Those that Influence our Life for Good.

There are some people who when they pass away the entire world mourns. Nelson Mandela was one of those great people. His life influenced so many and he changed the world we live in for good. I don't know how he was able to endure everything that life handed to him, but he did and triumphed over so much. I am personally grateful to have lived in the same world as he did.

Then there are people who have a much smaller circle of those who personally knew them. These are those who when they pass away are mourned, but not by the entire world. Though their life is no less important. Their good influence reaches all who had the privilege of knowing them. Their life makes that circle of family, friends, and acquaintances better because of the life they lived. I believe that while it is smaller numbers who knew them, their impact on the world is no less powerful than those of great historical importance. Each life that is influenced for good in turn continues to pass it on to the people in their life, and so on and so on. Who knows the distance in which a single persons love can travel. I'm sure all of us have had at least one person like this throughout our lifetime.

I had the privilege of knowing one of these great souls. I met Buck Landy and his wife while I was serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ventura, CA. He had so many good qualities; his sense of humor, his generosity, and his ability to make anyone feel special. And that is only naming a few of his best traits. Brother Landy (as I called him) could always make you laugh. And he introduced me to fish tacos from the restaurant Spencer Mackenzie's, which are the best in the world. So that alone leaves me in his debt. Trust me, he would want me to tell everyone how good they are.

Once when I was at the Landy house I mentioned how much I enjoyed See's Candy chocolates. Of course right after I  said that he pulls out an unopened box of See's for us to share. And he sends me home with another box for our apartment. After my mission was over I went back to visit with my fellow missionary friend Riena. Bro. and Sis. Landy always said if we came back to visit they would take us to Disneyland. And they insisted. For two days we enjoyed everything that Disneyland had to offer with them and two of their younger granddaughters. They didn't do any rides or anything like that. But they wanted us to have the best time possible.

Bro. Landy was a grandfather for me while I was so far away from my own family. He was a wonderful example of service, genuine kindness and love. And I hope to treat those I meet the same way he did, at least in some small way. And so even though the amount of people in this world who knew Buck Landy is relatively small in comparison, I have no doubt that his positive influence will reach millions.

Thanks for everything Bro. Landy, I'll see you on the other side!

The last night of my mission at our 'Goodbye Ventura' Party. 

L-R Angelina, me, Shawn, Bro. Landy, Riena, Sis. Landy 

 

In Disneyland with Angelina, Bro. Landy, and Melissa

At Spencer Mackenzie's, home of the infamous fish tacos. One of many fish taco trips with these two. :)

Happy December!

Another month has passed. And so I figured I better post something so I don't fall completely out of the habit. My goal will be to write weekly for the rest of the year. Yes, despite my crazy busy schedule that comes with the end of the year I will at least post something.

I have compiled a couple of pictures to give a brief summary of the awesomeness that has been my life these last few weeks. They may not be in order though, just a heads up.

Right after my last post an Apostle, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, came to my church and spoke. It was so incredible. I have heard him speak during General Conference, which they broadcast from Salt Lake City twice a year. But it was such a joy to be in the same room as him and listen to what he had to say specifically to the people of Edmonton. Of course it could be applied to anyone, but it was cool to think he was talking to us. He spoke about how we can make a difference in peoples lives, even if it may seem like a little thing. Or something that may seem inconsequential, that turns out to be a big deal for them. Serving everyone around us is so important. If you want more information about him or to read some of his past addresses, check out www.lds.org

Jeffrey R. Holland, Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles


I got to meet this lovely little lady. Miss Rachel Patricia Lamont, my friends Val and Chris's new daughter. I got to visit them in the hospital and then I have seen them a couple times since. She is so cute and so much fun to snuggle! They had me over for Thanksgiving lunch, and it was amazing. I ate so much deliciousness. So much that I didn't even get hungry until 2 the next day. I'd call that a good feast! Thanks Lamont family!

On November 20 it was my third year anniversary of entering the Missionary Training Centre as a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was originally supposed to report on October 13, but my US visa had been delayed. Heavenly Father knew what He was doing, because it was exactly what I needed, with the people I needed. Not to mention, I got to be in the same district (class) as my brother. How cool is that?

My friend Alisa's husband won tickets to an Oilers game, and since he isn't a big hockey fan she took me to the game. It was soooo awesome! My first NHL game. Now I feel like a real Canadian. It really was a lot of fun. And the Weasley twins from Harry Potter (James and Oliver Phelps) were there. Which was pretty darn cool. It was an excellent game, the Oilers kicked butt and won 4-1 against the Panthers.

My Dad was in town last weekend. It was really nice being able to spend time with him and my family. My brother Dawson who is attending BYU in Utah also came up this week. Friday I went to the Harry Potter exhibit that just opened at the Telus World of Science. It was awesome! Dawson, my brother, was in town for American Thanksgiving break so he came along with Kaylee and Susan. I had a blast. Lots of cool fun things from the movie.

We had a 2nd Annual Tree Lighting at my house. Last year I had a tree but was lacking decorations due to a mix up. Emily saved the day by bringing three decorations, so it didn't take long to decorate the tree. We also attempted to make turtles, but left them on the stove too long. They turned out to be rock hard. This year we fixed both humorous issues. I had ornaments ready to go. And the turtles were not over cooked, making them soft and chewy and delicious. My friends are wonderful and we had an excellent time. Many sparkles ended up all over my house from our Christmas crafting. It was just a great evening!

Here is a shot I took right after I finished work. The sun was set and it was only 4:30. Its crazy how short these days are. And we still have a couple weeks before the days start getting longer again.

More stuff has happened but I don't have pictures so I am going to skip writing about it. I am going to try and stay more on top of it now. Happy December everyone!