all his classes and kept it on his desk. When people asked about it, he just said "you never know. You just never know." lol. So no wonder i remind them of him. They said "he has a very 'unique' sense of humor." I asked "Are you used to it?" and they said yes, and I said "Good we'll do great." lol.
But I spent a ton of time around them at zone conference. Sat with them at lunch and cracked jokes with them. I sat and chatted with Sister Macdonald for like 40 minutes afterwards. I've gotten pretty close with them. President has even given me permission to play a guitar if I come across one. (its otherwise against the rules to even pick one up). So I'm enthusiastic.
Anywho... My finances. I should do alright. But... I'll definitely accept help lol. And I'm a grateful guy. I sent Mary Lloyd a nice thank you letter cuz she sent me some McDonnalds gift certificates. Its funny how much even small things help a ton.
about my new companion, not a trunky one. He's been out like 8 months. Ask dad about other details. Small world.
Everything is good here. Anywho... life's good. I'm happy and healthy. Thank you so much for all your love and support and everything you do. Love you tons!!!
ps-I'll be sure to let you know if I need a little extra help with things. But so far the budget plan is going well... love you!
I'm glad president Fugal said nice things about me. He called me out in front of the whole mission at the mission conference we had before they left. Sister Fugal was talking about one of her closest friends then related that she was talking about Elder Roberts grandma. Then A minute later President said "Now Elder Roberts, just cuz we know your grandma doesnt mean you'll get away with anything. It means we expect more from you!" it was nuts.
I have indeed had a lot of opportunity to see the Macdonalds. They stopped in on our combined district meeting on their way across Oregon to Eugene. We were the first zone to meet them. I was the first missionary to have met them. I know, way cool. Then we had interviews not much later, then the next week we had a zone conference. I've already gotten very close with them. They say I remind them of one of their sons.
Quick story about that son: In high school he walked around all day with a roll or toilet paper. He took it to all his classes and kept it on his desk. When people asked about it, he just said "you never know. You just never know." lol. So no wonder i remind them of him. They said "he has a very 'unique' sense of humor." I asked "Are you used to it?" and they said yes, and I said "Good we'll do great." lol.
But I spent a ton of time around them at zone conference. Sat with them at lunch and cracked jokes with them. I sat and chatted with Sister Macdonald for like 40 minutes afterwards. I've gotten pretty close with them. President has even given me permission to play a guitar if I come across one. (its otherwise against the rules to even pick one up). So I'm enthusiastic.
Anywho... My finances. I should do alright. But... I'll definitely accept help lol. And I'm a grateful guy. I sent Mary Lloyd a nice thank you letter cuz she sent me some McDonnalds gift certificates. Its funny how much even small things help a ton.
about my new companion, not a trunky one. He's been out like 8 months. Ask dad about other details. Small world.
Everything is good here. Anywho... life's good. I'm happy and healthy. Thank you so much for all your love and support and everything you do. Love you tons!!!
ps-I'll be sure to let you know if I need a little extra help with things. But so far the budget plan is going well... love you!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Letter to Mom July 28, 2008
I think pieces of enoch must be scattered about cuz i've been thinking the same thing about the high desert ward here in bend. Man once i get transferred, if you and dad feel like vacationing anytime, go to BEND!! Meet my ward. Otherwise we are stopping here on the way home. Cuz you guys gotta come get me. Ya gotta. Oh by the way, Elder little is leaving on tuesday and I get a new companion. I scored another 6 weeks here in Bend!!!
It sounds like life there is going really really well. I'm super stoked for you guys. Your talk sounds like it was freakin sweet. And yes, grandma did talk about her dad while I was there for my "spring break". Amazing talk.
I really liked the tree story. I think I'll be using that later on. Lol, thats kind of a joke between me and Elder Birch (one of the zone leaders who's also going home this week)... we always say "Do ya mind if I coin that as my own?" In kind of a Sean Connery voice lol. We're insane when we're together. I'm sad he's going home. Anywho, that story and its parallel were awesome.
And finally... CDO...? Mom you weirdo. lol. You WOULD. [I told him I have CDO, it's like OCD but the letters are in alphabetical order like they belong.]
Anywho... if this email is a little disappointing, find comfort in this: I talked with Bishop T at church and he's gonna get me into the library at church this week to copy my journal!! He rocks. Plus I wrote a little letter that I sent today, outlining my financial plans and a budget. So... my electronic communication might stink this week but my analog mail is gonna rock. So I'll say it early, buckle up.
I'm happy and healthy and doing all I can. Things are good. We're going out to P's ranch in about an hour to buck 15 TONS of hay with him. Oh joy lol. On preparation day nonetheless... lol. It'll be fun. He's feeding us lunch and dinner. So it'll be worth it. Anywho... Love you tons!! Keep having fun and being social! Rock on.
It sounds like life there is going really really well. I'm super stoked for you guys. Your talk sounds like it was freakin sweet. And yes, grandma did talk about her dad while I was there for my "spring break". Amazing talk.
I really liked the tree story. I think I'll be using that later on. Lol, thats kind of a joke between me and Elder Birch (one of the zone leaders who's also going home this week)... we always say "Do ya mind if I coin that as my own?" In kind of a Sean Connery voice lol. We're insane when we're together. I'm sad he's going home. Anywho, that story and its parallel were awesome.
And finally... CDO...? Mom you weirdo. lol. You WOULD. [I told him I have CDO, it's like OCD but the letters are in alphabetical order like they belong.]
Anywho... if this email is a little disappointing, find comfort in this: I talked with Bishop T at church and he's gonna get me into the library at church this week to copy my journal!! He rocks. Plus I wrote a little letter that I sent today, outlining my financial plans and a budget. So... my electronic communication might stink this week but my analog mail is gonna rock. So I'll say it early, buckle up.
I'm happy and healthy and doing all I can. Things are good. We're going out to P's ranch in about an hour to buck 15 TONS of hay with him. Oh joy lol. On preparation day nonetheless... lol. It'll be fun. He's feeding us lunch and dinner. So it'll be worth it. Anywho... Love you tons!! Keep having fun and being social! Rock on.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Letter to Mom July 21, 2008
People are STILL talking about my talk. I dono if I told you much about my talk, but I talked about how Eleanor's good example helped me want to change my life. EVERYBODY asks about her now. People ask if we're still friends, if she's writing me, if she's waiting for me lol. Its funny. Man... I feel SO at home in my ward its amazing.
I like your outlook on confidence in a missionary, and I totally agree. I used that mindset when I first got here. I felt like a scared little boy, but I did what I could to look like a man. (he look... like a man. lol). And people are surprised when they find out how new I really am. I'm almost out of the "green" phase of my mission. yay! How weird is that? Way weird.
Let me know how the talks go. And I'll get you a copy of everything I've been meaning to copy. I have one last Idea for how to get copies. Its a good one too. I really have been trying desperately to get copies but of the 2 churches i'm usually at, one has a passcode on theirs, and our building has the copy machine in the vault we call the library. So i'm just going to nicely ask Bishop Tsang. If that doesnt work out... I'm going to the stake center. lol
Being on a mission hasn't saved me from any hard work. I've laid a yard of sod already. And this week we helped our ward mission leader's son move some ridiculously huge furniture down an unrealistically small stairwell. Then we bucked 6 tons of hay. ALL IN ONE DAY! lol. Then we worked as escorts at the Red Cross Blood drive a couple days later. Man. Its been a crazy week.
Dads gas adventure sounds like a crazy time. WHY DID HE HAVE HIS BIKE?? Either way, lucky that he did! lol. Thats funny. And even though I ride my bike in dress pants Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and every other Sunday, I still have sympathy for him lol. (We share a car). He's a mad man.
Transfers are at the end of the month. My apartment address should be safe for another transfer period, however just as good practice, assume I'll be transferred and dont use the address till further notice. I'm shooting for 6 months in Bend.
Anywho... its been a really hard week, and a weird couple weeks. I cant go into detail in an email, its too much to say. But suffice it to say, I'm seeing the crazy side of missionary work. It feels like freakin Harry Potter lately. Our whole zone has been experiencing some powerful and oftentimes spooky opposition. Its... weird. No fun. But that just means that miracles are around the corner.
I'm healthy and doing well. I'm broke as freak this month cuz Bend is one of the most expensive places in the universe to live and food costs are on the rise apparently. Yay! But i'm trying to learn to be more conservative with my funds. I think I'll start pinching pennies a little harder and see if a boog comes out of lincolns nose. lol. But yeah, life is good. Thank you so much for your love and support and stories! Love you tons!!
I like your outlook on confidence in a missionary, and I totally agree. I used that mindset when I first got here. I felt like a scared little boy, but I did what I could to look like a man. (he look... like a man. lol). And people are surprised when they find out how new I really am. I'm almost out of the "green" phase of my mission. yay! How weird is that? Way weird.
Let me know how the talks go. And I'll get you a copy of everything I've been meaning to copy. I have one last Idea for how to get copies. Its a good one too. I really have been trying desperately to get copies but of the 2 churches i'm usually at, one has a passcode on theirs, and our building has the copy machine in the vault we call the library. So i'm just going to nicely ask Bishop Tsang. If that doesnt work out... I'm going to the stake center. lol
Being on a mission hasn't saved me from any hard work. I've laid a yard of sod already. And this week we helped our ward mission leader's son move some ridiculously huge furniture down an unrealistically small stairwell. Then we bucked 6 tons of hay. ALL IN ONE DAY! lol. Then we worked as escorts at the Red Cross Blood drive a couple days later. Man. Its been a crazy week.
Dads gas adventure sounds like a crazy time. WHY DID HE HAVE HIS BIKE?? Either way, lucky that he did! lol. Thats funny. And even though I ride my bike in dress pants Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and every other Sunday, I still have sympathy for him lol. (We share a car). He's a mad man.
Transfers are at the end of the month. My apartment address should be safe for another transfer period, however just as good practice, assume I'll be transferred and dont use the address till further notice. I'm shooting for 6 months in Bend.
Anywho... its been a really hard week, and a weird couple weeks. I cant go into detail in an email, its too much to say. But suffice it to say, I'm seeing the crazy side of missionary work. It feels like freakin Harry Potter lately. Our whole zone has been experiencing some powerful and oftentimes spooky opposition. Its... weird. No fun. But that just means that miracles are around the corner.
I'm healthy and doing well. I'm broke as freak this month cuz Bend is one of the most expensive places in the universe to live and food costs are on the rise apparently. Yay! But i'm trying to learn to be more conservative with my funds. I think I'll start pinching pennies a little harder and see if a boog comes out of lincolns nose. lol. But yeah, life is good. Thank you so much for your love and support and stories! Love you tons!!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Pictures Finally!
Pictures from Zach, the captions below were written on the backs. Double click to see full size.
Our district in the MTC with Brother Jake Reis. He's the Hawaiian in the middle.
My MTC district at the mission conference 6-12-08. Nichols, Me, Lunt, Tui'one, Griffith, Rogers, Baucom.
My Zone from the MTC at the temple.
Me doing the classic "Matrix" shot. I hate myself for doing it.
Me & the Fugals at the mish conference. I thought I'd get one where I didn't look like a horrified greenie fresh out of the MTC.
Elder Coffey & "his boys." He trained all 3 of us, so we're "brothers." Elder Haight, me, Coffey, Elder Burdess.
Me & Elder Larson the day our district went caving just outside of Bend. 
Oregon is gorgeous!
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